Question for the enlightened

[culebra]

I have heard that the 2005 crop of Cuban tobacco was excellent. A dry year led to the best leaf in a decade.

My question is how long before we will see this excellent leaf in cigars?

[El Presidente]

Culebra....I think you are referring to the 2004 crop

You are right, it is widely regarded as the best crop since 1992.

I will get the definitive answer for you when my Habanos s.a friends arrive for dinner next week. Off the cuff I can tell you the official line will be 2006/2007. The reality will be this year and into 2006 dependent solely on what the reserves of fermented graded leaf.