Cuba goodies

[Wid3y]

So a good friend is off to Cuba but unfortunately doesn't smoke so has asked what he can pickup for me.. In short I think it's an allowance of 50 per head and 2 of them going..

So not sure what to ask for, do I go big given price difference and order up some piramides extra or something like a robusto extra. On the flip side have been wanting a cab of PLPC for some time and could do with a few smaller smokes for the colder months. Or do I just get what I normally smoke and stock up?

Bit of a lame question but thought I would ask the masses.. What would you do?

[tippexx]

So a good friend is off to Cuba but unfortunately doesn't smoke so has asked what he can pickup for me.. In short I think it's an allowance of 50 per head and 2 of them going..

So not sure what to ask for, do I go big given price difference and order up some piramides extra or something like a robusto extra. On the flip side have been wanting a cab of PLPC for some time and could do with a few smaller smokes for the colder months. Or do I just get what I normally smoke and stock up?

Bit of a lame question but thought I would ask the masses.. What would you do?

Get something you know you like but which you usually consider expensive Upmann Sir Winston or Partagas Lusi for example .... though Customs would tempt me .... Monsdales?

[Sligub]

Personally buy customs or the new cuban regional http://cubancigarwebsite.com/brand.a..._Regional_Cuba but be very, very specific with the guy that is going to only buy from LCDH not the hotel or the guy on the street, also give him a list from most wanted down incase they have non of the one thing you want.

[Simon Bolivar]

Ditto buying from the LCDH only, he'll get lot's of other offers. I never saw any cab's of PLPC whilst I was there, in fact I went with quite a shopping list, most of which wasn't available. So stick with regionals or customs (but that's hard asking a non-smoker to find & buy), smaller smokes like R&J tubos, Monte No4&5's were about & would give you those shorter winter smokes. And tell him no Guantameria, they are everywhere, to sell to the tourists as they can't sell them in any real numbers abroad.

[Wid3y]

Guys thanks for replies. He has family that live there and will be going to the factories I believe.. Have pre warned on so called 'street bargains'. So hope he'll go to the right places..

So difficult as you think well it is
Cuba, prices don't get better. Are stocks quite low over there then? I thought they would have an abundance of everything!

Choices!!!

[Simon Bolivar]

I think most of what we buy in the West is exported pretty fast, so finding certian lines is tricky & can lead to disappointment if you have set your heart on that certian something. I really wanted a cab of 50 Boli CG's, I couldn't find them anywhere & so brought other smokes. Last night or so we went to the Hotel Nacional & there were three or four cabs sitting on the shelves, dated 2007, 4yo already As I had already brought my allowance, all I could do was able to tip off a friend who was going out a few weeks later & sure enough he managed to find one of them still sitting there as quietly & as unassuming as you please. They were a great saving as they really charge for these cabs in UK & in land of the Red Cross.

[Wid3y]

Cheers Simon. Will clearly have to send an expansive list with an order of preference. Might take it as an opportunity to try a few new cigars. Any brands/Vitola I'm safe with or is it a real pot luck?