Identifying cubans

[ChokeOnSmoke]

This might be a silly question but here goes anyway...
I make a trip to Aruba every year (timeshare) and would like to try some cuban cigar while there. I'm rather new with cigars brands and would like to know the easiest way to identify the cubans from everything else.
(yeah, I know, I could just ask, but I like to browse on my own...)
Thanks.

[jjirons69]

Well...this might be a topic for the Habanos Only Lounge. Just a thought...

[bonggoy]

The best start would be to browse the Habanos SA website. You can familiarize yourself with cuban cigar brands.

I've never been to Aruba but apparently there is a La Casa Del Habano. It's the official store of Habanos SA. Their prices will be higher than other shops but you are certain that you will be getting the real deal.

Just like any other shop, ask the store manager about recommendations. Tell them what you like (mild, medium, full). What flavor(s) you like in a cigar (creamy, pepper, earth etc).

Check this thread as well, Habanos for Beginner.

Check the reviews in top25cigar.com. Cuban cigars reviews are noted as such.

It will be overwhelming at first, but it's worth it.

[newcigarz]

They kinda look like this


j/k

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by newcigarz

They kinda look like this


j/k

[SIZE="5"]Those are Dominicans!!! [/SIZE]

[newcigarz]

Originally Posted by icehog3

[SIZE="5"]Those are Dominicans!!! [/SIZE]

Damn it I've been ripped off!

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by newcigarz

Damn it I've been ripped off!

It's OK, they roll excellent crepes....

[Corona Gigante]

Look for "Havana, Cuba" on the box and/or on the band.

Let me repeat a piece of oft-repeated advice: unless it's a La Casa del Habano store, don't bother buying. 100% certain they will be fakes.

You can find a list of all La Casa del Habano stores here.

[poker]

[icehog3]

I feel bad for threadjacking for some fun, so like above I would suggest familiarizing yourself with Top25Cigar.com They have (Cuba) in parenthesis after the majority of Cuban brands....but asking never hurts either. Just make sure you go to La Casa like Ronnie suggested, as 99.9% of "Cubans" in Aruba outside that store will be fake.

[newcigarz]

Originally Posted by icehog3

I feel bad for threadjacking for some fun, so like above I would suggest familiarizing yourself with Top25Cigar.com They have (Cuba) in parenthesis after the majority of Cuban brands....but asking never hurts either. Just make sure you go to La Casa like Ronnie suggested, as 99.9% of "Cubans" in Aruba outside that store will be fake.

Guilty as charged. Top25 is a great sight for ratings, etc. La Casa is the way to go. No other choice but Habanos there!

[mostholycerebus]

Keep in mind, it is illegal for American citizens to purchase Cuban goods, even outside the Unites States.

Now if you rescind your citizenship, you can smoke all the cubans you want, get out of jail scot free, and get free health care. But you lose the ability to choose which corrupt crooks is ripping you off.

[adsantos13]

You are in luck. There is a Casa del Habano in Oranjestad, Aruba. If you buy your cigars there, you can be sure they are the real deal.

[ChokeOnSmoke]

I appreciate all the good info here.
I'm shocked there's really that many rip-offs out there, guess it's La Casa Del Habano on the way from the airport!

[Pendaboot]

Buy some Dominicans to smoke while you are there, and then you can take legal Dominicans back into the U.S.A. I mean smoke the Cubans while there, and you can still bring some cigars home. Or something.