Cuban Cigarmakers Look to Light up U.S. Market

[CeeGarOne]

The likelihood of the Cuban embargo ending in our lifetime is getting closer and closer to becoming a reality.
Not so sure I agree with the statement that "If it's the best in Cuba, it's the best in the world." I would stack up some of the sticks coming out of the DR and Nicaragua up against some top of the line sticks from Cuba and dare an honest/unbiased smoker to say that the Cuban stick was "better"

Here's the link to the article.

FWIW, I can't wait to see what some of the better Premium Cigar Manufacturers can do when they can blend in Cuban tobacco into their products. It'll perhaps be hit or miss in the short run (I'll take some samples though...) but a boon long-term.

 

[Mr. McSquirelly]

Saw that this morning. Good story. Robaina's farm looks like a great destination.

 

[samb]

I generally prefer CCs, but still have mixed feelings on the subject.

 

[welder572]

I think they will be disappointed if they really think they can get 70% of the market. First they would have to be able to produce that much. Secondly, as the article stated, I'm not sure they realize that other countries produce some pretty damn good cigars. There will probably be a big rush at first, maybe for a year or so, but I think it would settle down after the "new" wears off.

 

[Daven]

I think they will be disappointed if they really think they can get 70% of the market. First they would have to be able to produce that much. Secondly, as the article stated, I'm not sure they realize that other countries produce some pretty damn good cigars. There will probably be a big rush at first, maybe for a year or so, but I think it would settle down after the "new" wears off.

Would rather see blenders now being able to use cuban tobacco. This is what gets me excited more than now being able to buy a Cuban in the states.

 

[bdc30]

Cigars are such a subjective thing that I always laugh when I read things like that. Who's to say what defines the 'best' when each smoker's palate and preferences are so vastly different?

 

[teamrandr]

Would rather see blenders now being able to use cuban tobacco. This is what gets me excited more than now being able to buy a Cuban in the states.

Im not sure that will happen. Otherwise I suspect there would already be CC NC blends. Habanos SA is going to use every shred of tobacco to try and meet demand. Also I have read they only planted 17,000 hectares this season as compared to 20,000 the year prior. I suspect they wont come close to meeting the initial demand. We are already seeing a shortage of Cohiba this year.

 

[daleo8803]

I like cc but my fav blends are NC. I think when cc are legal then the quality will drop like a rock. I just don't think they can make enough sticks to meet demand here in the USA. IMO

 

[Trek3]

In order to keep supply in line with demand, economics dictate that prices need to rise in order to stem the grey market no?

Example: CC become un-embargoed and so popular they repeatedly sell out and legitimate buyers can't find stock so they resort to after-market-dealers who double or triple the Msrp in an unsanctioned grey market. Resulting quality suffers as product changes hands and the brand suffers. The only solution is to increase prices so much that there is little money to be made in the grey market.