Expert: James Yee - 1/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: James,
I read your profile and some of your answers and I'm certainly very impressed with your knowledge and experience..
I am leaving for my first visit to Cuba in a day and a half and am looking to taste a few authentic cigars while I'm there, as well as bringing around 50 cigars back. I can certainly say that I'm a novice (having tried a few Cuban brands), and I am looking for the absolute mildest Cubans out there. Do you know which brands/etc I should limit myself with. In one of your answers you mentioned the the lightest/mildest brand would be Fonseca?

Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Igor,

Yes, Fonseca is definitely one of the mildest brands in Cuba.  Other premium Cuban brands that are considered mild are "Quai D'orsay", "Sancho Panza" and "El Rey du Mundo".  If you're looking for the absolute mildest Cuban brand, you may want to sample the brand "Guantanamera".  Though Guantanamera cigars are extremely mild and machine-made cigars, they are considered a premium brand among lower-end, machine-made Cuban cigars.

Here's a list of mild Cuban cigar brands that's commercially available:

MILD:
Fonseca
Guantanamera
Quai D'orsay
El Rey du Mundo
Vegeuros
Sancho Panza
Rafael Gonzalez

MILD-TO-MEDIUM:
Vegas Robaina
Romeo y Julieta
H. Upmann
Saint Luis Rey
Jose Piedra

Hope this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I'll be happy to help.  Enjoy your trip to Cuba!

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks James, this is great!

While I'm in Cuba I certainly will sample a few cigars that you mentioned. Is there a drink that goes well with these? :)

Answer
Igor,

Cuban rum, cognac, mojitos, icewine and port goes incredibly well with cigars.  For non-alcoholic beverages, Cuban coffee/espresso can accentuate and compliment the flavours in a fine Cuban cigar.  Sipping ice-cold water between draws is also good as it cleanses your palate and refresh your mouth and lips for each draw.

Regards,
James