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Atl · 28 May 2009, 12:52 PM

All,
As I know we all like the finer things in life, and I have a weakness for cigars made 90 miles from Key West. Anyone bought from Cuban Lou's??
Am I taking a bigger risk than I should? I admit is is VERY tempting to place an order right now.

David

diablojota · 28 May 2009, 12:55 PM

You do realize that purchasing Cuban cigars and importing them into the US are illegal. I would highly advise against it.

While I do love a good Cuban, I usually make sure to enjoy them out of the country.

diablojota · 28 May 2009, 12:55 PM

Besides, I think there are some cigars that are much better than cubans that are made outside of cuba... Cigar Aficionado has some great recommendations!

AIKO · 28 May 2009, 01:09 PM

The penalties are actually very stiff. With that said I have brought them home from Europe 3 times (took the wrappers off) with zero issue. These days, cigars from other countries are every bit as good or better than Cubans.

rainman_16 · 28 May 2009, 01:51 PM

Cuban Lou's is OK as is 1001 Cuban Cigars. They both get a lot of biz out of the US.

Dan Pierce · 28 May 2009, 09:03 PM

Muy Bueno.

dP

Atl · 29 May 2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Muy Bueno.

dP

I'm down to my last Cohiba, a Madoro #5, and i need a fix!!! nice picture!

Dan Pierce · 29 May 2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atl

I'm down to my last Cohiba, a Madoro #5, and i need a fix!!! nice picture!

Thanks, David.

dP

idk01 · 28 May 2009, 09:53 PM

I read the title and all I though of was Kramer on Seinfeld

Sorry couldn't help myself.

TimeToGo · 28 May 2009, 09:58 PM

I can sell you some.

I have a mother-in-law that I can let go at a pretty good price!

idk01 · 28 May 2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

I can sell you some.

I have a mother-in-law that I can let go at a pretty good price!

Thats It, when I'm over next year, GTG at your place

Atl · 29 May 2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idk01

Thats It, when I'm over next year, GTG at your place

Only if she can cook, REALLY cook. Then maybe.

george18 · 11 June 2009, 10:40 PM

- According to my view if you have newly found your interest in cigar then getting right taste may be bit tougher task for you. When new cigars arrive, take a good look at them. Two things to look out for at this point: excessive dryness; excessive moistness. Another thing to keep in mind: if you’re keeping your cigars in the humidor over a long period, it makes a lot of sense to rotate them every few months. There is a myth about flavor amongst layman that every Cuban Cigars uses same tobacco and hence has same flavor. However, the reality is perfectly different. There is a broad variety of tobacco and its flavor as well you can gain adequate information about connoisseur of fine cigar from your nearest cigar shop. It does not matter whether the shopkeeper smokes or not.

Deep Sea · 29 May 2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

I can sell you some.

I have a mother-in-law that I can let go at a pretty good price!

That's pretty damn funny!

seedgun · 28 May 2009, 10:13 PM

My motto is " Fuente, always" Robustos and Short stories. Highly reccomended but everyones tastes are different.
I usually get them online from Tampa Sweethearts.
All the best,
Andy

Mort · 28 May 2009, 10:58 PM

When I was in Mexico, Gerardo took me to a killer cigar store that only sold cubans. It is called La Casa Del Habano. I was told that they do a great job of shipping to the US with no issues. I still had reserves only for the fear if they did get confiscated I would be out the money, more than the fear of breaking the law.

Like someone posted above, there is no way customs can tell that the cigars are cuban without the bands, of course why spend the money on cubans if they are not banded?

pz93c · 28 May 2009, 11:20 PM

I like a Monte Cristo Maduro, preferably a Rothschilde or Robusto.

Imtiaz · 29 May 2009, 12:20 AM

Hi David,

I have been smoking cigars for 40 years now. I have found some Cubans great and many sheer rubbish.

The quality varies from cigar to cigar.

In Australia or Japan cubans are freely available but I much prefer to buy a good Dominican cigar.

There were a couple of Cohiba that I could not draw as they were too tightly rolled.

Mind you I have 3 humidors at home all at around 75% Rh. Still these cigars just refused to loosen up. Finally I had to cut them in half and got them to light.

Not worth the risk in the USA. The law is the law.

rainman_16 · 29 May 2009, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imtiaz

Hi David,

There were a couple of Cohiba that I could not draw as they were too tightly rolled.

Mind you I have 3 humidors at home all at around 75% Rh. Still these cigars just refused to loosen up. Finally I had to cut them in half and got them to light.

I've found that if you reduce the humidity to around 65%, you'll experience much fewer issues with draw.

Imtiaz · 29 May 2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainman_16

I've found that if you reduce the humidity to around 65%, you'll experience much fewer issues with draw.

Thanks. Will try that.

Cheers
Imtiaz

lobo58 · 30 May 2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imtiaz

Hi David,

I have been smoking cigars for 40 years now. I have found some Cubans great and many sheer rubbish.

The quality varies from cigar to cigar.

In Australia or Japan cubans are freely available but I much prefer to buy a good Dominican cigar.

There were a couple of Cohiba that I could not draw as they were too tightly rolled.

Mind you I have 3 humidors at home all at around 75% Rh. Still these cigars just refused to loosen up. Finally I had to cut them in half and got them to light.

Not worth the risk in the USA. The law is the law.

Exactly right. Cubans were the cigar of choice, long ago, but after the revolution the great manufacturers set up shop in the Dominican and the Honduras. Tough to top a good Arturo Fuente.

djhiram · 30 May 2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobo58

Exactly right. Cubans were the cigar of choice, long ago, but after the revolution the great manufacturers set up shop in the Dominican and the Honduras. Tough to top a good Arturo Fuente.

That's exactly right Mark. Also, a lot of the old Cuban cigar rollers defected and continued working in their trade at their new homes. My favorite Cuban cigars are Montecristo #2 and Hoyo de Monterey #1s. Partagas also makes a great cigar as does Romeo y Julieta.

ippon20 · 30 May 2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djhiram

That's exactly right Mark. Also, a lot of the old Cuban cigar rollers defected and continued working in their trade at their new homes. My favorite Cuban cigars are Montecristo #2 and Hoyo de Monterey #1s. Partagas also makes a great cigar as does Romeo y Julieta.

This was the case with La Gloria Cubana...moved to Miami then everyone realized what a good smoke they were, went from 1-$2/stick to $8 almost overnight. Fuente IMO are the best bang for the buck...go to Tampa Sweethearts online and you can get a ton of apprentice rolled cigars on the cheap for a great smoke if you always have a cigar in your mouth. I would recommend the naturals for those though as the maduros can get a little rough with the veins. Otherwise, short stories or Hemmingways...but even these have increased a ton over the years.

Watchdog · 30 May 2009, 11:46 AM

Cubans are not what they used to be. As many have said, there are many cigars that are much better IMHO.

Of course, the major brands everyone knows are fantastic.

However, a brand that still doesn't get as much recognition as it deserves was La Gloria Cubana.

I gave up cigars a few years back. But when I was VERY into it, I enjoyed all cigars, and the value of a maduro La Gloria was hard to beat.

HOWEVER, you had to age them in the humidor for a while.

I assume they are still around and still outstanding . . .

Lamone · 30 May 2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobo58

Exactly right. Cubans were the cigar of choice, long ago, but after the revolution the great manufacturers set up shop in the Dominican and the Honduras. Tough to top a good Arturo Fuente.

Spot on!

theloxmyth · 30 May 2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobo58

Exactly right. Cubans were the cigar of choice, long ago, but after the revolution the great manufacturers set up shop in the Dominican and the Honduras. Tough to top a good Arturo Fuente.

Ah, hand rolled on the golden thighs of young virgins.

These Cubans weren't half as good as a Fuente or even a Macanudo.

I'm a supporter of Bloom's Cigar Camp and I'm his locksmith. I get tipped in cigars!
That's a win-win in my book!

Call, or order via his web site...If you buy something from his extensive selection of fresh cigars, tell him his locksmith sent you.

A Hoyo de Monterrey Rothschild double maduro kicks A$$, too! Marc, the owner, goes through 8-10 a day.

I once asked Marc what I should call the sniffing of the smoke from my lips through my nose.

French inhale?

Waft?

Aroma?

He said, "What, the smell?!"

Lion · 29 May 2009, 12:28 AM

David, I think you are taking a big chance having illegal cigars shipped to you here in the U.S. There are quite a few very good cigars made outside of Cuba which are just as good.
But if you must, C'est la vie!!!

ippon20 · 29 May 2009, 03:53 AM

IMO Cubans are not what they used to be. Pre Castro Cubans are highly sought after and I do have a box or two in the bank humidor. But after the takeover, Cubans have been marginal at best playing only on the history on the country. For daily smokes, I highly recommend Fuente Hemmingways or Short Stories if you don't have a couple hours to spare. Once a year, I recommend getting the Anejo's which are basically an Opus X re labeled. I also enjoy Maduro cigars, so for those you can't go wrong with La Gloria Cubana Serie R, Ashton Cabinents, or Carlos Torano Exodus. These are just my tastes, but what do I know....I was born in Ybor City! As other's have said, look into other countries...Dominican's are right up there with old school Cubans but I never pass up a chance to purchase some Graycliff's when I travel to the Carribean!

pz93c · 29 May 2009, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ippon20

I was born in Ybor City!

Been a long time since I heard that name.

ippon20 · 29 May 2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pz93c

Been a long time since I heard that name.

Yup, Ybor City seems to fall off the map every now and then. All my grandfather's tools and about 15 presses reside in my home. Before my wife knew what they were, she always asked why I had all the old farm tools.

28 May 2009, 12:55 PM	#3
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	Besides, I think there are some cigars that are much better than cubans that are made outside of cuba... Cigar Aficionado has some great recommendations! __________________ RTFT - Read The Friggin' Thread FcB

28 May 2009, 09:53 PM	#9
idk01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Dave Location: Australia Watch: DJ16233TT Posts: 18,485	I read the title and all I though of was Kramer on Seinfeld Sorry couldn't help myself. __________________ *Apprentice to Terry Newton; Superstar and Fake Sleuth*

11 June 2009, 10:40 PM	#13
george18 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: USA Posts: 1	Cuban Cigars. - According to my view if you have newly found your interest in cigar then getting right taste may be bit tougher task for you. When new cigars arrive, take a good look at them. Two things to look out for at this point: excessive dryness; excessive moistness. Another thing to keep in mind: if you’re keeping your cigars in the humidor over a long period, it makes a lot of sense to rotate them every few months. There is a myth about flavor amongst layman that every Cuban Cigars uses same tobacco and hence has same flavor. However, the reality is perfectly different. There is a broad variety of tobacco and its flavor as well you can gain adequate information about connoisseur of fine cigar from your nearest cigar shop. It does not matter whether the shopkeeper smokes or not.

28 May 2009, 10:58 PM	#16
Mort "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,001	When I was in Mexico, Gerardo took me to a killer cigar store that only sold cubans. It is called La Casa Del Habano. I was told that they do a great job of shipping to the US with no issues. I still had reserves only for the fear if they did get confiscated I would be out the money, more than the fear of breaking the law. Like someone posted above, there is no way customs can tell that the cigars are cuban without the bands, of course why spend the money on cubans if they are not banded? __________________ Collection Stainless DJ II Rhodium with Arabic Dial 116334, Longines RG Master Collection Chronograph Triple Date Moon, Maurice Lacroix TT Masterpiece Triple Date Moon, Vintage Gallet SS Flying Officer Chronograph

29 May 2009, 12:28 AM	#27
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	David, I think you are taking a big chance having illegal cigars shipped to you here in the U.S. There are quite a few very good cigars made outside of Cuba which are just as good. But if you must, C'est la vie!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

28 May 2009, 12:52 PM	#1
Atl Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: David Location: Sandy Springs, Ga Watch: GMT II, new Subbie Posts: 937	I am considering buying some Cubans All, As I know we all like the finer things in life, and I have a weakness for cigars made 90 miles from Key West. Anyone bought from Cuban Lou's?? Am I taking a bigger risk than I should? I admit is is VERY tempting to place an order right now. David

28 May 2009, 01:09 PM	#4
AIKO "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,937	The penalties are actually very stiff. With that said I have brought them home from Europe 3 times (took the wrappers off) with zero issue. These days, cigars from other countries are every bit as good or better than Cubans.

28 May 2009, 01:51 PM	#5
rainman_16 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Alec Location: Canada Watch: Al Jazeera English Posts: 596	Cuban Lou's is OK as is 1001 Cuban Cigars. They both get a lot of biz out of the US.

28 May 2009, 09:58 PM	#10
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,736	I can sell you some. I have a mother-in-law that I can let go at a pretty good price!

28 May 2009, 10:13 PM	#15
seedgun Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Andy Stone Location: ill.,Jeyll Is,Stl Watch: All of them! Posts: 188	My motto is " Fuente, always" Robustos and Short stories. Highly reccomended but everyones tastes are different. I usually get them online from Tampa Sweethearts. All the best, Andy

28 May 2009, 11:20 PM	#17
pz93c "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 2,776	I like a Monte Cristo Maduro, preferably a Rothschilde or Robusto.

29 May 2009, 12:20 AM	#18
Imtiaz Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: De Location: Tokyo Watch: Daytona, Sub, DS, Posts: 1,046	Hi David, I have been smoking cigars for 40 years now. I have found some Cubans great and many sheer rubbish. The quality varies from cigar to cigar. In Australia or Japan cubans are freely available but I much prefer to buy a good Dominican cigar. There were a couple of Cohiba that I could not draw as they were too tightly rolled. Mind you I have 3 humidors at home all at around 75% Rh. Still these cigars just refused to loosen up. Finally I had to cut them in half and got them to light. Not worth the risk in the USA. The law is the law.

30 May 2009, 11:46 AM	#24
Watchdog "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Junkyard Dog Location: The Doghouse Watch: I can't tell time Posts: 6,822	Cubans are not what they used to be. As many have said, there are many cigars that are much better IMHO. Of course, the major brands everyone knows are fantastic. However, a brand that still doesn't get as much recognition as it deserves was La Gloria Cubana. I gave up cigars a few years back. But when I was VERY into it, I enjoyed all cigars, and the value of a maduro La Gloria was hard to beat. HOWEVER, you had to age them in the humidor for a while. I assume they are still around and still outstanding . . .

29 May 2009, 03:53 AM	#28
ippon20 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Dan Location: Orlando/NSB, FL Watch: 16710 (3186) Posts: 1,629	IMO Cubans are not what they used to be. Pre Castro Cubans are highly sought after and I do have a box or two in the bank humidor. But after the takeover, Cubans have been marginal at best playing only on the history on the country. For daily smokes, I highly recommend Fuente Hemmingways or Short Stories if you don't have a couple hours to spare. Once a year, I recommend getting the Anejo's which are basically an Opus X re labeled. I also enjoy Maduro cigars, so for those you can't go wrong with La Gloria Cubana Serie R, Ashton Cabinents, or Carlos Torano Exodus. These are just my tastes, but what do I know....I was born in Ybor City! As other's have said, look into other countries...Dominican's are right up there with old school Cubans but I never pass up a chance to purchase some Graycliff's when I travel to the Carribean! __________________ Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Instagram @pivot_and_spine

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