Aruba

[KRunch61]

Just got back last weekend from a wedding in Aruba. The highlight of the week was purchasing a few sticks (3) from the LCDH in the Royal Plaza. I settled on a Partagas No. 2, a VR Famosos, and a Siglo III. Pricey but I don't get many opportunities to frequent an LCDH.
Anyone ever been to Aruba?

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

Going in February on a cruise, can't wait

 

[javelin377]

Got to be cool to walk into that place and just pick up what you want.

 

[MattSRoss81]

Just got back last weekend from a wedding in Aruba. The highlight of the week was purchasing a few sticks (3) from the LCDH in the Royal Plaza. I settled on a Partagas No. 2, a VR Famosos, and a Siglo III. Pricey but I don't get many opportunities to frequent an LCDH.
Anyone ever been to Aruba?

One of my favorite vacations - love that place.

Unfortunately, I saw cigars EVERYWHERE, but only the LCDH had real CCs. So many people that go there get screwed.

Did you, by chance, get to try the Aruhiba? Nothing special, but if you smoke cigars and go to Aruba, you have to take advantage.

 

[itchylove]

My buddy just landed there today for his honeymoon, may have to tell him to check it out.

 

[Lomey]

What does LCDH stand for and what is it?

 

[MattSRoss81]

What does LCDH stand for and what is it?

LCDH = La Casa del Habano

It is a "chain" of retail B&Ms that are authorized dealers of Cuban cigars - it is the only place to buy Cuban cigars that are guaranteed to be legitimate. Disclaimer: As an American, it is unlawful to buy/smoke cigars from a LCDH. :ccool:

 

[Lomey]

Thanks Matt. I wouldn't even think about it :halfgrinw

 

[Cigary43]

Aruba is a great place and have been there half a dozen times mostly on cruises. Like most islands who love to see tourists don't get trapped buying cigars unless it's from LCDH....the islands are loaded with fake product so don't be tempted no matter how good they look.

 

[KRunch61]

Aruba is a great place and have been there half a dozen times mostly on cruises. Like most islands who love to see tourists don't get trapped buying cigars unless it's from LCDH....the islands are loaded with fake product so don't be tempted no matter how good they look.

Very good advice. We stayed at the Marriott and there was actually a vending machine from which you could buy "Cuban" cigars! There's another vendor there called the Cigar Emporium, which is a tiny walk-in establishment. The cigars looked authentic to me, but I'm no expert. So to be on the safe side , just go to an LCDH.

 

[Stogies and Suds]

I go to Aruba next Monday for a week, if you had to choose between LCDH and Cigar Emporium, which would you say is better for selection and price? From what I have read, those are the only two store that carry CC's

 

[MattSRoss81]

I go to Aruba next Monday for a week, if you had to choose between LCDH and Cigar Emporium, which would you say is better for selection and price? From what I have read, those are the only two store that carry CC's

My family goes to the Marriott a lot, and my Uncle swears by Cigar Emporium, but I can't vouch for them. I always take the ride into town and go to LCDH despite the high prices.

If you want convenience, just walk into Cigar Emporium and look at the Cohibas - those are typically the easiest to gauge real/fake. If they look fake, just walk out of the store.

 

[KRunch61]

I go to Aruba next Monday for a week, if you had to choose between LCDH and Cigar Emporium, which would you say is better for selection and price? From what I have read, those are the only two store that carry CC's

The cigars at the Emporium looked legit to me, but I just felt more assured by purchasing at the LCDH. Not every cigar was a wallet buster, so I'd encourage you to check it out. Definitely stay away from vendors on the beach.
Where are you staying? If you're looking for some authentic local cuisine, check out Papiamento's and/or The Flying Fishbone. Enjoy!

 

[Cigary43]

I go to Aruba next Monday for a week, if you had to choose between LCDH and Cigar Emporium, which would you say is better for selection and price? From what I have read, those are the only two store that carry CC's

Cigar Emporium should be ok and the pricing is better...if you are there for awhile it's easier to get there...by one Cuban Cigar that you know well...purchase it and smoke it as that is the best way to know if you are getting a real one or a fake. If it's real...go back and buy cigars until your wallet begs for mercy.

 

[MattSRoss81]

I go to Aruba next Monday for a week, if you had to choose between LCDH and Cigar Emporium, which would you say is better for selection and price? From what I have read, those are the only two store that carry CC's

The cigars at the Emporium looked legit to me, but I just felt more assured by purchasing at the LCDH. Not every cigar was a wallet buster, so I'd encourage you to check it out. Definitely stay away from vendors on the beach.
Where are you staying? If you're looking for some authentic local cuisine, check out Papiamento's and/or The Flying Fishbone. Enjoy!

Good spots, but I'm partial to El Gaucho and Madame Jeannette

 

[Stogies and Suds]

I go to Aruba next Monday for a week, if you had to choose between LCDH and Cigar Emporium, which would you say is better for selection and price? From what I have read, those are the only two store that carry CC's

The cigars at the Emporium looked legit to me, but I just felt more assured by purchasing at the LCDH. Not every cigar was a wallet buster, so I'd encourage you to check it out. Definitely stay away from vendors on the beach.
Where are you staying? If you're looking for some authentic local cuisine, check out Papiamento's and/or The Flying Fishbone. Enjoy!

We are staying at a house in Tierra Del Sol on the north end of the Island.

I booked my family a snorkel trip on Jolly Pirate one afternoon and a romantic dinner for my wife and I at La Trattoria El Faro Blanco near the lighthouse.

I think flying fishbone is one the schedule for a family dinner.


In cigar news, I'm planning on bringing my black ops 40ct travel case with some cigars for when I get there. Not sure how many I will be coming back with me:glassesgr: :ccool: