Cuban Cigars.
Whether you’re a regular Cigar smoker or a complete novice to the field, everybody knows that Cuban cigars are the gold standard in the industry.
Cuba has a long-standing, global reputation for being the ‘go-to’ spot for sourcing the best cigars, with the tobacco-leaf-constructed artwork unquestionably the country’s most iconic export. Cigar production has been cultivated and celebrated for over 500 years, with extremely high standards ensuring that each cylindrical tobacco-leaf-rolled cigar is nothing short of a masterpiece. This extensive history of the trade has ensured fine expertise has passed down through generations, with the perfected craft now involving over one hundred detailed and strictly followed steps to create each cigar.
The Cuban government even closely regulates production to ensure that only the very best is available to the customer. Unlike other cigars, a Cuban produced cigar is unblended and completely free of preservatives, additives and any taste enhancers. The signature taste is that of purity, which can only be achieved through use of the finest local tobaccos and ingredients, and therefore cannot be replicated.
The agricultural conditions in Cuba, with hot climates and pure soil, are perfect for the production of these wonderful cigars. The soil provides the finest properties to produce top quality tobacco, as well as the growing of wrapping leaves – which are a highlight of their fine design. A master of the trade, Cuba has perfected multiple techniques to create a variety of flavours that excite the senses, which is achieved by using different parts of the leaves and plants to create an ever-enhancing end product.
Different regions across the country provide different climates and are therefore prime growing environments for different types of leaves, meaning farmers in each region are experts on their particular leaf contribution – adding to the high standard of the final product.
What different brands of cigar are there?
So, you have arrived at your chosen cigar shop, rich cigar smoke fills the air and you are stood before lines of boxes of perfectly crafted cigars, all with different logos and flavours to be enjoyed. With so many different brands producing their own crafted cigars, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you are unsure on what to look out for, here is a short list of some of the most popular Cuban cigar brands for you to experience during your trip:
Choiba cigars are renowned as one of the greatest cigar brands in the world, offering a complex smoke that is medium to full in body. Considered to be the choice of Fidel Castro, the Cohiba brand originally began as a national company of Cuba, originating as a private brand exclusively supplying Fidel Castro with cigars. The luxury cigars have since been released for public sale as of 1982, and although usually the most expensive due to their superior quality, they have become one of the world’s leading brands.
Montecristo is the best-selling cigar in Cuba and continues to be one of the most loved brands, with its blended flavours of coffee, vanilla and cocoa – appealing to the palates of many. One of the top lines of Cigars in Cuba, it is responsible for the most popular cigar worldwide, the Montecristo No.4. Most of these cigars are medium-bodied, offering a well fined balance and making them an excellent choice for both novices and experienced smokers alike.
Romeo Y Julieta are perfect for those who are less experienced in the cigar world. These cigars are very popular with cigar novices, they are packed with flavour and come in a range of sizes including some smaller sizes known as Julietas. The brand is known for its consistency in quality and flavour profiles, medium in strength with common notes of cedar, leather, coffee and subtle floral undertones. The quality construction of these cigars ensure an even burn and a smooth draw, all qualities that made these the cigar of choice for Winston Churchill, leading to the production of the ‘Churchill’ cigar, famous for its extraordinary size.
H. Upmann offers smokers both sweet and spicy flavours and come with a reputation of having one of the most tantalising aromas of all Cuban Cigars. Founded in 1843, H. Upmann is one of the oldest cigar brands and has continued to deliver a quality product, receiving many accolades over the years. The logo of the brand is constructed of a number of gold metals which represent the awards the company has received over time. A light to medium bodied cigar, each is handcrafted by skilled cigar rollers ensuring consistency and excellence, making them appealing to both novice and experienced smokers.
Where to buy Cigars in Cuba.
You’ve spent the day exploring the Caribbean sights of Cuba under the warm tropical sun, and to round off the day you’re looking to indulge in the rich taste of Cuba from one of the famous works of art that is the Cuban cigar? Great. But where can you buy cigars in Cuba? Below are a few spots not to miss:
Explore the heart of the Cigar trade in Old Havana, where this rich culture is supported via a host of well-established Cigar stores offering only the best. Nestled within the city’s cobbled streets and charming architecture are prestigious shops, including the famous Casa del Habanos stores which are part owned by the Habanos S.A. – so you can rest easy knowing you will get an authentic product sold.
Scattered across Cuba you will also find state-owned tobacco shops with promise of authentic and quality products. The emphasis on culture and homeland in these shops is second-to-none, meaning you’ll have access to premium and exclusive local brands that you won’t find elsewhere.
Didn’t have time to shop whilst out exploring the city? Don’t worry. Your last call for getting your hands on some fine tobacco cigars is in Duty-Free at José Martí International Airport, offering a last minute selection of fine cigars at enticing prices – so stock up before you fly.
Remember – only cigars certified by Habanos S.A. ensure you are getting the true Cuban experience, excellently and exclusively crafted with local tobacco within the strict quality control protocols.
Whether you consider yourself a cigar aficionado or somebody looking to become more involved in the Cuban art of cigars, why not visit during El festival del Habano? This week-long celebration (which first started in 1999), occurs during the last week of February and championing the most exquisite cigars from all over the world is the only focus. During the event, visitors can enjoy specialised tours of the tobacco plantation and partake in cigar tasting, as well as an opportunity to be one of the first in the world to try the new Habano Vitolas that are presented during the festival.
In summary, Cuba is unapologetic for the rarity and exclusively of its most famous export due to the excellently crafted art of Cigars that the country has perfected over many years. There is plenty of opportunity to indulge in the fine tastes and flavours of the country’s most famous product, with signature and exclusive cigar experiences available to please the palate of both experienced and novice cigar lovers alike. If a true dive into the gold standard of Cigars is a dream for you, then make sure Cuba is your next destination.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays – please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com, today.
