Expert: James Yee - 4/10/2011

Question
Hello
I am a traveling to Isla Mujeres and staying at the Villa Rolandiin June and i have started started smoking cigars about 8 months ago so I am still new at this. I was wondering if you could tell me where a good cigar shop is, and what kind of Cuban cigars I should try while there.I do like the med to full flavors I seem to like the Sumatra's and maduro.I read a lot about the fakes so I don't end up with them if you could advise me would be great.

Thanks Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

When buying Cuban cigars, it's always best to shop at a Habanos-approved retailer such as a La Casa del Habanos shop (LCDH).  By shopping at a LCDH, you're guaranteed genuine cigars.

In Mexico, there is an LCDH in Cancun (which is close to Isla Mujeres).  Here is the address:

La Casa del Habanos Cancun
Address:
Blvd. Kukulkan Km 12.7 Zona Hotelera, Cancún Q.R. México 77500
Phone: 52 (998) 840-7000
Fax: 52 (998) 840-7001
E-mail : cancun@lacasadelhabano.com

There are also other LCDH shops in Mexico.  For a list of these shops, go to
http://www.lacasadelhabano.com/web/ and select "Search Franchises".

If you can't buy from the LCDH, be sure to buy from a Habanos-approved retailer that is supplied by the appointed Habanos distributor for Mexico.  The official distributor for Mexico is "IMPORTADORA Y EXPORTADORA DE PUROS Y TABACOS, S.A. DE C.V." (aka "IEPT").  There is a list of reputable cigar shops (supplied by IEPT) available on their website.  Go to http://www.iept.com.mx/en/tabaquerias.php and select the Mexican state "Quintana Roo" to view these shops and their contact info.  Quintana Roo is the state where Isla Mujeres is located.

As for medium-to-full bodied cigar recommendations, try the following brands (cigar sizes in parentheses):

San Cristobal de La Habana (La Fuerza, La Punta, El Morro)
Vegas Robaina (Famosos, Don Alejandro)
Montecristo (No. 2, No. 4)
Partagas (Serie D. No 4, Churchill)
Hoyo de Monterrey (Double Corona, Epicure No. 4, Churchill)

There's a lot of great medium-to-full strength Cuban cigars so don't be afraid to try different brands and sizes.  (That's part of the fun to smoking cigars.) ;)  Look for dark, oily cigars as they have the most flavour and potential for long-term aging.  The darker and oily the cigar, the better!

Hopes this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask!

Regards,
James