You are here:

Cigars/Cuban vs Non Cuban

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/18/2009


Question
Hi James, I have a kinda tricky one... would you say that a Guantanamera Cristales is beter than a regular non-cuban for example a Fuentes or non-cuban Cohiba if comparing only the taste in terms of complexity? jaja I hope you can understand the question. What about a Fonseca Cosacos?

Thanks for your time,  

Answer
Hi Daniel,

Is a Guantanamera Cristales better than a regular non-Cuban cigar?  No, not really.  Guantanamera are considered to be low-to-medium quality in terms of quality and taste.  It's marketed as an affordable Cuban cigar but the quality is still lower than most premium non-Cuban cigars such as Arturo Fuente.  Guantanameras do have a good flavour but it is not as complex as a premium non-Cuban cigar.

Fonseca Cosacos is much better in quality and in terms of quality and complexity, is much better than most premium, hand-rolled non-Cuban cigars.  Fonseca is a mild Cuban brand but it is still more flavourful and stronger than most non-Cubans.  Fonseca Cosacos is also one of my favourite "everyday" Cuban cigars.

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

Cigars

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.