Expert: James Yee - 3/25/2009

Question
Hi James,

Hope all is well.

I have noticed while comparing my Cuban cigars to Honduran/Nicaraguan brands, there is quite a noticeable difference in the quality of roll. What I mean is that the ends of the Cubans dont look as tight as the Honduran/Nicaraguan. (I only have quality/authentic Cubans bought at LCDH) so that will eliminate the risk of being fakes). They look less tight, some are a little cracked, and just the overall appearance differs from the other countries mentioned. (The cigars are not falling apart, do not have holes or are un-smokeable.)
I have heard that the quality control for Cuba is not as strict as other countries. Is this true?

The brands I compared were Rocky Patel 92, Olde World Reserve, Alec Bradley Tempus - Monte #2, Boivar B.F. and Vegas Robaina Famosos (All which were bought within the last year and not handled other than while in transit in my suitcase. They just sit in my cabinet humidor).
I can take a picture if you would like to show you the difference.

Thanking you in advance for your response and as always grateful.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Thomas,

Yes, a lot of non-Cuban cigars do have an excellent construction when compared to Cuban cigars.  I know some non-Cuban cigar factories use machines for cigar production so many cigars are hand-rolled and machine finished and vice versa.  This provides a cleaner look for the cigar.  

Is quality control less strict in Cuba?  It's hard to say.  Yes, some cigars look poorly finished but some Cuban cigars can look incredible (particularly Cuba's super-premium cigars).  I personally think alot of non-Cuban cigar companies just take more pride in producing their cigars and this is quite evident in cigars such as Davidoff (I have NEVER seen a bad-looking Davidoff cigar), Padron Anniversarios and Fuente Opus X.

I hate to make this response short but I'm actually on vacation right now and I'm pressed for time.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to search my question archive here on allexperts.  I should be back in mid-april.

Regards,
James