Expert: James Yee - 8/17/2008

Question
Hi James,

Thanks for your help but I have yet another question

Ive only been getting into cigars for about a year or so.   Most of the cigars ive smoked were either Cuban or Dominican, but they tend to get a little pricey to have very frequently

Im still a total beginner and would like to gain more experience I guess with my cigar palette...

I was wondering if there are any real cheap cigars that are still a decent smoke.   Is there a reputable site I can order from?  I live in Toronto, I was looking at the other expert Finck's website, which had some cheap cigars he recommended... but they dont deliver to Toronto where I am

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Also, if you know of a website, could you maybe list a few more economical cigars?

thanks!

Answer
Hi Andrew,

There are many cigar shops in Toronto that does sell cheaper non-Cuban cigars as well as inexpensive, low-end Cuban cigars (ie: Quintero, Los Statos Deluxe, La Flor de Cano, Piedra, Guantanamera,  etc.)  Stores such as Thomas Hinds, Xcentrix, Tobacco Haven and Cigars for You usually has a good variety of expensive and inexpensive non-Cuban cigars.

For a list of non-Cuban cigar retailers, you can also contact House of Horvath which is the Toronto distributor for non-Cuban cigars and they may be able to provide a complete listing of non-Cuban cigar shops in Toronto.  I don't think they have an official website but they can be contacted at (416) 534-4254.  You can also check the Yellow Pages under "tobacconists" as there are many cigar shops located throughout the GTA.  

There are also lots of websites that does ship to Canada (from the US) but you may have to pay duties and excise taxes just to receive them.  I don't have any of these website addresses on hand right now so you will have to google for non-Cuban cigar retailers that ships to Canada.  Many may not advertise that they ship to Canada but will gladly let you know via email if they ship to Canada or not (s&h may cost more and you must be responsible for any duties or taxes.)

Regards,
James