Expert: James Yee - 3/8/2011

Question
Hello Mr. Yee.
I enjoy a good Habanos but the only method i have to import them to ireland lehgally and in the least expensive manner is to ask a friend going on holidays to bring a box back.
My colleague is off to the Canary Islands and I am trying to find the address/phone/email of suitable (Habanos) Tobacco shop/s in either/both Las Palmas or Puerto Rico-Gran Canarias, so that I may 'pre-order' what I would like.  It would then be 'in-stock' when my good-friend passes-by.
I apologise if such a question is not within your remit, but i was so impressed with the bredth of your experience ....I thought I would ask. (I am also a little surprised at the scarcity of 'street' information online)
In anticipation of your response, thank you,
Kind Regards
John (Ireland)

Answer
Hi John,

When buying Cuban cigars, be sure that you or your friend only shop at a Habanos-approved retailer such as a LCDH (La Casa del Habanos) shop.  By shopping at these retailers, you are guaranteed genuine Cuban cigars.

Here's is the contact info for the LCDH shop in Las Palmas:

La Casa Del Habanos
c/ Torres N. 22
Tel: +34 928 43 3496
Fax: +34 928 38 0443
Email: sotabac@sotabac.com
Attn: Mr. Alfredo Martin Amador

If this contact info does not work, you may want to contact Altadis SA.  Altadis is the Spain distributor of Cuban cigars for Spain which includes the Canary Islands.  They will also be able to refer you to other authorized Habanos retailers in the Canary Islands area.

Here is their contact info:

Altadis S.A.
President: Mrs. Alison Cooper
General Director: Mr. Fernando Domínguez
Sales & Marketing Director Cigars Europe and International: Mr. Javier Estades
Address: Calle Eloy Gonzalo No. 10 - 28010 Madrid, España
Phone: +34 91 360 9066
Fax: +34 91 360 9025
Email: atencionclientehabanos@es.imptob.com
Website: www.altadis.com , www.imperial-tobacco.com

I hope this helps!  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James