I'm making my sixth trip to Cuba this summer and after arguing and pleading with Air Canada we are spending three days in Havana (Parque Central) and then six days in Varadero. the wife finally gave in and decided we should see Havana before the Golden Arches get there. I can hear the real afionados screaming, "Five times and never to Havana!" That aside, I'm looking for any tips. I've purchased cigars in Cayo Coco once, at the decent store in what was a combined Hotel/Club Tryp (where I first enjoyed a cigar) and have bought cigars in Varadero at the Casa Del Habano as well as the store in Las Americas Mall and ordered in a great and well aged box of Glorias at the (formerly Sandals) Princesa del Mar. I've got three days in Havana, July 4th, 5th, and 6th. 1. Is there anyware safe to buy/sample singles in Havana? I read that J.S. buys them at the Nacional. I have bought singles in Varadero before but at the Casa del Habano, they soetimes inisted on a mark up (pocketed) depending on who was in the store. 2. Does anyone know what the days/times are for Partagas Factory tours? 3. Any recommendations on where to find older boxes? I found a box of Cazadores in Varadero with two years on them and learned what a great difference time can make. In fact most of what I brought back last year had two years on it. 4. Has anyone shared/traded duty free with other passengers. I would gladly trade my rum allowance for their fifty cigar allowance (I can buy a $10 bottle of Rum there for $25 here but a $250 box of cigars there is $800 here.
Thanks for any help. If you decide to crap all over me, don't worry, I'll interpret it as envy...
The Parque Central is a beautiful hotel. They have a small, but well appointed cigar ctore & lounge on the second floor. Just a couple block walk to the Partagas Factory & a couple blocks to the old La Corona factory. Partagas has a couple tours daily. I'd avoid singles & stick to boxes.
Originally posted by TheHawk: 1. Is there anyware safe to buy/sample singles in Havana?
Buyer beware.
2. Does anyone know what the days/times are for Partagas Factory tours?
Tours are any time the store and factory are open. 9 to 5. Go on weekdays, check out the holidays.
3. Any recommendations on where to find older boxes? You have to search.
4. Has anyone shared/traded duty free with other passengers. Yes people have done that. But remember that personal duty exemptions are for personal use. This involves mutually agreed upon cooperation.
If you decide to crap all over me, don't worry, I'll interpret it as envy...
I was there for two weeks in February and I'm there for a week in June. A lot of people go there.
QM Quality does not occur by chance. It is the result of intelligent activities.
Posts: 7553 | Location: Cigar land | Registered: March 10, 2003
The Hotel Nacional has the biggest selection of singles in Havana. Down in the basement. I've never had worries there about the singles being fakes. Decent selection of boxes as well.
Posts: 5 | Location: Calle 17 entre 26 y 28 | Registered: January 25, 2008
