What to bring back?

[debaron]

Hi all,

Just joined the forum and would like to introduce myself. I'm Ryan and I'm an company director from Bristol.

Am lucky enough to be going to Cuba for 2 weeks and have managed to schedule in a 3 night stay in Havana.

I've been smoking good cigars occasionally for about 3 years now - usually stick to Upmanns or Montys (No.4) boring I know!

I'm keen to pick up some decent sticks while I'm there. I've got about ?800 (for 100 sticks) to spend and would like some advice on what to bring back (my girlfriend and I have allowance of 50 cigars each I believe)

I have got my eyes on a couple boxes of Cohibas (special occasions only!) and a couple boxes of something a bit more 'everyday'.

Which Cohibas are considered the best within my budget? I hear the Lanceros are very popular?

For everyday smoking I've been looking at the Partagas Lusitania's or montys No.2 however the 2's can be hit and miss...

Can anyone advise? I guess it all depends on personal taste so I'd say for everyday I like them fairly creamy, spicy and rich and bigger than a number 4. I did look at the Hoyo De Monterey range but heard they were more of a mild smoke?

Any advice gratefully received.

Many thanks

Ryan

[Mark3142]

Welcome to the forum. Where abouts in Bristol are you? I'm over in Hanham.
Enjoy your trip, it's something I'm planning for later in the year

[bnelly]

Another Bristolian here - Monte-wise prefer the Especials - Upmanns are lovely - enjoy the Conny#1 and 46s particularly

[Smallclub]

I've got about ?800 (for 100 sticks) to spend and would like some advice on what to bring back

I have got my eyes on a couple boxes of Cohibas (special occasions only!) and a couple boxes of something a bit more 'everyday'.

Which Cohibas are considered the best within my budget? I hear the Lanceros are very popular?

The Lanceros can be fantastic but I wouldn't recommend it if you've never had one. It's not a cigar for everyone and picking up a good box (=checking quality and construction) is a difficult task.

I'd go for a box of Cohiba Esplendidos, or Robustos, plus a box of Upmann Sir Winston, or the Partagas P1 jar (link), or the 2009 LGC Deliciosos Edicion Regional Cuba jar (link).

Good luck!

[PoohBore]

Another vote for the lgc jar If you can find them. The sir winstons are on my list for October. I also love the mag 48's

[patrickspark]

if it was me i'd stock up on the robustos...yummmmmmmm

[Jacobwaits]

Have a soft spot for a good Sir Winnie.

[Agricola]

Welcome and I'd say grab one box of RyJ churchills.

[debaron]

Thanks everyone who replied. Will compile my shopping list and post it in a couple days!

Many thanks

Ryan

[Eddie]

Do you have time to buy one of each before you go to decide if you like them and amend the list if necessary?

[nicwing]

Some good tips on cigars here, I would say be very sure to buy your cigars from a Casa del Havana (there are lots of them). The cigar shops in some of the bigger hotels and restaurants can have questionable stock but as the Casa's are run by Habanos you know what you are getting.

It is also worth taking your time in the stores. Give yourself an hour, chat with the guys have a coffee, chill and they may 'find' something interesting for you. Remember that the best stock is often not on show, most of what is in the humidors or on the shelves is new and fr the 'tourists'. They always have something special and if you want aged stock you need to let them know you are interested.

Also there are some out of the way stores like the one at the Commodoro hotel (Miramar) which have some great in house rollers and produce some fantastic hand rolled. Even if the guy isn't there there will be some stock in a humidor.

Be sure to go to the Romeo y Julietta factory store and meet Hamlet the roller, he speaks great English and an hour with him is NEVER wasted.

Oh and have a really great trip!

[debaron]

Do you have time to buy one of each before you go to decide if you like them and amend the list if necessary?

Well I have 3 days in Havana so will most prob buy one of each of my chosen 4 and see if I like them then. Cost is a big factor. One of each of my 4 would be pricey in the UK!!!


Here is my shortlist at this time!



25 x Partagas P2 (Everydays)

25 x Cohiba Robusto (Special occasions only or may consider selling them on)

25 x H Upmann Sir Winston (these will be put away to age)

25 x Romeo Y Julieta Churchills (Everydays)



Did have a look at the Jars - although they look amazing I'd be terrified of breaking it (got another 10 days in resort so a couple more plane rides) and they end up being kinda pricey.


Any thoughts/advice gratefully received as always


Ryan

[simonc]

Trinidads!

[Simon Bolivar]

I'd forget about buying something to sell on. If you were visitng a real Duty free shop monthly ie on business, you might do that but this is your big chance to stock up 100 stix that you normally couldn't afford. The money you save will be your finnancial reward, enjoying them the real pleasure.
I just worked out the cost of the cigars I brought in Cuba last week. The LGC Immensia Ltd Ed 2010 x 10 were 94CUC, & the Party Especials LE 2010 x10 CUC96 which at E74, is around ?6+ each, a lot less than half price than they will be available in the UK I suspect!
I'd also look for some boxes of 10 or 5. It'll give you greater variety & spread the buying out abit. If you buy everything in Havana in the first day or so you'll be sorely tempted by other stock everywhere you go. if your going to Valdero there are some good Habanos there to chose from (see later instalments of my trip report).

[rofthe]

The Lanceros can be fantastic but I wouldn't recommend it if you've never had one. It's not a cigar for everyone and picking up a good box (=checking quality and construction) is a difficult task.

I'd go for a box of Cohiba Esplendidos, or Robustos, plus a box of Upmann Sir Winston, or the Partagas P1 jar (link), or the 2009 LGC Deliciosos Edicion Regional Cuba jar (link).

Good luck!

I agree. I had a smoke of those Cohiba Esplendidos last new year and they really taste good. I hope my aunt will bring another box of those this coming Christmas.