European market

[Rusty Shackleford]

So how do all the cigars available on the American market do in Europe? Do people over there want to buy cigars other than Cubans? I was thinking that some brands probably do alright but I imagine that with the embargo in effect all the companies outside of Cuba focus all there efforts on the US market rather than compete with Havana's in other countries. Am I right?

[Cigary]

Interesting question,,,wondered that myself what their tastes are like with being able to get any kind they like?

[6clicks]

I've only smoked a couple of ISOM Cohibas which were great for me, but I would imagine that lots of B&SOTL would enjoy many of the other fine smokes.

[ghe-cl]

As I understand it, non-Cuban cigars that share names with Cubans, such as Montecristo, Punch, etc., can't be sold in countries other than the U.S. because of copyright regulations. I think that many of the smaller manufacturers have little or no distribution outside the U.S., though Padron, Fuente and others do.

[Matt257]

The UK market is near impossible to get into if its not cuban. There are a few non cuban brands over here. Like Fuente, CAO, Ashton. But the UK market is 95% cuban. Alot of British people 'think' that cuban cigars are the only ones worth smoking. But they have not tried some of the amazing smokes that get put out by companies like Oliva, Padron etc. I prefer non cubans to cubans, and fresh cubans can be damn near unsmokeable. They are some great cubans out there, but there are plenty more non cubans that are so much better IMHO. I cant speak for the rest of Europe, but the prices in the UK are criminal. So I get my smokes sent over from the US (From Mike at Leaf and Ale, hes a great BOTL and looks after me)

[Rusty Shackleford]

Originally Posted by matt257

The UK market is near impossible to get into if its not cuban. There are a few non cuban brands over here. Like Fuente, CAO, Ashton. But the UK market is 95% cuban. Alot of British people 'think' that cuban cigars are the only ones worth smoking. But they have not tried some of the amazing smokes that get put out by companies like Oliva, Padron etc. I prefer non cubans to cubans, and fresh cubans can be damn near unsmokeable. They are some great cubans out there, but there are plenty more non cubans that are so much better IMHO. I cant speak for the rest of Europe, but the prices in the UK are criminal. So I get my smokes sent over from the US (From Mike at Leaf and Ale, hes a great BOTL and looks after me)

Well I guess from reading that [and I thank for the info] you're from the UK? Well I was planning on visiting Wales sometime next year and I'll guess I'll have to bring some sticks of my own. I'd rather spend my money on some SA Brains instead of paying a lot for cigars.

[sodomanaz-cl]

Originally Posted by matt257

The UK market is near impossible to get into if its not cuban. There are a few non cuban brands over here. Like Fuente, CAO, Ashton. But the UK market is 95% cuban. Alot of British people 'think' that cuban cigars are the only ones worth smoking. But they have not tried some of the amazing smokes that get put out by companies like Oliva, Padron etc. I prefer non cubans to cubans, and fresh cubans can be damn near unsmokeable. They are some great cubans out there, but there are plenty more non cubans that are so much better IMHO. I cant speak for the rest of Europe, but the prices in the UK are criminal. So I get my smokes sent over from the US (From Mike at Leaf and Ale, hes a great BOTL and looks after me)

The SE Asian market is about the same. You will have difficulty finding cigars that aren't Cuban. And Cubans, because of the extra length of travel are very expensive. I have found CAO there, but those are sitting at slightly less than Cubans.

Even hitting up duty frees won't be much help. I travel there about yearly and somehow keep hoping for a change haha. Anyway, if any of you are in Malaysia or Indonesia and need some help with non-cubans, send me a PM before summer.

[Matt257]

Originally Posted by Rusty Shackleford

Well I guess from reading that [and I thank for the info] you're from the UK? Well I was planning on visiting Wales sometime next year and I'll guess I'll have to bring some sticks of my own. I'd rather spend my money on some SA Brains instead of paying a lot for cigars.

Yup, im in the UK. I would definately suggest bringing some smokes with you. Even the non cubans are 4 - 5 times what you pay in the US. If you havent tried any cubans I would definately say pick up a few.

[undergroundspy713]

My boss and I have been hitting up the vintage cigar auctions in the UK recently and there are alot of Cubans. The vintage stuff is where its at. Luckily, I have the benefit of traveling back and forth from UK/Dubai and U.S. but most "fresh" Cubans don't taste well. You gotta let them sit for a bit. When I say vintage I'm talking about Bolivar's and Partagas' from the early 50's to late 60's. That's where its at!!