Cuban cigars in Jamaica?

[RyviaUSA]

Is it possible to find real CCs in Jamaica? I’m a total amateur when it comes to spotting fakes, so I’d surely be suckered by the ones that look so close. 

 

From past trips, it appears Sandals sells real ones in their gift shop. They’re insanely overpriced, but their cohiba tasted spot on to me. I’m hoping they wouldn’t risk their reputation by selling fakes. 

 

Other than that, not sure if I should attempt singles or a box somewhere else. Seems to be scam central there. 

[Hammer Smokin']

bought a RyJ at a Sandals in St Lucia.

It was real.

Real expensive.

But real.

[RyviaUSA]

48 minutes ago, Hammer Smokin' said:

bought a RyJ at a Sandals in St Lucia.

It was real.

Real expensive.

But real.

Appreciate the input. I may just drop any pursuit and grab one at the gift shop. Outside of that I’ll just take some cigars I already have. 

[SigmundChurchill]

I was in Negril about 12 years ago and the only place that sold real Cuban cigars was a place called Cigar World in the Time Square shopping center.

I was in Ocho Rios a few months ago, but I didnt even bother looking.  Maybe there is a Cigar World there too.  These days, I always bring my own when travelling because they are often less expensive than these Island stores, and I know they are real.  If there is an LCDH, I will go in to try some singles of stuff that I have never tried before, but that’s about it.

[Lucass111]

From what I keep hearing I would only buy from a LCDH. $$$$

[oliverdst]

I saw many times fake cigars in 5 stars hotels. But if the moment was right and I had nothing to smoke I would, reluctantly, but would, buy a fake one.

[SigmundChurchill]

31 minutes ago, Lucass111 said:

From what I keep hearing I would only buy from a LCDH. $$$$

That’s a good rule of thumb.  Especially on the Islands.  Unless things have changed, Jamaica doesn't have one.

[Derboesekoenig]

25 minutes ago, oliverdst said:

I saw many times fake cigars in 5 stars hotels. But if the moment was right and I had nothing to smoke I would, reluctantly, but would, buy a fake one.

Really? I'm not that hard up. If there are only fakes available, I'll just go without. But I always bring cigars with me everywhere either way

[rcarlson]

Stick with your own or smoke the local crop.  Don't know about Sandals, but I have been to 4-5 star hotels I would never think would risk their rep on fakes but alas sold nothing but fakes.  At huge prices to boot.  

[JGD]

I was there a few years ago. I was very excited to find Cubans in the hotel gift shop. However, the were all terrible fakes. Luckily, we were able to find something else to smoke...

[Derboesekoenig]

5 minutes ago, JGD said:

I was there a few years ago. I was very excited to find Cubans in the hotel gift shop. However, the were all terrible fakes. Luckily, we were able to find something else to smoke...

I thought that was what everyone went to Jamaica for...lol def not habanos

[SigmundChurchill]

As I said, the ones I got 12 years ago at Cigar World were legit.  And I didn’t pick that place at random.  At the time, it was known in the Cuban cigar internet community as the only place on Jamaica to sell real Cuban cigars.  But, that was 12 years ago.  

If you really wanted to, you could buy one of the less expensive singles and smoke it at the shop before deciding whether to buy more.

 

But as I said, most of the legit shops in the Carribean are a lot more expensive than Rob, so either way, you are probably just better off bringing your own.

[oliverdst]

3 hours ago, Derboesekoenig said:

Really? I'm not that hard up. If there are only fakes available, I'll just go without. But I always bring cigars with me everywhere either way

So you will stay your whole trip without a cigar?

[Derboesekoenig]

1 minute ago, oliverdst said:

So you will stay your whole trip without a cigar?

Usually when I go on vacation, I bring enough to smoke 3 a day. I usually end up smoking 1 or 2 a day. The extras never hurt. Make new friends or what have you

[oliverdst]

Of course.

I said "I had nothing to smoke".

I bring my own too.

[JGD]

47 minutes ago, oliverdst said:

So you will stay your whole trip without a cigar?

In this scenario, I would. I’ve seen too many examples of hair, plastic, etc. in fake Cuban cigars 

[Lucass111]

I'm sure you can find something good to smoke in Jamaica ? 

[RyviaUSA]

Appreciate the input everyone.  Since I've found this place, my desire to seek out a box down there has dropped to zero.  Like mentioned in this thread, the prices from FOH are great and I can be assured I'm receiving authentic sticks.  

If the mood strikes, maybe I'll try one stick from the gift shop.  If I remember, I'll take some pics and come back to see if the forum thinks they're real or fake.

As always, you guys rock.  Cheers!

[TNT009]

Before becoming educated, I bought two CoRo at a newly build strip-mall in Ocho Rios and they were dig turds! Much easier to bring your own or do the research for a LCDH!

[Fuzz]

On 8/19/2018 at 7:37 AM, oliverdst said:

So you will stay your whole trip without a cigar?

Sure. Why not? Sometimes you want a break from cigars too.

[oliverdst]

7 hours ago, Fuzz said:

Sure. Why not? Sometimes you want a break from cigars too.

Agree. But not during an overseas trip.

I never smoke fakes, this would be the only time. Maybe during the journey I would think different but at the moment I think I would grab a fake.

PS: I am having a coffee and it made me sick just thinking about having a fake but damn... the whole trip without a cigar??

[Fuzz]

I do it quite often. I don't smoke daily, so a whole vacation without a cigar is perfectly normal. Also, I sometimes vacation with people who do not smoke and can't stand the smell.

[BrightonCorgi]

I'd rather buy Jamaican cigars and weed if visiting Jamaica...  Best bet is to always bring a few cigars with you.  You never know what the location may have or not have...  Time is a premium.  Finding out there are no places to buy Habanos and you are without can put a sour note on your vacation.   Why risk it?

[RyviaUSA]

3 hours ago, oliverdst said:

Agree. But not during an overseas trip.

I never smoke fakes, this would be the only time. Maybe during the journey I would think different but at the moment I think I would grab a fake.

PS: I am having a coffee and it made me sick just thinking about having a fake but damn... the whole trip without a cigar??

I always thought the proper setting and company really add to a nice cigar.  I love having a cigar on the beach with a nice drink.  The subtle sound of water, the breeze.... it's just pure bliss.  

I'll be taking probably 4-5 cigars.  Trying to figure out how many I'll actually smoke, since I only do about 2 a week during the summer.  

[BrightonCorgi]

30 minutes ago, RyviaUSA said:

I always thought the proper setting and company really add to a nice cigar.  I love having a cigar on the beach with a nice drink.  The subtle sound of water, the breeze.... it's just pure bliss.  

I'll be taking probably 4-5 cigars.  Trying to figure out how many I'll actually smoke, since I only do about 2 a week during the summer.  

Bring twice as many as you think you'll smoke.  Maybe you'll meet someone who'd you like to share a cigar with?  You can bring them home if not smoked.