Mexico and Aruba Wrap Up...

[Scdalak]

Thought I would post some pics of my combination Work trip to Mexico then 5 days’ vacation in Aruba with my family. Much to my surprise there happened to be a B&M just next to my hotel in Aguascalientes Mexico. Never have I seen a more blatant display of fakes in my life. I was able to snap a few photos, even though the proprietor wasn’t too keen on it. Of course when I asked him,” Es todo Hecho en Cuba”? Oh , Si, Si, Si, totalamente. LOL Right!! Unfortunately some of the pics of the cigars were not good, I was rushing to take them as he watched like a hawk. Prices for middle of nowhere Mexico were pretty steep, BHK $40 and Cohibas $25 and up.. Bands were a joke as were all of the Boxes.

Aruba on the other hand had some fine establishments, (thank you to all the FOH members who directed me where to go) The La Casa and The Cigar Emporium both owned by same proprietor. Pretty basic Selection, compared to the Montreal La Casa humidor, this was a joke. No Regional Releases, and all the EL’s were recent (RA Extras, BBF, Monte GE etc) All the basics, no more, no less. Prices were just OK, certainly a far cry from Canadian prices. BHK 52 $44 BHK 56 $52, Chohiba 1966 $63 Monte GE 2011 $28. All and all not too bad. Many Many small satellite stores around the Island, especially on the beaches, most were legit ( they buy all their product from La Casa Wholesale and sell for $5-$10 more than La Casa) Best part of the experience were the workers at both stores, such friendly happy people who loved to sit down and have a smoke and talk. Ok they were bored, but just the same had a great few visits and smokes with them.. As we all know, it’s all about the company!!

I did manage to find some fakes however. I mean who puts a table out on a 85 Degree and 90% Humidity day with not shelter for the stix?? I picked up a Cohiba Siglo V box to look at date code and the lady almost cut my wrist off, but not before I could see “No Date Code”!!!!