What to get?

[Robb in Austin]

One of the folks I work with is Cuban and is going home soon. She is going to pick up some sticks for me. I have directed her to the nearest Habanos store to ensure she gets real ones. Her sister is supposed to be checking it out and getting stocking/prices for me.

I'm assuming the only thing that will be available will be the well known brands but am unsure what I should request. I originally told her to see if the ones from the Top 25 from CA were there but still waiting to hear back.

My intial thought was to get a box but am open to a bunch of individuals too.

Things I like: LP9, pretty much any RoMa craft offering, the La Careme, all the Ezra Zion's I've had.

Help me out BOTL/SOTLs!

 

[manbearpig]

If it were me I would go with full boxes. From what I understand there is no longer a limit on what you can bring back.

 

[Robb in Austin]

Any recs on which boxes?

 

[CVAC085]

All depends on your budget. The slopes are slippery, don't want to get hung up in debt over your hobby.


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[ChuckMejia]

I'd go for something you can't get from a vendor... with that said...

Have her pick you up a bundle or two from the big hotels in the area. Alex at hotel Comodoro seems to be a great choice.

 

[Robb in Austin]

They live on the other side of the island, otherwise thats a great idea.

 

[StogieNinja]

There's literally nothing in the Cuban portfolio that's going to be like what you're used to. I would maybe recommend Bolivar Belicosos Finos or Cohiba, those tend to be a little stronger and fuller in body.

 

[tadpole]

caution...imho there are 2 very different scales... NC and CC.
NC scale = 1 (mild)....3 (medium)... 5 (full)
the smokes that you listed that you enjoy (LP9, Roma) are on the FULL end of the scale.
however, the "full" CCs are only at a 3 on the NC scale. if you arent a "mild-medium" to "medium" kinda guy, this might not be as great of an experience as you are hoping.

i am a "box" kinda guy... but depending on your current "likes", a bunch of singles might be the best route. that way you can see what you like (and dislike) and can be better informed if and when the time comes to make another purchase. it would suck to get a box of something, smoke one and hate it, then be stuck with 24 more that you will never smoke again.

AND... just because they are more lenient on the amount you can bring back, that does NOT mean you wont have to pay extra taxes on them once they enter the country.

 

[php007]

I recommend you just order from one of the online vendors. By the time you have converted to CUC and buy from Habanos SA shops the price is the same or more. Like Chuck said the only thing worth getting is custom rolled stuff. When I was there 6 years a go the prices were similar to the online vendors if you didn't buy off the streets.
Just my .02 cents.

 

[Nacho Daddy]

ANYTHING brought back from Cuba needs to be FROZEN !!!!!!!
Fail to do this at your peril !!

 

[Robb in Austin]

Thanks for all the feedback yall!

 

[JZBdano]

Farm rolls! Farmers are allowed to roll stogies for themselves. Locals may have the best chance at getting their hands on some. I would go for something unique that can't be had online.