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Cigars/types of cigars

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Expert: - 3/20/2007


Question
What is a trenzado I heard its 3 cigars braided together is that real? my buddy says he has 1, is it true that 'real' cubans have drugs in them. what brands do recomend for beginers in the us. thank you

Answer
Jose,

A 3-braided cigar is called a "Culebra" (snake), not a trenzado. Culebra cigars do exist.  The Dominican cigar brand Davidoff makes a culebra cigar as does the Cuban cigar brand Partagas.  A culebra is basically three curved cigars that are S-shaped and braided together.  They are meant to be smoked individually but if you are truly brave, you can try to smoke them all at the same time. ;)

No, real Cuban cigars do not contain any drugs.  That is a myth.  For beginners, I would recommend Padron 2000/3000, Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur 1066, Arturo Fuente Curly Heads and Avo Domaine Maduros.  These brands are all smooth and flavourful but not too strong.  Excellent cigars.

Regards,
James

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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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