Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 4/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was recently in Jamaica and bought a box of Royal Jamaica Coronas. I had
never smoked one and knew nothing about the brand but just wanted
something local. After getting back to the States I was looking into the
history of the brand and can't seem to find anyone selling them. The box I
have is still sealed and the cigars are handmade in Jamaica not the Dominican
Republic. My question is are these worth anything or so bad that no one will
sell them?

ANSWER: Joshua,

You have me stumped. As far as I know, all Royal Jamaica cigars are made in the Dominican Republic by Altadis USA, the owners of the brand. Take a look at the bottom of the box and let me know what it says - the Dominican Made cigars will be marked "Tabacalera Garcia" or something like that.

If the cigars say made in Jamaica, they could be vintage cigars from the days when the brand was made in Jamaica, but that was 7 or 8 years ago. Please let me know what the box says.

Thanks,
Bill

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

QUESTION: The bottom of the box says "Hand Made in Jamaica, West Indies By the
Jamaica Tobacco Co." I'm assuming they are the vintage cigars you
mentioned. I'm wondering now if the tobacco is still any good. I still haven't
unwrapped them or broke the seal yet. Is there a market for vintage cigars or
should I just appreciate them myself? Thanks for your help.
Joshua

Answer
Joshua,

Assuming the cigars have been stored in humidified conditions they should be in good shape. If they turn out to be dry, they can be revived in your humidor with some patience. There is a market for vintage cigars, but that is outside my area of expertise so I wouldn't know where to tell you to begin determining a value... If they were my cigars, I'd smoke 'em!

Bill