Cigars/Questions
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Question
Hello, I am a relatively new cigar smoker and enjoy learning about and trying the many varieties and options available. What cigars (available in the U.S.) do you recommend and are high-quality while still being affordable? Also, is there a Cuban selection available in Spain that you would recommend for a relative newbie like me? I may have an opportunity to pick one up there in the near future but know nothing of the foreign markets.
Joe
Hi Joe,
The following are excellent (and affordable) non-Cuban cigar brands:
Arturo Fuente
Oliva
Padron
Partagas
Romeo y Julieta
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur/Excalibur 1066
Sancho Panza
CAO
For Cuban cigars, you may want to try:
San Cristobal de La Habana
Romeo y Julieta
Saint Luis Rey
El Rey del Mundo
Jose Piedra
Sancho Panza
Rafael Gonzalez
These are excellent Cuban cigar brands for beginners. You may also notice that some non-Cuban cigar brands share the same name as the Cuban brands. These are completely separate brands. They share the same name and brand design but they are not made with the same tobacco and the non-Cuban version does not have any Cuban tobacco in them whatsoever. The non-Cuban versions were created after the Cuban version as a way of cashing in on the Cuban brands' popularity and though they may appear similar, the non-Cuban version is slightly different in terms of branding. (The Cuban versions for example, will usually have the words ("Habana" on the cigar band/box.)
Hopes this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.
Regards,
James
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 9 | Clarity of Response = 9 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | James Yee gave a very thorough and helpful response to my question. In addition, the response came in less than 9 hrs. The level of knowledge of the cigar market is very high and well rounded. Additionally I appreciate the very courteous response to someone who is new to the cigar arena. Many thanks! Joe | ||
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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
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