For those going to or returning from Cuba

[El Presidente]

Heads up for those going to or returning from Cuba 

Please check the boxes you are purchasing carefully or as soon as practical. This goes doubly for any aged boxes you are coming across. 

There are numerous instances of beetle damage on boxes purchased within Cuba currently. This shouldn't come as a surprise given that the pandemic period saw factories closed, aircons turned off (let alone power blackouts), beetle traps not set, sprays not used. 

There are beetles in all LCDH stores. Under normal circumstances it well managed and you all know to freeze the boxes anyway. 

What you don't want is to pick up a box  that when you get home has  extensive damage. 

Heads up 

[NSXCIGAR]

Interesting. I must have checked 100 boxes there and no holes to be seen. I did notice more mold than usual, particularly on some of the oldest stuff (15-17). Manageable amount except for one box of 16 BPC that was pretty powdery. 

I guess we should all freeze to be safe.

[Rhinoww]

@El Presidente my recollection is that the stock you receive has been frozen as part of the export process. Any concerns  that the normal safeguards of the boxes on the way to you have not been followed?  

[Corylax18]

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Heads up for those going to or returning from Cuba 

Please check the boxes you are purchasing carefully or as soon as practical. This goes doubly for any aged boxes you are coming across. 

There are numerous instances of beetle damage on boxes purchased within Cuba currently. This shouldn't come as a surprise given that the pandemic period saw factories closed, aircons turned off (let alone power blackouts), beetle traps not set, sprays not used. 

There are beetles in all LCDH stores. Under normal circumstances it well managed and you all know to freeze the boxes anyway. 

What you don't want is to pick up a box  that when you get home has  extensive damage. 

Heads up 

Thanks for the heads up. I have about 400 sticks sitting down there now, I just emailed my friend very detailed instructions! 

3 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

Interesting. I must have checked 100 boxes there and no holes to be seen. I did notice more mold than usual, particularly on some of the oldest stuff (15-17). Manageable amount except for one box of 16 BPC that was pretty powdery. 

I guess we should all freeze to be safe.

Agreed. I didn't pick through quite that many boxes, but I didn't see anymore mold or beetles than I'm used to down there. But, what Pres is saying makes sense, it wouldn't surprise me at all. 

[mcicvara]

I've seen couple of boxes full of holes last month in the resort, Guardalavaca area.

But LCDH boxes were all perfect.

[rckymtn22]

Will be giving my boxes a real good look when they come out of the freezer in a couple days. Didn't notice any issues at the stores.

[El Presidente]

On 4/13/2022 at 11:15 AM, Rhinoww said:

@El Presidente my recollection is that the stock you receive has been frozen as part of the export process. Any concerns  that the normal safeguards of the boxes on the way to you have not been followed?  

No issues our end. HSA warehouse has continued to operate as per normal. They froze all 6 boxes there yesterday. 

[Chas.Alpha]

🤔😔

[Patriot]

@Elpresidente

I only know of one place beetles were found and it was on the other side of the island from Havana, closer to Guantanamo .Any reports specifically from Havana such as the Partagas Shop, Inglaterra, Parque Central., Habana Libre or Melia Cohiba?

[La_Tigre]

Had this happen with one box from an LCDH pre-pandemic. Always best to open and inspect after purchasing. 

[JohnnyO]

It is also warmer than usual for this time of year, very August-ish during the day. Cooler once the sun drops. John

[BellevilleMXZ]

Got back friday, spent a week at iberostar ensenachos in Cayo Santa Maria. Ya I know not the "Cuba " Experience, but Wife and I wanted a week to do nothing after the last 2 year gong show. Great resort, this is our 4th or 5th time.Was a GREAT week with perfect weather. Few shortages like soda water and shrimp, but everything else good. There is a small LCDH at resort, just the normal run of the mill stuff there. There IS a box a box of Sir Winstons there , but sadly they look rough.....box is open on display, and I assume sat there open for last 2 years.   Went to the main LCDH down the road, and a little more there. No real GOOD stuff, but stock anyway. Not much new stuff. Quite a bit of Cohiba sig 1 and 2 and some medio siglo. I didn't bother as I have some. No tini only reyes. Tons of run of the mill stuff. Sadly wouldnt let me in to look, so had to peer through glass....lol

Ended up with 

Romeo&Julieta                  Cedros De Luxe                              TEO    SEPT  19               10

Romeo&Julieta                  Cedros De Luxe                              TEO    JULY  19               10

Punch                                 La Isla                                              MUP   JULY  18                10

Punch                                 La Isla                                              MUP   JULY  18                10

Ramon Allonnes                 RASS                                               MSU   MAR    18               25

Bolivar                                Royal Coronas                                 MSU    FEB     19               25

Partagas                            Presidentes                                       UMR   NOV     19              25