Cubans, what would you get?

Amos Umwhat

So, for those of you who know Cuban cigars, if you had the opportunity for a Cuban vacation, and planned to bring back the allotted $100 worth, what would you get?

blutattoo

A lot to consider there, but I love the Ramon Allones Robusto and the Hoya de Monterrey Epicure #2. Both are less expensive than the bigger brands so you may get a little more for your money.

Hays

Not the most applicable, since I can buy Cuban cigars next to my house. If I was going to Cuba, I´d probably just buy whatever caught my eye at the shops. Hard to pick specific sticks, as I particularly like treasure hunting in new B&Ms and can easily spend hours poring through their inventory. I´m a sucker for aged Trinidads - my favorite shop has a handful of Trinidad LE 2007s left, and I´m hoping they don´t disappear before I can bank em.

rsherman24

If I was in Cuba, I would probably buy some hand rolled bundles from the farms. If I had to choose a brand, probably Cohiba Siglo or Bolivar corona

Amos Umwhat

Thanks for the input, guys. A friend from work tells me his parents are going, he's planning to give his Dad $100 for cigars and asked what I'd get. He smokes cigars, (friend) but smokes Swishers by the 5-pack. I've been trying to evangalize him, with small success, by giving him sticks like the GH Vintage (too strong), and the Perdomo Champagne, ("I haven't smoked it yet"). I'm hoping I'm not just casting pearls before swine, I take this recent Cuban interest as a good sign.

variant2

Since he's a swisher fan, he can probably fill up an entire suitcase with Cuban peso cigars and be happy.

Amos Umwhat

variant2:

Since he's a swisher fan, he can probably fill up an entire suitcase with Cuban peso cigars and be happy.

Yes, but the idea here is to up his game.

mmccartneydc

Hays:

Not the most applicable, since I can buy Cuban cigars next to my house. If I was going to Cuba, I´d probably just buy whatever caught my eye at the shops. Hard to pick specific sticks, as I particularly like treasure hunting in new B&Ms and can easily spend hours poring through their inventory. I´m a sucker for aged Trinidads - my favorite shop has a handful of Trinidad LE 2007s left, and I´m hoping they don´t disappear before I can bank em.

Can't agree with you more Hays! Love those things!

variant2

Amos Umwhat:

variant2:

Since he's a swisher fan, he can probably fill up an entire suitcase with Cuban peso cigars and be happy.

Yes, but the idea here is to up his game.

That is upping his game.

mikeyyc

As an expat Canadian, I used to go about every other year. I'd jump on some more Cuabas given the opportunity. Divinos especially. Good things do really come in small packages.

Amos Umwhat

variant2:

Amos Umwhat:

variant2:

Since he's a swisher fan, he can probably fill up an entire suitcase with Cuban peso cigars and be happy.

Yes, but the idea here is to up his game.

That is upping his game.

Granted. But, since he's planning to share one with me, it's not upping mine, so I think I'll encourage him to aim a little higher.

Gray4lines

For under $100, Montecristo edmundos. I don't think partagas lusitania's come in smaller boxes, but I'd love to grab some of those or Bolivar belicoso finos. Lots of cigars like the monte's come in cardboard packs of 3. No reason not to get a variety!

wwhwang

It really depends on what flavors you like.

For me, if I were looking for something that's mild-medium with lots of cream and a bit of wood, I'd go for the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure 2.

If you're looking for cream, cocoa, wood, hay, musk, and very light pepper, go for the Partagas Serie D 4.

I also love the often overlooked Ramon Allones Specially Selected. Has a lot of wood, honey, pepper, and cinnamon. Almost reminded me of toasted graham crackers.

I'd also suggest the Cohiba Siglo line, but the price can be off-putting.

jimmyv723

The big question too is that if he is a Swisher guy does he actually have a Humidor for the Cigars when he does get them.

wwhwang

variant2:

Since he's a swisher fan, he can probably fill up an entire suitcase with Cuban peso cigars and be happy.

Yeah. If he's only into machine made stuff, I'd suggest he look into Guantanamera or Quintero.

catfishbluezz

Go to hotel nacionel and get two bundles of custom rolls for $100cuc and call it a day... That will be better then anything you could buy regular. If not that, el Rey de mundo cuban regional release is about 65cuc and sells here for 260-280usd. He could probably bring back two small boxes as well, like partagas shorts.

Amos Umwhat

jimmyv723:

The big question too is that if he is a Swisher guy does he actually have a Humidor for the Cigars when he does get them.

He does. I asked him this when he approached me for advice, prepared to offer him one of my 20 counts. As for his Swisher fetish, everyone starts somewhere. I started with Swishers. Of course, I was 15, and it was 1971, but I moved up as time went on.

At any rate, my plan now is to make him a list, high-end and budget, so at least his Dad won't be unprepared. I also told him to stick to well known reputable shops, and avoid street vendors. We've all heard those stories from around the Caribbean.

Thanks for all the input, guys.