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US has mostly been a paper tiger on red lines. Even though we may not be so currently; three years from now who knows what direction we'll go. We don't have a long-term strategy on Cuba that transcends administrations. China is playing the long game.

Congratulations, George!

True. But each knows that putting military forces close to the other is a red line. Also the military value is actually rather limited today - the Soviets valued it in the 60’s because at that time their long range ICBMs in Russia took 24+ hours to launch. Cuba was seen as key to a credible second-strike capability on Washington. I agree China has a lot vested interest in Cuba, though. I am nevertheless skeptical that China has that much to be worried about - I think the most likely outcome here is maintenance of the status quo with a further degradation of life for the average Cuban. Regime cuts a few deals to replace some of the lost oil, and we see more emigration as the scene becomes ever more desperate.

Curious what some of the past winning percentages were. I’d like to do a little math to see how much I need to lose to be competitive.

So many good PCs axed. Been years since I had a box of RS 12s. Thanks for sharing

Exactly. US wants to be in Taiwan, then China can be in Cuba.

It is 90 miles from Florida after all. China having a larger presence there would be as of a nuisance as Russia in the 60's.

Those Simones were great smokes. Back in the day I believe Czar (FOH) had access to the Canadian REs and I bought my 50 Cab here.

What does Cuba have that China needs? Cigars? LOL

'22 E2. Smooth and twangy with mild coffee undertones. Stellar. Thanks T!

Agreed. The VR and Boli Canadian REs have been awesome. Never tried the Dip Nortenos but have heard 'some' say good things about them. If someway a box became available on a grey market site, and the price wasn't absolutely absurd, I'd likely jump at it. Simply based off of track record with other REs

Jesus, that's a punchbowl of a martini!

Congrats, and well done, Gents! 🏆

I believe China already has spy bases near Havana and Guantanamo.

I got a box of #1 and #8 both arriving today. These are fantastic sticks according to most of my sources. A bit more mild in nature so really curious how these age out. Opus market has gone bonkers lately, it's crazy how much some boxes are fetching. It's the only NW ll I smoke along with Davidoff and Atabey in the USA though. So I've been stocking up.

What are the chances that China comes to Cuba's rescue? Could Cuba lease China land or do something the US would find quite provocative?

This is such a cool read! Thanks for posting, Rob. Always love stuff like this—fascinating and fun. And who doesn’t like a baseball smoking a cigar!?

Welcome to FoH!

I goto Las Palmas every year but don't know the rest of the island too well. El Rincon De Fumador is an excellent shop, you should be well looked after there. There is another shop Alambique nearby which has a wide range of NC's and a few Cubans, all excellently kept. They're the only two in Las Palmas, the others only have local cigars, which El Rincon has the best of. One of my favourite spots is the Santa Catalina hotel for a drink and a cigar downstairs (pic below), good spot for a daytime smoke as well. Not bad price wise; Cocktails are around €10. You can also smoke upstairs on the rooftop bar Ali's. (Make the most of it as it could be banned soon). My favourite restaurants are: El Equilibrista Poemas Qué Leche Deliciosa Marta Hikari Japanese Roots Sorondongo Rever Tabaiba Trattoria Pizzeria Calabre.

Congratulations @Dlowil!

Welcome to FOH!

It might be worth checking out the cigar shop called “El Rincón del Fumador” in Las Palmas. If you like coffee, there is a great place in beautiful Agaete called “Café Platinium,” where you can taste and buy their local coffee. If you get the chance to visit Tejeda, make sure to try the amazing almond cookies at “Dulcería Nublo.” Gran Canaria is an amazing island with many great places to visit!

... Nice 10 years aged Behike 58 in a really fancy humidor. And a free ticket to the fancy gala in February. Wonder how the tickets are selling for this?

Punch RS12, NISU VC2 (December 1998, Villa Clara). Given its age, the cigar delivered an impressive amount of strength through the first inch and a half. The draw was effortless, producing a dense, pungent, palette-coating smoke. Surprisingly, there was no leather or spice, just raw tobacco power that eventually settled into a solid, medium-bodied, very satisfying petit corona. Definitely a blast from the past, completely unforgettable!

Trinidad Fundadores TSA APR-24