Expert: James Yee - 7/16/2009

Question
Hi James,

I have a friend going to Cuba, so I definitely want to take advantage and get him to buy me a box.   Unfortunately, I only know toronto prices and not prices in Cuba.

I will definitely tell him to buy them from La Casa del Habanos, or a Habanos SA approved store like you have mentioned in other posts.   Im a bit short on cash right now, and am looking to spend about $100US on a box.   I think I heard that a box of montecristo #4's is under $100, but I am not sure.

I am not a particular fan of montecristos and was looking to ask for a box of cohiba's.   Are they significantly more expensive or can I still find a box of 20-25 for about $100US?

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.   Is there any online source that has prices for LCDH's?   I would like to browse if possible...

But if there is a box of cohibas you could recommend that are cheap, that would be great.   Could you also specify if you are talking about CDN, US or CUC dollars?   thanks

Answer
Hi Andy,

MartyMix has a good price list for Cuban cigars in Cuba.  I'm not sure how often he updates his price list but it is fairly recent so it will give you an idea of how much certain cigars cost.

Here's his price list:
http://www.marty.514crew.com/cigarprices.html

Unfortunately, the cheapest Cohiba cigar available is the Panetela and that costs about $135 USD.  All of Cohiba cigars are fairly expensive... even in Cuba.  You can however, buy Cohiba Siglo cigars in 5-packs or even tubed singles so you may want your friend to do that.

For cigar recommendations under $100 USD, I suggest Romeo y Julieta Tubos No. 1, Bolivar Bonitas, Cuaba Generosos, San Cristobal El Principe or Partagas De Luxe Tubos.  Unfortunately, for $100 USD, you can really only find small cigars (petit corona and smaller) within that price range.  However, the cigars I mentioned are excellent, especially if they're dark and oily.

Hopes this helps.  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James