Here's a good place to shop. La Cohiba cigar store in Holguin, Cuba run by Caracol which in turn is owned by the Cuban army. The shop girl is inspecting one of my Trinidads. Love the cigar smoking Che T-shirt behind . . .

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1159106912.jpg

I bought a dozen different cigars on my way in, sampled them & bought my favs on the way out a week later. Cuban cigars have a 'chocolate' (for lack of a better word) taste that you don't find elsewhere. Some observations on the cigars I mentioned above:

Bolivar - big & bold - a man's cigar.
Montecristo #2 - as above with a looser roll
Trinidad - smooth, smooth & smoother - all the way to the end. They are tight so draw can be a challenge on some - but worth it.

Ian

Hey guys, I was only semi-kidding about Dutch Masters. I read that the Dutch Masters "perfecto" was the main smoke of George Burnes. That's what was burning in all the TV shows he & Gracie did. Uh...Cubans were legal here then, but he preferred the USA machine made.

Here I go agreeing with Tabs...a rare happening. Much of what you are writing suggests to me you've sucked into the slick magazine hype.

Bah--I know what I like. Once you've smoked enough cigars, you can tell the difference in one puff. Hell, often you can tell just by smelling the wrapper.

You want to talk media hype, look at the overpriced and thoroughly mediocre boutique brands they give high ratings to.

Regarding the Cuban vs Dominican argument, it's just a matter of taste. It's a lot like wine and terroir--bigger and badder doesn't always mean better.

I hear Monica Lewinsky likes big ones.

I voted A. Fuente, because they make Ashton...my favorite cigars.

I've had Cohibas from the island near Miami, and they are overpriced and overrated, IMO. I think they attract attention because they can't legally be imported, not because they are great cigars.

Them Cubans got nothing on the Dominicans.

Just kidding.

If I can't get Cohiba's I go with the Fonseca's.

I posted this link before, but it has good basic info on Cuban cigars. Marty's

A quote:

"TOP CUBAN CIGAR BRANDS

COHIBA: ALL these are great cigars, but they do cost twice the price of a comparable-sized cigar. Still, you have to try one if you're in Cuba! The Siglo I (5.85CUC) and II (7.50CUC) are the perfect little affordable smokes. Almost all of the Cohibas are available in packs of 3 or 5 and each cigar is also individually boxed. The BEST gift idea for any cigar smoker BY FAR!

MONTECRISTO: The No.2 is considered one of the best torpedo (pointed) cigars in the world... it IS! You can find these in 3 packs (6.85CUC each). The other Montecristos are a little stronger and not as tasty.

PARTAGAS: A brand that is fast becoming the most popular among cigar smokers, it has some of the best cigars you’ve NEVER heard of. A must is the Partagas Series D No 4 (PSD4 6.05CUS). Now availible in 3 packs, this cigar packs tons of smoke and has the best cap of any cigar. Try the Lusitania for another great cigar (8.80CUC) and available in 3 packs also or the Mille Fleurs which are a small delicious smoke (60-65CUC a box of 25!)

HOYO DE MONTERREY: If you want to try a big cigar but don't think you can smoke one, try the Hoyo De Monterrey Double Corona (8.80CUC) or Churchill (8.05CUC). Great light smoke from beginning to end.

ROMEO Y JULIETTA: This cigar brand is the GM of cigars. It has the most variety of ANY Cuban cigar brand. That means they have really horrible cigars and some really good ones. I wouldn’t suggest buying the Romeo Tubos, those are very average at best. If you absolutely want a tubed cigars, try the Churchill (10.15CUC), fantastic light cigar and the best Romeo Y Julietta cigar you can buy!

EL REY DEL MUNDO: Never heard of this brand? Well it’s no surprise, it’s a very small brand but they are my personal favorite because they are a VERY light cigar and they are really affordable! Check this cigar out if you can find it: Lunch Club (61.75CUC a box of 25!)"

Ian

Your dead on. I smoked atleast 1 of each of these on my carribean cruise last month. Even bought some fake Romeo's in Mexico, lol.