Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 9/14/2009

Question
Hello
I recently went to europe, and while I was there I tried finding some good cuban cigars.  I ended up buying four, two of which were terrible and quite possibly fakes, one that was pretty decent, and one that was the best I'd ever had.  That last one was a Partagas Serie P No. 2.  I was wondering if there is anything similar to it in the US?  I'm not leaving the country any time soon but I'd like to have another cigar like it.  And of course the cheaper the better...

Answer
Peter,

First, I have to remind you that as my profile states, I am not a Cuban cigar expert. Living in the U.S. I have very few opportunities to smoke Cuban cigars. Your question might be better asked of Mr. James Yee, one of the other experts on this site. James lives in Canada and smokes Cubans on a regular basis.

From my limited experience, I'd say that if you enjoyed the Cuban Partagas you should try Padron Anniversary Series (either 1926 or 1964), Tatuaje, Pinar del Rio, and maybe the new La Aroma de Cuba made by Pepin Garcia. The new La Aroma is just being released and may be hard to find, but the cigars I smoked were outstanding.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Bill