Best Buy in havana

[djmattm]

Hi folks, I'm finally going to l'havana for 3 days in a week, and of course I'm going to the LCDH listed here, but my question is: what are the "best buys"? I'm going to try some custom rolls but I'm also looking for a couple of boxes but man I'm undecided on what to buy! Please give me some advice on what really stands out or is really cheaper than here in Europe

Cheers!

[dangolf18]

Haha at first I was like "They wouldn't open up a Best Buy in Havana" lol.


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[Notsocleaver]

Trinidad Fundidores are often cited as being much cheaper in Cuba for some reason. LCDH exclusives, RE and EL releases if available are all good buys. Many of the newest releases appear to be cheaper in Cuba compared to the prevailing online prices.

[Corylax18]

Every cigar (save regionals) should be cheaper at Cuban LCDHs. No freight, duties, or taxes (beyond that pesky 51%) but all will certainly not be available. 

Custom rolls are a great option and value as are the LCDH specials. RA Superiores jump out to me at 56 cuc compared to about $100 anywhere else. Upmann Noellas go for 122 cuc vs $300 plus off the island, jar included. I love my PLMCs at around 72 cuc vs about $100 plus off the island. 

The link below is to the 2017 price list. The price in all the LCDHs should match this list, if it doesnt somebody is pulling the wool over your eyes. I havent done the math on the highest % savings, but you will be getting a deal either way. Try to set a list, with prices, and go visit as many shops as possible. They all have different stock available so you may be able to find that special box tucked away somewhere. 

 

[Fuzz]

I'd go heavy on customs. Regular production you can always get, but you can't get customs unless you are in Cuba (or you're willing to pay a mule).

[Bartolomeo]

Customs

Monte 80th, any of the Cuban RE boxes

[wabashcr]

Connie A's

[Puros Y Vino]

Customs.  Especially Monsdales.  Best bang for the buck. All the other rollers are great too. Try before you buy to ensure you like what they're offering.

As for boxes, I'd suggest use your Havana trip to hunt down stuff that would otherwise see a huge price bump outside of Cuba. I'm talking Cohiba mostly. Especially the Esplendido and Lancero.  BHK's too.  Sir Winstons have been seen recently and they look fantastic.  The new Cuba RE is decently priced as well.  Always great trade bait if you don't like the way they smoke.   If you have a liberal customs duty back home, maybe bring back more?  

[shlomo]

The "best buys" are the cigars that you like the best. Over the course of your 3 days, smoke everything you can and decide what to bring home. Use the YUL cigar price list as well as a price list from your regular shop and you'll figure it out.

[BrightonCorgi]

I'd go for all the "blue chip" cigars like Cohiba, Trinidad, Sir Winstons...  The absolute best investment cigars you can buy are the Books and Habanos Humidors.  They are generally not distributed, so the cigar shops selling them around the world often have to hand carry them from Cuba...  Worth a lot if you want to make a buck

[Troels]

Customs for sure 

good value is: behike, Connie a and RA superiores 

[djmattm]

Thanks all for the really good suggestions! Definitely going with some bhk if I find them and some customs, about those where can I find those monsdales?

[jerrybrowne]

1 hour ago, djmattm said:

Thanks all for the really good suggestions! Definitely going with some bhk if I find them and some customs, about those where can I find those monsdales?

LCDH at Club Habana. 

[Cep]

How much are customs vs habanos in general. Roughly. ?

[chris12381]

Upmann jars are a nice bargain on the island if they float your boat.  There's treasures to be found off the beaten path as well, especially if you are into cigars that others don't often reach for. 

And you never know when and where stuff is going to show up.  I'm sure I'm not the only person to spot (and buy) boxes of Upmann Sir Winston in the window of Duty Free Terminal 3 past security this past November.  Think about it.  No where to be found anywhere in the entire city of Havana, but they have them AFTER security in the airport where a lot of people have already converted their CUC's or made their purchases.  There's no rhyme or reason to it.  All you can do is shrug and say, "Es Cuba." 

[LLC]

How much are customs vs habanos in general. Roughly. ?

Depends on size but most are in the 4-8 CUC range.


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[Benzopyrene]

If I remember correctly Cohiba medio siglo were everywhere during the festival and were like 300 cuc as opposed to $500 some places outside of Cuba. Seemed like a decent deal for those. 

[MahDooRow]

On June 19, 2017 at 5:04 PM, Notsocleaver said:

Trinidad Fundidores are often cited as being much cheaper in Cuba for some reason. LCDH exclusives, RE and EL releases if available are all good buys. Many of the newest releases appear to be cheaper in Cuba compared to the prevailing online prices.

If I were going to Cuba the Fundadores would be top of my list along with Monsdales, other miscellaneous customs and Sir Winstons (if they can be found).