General Question

[Deeks]

Hey all,

I'm headed to Cuba and was hoping for a little info.

I've never been, but I'm hoping to come back with a nice selection of cigars.

My plan is to get a box of R&J Churchills (my go to) and a range of 3/5 packs.

So my question is: Is there a decent availability of smaller packs in Havana or am I greatly mistaken?

Thanks for your help. - Deeks

[kjellfrick]

Hey all,

I'm headed to Cuba and was hoping for a little info.

I've never been, but I'm hoping to come back with a nice selection of cigars.

My plan is to get a box of R&J Churchills (my go to) and a range of 3/5 packs.

So my question is: Is there a decent availability of smaller packs in Havana or am I greatly mistaken?

Thanks for your help. - Deeks

There are plenty of 5 and 3-packs to choose from. Just do your shopping in the Casas if you want the real thing! Have a nice stay in Cuba!

[Deeks]

There are plenty of 5 and 3-packs to choose from. Just do your shopping in the Casas if you want the real thing! Have a nice stay in Cuba!

Right on. Thanks for the reply!

[smk819]

Be careful, I understand the place is overrun with commies!

[Van55]

Be careful, I understand the place is overrun with commies!

And counterfeits, I am told.

Your best bet is full boxes from LCDH shops, as I understand it.

[EricM]

Hey all,

I'm headed to Cuba and was hoping for a little info.

I've never been, but I'm hoping to come back with a nice selection of cigars.

My plan is to get a box of R&J Churchills (my go to) and a range of 3/5 packs.

So my question is: Is there a decent availability of smaller packs in Havana or am I greatly mistaken?

Thanks for your help. - Deeks

Never had problems finding what I needed.. Just stay away from singles.. Plaza Americana (sp?) has the best LCDH imo..

[gerem]

The LCDH (where I went last year) sells alot of 5 packs, but they are sample packs (you get 5 different cigar). It's a good way to try a lot of cigars, but at the end full boxes are better because you can track the aging of your cigars.

Enjoy your stay in Cuba.

[semery74]

Hey all,

I'm headed to Cuba and was hoping for a little info.

I've never been, but I'm hoping to come back with a nice selection of cigars.

My plan is to get a box of R&J Churchills (my go to) and a range of 3/5 packs.

So my question is: Is there a decent availability of smaller packs in Havana or am I greatly mistaken?

Thanks for your help. - Deeks

I can't find the thread but El Prez described in detail how to negotiate with a roller to roll custom vitolas available for pickup at the end of your vacation. This would be my dream if I got to go to Cuba. I think I would ask for a wheel of 50 Sublime Extras with a full bodied crescendo. Perhaps he could be so kind as to refresh our memory.

Come on Obama! Will it be Change or more of the Same?

[El Presidente]

Deeks

Head to the Romeo y Julieta Fabrica wjich is 3-4 minutes taxi from old Havana.

Ask for Hamlet (he is on holidays for the next month). Tell him you know Rob Ayala and if he could put together some recommendations of 5 packs, tubes, AND SOME OF HIS CUSTOMS.

He is a great guy and will look after you. Please give "La bestia" a big kiss on the lips from me.

Actually......better you don't

[greenpimp]

Rob, and I mean this with all sincerity, I so look forward to peering over at you after much rum and many cigars in Cuba. You and I are cut from the same cloth.

Within the year, within the year.

[bkmynn]

Any suggestions for shops in Cayo Coco?

Not the best place in Cuba to buy cigars, but that's where the family and I are staying. Not sure if there is a LCDH store there, a government store should be okay though, right?

Would love some guidance.

[samb]

Be careful, I understand the place is overrun with commies!

x2, thats the myth anyway.

[Kangaroo495]

Strangely, the best cigar I ever smoked was bought from Jose Marti Airport on arrival in Havana. It was a three pack of Monte 2s.

[MontrealRon]

Any suggestions for shops in Cayo Coco?

Not the best place in Cuba to buy cigars, but that's where the family and I are staying. Not sure if there is a LCDH store there, a government store should be okay though, right?

Would love some guidance.

Your only options in Cayo Coco would be the cigar shops in the larger hotels,

which can be rather well-stocked,

or at the airport when you leave.

There is no freestanding LCDH, as there is no town.

Prices are the same everywhere, so if you see something you like, don't hesitate.

You may not find it again elsewhere.

As mentioned above, always stick to full boxes, or sealed three or five packs.

If you really want singles, tubos should be safe.

Most important is to make sure to have any sealed box that you intend to purchase

opened in front of you for inspection.

I once had to toss a full box of Bolivar Coronas Gigantes -

the most expensive of my purchases - that was beetle infested.

[bkmynn]

Your only options in Cayo Coco would be the cigar shops in the larger hotels,

which can be rather well-stocked,

or at the airport when you leave.

There is no freestanding LCDH, as there is no town.

Prices are the same everywhere, so if you see something you like, don't hesitate.

You may not find it again elsewhere.

As mentioned above, always stick to full boxes, or sealed three or five packs.

If you really want singles, tubos should be safe.

Most important is to make sure to have any sealed box that you intend to purchase

opened in front of you for inspection.

I once had to toss a full box of Bolivar Coronas Gigantes -

the most expensive of my purchases - that was beetle infested.

Thanks for the response.

Just a few follow up questions if you don't mind.

1. I imagine if they don't have what I want it can be ordered for me

2. Under the new Cuban export regulations, I was under the impression that the boxes have to be sealed (and not opened).

Thanks in advance.

[MontrealRon]

Thanks for the response.

Just a few follow up questions if you don't mind.

1. I imagine if they don't have what I want it can be ordered for me

2. Under the new Cuban export regulations, I was under the impression that the boxes have to be sealed (and not opened).

Thanks in advance.

1. Out of the question.

In Cuba it is strictly "What you see is what you get".

The officials in the distribution centers ship to the various retail outlets

what they think will sell, and whatever they want to get rid of.

Individual store managers have no input in the process, never mind customers.

Unfortunately, they know darn well that if you do not find what you prefer,

you will settle for something else.

This is known as "central planning".

2. Not sure about this one, as I have not been there this this rule was imposed.

It may be that boxes can be re-sealed at point of purchase, after inspection.

Still, I cannot believe that anyone would hassle a tourist leaving with opened boxes,

even partially consumed, as long as you can show them the official receipts.

Always make sure to get those receipts,

especially if the sales people say you don't need them!

[bkmynn]

1. Out of the question.

In Cuba it is strictly "What you see is what you get".

The officials in the distribution centers ship to the various retail outlets

what they think will sell, and whatever they want to get rid of.

Individual store managers have no input in the process, never mind customers.

Unfortunately, they know darn well that if you do not find what you prefer,

you will settle for something else.

This is known as "central planning".

2. Not sure about this one, as I have not been there this this rule was imposed.

It may be that boxes can be re-sealed at point of purchase, after inspection.

Still, I cannot believe that anyone would hassle a tourist leaving with opened boxes,

even partially consumed, as long as you can show them the official receipts.

Always make sure to get those receipts,

especially if the sales people say you don't need them!

WOW, you just bummed me out.

Hope your wrong on No.1 - Got my eye set a particular boxes

[MontrealRon]

WOW, you just bummed me out.

Hope your wrong on No.1 - Got my eye set a particular boxes

Having been to Cuba nine times over the last ten years, and speaking passable Spanish,

I have a fair idea of how the system works.

If you are determined to aquire particular boxes, you have to get yourself to Havana.

Even there, though virtually everything currently listed can be found,

landing certain more obscure, or more popular, vitolas is quite a challenge.

Once, I went to the boutique at the Partagas factory, looking for La Gloria Cubana #3 and 4.

After all, they are produced right upstairs.

Nada.

I walked out with their last three singles of #2.

However, I did find one box of #3's in Varadero.

Cayo Coco is another matter.

It has no local population, and only a half dozen or so hotels.

If you cannot find what you want in your own hotel, you can check out the others,

though some shops discourage or even refuse sales to others than their own guests.

Don't forget to bring your passport with you, as it is needed to make any purchase by box.

Ask in the shops which day they receive their new stock. Deliveries are usually weekly.

The airport shops are a last resort. Selection is poor, as are storage conditions.

If you are looking for Montecristo or Cohiba, no problem.

One further suggestion.

It is not a bad idea to pay by credit card, as long as it is on a Canadian bank.

For example, my Citibank Mastercard is no good, but my TD Visa is fine.

Paying by card forces them to do a proper purchase invoice,

which includes the code number on the seal.

I have heard of fake boxes being sold for cash at supposedly legitimate outlets.

I have also personally seen a box of ten sold at the price of a box of 25.

It is not true that there is a surcharge on credit card purchases.

The box price is quoted in CUC. Your credit card is charged in USD,

then your bank converts it to Can$.

This is why 11.5% is added to the price, then the US/Can. exchange.

The same happens when you purchase CUC's with Canadian or other cash.

Finally, if you are like me, going for a week on the beach with the wife or girlfriend,

remember that you can only bring back 50 cigars per person.

Surely, you can find four boxes that you will really enjoy,

even if they are not your first choices.

Perhaps you will discover some new favorites.

My wife and I are heading down again on the 21st.

Though I need more cigars like a hole in the head,

part of the fun for me is the great mystery of what I will find to bring back.

So, have a great vacation, enjoy the sun and sand.

The Cayo Coco beaches are superb.

You will met lots of great folks working in the hotel,

who will greatly appreciate getting to know you as well.

The Cuban people are "muy simpatico".

Do let us now, when you get back, the results of your cigar quest,

and your impressions of Cuba.

[riderpride]

Marty's website has been a wealth of knowledge for me.

http://marty.514crew.com/cigarsmain.html

[bkmynn]

Having been to Cuba nine times over the last ten years, and speaking passable Spanish,

I have a fair idea of how the system works.

If you are determined to aquire particular boxes, you have to get yourself to Havana.

Even there, though virtually everything currently listed can be found,

landing certain more obscure, or more popular, vitolas is quite a challenge.

Once, I went to the boutique at the Partagas factory, looking for La Gloria Cubana #3 and 4.

After all, they are produced right upstairs.

Nada.

I walked out with their last three singles of #2.

However, I did find one box of #3's in Varadero.

Cayo Coco is another matter.

It has no local population, and only a half dozen or so hotels.

If you cannot find what you want in your own hotel, you can check out the others,

though some shops discourage or even refuse sales to others than their own guests.

Don't forget to bring your passport with you, as it is needed to make any purchase by box.

Ask in the shops which day they receive their new stock. Deliveries are usually weekly.

The airport shops are a last resort. Selection is poor, as are storage conditions.

If you are looking for Montecristo or Cohiba, no problem.

One further suggestion.

It is not a bad idea to pay by credit card, as long as it is on a Canadian bank.

For example, my Citibank Mastercard is no good, but my TD Visa is fine.

Paying by card forces them to do a proper purchase invoice,

which includes the code number on the seal.

I have heard of fake boxes being sold for cash at supposedly legitimate outlets.

I have also personally seen a box of ten sold at the price of a box of 25.

It is not true that there is a surcharge on credit card purchases.

The box price is quoted in CUC. Your credit card is charged in USD,

then your bank converts it to Can$.

This is why 11.5% is added to the price, then the US/Can. exchange.

The same happens when you purchase CUC's with Canadian or other cash.

Finally, if you are like me, going for a week on the beach with the wife or girlfriend,

remember that you can only bring back 50 cigars per person.

Surely, you can find four boxes that you will really enjoy,

even if they are not your first choices.

Perhaps you will discover some new favorites.

My wife and I are heading down again on the 21st.

Though I need more cigars like a hole in the head,

part of the fun for me is the great mystery of what I will find to bring back.

So, have a great vacation, enjoy the sun and sand.

The Cayo Coco beaches are superb.

You will met lots of great folks working in the hotel,

who will greatly appreciate getting to know you as well.

The Cuban people are "muy simpatico".

Do let us now, when you get back, the results of your cigar quest,

and your impressions of Cuba.

Thanks for the insight.

I've been to Cayo Coco before with the wife, and the beach is fantastic. This time around, we're taking the whole family. We're staying at the NH Krystal (formerly El Senador). If I recall correctly, the cigar store is decent - no LCDH, but as you said we're at a tourist resort not known for their wide selection of smokes.

I'm still hoping (wishful thinking perhaps) to secure the following;

H. Upmann - Sir Winston

Cohiba - Siglo IV

With the wive's allocation it is not firm but likely;

H. Upmann - No.2

Ramon Allones - Specially Selected

Partagas - Serie D No. 4

Based on your response, which appears to be first hand knowledge I guess I may just have to settle on their existing stock.

I will definitely post my procurement experience on my return in late December (may fall into the new year due to holidays, etc.)

Thanks again.

[MontrealRon]

Thanks for the insight.

I've been to Cayo Coco before with the wife, and the beach is fantastic. This time around, we're taking the whole family. We're staying at the NH Krystal (formerly El Senador). If I recall correctly, the cigar store is decent - no LCDH, but as you said we're at a tourist resort not known for their wide selection of smokes.

I'm still hoping (wishful thinking perhaps) to secure the following;

H. Upmann - Sir Winston

Cohiba - Siglo IV

With the wive's allocation it is not firm but likely;

H. Upmann - No.2

Ramon Allones - Specially Selected

Partagas - Serie D No. 4

Based on your response, which appears to be first hand knowledge I guess I may just have to settle on their existing stock.

I will definitely post my procurement experience on my return in late December (may fall into the new year due to holidays, etc.)

Thanks again.

Hi again -

El Senador was the first resort in Cuba for my wife and I, back in '99 or '00.

It was also a family vacation, with three of our four kids, all of them over 18 at the time,

so guess who got to come back with 10 boxes of cigars!

All were bought at the hotel store.

As to your wish list,

I would rank your chances as :

Siglo IV, almost a sure thing (nothing in Cuba is ever really sure).

D4, quite likely, 80/20.

Sir Winston, 50/50.

RASS, tougher, 35/65

Upmann #2, rather scarce outside of Havana. 20/80.

Keep in mind that in Cuba things can come and go rapidly, with no apparent logic.

Ah, but there is nothing like the first cigar and the first drink of the day,

on a sunny Cuban beach at 10 AM.

Enjoy!

[bkmynn]

Hi again -

El Senador was the first resort in Cuba for my wife and I, back in '99 or '00.

It was also a family vacation, with three of our four kids, all of them over 18 at the time,

so guess who got to come back with 10 boxes of cigars!

All were bought at the hotel store.

As to your wish list,

I would rank your chances as :

Siglo IV, almost a sure thing (nothing in Cuba is ever really sure).

D4, quite likely, 80/20.

Sir Winston, 50/50.

RASS, tougher, 35/65

Upmann #2, rather scarce outside of Havana. 20/80.

Keep in mind that in Cuba things can come and go rapidly, with no apparent logic.

Ah, but there is nothing like the first cigar and the first drink of the day,

on a sunny Cuban beach at 10 AM.

Enjoy!

Nice.

We'll be with all of our four kids, and all are under 18 - so there will only be 4 boxes for me.

I'm pretty certain that there will be no CC at 10 am for me...something to look forward to though.

Sounds like you're a seasoned traveller to Cayo Coco.

Thanks for the numbers.

[lancashirescott]

I am planning my first ever visit to Cuba in the new year maybe around February or a little later, up to now Havana.

I have plenty of time to plan but were should I head to buy a few boxes?

As I am trying lots of different brands I am not sure on what I want yet, I was thinking of at least one box of Cohibas maybe Siglo VI or Especiales, or any recommendations?

Can I get any brand relatively easy?

Can you hire cars, as we intend if possible to have a drive round and do a bit of sightseeing?

Cheers Scott

[MontrealRon]

I am planning my first ever visit to Cuba in the new year maybe around February or a little later, up to now Havana.

I have plenty of time to plan but were should I head to buy a few boxes?

As I am trying lots of different brands I am not sure on what I want yet, I was thinking of at least one box of Cohibas maybe Siglo VI or Especiales, or any recommendations?

Can I get any brand relatively easy?

Can you hire cars, as we intend if possible to have a drive round and do a bit of sightseeing?

Cheers Scott

Hi, Scott -

If you are heading to Havana, you will be able to find most anything in the current catalogue, other than the Regional releases, with a little diligent searching. As to what to get, let your personal taste, and your budget, be your guide. Start with a bunch of singles or 3-packs to smoke there, before choosing the 2 boxes (of 25) per person that you can bring back. Don't forget to open and inspect all boxes before purchase; if they don't allow it, then open the box(es) in front of them immediately upon purchase to make sure the cigars are in good condition.

Yes, you can rent a car most anywhere in Cuba, but don't expect to find an automatic transmission.

There are no restrictions as to where you can drive or visit.

One can also hire a car and driver, either officially or unofficially, to take you around and act as a guide. This has certain advantages to wandering about by yourself, especially on a first visit.

The most important thing is to be relaxed, open to the experience, and to go with the flow.

You will surely have a great time, meet wonderful people, and smoke many fine cigars.

No doubt, you will begin planning your next trip even before you get home!

[lancashirescott]

Cheers Ron good man, I am going to buy one of those Rough Guides to Cuba for all the sightseeing stuff, there really informative books tells you all about the place in question with all the un-biased and based on actual experience, eating out places to see etc. I use them for where ever we go there really good guides.

Thanks for the info I will check the boxes like you say would never have thought to do that so cheers