I for one will be glad when Castro kicks the bucket.
I look forward to a good "Legal" Cuban cigar.
Not to take anything away from some of the other great cigars out there but I have to say the best I have smoked were from Cuba.
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". Just a thought.
I too can't wait till fidel departs. but wouldn't it be grand is havana was able to return to it's former splendor? never happen, but - ahh! - the possibilities!
I have had many an excellent Cuban cigar and some mid-rate ones. Have a sizable stash in my humidor from my travels abroad. But Dominicans are best out there now and have been for a while.
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.
"I look forward to a good "Legal" Cuban cigar.
"
I think that when he dies I will try to accumulate some of my favorites in the belief that overall cuban quality is going to go down a LOT as the biggest market in the world opens up to them. There is no way they can even begin to penentrate the US market while keeping up their exports to spain and other locations at current production levels.
Another possible implication is that prices may increase, particularly on the Edicion limitadas and other premium smokes.