As much as I enjoy a fine Cuban cigar here in Canada, I can't help but be tempted by the amazing 1964 Ani. Padron line. Ive had the pleasure of enjoying 2 so far, but at 55$ per cigar I can't indulge in them very often.
Not only are they very pricey, they are very rare here so you can't exactly price shop. I don't go to the US very often though I do live close to Seattle just north of the border in Vancouver - if anyone knows of a reliable retailer in Seattle please let me know and Ill make the trip down.
That being said, Im travelling to Cuba next week and was wondering if there are authentic Padrons available in Havana?
That being said, Im travelling to Cuba next week and was wondering if there are authentic Padrons available in Havana?
Thanks
That would be surprising. Cuba importing cigars would be like Antarctica importing ice.
But I suppose it is possible.
Yeah I know what you mean - reason I ask is because a friend who visited the mother land in November of '07 said some of the cigar shops had boxes from all over south america, and Guatemala seemed to be really popular for w/e reason.
I've only been to Cuba twice but have never seen a cigar that was not Cuban. I'd take padrons with you if you must but visiting Cuba and bringing Nicaraguan cigars is like taking Chilean wine with you on your trip to Bordeaux.
Posts: 1371 | Location: Canada | Registered: November 15, 2006
is this a trick question? This would be highly unlikely because of the on-going geopolitical tensions despite the fact that they have elected a leftist government in Nicaragua.
Even if they did sell Padrons in Cuba (they don't), why in the sam hell would you want them when the finest cigars on Earth will be at your fingertips?
I'm glad to hear someone outside of the US loves these smokes. Truly, they are tremendous, the top one or two NC smokes out there. \
I know a few vendors who sell them by the box. Perhaps you could have them shipped to a friend in the US or to wherever you stay when you're in Seattle. Let me know and I'll post a link to the source's site. They're based in Sacramento, CA.
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Posts: 1485 | Location: New York/Denver | Registered: August 05, 2005
Looking for Padrons in Cuba? That's the strangest post for quite a while... Why don't you just get as many CC's as you can/allowed by Canadian law. 'cause probably even if you get Padrons in Cuba, they still would count to the number of cigars you can bring, so why do it at the expense of CC's. And if you're longing so much for Padrons, your neighboring country to the south is the place. They're less available and normally more expensive elsewhere in the world.
------- "And it is not just a business. It’s a love affair." Paul B.K. Garmirian about making cigars
"Rain City cigars" in Seattle usually has a nice selection of Padron's if you want to make the trip down. The trading post on the rez outside of Anacortes is a little closer for you (near Mt. Vernon) but I can't vouche for their Padron selection.
You could also order from any number of sources and have them shipped.
Some of you may benefit from a different perspective... Cuban cigars are as easy for me to get as Padrons are for you, and vice versa. My humidor is 90 percent cuban right now, but the 1964 Padrons retail for around 55$ plus tax a cigar making them a rare commodity for me considering how much Ive enjoyed the ones Ive had.
I've been to WA previously but never found a good shop, Im trying a new one this week that'll hopefully carry what Im looking for.
Your best bet is to bring as many CC's back as you are allowed and then post in the trade section that your willing to swap for Padron's. I know I would be more than happy to help you with that as I have access to the reservation where the prices are great. Just a thought. Of course the CC's you buy would have to come from one of the Government stores and not from street bargains.
Originally posted by littoines: Your best bet is to bring as many CC's back as you are allowed and then post in the trade section that your willing to swap for Padron's. I know I would be more than happy to help you with that as I have access to the reservation where the prices are great. Just a thought.
Now that's a very good idea.
"If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks." Brendan Behan
Posts: 1807 | Location: Dublin | Registered: November 29, 2006
When I was at Niagara On The Lake Ontario, I went into Customs House to purchase cigars. Most of the locals wanted Non CC's. I was stunned when the owner kept telling me , "come back tomorrow, I'm expecting some Perdomo's". A fuente Opus X Robusto was $59.00. I guess when you eat Lobster everyday you sometimes want a Burger. A great burger mind you. And sometimes you want Filet Mignon which would be the Padron's.
Originally posted by littoines: When I was at Niagara On The Lake Ontario, I went into Customs House to purchase cigars. Most of the locals wanted Non CC's. I was stunned when the owner kept telling me , "come back tomorrow, I'm expecting some Perdomo's". A fuente Opus X Robusto was $59.00. I guess when you eat Lobster everyday you sometimes want a Burger. A great burger mind you. And sometimes you want Filet Mignon which would be the Padron's.
You hit the nail on the head right there! I even have access to some CC's that Cubans don't even have like my Canada Exclusive Bolivar Simones Robustos.
As for littoines and the rest of you with constructive feedback, I appreciate it. We are allowed 50 cigars back while staying for approx 1 week. My reputable Cigar Store (I think you call themn B&Ms here...not sure why) recommend a shop in Havana they have been personally dealing with for years to help prevent fakes, and they demonstrated what to look for to help spot them on the brands Im after.
I get quite tired reading the propaganda from the Cuban fans on this board. Anyone who boasts about a clear superiority of Cuban cigars over Padrons is expressing a preference, not a fact. Cuba still produces many great cigars (more than any other country) but some of the top NCs (such as the Padron anniversaries, Fuente God of Fire and Tatuaje reservas) can hold their own with the Cubans, as long as the smoker is not prejudiced towards CCs.
I know some recent immigrants from Cuba (including a couple who worked in the cigar industry) and they are amazed with the flavor and consistency of the Padrons. I have friends in the Carribean who previously would smoke only Cubans -- now they are Padron anniversary fanatics and travel to S. Florida just to get them.
Anyone who compares Padrons to Chilean wine while stating Cubans are Bourdeauxs is way, way off base.
You hit the nail on the head right there! I even have access to some CC's that Cubans don't even have like my Canada Exclusive Bolivar Simones Robustos.
As for littoines and the rest of you with constructive feedback, I appreciate it. We are allowed 50 cigars back while staying for approx 1 week. My reputable Cigar Store (I think you call themn B&Ms here...not sure why) recommend a shop in Havana they have been personally dealing with for years to help prevent fakes, and they demonstrated what to look for to help spot them on the brands Im after.
B&M stands for Brick and Mortar. Only used to represent a physical store vs. a virtual online store... Good luck with your search for Padrons. They've offered my greatest smoking experience to date. I purchased some more last weekend to hold onto until the summer.
Posts: 2749 | Location: Long Island, NY | Registered: July 28, 2007
Ahhh, Cubans - every single one knows everything about tobacco. The cigars that they can get you are exactly the same as the ones where you pay 10x as much and not a one can understand why anybody would pay so much for them.
This is a ridiculous thread. If the question is, "where can I get Padron cigars?" why is it being posted here?
The Padron family left Cuba at the time of the revolution. However, as I understand, they were vilified because they were involved in some dealings with Castro for the release of political prisoners. Apparently, Castro even asked for some of their cigars to try.
But in Cuba, they sell Cuban cigars...no matter what your preference may be.
___________________ Santa Cabilla...patron saint of Quericæstan. VIVE COULTER (not Ann)! VIVE CPD! Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go...(Oscar Wilde)
Posts: 10724 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
