If cubans weren't cubans, do you even care?

[LordAnubis]

So I've heard this debate a lot, and rumours of this that and everything else. I was at a LCDH recently and two quite knowledgeable people were arguing about whether or not there is non Cuban tobacco in Cuban cigars. Now I don't want this thread to go into those theories at all, but here's my question;

Do any of you give a toss?

I mean I like cigars because of the flavour. Be they Cuban or non Cuban I like them because of what they give me. If it does indeed turn out that your Cuban cigar has non Cuban tobacco in it, would that make you not buy Cuban cigars?

Me? I couldn't care less. Cigars from 2013 and 2014 seem to be of great quality and tastes for me, if there is non Cuban tobacco in it, if there is non-Cuban seed, if they are rolled in greece, I honestly couldn't care less because the product being produced is something I like.

[headstand]

Flavour first and only, so like you, I couldn't care less. Sadly, and most here would agree, we have yet to find our favourite flavours outside of Cuba.

[Guest rob]

I have very little doubt that Cuba is buying tobacco from elsewhere to supplement its own crop.

And like you, as long as the quality stays high, I couldn't care less.

They can't afford basic items and commodities.... They sure as hell wouldn't be able to afford tobacco at the market value per bale.

Back to the original question though - I would absolutely care if it wasn't Cuban. I'm yet to properly articulate my thoughts as to why I care, and I'll come back when I've formulated a proper response.

[JohnS]

Like a few members on the forum, I don't mind a nice NC now and then. When I do I know I'm usually getting a full-bodied cigar. I've greatly enjoyed the smooth, mild and creamy flavours of some Cubans lately, but I must say I've never had the same experience from a NC cigar.

Honestly, if Cuban cigars have NC tobacco and still have that classic Cuban smooth and mild profile I wouldn't mind, but I've yet to sample a NC like this. I'm sure there are examples though.

[jacktarnold]

I don't care if it is Cuban or NC. I like it has already been touched on is I smoke the cigars that I enjoy. I can just say that I haven't found many NCs that I like and would spend my money on. The few NCs that I do like are twice the cost of the Cubans that I like so it just makes sense to buy the cheaper of the cigars that bring me just as much or more pleasure.

[Colt45]

I'd care if they were trying to hide it, I guess in the same way I'd care if I thought I was buying / drinking an adulterated wine. Perhaps there is a certain romance in a Cuban puro, but alas in reality I think that an illusion.

[Smallclub]

I have very little doubt that Cuba is buying tobacco from elsewhere to supplement its own crop.

[DoubleDD]

If I never had a Cuban, I'd never miss a Cuban. NCs just don't do it for me in the flavor realm. I do enjoy a NC every once in a great while, usually a Padron.

[canadianbeaver]

I'd care if they were trying to hide it, I guess in the same way I'd care if I thought I was buying / drinking an adulterated wine. Perhaps there is a certain romance in a Cuban puro, but alas in reality I think that an illusion.

X2

[RijkdeGooier]

Not per se, but yes if sold as puros. Something about false advertising

[Mahstah]

Could care less personally, if it's good I'll smoke it, if it's bad I'll give it to my friends (hahah jk). I always try to keep an open mind in terms of brands. Granted I won't buy certain brands in general but if gifted I'll give it a shot.

[laficion]

Hi all,

It's been years that I've been hearing this In the U.S. . From who knows. !!!!!!!

Cuban cigars have N.C. Tobacco In them = B.S. !!!!!

Guy

[oliverdst]

I would care a lot!

I would start trying NC's cigars to see if I could find something cheaper that is fine to me.

[wabashcr]

I would imagine once the embargo is lifted, there will be Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars blended with Cuban tobacco. Probably not a lot initially, as Cuban tobacco will be scarce, but eventually this will happen.

I have a hard time believing there is NC tobacco in anything Habanos is selling. The different tobaccos *typically* produce distinct enough flavors, that I'd expect plenty of discerning palates would detect the presence of NC tobacco in a Cuban.

I still smoke more NC than CC, so I really don't care where the tobacco comes from, or where the cigars are produced. Like others have said, though, I don't like feeling like I've been told a lie.

[DrunkenMonkey]

If blending in some non-cuban tobacco could make better cigars, I'd be all for it. I would be very surprised if it's happening, though.

[Smallclub]

I have a hard time believing there is NC tobacco in anything Habanos is selling. The different tobaccos *typically* produce distinct enough flavors, that I'd expect plenty of discerning palates would detect the presence of NC tobacco in a Cuban.

Exactly.

[santela]

I didn't like almost all the NCs I had, but I definitely won't mind one if the flavor is right. So yeah I don't care if my favorite CCs are actually made of partially NC tobaccos. Flavor is all I care for.

[RijkdeGooier]

I would imagine once the embargo is lifted, there will be Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars blended with Cuban tobacco. Probably not a lot initially, as Cuban tobacco will be scarce, but eventually this will happen.

I have a hard time believing there is NC tobacco in anything Habanos is selling. The different tobaccos *typically* produce distinct enough flavors, that I'd expect plenty of discerning palates would detect the presence of NC tobacco in a Cuban.

I still smoke more NC than CC, so I really don't care where the tobacco comes from, or where the cigars are produced. Like others have said, though, I don't like feeling like I've been told a lie.

On the blending of Cuban/NC tobacco - This is already being done by the Meerapfel family. They have released 'La Estancia' a cigar that contains Cuban tobacco, although how much is uncertain.

On the hard time believing no mixing is taking place, nobody knows for sure. The interview with Portmann last year was interesting though. All I can say is that some Cubans have produced an interestingly colored ash when smoked. Not the usual dark ash, but rather a white-ish ash that I would also see in Nica tobacco.

I am however no expert in anything relating to tobacco, the more I read, see, talk and smoke; the less I seem to know for certain..

[oliverdst]

Would a Saharan whisky become that better if blended with Scotch?

[DrunkenMonkey]

Would a Saharan whisky become that better if blended with Scotch?

... Because if not, then blending tobaccos won't be good either?

[oliverdst]

... Because if not, then blending tobaccos won't be good either?

I didn't say whisky will not be good.

Just said that it's not magic.

NC's may be better but will never be a CC.

[DrunkenMonkey]

I didn't say whisky will not be good.

Just said that it's not magic.

NC's may be better but will never be a CC.

I was just commenting on the relevance of the whisky analogy. I've always been partial to a blend of blue and yellow. It might never be blue, but some people love green.

[Rushman]

Not really. I enjoy what I enjoy, no matter what its made of or where its made.

[mrsgucia]

I care. The day Cubans are not more Cubans I quit!

That's why you should have enough Cubans in your humidor now, before they strike down the embargo, before is too late. Just enough Cubans to last you for the rest of your life... Then we are all safe... No matter what crap happens after.

[joeskow]

I would also care because when I'm buying something that is let's say "made in USA" I don't want to find out that some of it was actually made with Chinese parts. But the world is a small place now and the reality is that products are made and assembled from all over for obvious reasons. I do like to know the quality I am buying though