I was wondering if anyone knew of any reputable cigar shops in Brazil (Rio area)? I have a friend who is going soon and since he'll be outside the USofA is looking to try his first Cuban. Told him I'd post here and see if anyone knew of any (LCDH maybe?). Thanks in advance.

There is one in Rio check here:
http://www.lacasadelhabano.cu/mundo_i.asp

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it . Anyone else know of any shops?

Rio can be shady. Stick with the LCDH to avoid fakes. Cigars tend to be expensive in Brazil. You can buy duty free on the way in in SP, perhaps in Rio as well. There is a good jazz club/restaurant/cigar bar in Leblon called Mistura Fina. Retail cigar prices are high there, though.

smokie, what is the problem? some guy is kind enough to point you to the place or places you want, and that's not good enough for you?

Thanks O Man, I hadn't even thought of duty free. That's another option.

don't buy anything Cuban outside of the LCDH !

Yeah, I think I'm just gonna steer him twoards LCDH. He's going down to visit family and he said he's ask them if theyu knew of any good shops. I said the problem with that is if they're not die-hard smokers, they may not know if the products are genuine. I'm going to ask him to pick me up a box of Monte Edmundos, the size is right up my alley and I'v been wanting to try them. Anyone with experience with this cigar have an opinion on it . Again, thanks for all the replies.

There are lots of Eddy posts. I like it, but find it a bit lighter bodied than a MC2 at same price.

Duty free on the way in?

I thought duty free purcahsing access is only on the way out. They ask for the boarding pass and you pick up the stuff at the plane no?????

As strange as it sounds, there is a duty free shop on the way in in Sao Paulo. Right by baggage claim but before customs. Bought some CEs there once (they were real). Prices were a little high, so maybe the duty ain't so free.

Buenos Aires has Duty Free stores at both arrival & departure areas. The departure store is much larger. Bought a couple sticks on arrival & had to show my passport to prove I wasn't a local.

I smoked a monte edmundo last night with some friends at a bar.

The stick definitely could of used some rest. Overall a great stick with creamy notes. The flavor was more laid back - not the over-powering effect of the #2.

The caveat is that my mouth is cut so I wasn't able to appreciate the cigar like I normally would. My friend said it was one of the best smokes he has ever had (he is a beginner and I was in a giving mood).

If I can condense this down into one thought it would be: Great smoke, but not the monte power you might expect.

Sox

Thanks guys for the Edmundo replies. I think I'm gonna give 'em a shot. Sounds like they're still a good smoke and I wanna try something new. Thanks again.

Duty free is both available on the way in and out of the country at the airports. On the way in to the country you can only buy one box per passport, on the way out its not a big problem buying more than one box.

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Originally posted by ryj7x47:
smokie, what is the problem? some guy is kind enough to point you to the place or places you want, and that's not good enough for you?

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My Problem, WTF is your problem? I appreciate his reply just like I said. All I was asking was if anyone else knew of any other places in Brazil to go. Since I have never been there I'm just trying to give my buddy options. Old lady kick you out to the couch tonight or what?

In Rio de Janeiro I know the “TABACARIA AFRICANA” (address: Largo do Paço, 38 - Praça XV - phone.: 55 21 2509-5333). There you will find a good cigar for a honest price. Also they have a smoke room where.
Since in Brazil I recommend you a few wonderful Brazilian brands. They will surprise you. In my opinion the best Brazilian brand is Dannemann. Yes, a German name! Try the “Dannemann Artis Line” it’s top brand. Also you should try the “Dona Flor” and “Caravellas”. The Brazilian tobacco is not as strong as the Cuban but it is very tasty. Also the price is much cheaper.
The free shop stores at Rio an São Paulo airports are an option also but the prices are much higher. The best city in Brazil to buy cigar is São Paulo.

If you want more information about brazilian cigars go to www.charutos.com.br (only in Portuguese).

Best regards,
Ricardo Suiter.

Thanks a lot for the reply Ricardo. Lots of information there.