Singles in Cuba

[sg1234]

I've read that the quality and authenticity of single cigars in Cuba can be hit and miss, even at LCDH. Is this a myth or is it generally a good idea to buy only sealed boxes you open and inspect? I have nothing against buying whole boxes. However, depending on selection, I may want to pick up a variety of singles to smoke while on the island.

I definitely plan on purchasing some custom rolled cigars, so please don't count those as singles. Also, for obvious reasons, please don't include cigars purchased outside of an official government shop (read: from a jinetero) in your response. Thanks.

[tempbond]

I bought quite a few singles during my vacation last summer, ALL were genuine and very nice. Purchase made in the Cayo Santa Maria LCDH in the Pueblo La Estrella complex within the Barcelo resort.

Here's a link to some pics : singles and more

[Pilsner14]

All have been good and legit smokes that I have purchased.

JD

[Wil]

I thought this thread was about something else

[CanuckSARTech]

....Other than that though, as long as you know what to look for, all the other singles I have purchased on the island have been legit. Some have been lousy cigars due to overhumidification, but they were real.

Similar here. I try to find and buy some nice boxes when I'm there, but I also like to buy some singles and/or 3- or 5-packs to enjoy while I'm actually there on vacation. Almost all of my singles purchases have been fine, aside from an issue with a couple with overhumidification during this past's January trip. I even had two Montecristo A's in individual coffins that had loads of humidity and therefore had plenty of mold on them. I made the mistake of not checking those at the LCDH, and only noticed it later on that evening when we were back at the resort. The lady's recognize me decently enough at that LCDH, and allowed me to exchange them the next day for two that were in excellent condition.

I agree with Shlomo though - just know what to look for, and you'll be fine.

The staff at the LCDH stores generally understand that if you know what you're looking for and what you're talking about (and you're not just another space-cadet tourist), that you want a few singles to whet your appetite and enjoy. And that if they give you great stock for that, then you'll be back to buy some whole boxes from them.

[El Presidente]

My experience is that singles can be hit and miss. Be sure to inspect. The range can be pretty pedestrian in Singles land.

All of the LCDH do Customs of one form or another and this is often a great way to pick up a few cigars to see what you like from the local roller. Often you can arrange some different blends.

[compitaveggie]

Hey Aaron,

I will reply to your email tomorrow and send you the cuc as well...just been really busy at work

With regards to singles..

I saw fakes at every LCDH that I went to.

Mostly Cohiba brand (that I was 100% sure)but a few others as well.

I really wanted a Cohiba Esplendido and even though the band and everything looked correct I was too worried that it was fake, so I passed.

When I did see someone buy the fake cigars I noticed that when they paid, the cashier never rang them up or scanned the bar code on the box for the price, instead they would just use a calculator. When someone bought cigars that from what I could tell were not fake they would scan the barcode on the box and you would get a receipt.

I think I only bought two or three name brand singles while in Cuba and even though they looked legit I still crossed my fingers when I bought them... luckily when I smoked them they tasted like the many samples I have smoked before for each marca.

What I did buy was custom made singles from the various rollers at the LCDH throughout Havana. This way I knew what I was smoking and I was able to smoke some cigars from some great rollers. My favorites were the Reynaldo cigars I got from La Conde de Villaneuva.

Jose

[sg1234]

Thanks everyone for the tips. I definitely plan on picking up several custom rolls while I'm there.

Wil, I will be in Cuba on my honeymoon, so those "singles" aren't the type I'm after. Although, I've been told from a couple of people that taking a woman to Cuba is like taking a sandwich to a buffet. That's another story...

Jose, if you are available any time soon, let's meet up for a smoke. I'll give you some cigars for your leftover CUC. No rush on responding to my e-mail.

[Ken Gargett]

did see some dodgy smokes at one official casa, near el ajibe, but usually you should be safe. have a close look, though.