I don't know the area but you could try this Estancos in Santiago Tobacco shops in Spain are called "Estancos". Most sell lots of cigarettes with a very small cigar selection. Those that advertise "Cava de Puros" have a cigar humidor. Can't help at all with Portugal I'm afraid. If you're staying in a hotel, they should be able to point you in the right direction. Make sure you try the Albariño while you're in that part of the world.
"If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks." Brendan Behan
Posts: 1749 | Location: Dublin | Registered: November 29, 2006
It's gonna be pretty ugly as my girlfriend has family in both countries. I'm Japanese/American.
If we end up going I'm going to be looked at with disdain the whole time...
But if I can find a bar with Yuengling on tap and an "Estanco" that can get me 5 H. Upmann Mag 50's and 5 Punch Churchill's, I think I'll be able to tolerate it.
Hopefully I'll also be able to finally try a RyJ and Montecristo CC too. (I think I have a better chance with the CC's than the Yuengling)
-Chuck Fess
Posts: 32 | Location: NY and Acushnet, MA | Registered: September 27, 2009
Originally posted by Robuster: It's gonna be pretty ugly as my girlfriend has family in both countries. I'm Japanese/American.
If we end up going I'm going to be looked at with disdain the whole time...
But if I can find a bar with Yuengling on tap and an "Estanco" that can get me 5 H. Upmann Mag 50's and 5 Punch Churchill's, I think I'll be able to tolerate it.
Hopefully I'll also be able to finally try a RyJ and Montecristo CC too. (I think I have a better chance with the CC's than the Yuengling)
You can't even get Yuengling in any form in most of the United States. In Spain you'll have a choice of Cruzcampo (don't drink this unless you're literally on the verge of death and it's free), Alhambra and a few varieties of San Miguel. In some fancier places you'll encounter a few other European beers like Carlsberg.
As for cigar shops, there are estancos everywere, marked by a square maroon sign with a yellow border and a yellow 'T' in the middle. Prices are regulated by the government, so any nice-looking place will do. Even the grocery stores in Spain have a decent selection of Cuban cigars in good storage conditions. Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta will be available in great numbers.
LOL I know. I grew up in the NJ/NYC/NY area. I'm now in MA and can't even get the beer I love.
Do you have any idea of the prices? You said they were regulated by the Government. Is this a good thing for me in terms of money spent and exchange rate?
-Chuck Fess
Posts: 32 | Location: NY and Acushnet, MA | Registered: September 27, 2009
€45 for the Gran reserva isn't bad. That's now easily the cheapest I've seen outside Cuba. I spent €60 for mine and I thought I had a deal (though I have to say I'm not unhappy). Spain has good prices for Limiteds and Regionals. You won't find these in every estanco. I've never seen Cuban cigars or any tobacco in a grocery store in Spain. The "El Corte Ingles" department store sometimes has a few but not good storage or selection. Goverment control of prices makes no difference regarding money spent or exchange rate. The exchange rate is not good regarding the US dollar at the moment and you'll still have to spend money if you want cigars. All it means really is if you see something you want, buy it because you won't find it cheaper in a different shop.
"If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks." Brendan Behan
Posts: 1749 | Location: Dublin | Registered: November 29, 2006
