US tightens ban on Cuban cigars

AFP/Yahoo ^ | 10/6/04

[Phantom Lord]

I took advantage of the "free cigars" from drudge about a week or so ago, so I should be getting another sampler soon.

Tell us more.

[Freebird Forever]

Americans are barred from buying a Cuban cigar in other countries, even to smoke it outside the United States.

The last time I entered Mexico one of the first questions posed to me was to inquire if I was interested in purchasing some Cuban cigars.

I don't smoke tobacco so I politely declined. But how would the authorities know if I had chosen to fire one up? Will we be subject to UAs when crossing back into the US?

[7.62 x 51mm]

Uh-oh. Does Rush know this yet?

[freeeee]

Breaking the rules can lead to criminal penalties, including fines of up to one million dollars for corporations and 250,000 dollars for individuals and up to 10 years in prison, the department said.

Well, I finally found a key difference between the US and former East Germany:

While both countries act(ed) like they owned their inhabitants, and set up boundaries for their travel akin to the fence a farmer sets up for his herd,

East Germany would shoot you for going over the wall.

And the US will only take every penny you have and throw you in jail for 10 years.

Now that is something to be grateful for!

[Centurion2000]

For example, Americans are barred from buying a Cuban cigar in other countries, even to smoke it outside the United States.

heh ... stop us

[wireman]

I agree. Cuban cigars are legendary, but the quality is inconsistent these days.

I long for the day when free Cubans will again make the best cigars in the world. But I'm not holding my breath.

[Moleman]

No cigars from Cuba because Cuba is Comunist. OK I understand and support.
Every possible toy, shoe, TV etc can be bought from China, who is Comunist. STUPID STUPID STUPID double standard of American policy.

[camle]

that particular order has yet to arrive, but I do get some from www.cheapercigars.com where I usually get my conquistadors. much less $$ thatn anybody else. Cigars2U IIRC is the one that was on drudge.

[KidGlock]

OK.

Now I finally agree that we have taken the "Fidel Castro" emargo too far.

Viva la smoke!

[Moleman]

No Cubans for me. If I smoke anything it comes from Jamaica :-)

This thread is now a WOD thread...To the smokey back room with you...

[oyez]

I once heard Allan King say that Castro destroyed the true quality of the native cigars.

[RinaseaofDs]

Please add me to the cigar afficionado ping list.

Thanks,

Matt

[camle]

I was given some kind of honduran one a few years back. sweetest cigar I ever had. kinda miniature in size, dark in color, but it left an impression - too bad the kid ate the ring (or did something with it)

[Fintan]

Cuban cigars are overrated, IMHO.

And even if they weren't I'm still voting for Bush.

[MineralMan]

"No Cubans for me. If I smoke anything it comes from Jamaica :-)
This thread is now a WOD thread...To the smokey back room with you..."

Well, we either embargo Cuba or we don't. Personally, I think it's a bad idea, but there it is. Until that embargo is lifted, I don't smoke Cubans. It's the law.

I'm amazed at how many here don't seem to care...as long as it interferes with their personal pleasure, the law can go hang.

Not a conservative point of view, IMO.

[Guillermo]

Never happen?

Why?

(It's going to happen)

[tdadams]

I do have to wonder though that part of what makes them so good in my mind (and perhaps others) is the fact that they are "taboo".

No, definitely not.

Although I do think that's probably the draw for some cigar neophytes who just want to feel big about getting their hands on a Cuban.

If you're an experienced cigar smoker to the point where you can distinguish the subtle variations in flavors and pick up on those nearly imperceptible qualities of a good cigar, you'll notice there is something characteristic about quality Cubans that really sets them apart. There is nothing else like them. A good quality Cuban has such an array of complimentary flavors and just the right body that it makes most of the cigars you can buy in America taste like you're smoking a grocery bag.

Of course, I'm referring to the high quality stuff, like Hoyo de Monterrey, Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, etc. There are plenty of second rate Cubans that are rubbish compared to good Dominican or Honduran cigars today. Those two countries in particular have been making some very high quality cigars in recent years that really compete and stand up against some of the best Cubans. It's getting to be where there is little distinction anymore.

However, Cubans are held in high esteem not just in America, where they're "taboo", but also in most of Europe, where they're very available.

[wireman]

Rolling a world class cigar is an art (IMHO).

The pre Castro rollers are pretty much gone. My gripe with the Cubans I have recently sampled is not so much with the tobacco, it's with the craftsmanship.

[Cosmo]

Thankfully the Padron Aniversario cigars are better than just about anything coming out of Cuba -- especiallly the 1926 series.

[freeeee]

..as long as it interferes with their personal pleasure, the law can go hang. Not a conservative point of view, IMO.

Check out these 'liberals'...

The Boston Tea Party