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Cigars/Info on Cuban Cigars

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Expert: - 11/13/2008


Question
Hello Mr. Yee,

I will be traveling to Grand Cayman in a few weeks and would like information/tips on Cuban Cigars (I've never smoked a Cuban stick before).  I would like to know the differences in the flavor profile of Cuban vs. non-Cuban brands (i.e.,Bolivar, Partagas, Punch, Hoyo De Monterrey). I enjoy these brands in the non-Cuban version.  Are the Cuban versions much different?  Also, could you suggest any other Cuban brands that are medium-full bodied?

Thank You

Answer
Hi Charles,

Cuban cigars generally have a heavier and more spicy flavour while most non-Cuban cigars are more "peppery" in flavour.  Many of the non-Cuban counterparts such as Punch, Montecristo and Hoyo de Monterrey are milder and feature a smoother smoke whereas the Cuban versions are more full-bodied and richer tasting.  In my opinion, the smoke from a premium Cuban cigar is also more fragrant and heavier when compared to most non-Cuban cigars.

You'll definitely notice a difference in flavours between non-Cuban and Cuban brands.

As for Cuban cigar recommendations, here is a list of mild, medium and full-bodied Cuban cigars (in no particular order):

Mild:
Guantanamera
Fonseca
Saint Luis Rey
El Rey du Mundo
Sancho Panza

Medium:
Vegas Robaina
San Cristobal de La Habana
Punch
Romeo y Julieta
Hoyo de Monterrey
Cuaba
Punch
Cohiba

Full:
Montecristo (medium to full)
Ramon Allones
Partagas
Bolivar

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

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James Yee

Expertise

My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".

Experience

I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.

Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)


Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto

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