Ginseng Question: What brand cigars do Cuban's Smoke

[El Presidente]

1. What brands of cigars do the regular Cuban people smoke? Are these brands we have never seen and are they any good? And if they are, is there any way to get some to try?

2. Where does the Spanish Cedar come from for the millions of boxes used by Cuba (and other producing countries)? This is not a joke, just wondering if it does in fact all come from Spain.

1. I have smoked a few of the brands purchased from ration stores. "Populars" is the one I remember and the best. Mild, easy draw (slightly underfilled) and no real complexity but herbal and sometimes creamy. I pay 10 for $2 (corona) so not expecting a great deal No way to get some unless you visit Cuba. Illegal to export out of Cuba. Great cigar to hand around at a Cuban bar with locals.

2. Good Question. I have a recollection that Spanish cedar used comes from Honduras....but I will confirm in February.

[waldo]

My understanding is that "Spanish Cedar" is neither Spanish or Cedar:-P

It's a deciduous tree and can be found in most of Latin America.

[El Presidente]

Definately Spanish Cedar

All the Spanish Cedar in this part of the world is imported from Honduras.

Botanical Name:

Cedrela spp.

Other Names:

Brazilian cedar, Cedro rouge, Honduras Cedar

Natural

Characteristics:

A fine to coarse texture.

Color:

Pinkish to a reddish brown color, darker grain.

Workability:

Can leave a wooly or fuzzy surface.

Finishing

Qualities:

Spanish Cedar contains some oils which might cause finishing problems.

Finishes can destroy the aromatic properties.

Durability:

Uses:

Cigar humidors (boxes), furniture, boat building, and musical instruments.

Comments:

With the recent increased popularity in cigars this wood has become more difficult to find.

Price: Moderate