KMK: Buying Cuban Cigars in Havana

When it comes to cigars, Cuba reigns as the supreme king of kings. Well known around the world for the quality of their Cigars, Cuba’s prized export exists in the rarefied stratosphere of like minded goods such as Champagne or truffles. Sure, you can smoke a cigar from anywhere in the world, but if you want to smoke a Cuban then you need a Cuban tobacco. That’s grown only in one place.

As to why Cuban Cigars are so prize the answer comes down to the handmade craftsmanship of making the cigar and the use of quality tobacco. It helps that Cuba’s Cigar market is under government control and utilizes strict regulations and quality control measures. The embargo also made Cuban cigars scarce in the United States for the longest time which only added to their prestige and value. Prices may range from 5 to 75 USD and even more (thousands) for special editions.

Popular Cuban Cigars include:

• Montecristo No. 2
• Bolivar Coronas Gigantes
• Bolivar Belicoso Fino
• Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2
• Cohiba Behike BHK 52. …
• H Upmann Magnum 50
• Partagás Lusitania.

Cuban cigars evoke a sense of prestige, power, and wealth which is why worldwide they command such respect. Think of Golum from Lord of the Rings and his precious and you can begin to understand just how badly folks want one or in my case just want to try a puff of one.

Being a non smoker the allure for me comes down to the singular experience. I was in it to find out if it really would live up to all the fuss. First, though I needed to get my hands on one. Thankfully, in Cuba, Cuban cigars can be found on practically every corner. However, authenticity is key. Be sure to be mindful of a few details when going about buying your cigars.

• The color of the packaging should never be dull and should look undamaged.
• The words “Habanos S.A., Hecho En Cuba”
• A white sticker that reads “Habanos” must be present on the upper right hand corner of the box.
• A factory code must be stamped on the bottom of the box along with an impressed heat stamp.
• The date stamp shows when the cigars were packaged.
• If they’re made by hand it will also say, “Totalmente a Mano” (“made totally by hand”) .

A green and white warranty seal will be present on the left side of the cigar box, if the cigars are genuine Cuban cigars.

Now that you know what to look for lets dig into where you should be doing the looking.

CASA DEL HABANO

There are two state-run companies, Habanos SA and Cubatabaco, responsible for the manufacture, regulation and distribution of the cigars in Cuba. These companies have official sanctioned stores where the cigars can be bought. All the cigars have set prices and all are authentic and certified. Even better you can also purchase accessories such as pipes, lighters, and even humidors.  Most also have an area to relax and unwind with your cigar. Curl up with a glass of cognac, single malt whisky, bourbon, rum, rye, or port. Here are a few you can check out in Havana.

Hotel Tryp Habana Libre Address: Calle 23 entre L y M, Vedado +537 834 61 11

Hotel Parque Central, Boutique Cuaba,  Address: Calle Neptuno entre Prado y Zulueta, +537 868 18 38

La Casa del Habano, Club Habana Address: Av. 5, entre 188 y 192, Miramar, Playa, Habana

Casa de tabaco La Escogida, Hotel Comodoro, Address: Av 3ra y Calle 84, Miramar District

Salon Cuba in Hotel Iberostar Parque Central Address: Calle Neptuno e/ Paseo del Prado y Zulueta, Old Havana.

Casa Del Ron y Tabaco, Address: Calle Obispo y Calle Bernaza, Old Havana.

La Casa del Habano, Address: 5th y 16, 5ta y 16 / 5ta Avenida y Calle 16, Miramar.

Casa del Tabaco La Escogida, Hotel Comodoro, Address: Avenida 3 y Calle 84, Playa.

El Aljibe Tienda de Tabaco, Address: Avenida 7 y Calle 24, Miramar.

FACTORIES

If  you’ve gone all the way to Cuba for your Cuban cigars then why not continue your journey and go straight to the source: The cigar factories. In Cuba the most prized cigars are all handmade at their respective factories. Workers, with dyed fingertips and hands, painstaking roll the tobacco and leaves into a cigar by hand. It’s tediously long work and these torcedores (cigar makers) dexterously produce countless cigars each day. You can take a tour of a factory for around $10 USD. You’ll be shown how the cigars are made and also have the opportunity to buy cigars at the factory. In Havana you have a few choices.

Romeo Y Julieta

Romeo Y Julieta is a bit of a misnomer as it is currently being operated as the H. Upmann factory. H. Upmann moved into the building and began crafting cigars, including H. Upmann’s complete line, Montecristos, and of course Romeo y Julietas. Operating hours 9am-1pm. Admission is $10 CUC.

Partagas

This used to be a vibrant factory producing cigars but now the original location serves as a shop only. The new factory is a few blocks away where the tours are held. You can purchase tickets at nearby hotels. The new location is only temporary as renovations are done. Admission is $10 CUC.

La Corona

Right next to the Estadio Latino Americano sits La Corona cigar factory. This utilitarian style factory makes some of Cuba’s most desirable cigars such as Hoyo De Monterrey, San Cristobal Del la Habana, Cuaba, and Por Larranaga. Operating hours Monday-Friday, 9-11am and 1-3pm. Admission is $10 CUC.

Embargo Smargo

As an American the embargo is still in effect, but you can bring back $100 USD worth of Cuban cigars.