Yes I know, I'm dang lucky! CUBA Trip!!

[nplymouth]

So, I am extremely excited as you can expect and will be sure to drink and smoke plenty local delicacies whilst I am there!

I wanted some advice that I haven't been able to see in other threads...

1. Whats worth trying while I am there? In particular anything you can't get over here?
2. What to bring back? I am going to use all 100 allowance (for me and mrs P) but with so many options, I am a bit stuck. From experience, do you bring back expensive thus saving more money or are there other ideas?
3. Local cigars that are rolled at farms? Somewhat illegally but not fake, as they are rolled with the same tobacco?

I know not to buy from the streets etc and we are sadly not staying in Havana. So, based on what you all say, I may have more but yeah, appreciate any help!

Thanks
Nick

[PeeJay]

Farm rolls can be good but of course you won't have an official receipt so tuck them away safely in your suitcase. Remember they will be fresh so smoke them soon or put them to bed. And freeze them on your return in case of hitchhikers.

[nplymouth]

That's good advice... and also the whole buy one box for smoking, one box for ageing etc...

But, that means less variety coming back?

Nick

[TonyN]

Why not try a few singles before you go just to get an idea, then depending what you like bring some back in boxes
that's what I would do myself other members might do things differently.

[cj121]

Why not try a few singles before you go just to get an idea, then depending what you like bring some back in boxes
that's what I would do myself other members might do things differently.

A sound approach

[ValeTudoGuy]

Simon from mysmokingshop.... A man who can more or less smoke whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Has told me on more than one occasion that his FINEST smoking experience was a Monte A in Cuba.

He suggests that the stars may have aligned and created the perfect conditions..... But he always relays that the A could just be THE Cuban Cigar to enjoy in Cuba.

So if I ever get the chance. I'm smoking an A.

[nplymouth]

A Monte of some description was on my list to bring back, I am hoping to sample a fair few while I am there. I havent had a bad one yet but not entirely sure I can taste much difference, except for the opens and special editions. Its also pretty big, so makes the list.

Thanks for a great suggestion!

[Simon Bolivar]

I'd be very surprised if you can find an 'A' in Cuban, especially if you're not visiting Havana. Never hurts to keep you eyes open of course but if you can find anything with 3yrs or more on it, you'll be doing well. I'd suggest buying the more expensive vitolas to save more money. Buy a Behike or two & have one for birthday/Christmas, it'll be a great reminder of your hols.

[Sligub]

Custom rolled from the LCDH

[RobBooth]

I'm a bit anal / geeky and created a spreadsheet I could use on my phone for my visit. The worksheets had the latest known prices from Cuba, the ? cost per stick / box etc. and the % savings of buying in Cuba over the UK.
Another of the worksheets had a list of the sticks I wanted to try so I could tick them off when I got to try them. Came in quite handy working out what to buy and bring back.

[nplymouth]

Rob - on a scale of 1/10 and considering I'm new... How cheeky is it to request the first sheet? I've started and already failed on doing that!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RobBooth]

No problem, it's already available to forum members

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/showthread.php?18766-Cuban-Cigar-Price-Calculator-Spread-Sheet

I'm busy looking at another holiday over there in October. Sitting there smoking cigars and drinking Cuban rum. Life doesn't get much better

[wolfie]

Where in Cuba are you staying ?

[nplymouth]

Sadly too far away from Havana for my liking! We are just off Holguin staying at the Playa Costa Verde - which has a licensed cigar bar and shop! I'm looking for a factory tour near there and it seems a bit uncertain... Apparently one closed a few years ago? If not, I want to visit a small plantation!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nplymouth]

Didn't say thank you for that list... very very cool!