What should I request?

ElJavi76
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ElJavi76 Campanas

ElJavi76

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So I have a friend of mine visiting Cuba in January. She doesn't know the first thing about cigars so in an attempt to prepare her for any purchase, I printed the online price list from the link below:

http://yulcigars.blogspot.ca/2016/12/cigar-price-list-in-cuba_7.html?m=1

What she lacks in cigar knowledge she makes up for in street smarts and negotiating skills. Because I don't want to impose too much, I don't think I can ask for more than maybe 2 boxes and some 3 packs (Espléndidos, Siglo VI, maybe Monte A's 5er). 

Knowing what some of you know about the LCdH's out there and how they can be stocked one day and empty the other... What might you guys order/request? I'm feeling like value vs availability. I can get two boxes of Connie A's due to value, and a couple of Siglo VI / Espléndidos 3 packs. The other alternative is go for a box of Siglo VI or Sir Winnie's if they're available and a 3 pack or two of Espléndidos. 

Not sure what else I can buy that's great bang for buck. I'm thinking low 200s for a box of Connie's sounds like good value. I just know I'll need some contingency plans in case one of these offerings isn't there. Most likely than not this shopping will take place in Havana at Hotel Nacional. 

Thoughts?

Cheers men,

Javi

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Hafner32 Marevas

Hafner32

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If you are looking for "value" or "best bang for your buck," you might want to consider seeing if she can find any Monte 80th.  I'm not sure how difficult they would be to find.  When I was there in May, I checked several stores and didn't find a box.  One other great value that I wish I had grabbed a few boxes of was the Trinidad Vigia.  When I was there, both the boxes of 12 and tubos were everywhere and are priced at almost half the price of what most are selling outside of Cuba.  I focused most of my funds on customs and a box or two of the SLR Cuba RE.  Ultimately, I decided I would pass over on "value" in order to get sticks that I can't find outside of Havana without paying an extreme premium.  And by the way, if you enjoy customs, There is a lot of value in a bundle of 25 customs from Rey, Alex, Yolanda, etc for around $4/stick

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ElJavi76 Campanas

ElJavi76

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6 minutes ago, Hafner32 said:

If you are looking for "value" or "best bang for your buck," you might want to consider seeing if she can find any Monte 80th.  I'm not sure how difficult they would be to find.  When I was there in May, I checked several stores and didn't find a box.  One other great value that I wish I had grabbed a few boxes of was the Trinidad Vigia.  When I was there, both the boxes of 12 and tubos were everywhere and are priced at almost half the price of what most are selling outside of Cuba.  I focused most of my funds on customs and a box or two of the SLR Cuba RE.  Ultimately, I decided I would pass over on "value" in order to get sticks that I can't find outside of Havana without paying an extreme premium.  And by the way, if you enjoy customs, There is a lot of value in a bundle of 25 customs from Rey, Alex, Yolanda, etc for around $4/stick

So I read and see pics of customs all the time on the latest purchases thread. Where are these customs purchased? They roll these for you right at the LCdH's? Curious cause I've no idea.

I might load up on Vigias if I like them that much. I ordered two boxes from our host and should have them in my possession before Friday. I'll have some time to think about it and smoke a few. It's just that out of my latest smokes the Connie A and the Topes really impressed me. Thanks for the reply Hafner. 

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HShep Perlas

HShep

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There are a couple of things to keep in mind.  One, you're going to want to factor in at least 10% for a currency exchange.  She may order foreign currency before she goes, but you're really complicating things at that point.  LCdH will usually take American dollars, but they will also factor in 10%.  For all I know, they're changing money behind the counter.  It doesn't matter either way.  Next, you probably want to suggest at least three to five sizes and shapes.  Count on your friend visiting one shop and that's about it.  Three, encourage your friend to enjoy a cigar at Hotel Nacional, LCdH in Miramar or Melia Cohiba or in Vinales.  In my experience, the LCdH in Hotel Melia Cohiba had some of the friendliest staff when it comes to new cigar smokers.  They can make some good recommendations and rum pairings.  They were also very square dealing when I bought a bunch of boxes there.  

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Dellasmg Perlas

Dellasmg

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I'm going to be in the same boat as you Javi. I got a friend heading there in Feb/Mar 2018. Ideally I want to grab a couple of boxes of some quality cigars that otherwise I would look over do to the high cost here. Any suggestions there?

Thanks,

Marco

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shlomo Prominentes

shlomo

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Short list of 7-10 cigars. In order of your preference and with exact cost. Ideally half the list should be easy to find cigars (PSD4, Monte 2, Trinidad Reyes, Punch Punch, etc..) The other half can be the htf stuff (EL, RE, Upmann SW, LGC 2, LCDH releases, etc...)

make sure they inspect boxes for mold and beetle holes. If that is asking too much, then get your friend to bring you back rum.

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stogieluver Campanas

stogieluver

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I would go for custom rolls.  As many as you can get.  But that's just me.  You can get everything else here, and higher quality. 

Whatever you get, freeze them when you get them before putting them away in your humidor. 

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Fuzz Prominentes

Fuzz

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11 minutes ago, stogieluver said:

I would go for custom rolls.  As many as you can get.  But that's just me.  You can get everything else here, and higher quality. 

Whatever you get, freeze them when you get them before putting them away in your humidor. 

This would be my recommendation. Regular production you can get all the time, customs on the other hand, are only available in Cuba. Plus, they are better value for money (at least to those who pay exorbitant taxes).

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TheGipper Marevas

TheGipper

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2:1 odds she ends up buying from "a guy whose brother works at the factory" out on the street.

I am amazed at how many times mules who know nothing about cigars, when repeatedly and firmly told beforehand "DO NOT BUY OFF THE STREET" end up doing so anyway.

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stogieluver Campanas

stogieluver

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53 minutes ago, ElJavi76 said:

Sorry for asking the naive question yet again... These custom rolled stix... They roll them on premise at the LCdH's?

Custom rollers are spread out among some of the hotels, factories, etc.  Perform a custom roll search here on this forum and you will find reams of info. 

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Fuzz Prominentes

Fuzz

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2 hours ago, ElJavi76 said:

Sorry for asking the naive question yet again... These custom rolled stix... They roll them on premise at the LCdH's?

 

1 hour ago, stogieluver said:

Custom rollers are spread out among some of the hotels, factories, etc.  Perform a custom roll search here on this forum and you will find reams of info. 

Read the Cuba Travel sub-forum.

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