Well said. We don't want to make fun of you. I don't enjoy it. Most people like to see others join in the hobby. If you read that link, you will understand why 90% of DR cigars and pretty much any of the cigars you have heard of can't be purchased in the DR without being imported back into the country. So, if you see them, they may be fake. And in resorts, it doesn't mean they are real.
I just like cigars, is that ok?
Posts: 797 | Location: Fayetteville, Ga | Registered: November 13, 2006
Well, I think you guys jested in error. I never said I knew cigars because I smoked about 10 or 15 stogies. I said my neighbour knows cigars. He's been smoking for at least the 10 years I've known him.
The reason I don't want to bring cigars with me is because I live in Toronto. Cigars here are much more expensive than what you guys can get in the fine US and A. Any chance to get a good cigar at a discounted price would be a bonus.
Believe me, I won't buy any box of cigars without first trying them first.
I've heard what you guys have said, and I'll be very carefull. But in the end, it's like you've said already. If I enjoy the cigars I buy. What else matters?
Secondly, I honestly don't want to bring cigars with me. I'm not that far into my obsession with cigars yet.
I'll smoke what I can get when I'm there.
I'm sure I'll enjoy what I find.
What do I know?
Maybe one of you guys should ship me a really nice H. Upmann, so I know what a really nice cigar tastes like.
Why not?
rob
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'll bet there's rich folks eatin in fancy dinin cars.Ther're probably drinkin coffee and smokin big cigars.
Posts: 325 | Location: Toronto. | Registered: July 10, 2007
Ashton and Macanudo are definitely my favorites at this time. Although I'm relatively new yet. I would say, like the others, you can buy almost anything on the internet. But I think to be able to buy them there on the spot where they're made would be a really nice treat. I would love to see some of the farms and factories and the fact that you're taking your lady friend makes it an added bonus. I don't know anything of your particular location. But perhaps you should sample some of what the dealers have on the beach or what DR's they have here in the states and get an idea of what you like. I'd hate to go down there and grab a few boxes of something I haven't tried that I might not like at all!
“If you love life, don't waste time, for time is what life is made up of.”
-Bruce Lee
Posts: 28 | Location: Ohio | Registered: July 06, 2007
When I was in the DR, near Punta Cana, I found a little cigar manufacturer called De Leon. The owner was nice, let me sample one of his stock, spoke perfect English, and I ended up buying a full box, half natural, half maduro from him. They cost about $5 per stick and while I know you can get cheaper stuff online I thought it was cool to get a box on vacation.
The cigars themselves were good, not outstanding, but solid. Nice draw, good construction, I liked the maduro much better as the natural was too light IMO. You can find the website if you google de leon cigars.
Originally posted by thicksmoke: If you really want to smoke some good cigars on vacation, why didn't you choose Cuba?? Or, bring some with you. THats what I would do.
Been there, done that. Didn't like Cuba that much.
Dominican is much nicer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'll bet there's rich folks eatin in fancy dinin cars.Ther're probably drinkin coffee and smokin big cigars.
Posts: 325 | Location: Toronto. | Registered: July 10, 2007
This is my first post so I'll give a little introduction.
I'm am definitely new to smoking cigars. If I am counting correctly I smoked my 8th cigar yesterday. This thread is kind of fitting because I smoked my first cigar in Puerto Plata, DM. I was vacationing with family, some of which have been smoking cigars for a long time now. I have had some introduction to brands, types and quality from them because I have purchased cigars for a few friends who indulge, the selections I made from them seemed to be satisfactory but who knows, they may have not wanted to insult me. anyway....
We left the resort on multiple occasions to explore some of the cigar shops in the city. We found a few. Most had people rolling cigars on site. We found a small shop in the city called Larimar House. They had plenty of cigars of various brands. They gave us some samples to try, this is where I smoked my first cigar.... it was actually enjoyable. We ended up buying various different kinds, some singles, some in 3 packs, some in boxes of 10.
I'm very surprised to read that they can't sell Dominican cigars there because that is what they touted. The biggest name I noted was Arturo Fuente Opus X. I remember them well because they were 32,800.00 pesos (1,000.00) for I think 30. They had a 3 pack for 300.00. They had Rocky Patels 1990 and 1992, Montecristos, Partagas ... To name a few. We even got a tour of the factory, they were making the cigars with Dominican tobacco for the filler and binder but the wrappers were Connecticut wrappers. You could buy them by the singles, boxes, bundles of 50 or 100. Actually the Larimar House would print up your name on the bands and box so you could tout your own brand. LOL
Did these guys actually shoot us a big line of bull the entire time we were there?
So far all but one of the cigars I smoked were purchased in Puerto Plata. I had 4 of the same kind and 3 other singles. The 8th was a pre-embargo Cuban I picked up locally when I stopped in to pickup a cutter, or at least it was supposed to be. I didn't really like the Larimar House brand that much. They tasted great but it seemed I had to work at getting a good draw. If I took one or two small puffs prior to the draw it seemed to be better but I felt the cigar was being over heated. In what reading I have done I know you should not do that. They burned great, ash was white and half way through the cigar it still didn't fall off. I tried cutting the head at different spots on each without cutting the entire cap off but it did not change the draw. When rolling them between my fingers prior to lighting them the felt fairly firm but consistent with no soft spots. The other 3 were much better in that aspect, easier but more on the spicy side. I actually found the Cuban to be the best so far. (of course with more experience who knows what I'll thing then ).
Those were real Dominicans as only 90% of DR's factories are in the free trade zones.
And to sell some of those other brands, they could have imported them back in so they could have been real as well. Especially if they were selling them that high.
I just like cigars, is that ok?
Posts: 797 | Location: Fayetteville, Ga | Registered: November 13, 2006
Originally posted by Jon Paul: Welcome to the forums.
Thank you!
quote:
Those were real Dominicans as only 90% of DR's factories are in the free trade zones.
That makes more sense! It was quite an expierence to see the people rolling the cigars, pressing them, adding the wrappers and the caps.
quote:
And to sell some of those other brands, they could have imported them back in so they could have been real as well. Especially if they were selling them that high.
The guide we had said the average income there was $200-$300 per month for the average person. Some of the cigars there must have been for tourists, no one else could afford them.
Fuzzuki - There were dozens of places just in the small area I visited. Just get a guide and have them take you around. Watch though because sometimes they want to take you only to the shops they are associated with.
Hi, I was in Puerto Plata in December 2006. On the main road connecting the hotels there is cafe Cito. A Canadian who lives in DR sells nice cigars in his cafe from small local farmers/producers. Google Cito puerto plata for details. An honest product for an honest price. Count between 4 and 7 US$/piece. NEVER buy cigars on the beach or even in (tourist)shops unless you like to smoke banana leaves. Do not be fooled by offers of real Cohiba or other Cuban brands : they are FAKE. The Dominicans roll a good cigar themselves, so stay with the local produce. Do not buy them in the hotel shops : to expensive and yes, there are fakes too.
Originally posted by mojitoman: Hi, I was in Puerto Plata in December 2006. On the main road connecting the hotels there is cafe Cito. A Canadian who lives in DR sells nice cigars in his cafe from small local farmers/producers. Google Cito puerto plata for details. An honest product for an honest price. Count between 4 and 7 US$/piece. NEVER buy cigars on the beach or even in (tourist)shops unless you like to smoke banana leaves. Do not be fooled by offers of real Cohiba or other Cuban brands : they are FAKE. The Dominicans roll a good cigar themselves, so stay with the local produce. Do not buy them in the hotel shops : to expensive and yes, there are fakes too.
Originally posted by fuzzuki: Sorry, I guess you can't post pictures here.
La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial
I can still taste it.
Hope I can buy some more of those in the DR.
La Flor Dominicana is an excelent line. I love the El Jocko. The La Flor Factory may be in the free trade zone so it may be tough to find them there. You should check their website www.laflordominicana.com for info. They may even have a factory tour.
quote: Originally posted by fuzzuki: Sorry, I guess you can't post pictures here.
La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial
I can still taste it.
Hope I can buy some more of those in the DR.
La Flor Dominicana is an excelent line. I love the El Jocko. The La Flor Factory may be in the free trade zone so it may be tough to find them there. You should check their website www.laflordominicana.com for info. They may even have a factory tour.
Don't Forget the LITTO GOMEZ SMALL BATCH sorry did'nt mean to yell. They are awesome.
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Posts: 4791 | Location: Reggio di Calabria, Italy / New York United States | Registered: July 12, 2007
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