The most exciting part of Havana is of course, the cigars. In my experience, Havana is the best and only place you want to buy cigars. Varadero, Holguin, Cayo Coco, and other destinations will have some cigars, but many will be counterfeit. Even more will be poorly looked after. Buying cigars in Havana has changed a lot over my time visiting there (7 years). My last trip was February 2010, and I had to learn all over again where to go and what to look for.
The First rule is never, ever, ever assume cigars are genuine just because they are in a government store, or they look and smell good. I stayed at the Melia Cohiba this last trip and was surprised to see that almost every “single cigar” was a house rolled stick with an old band put on. I can tell by color variation and the unmistakable smell of an under aged cigar. This might smoke all right and taste ok, but you are definitely not getting what you’re paying for. For the most part you need to focus on whole boxes, with the exception of one store.
That store is the Club Havana store. This is by far my favorite. The atmosphere is quiet, calm, and very sophisticated. The rollers, managed by Enrique Mons, are the best in Havana. The humidor is well kept, and is the exception when it comes to buying singles. Yes Club Havana is far from everything, but if your reading this your probably not some lazy tourist, who buys Cohibas from some guy who knows a guy (please don’t be that guy). The selection is very good here, but probably not the best in Havana. Since you made the trip out here you should also eat at El Chelo, and sit by the beach, so pack a bag and relax.
The Partagas Factory store is the best in old Havana, very busy though. You don’t go here for great service. Next I would suggest the Nacional Hotel. The store in the basement is very classy, and has a decent selection. Also happens to be at the best place to smoke a cigar, go out back of the hotel in the courtyard. I dare you not to relax.
If you’re willing to head out to the neighborhood of Miramar, there are three shops to hit. The small cigar store at El Ajibe restaurant is amazing. Leticia will show a small but very quality selection of aged cigars. Then down the street is the large La Casa on 5th. This was the flagship La Casa store in Havana, huge restaurant, live music, and ok selection of cigars. Last in Miramar is the Melia Habana store, named after Don Alejandro Robaina. This is a world gem for variety, and ambiance. If you want to sit with a cigar and people watch, this is the best store. One of the managers is Maximo, an extremely helpful man, with an uncommon grasp of English.
If you have any questions please comment, and I’ll try to answer. I know I left out the new Casa store downtown at the Habana Libre. (I haven’t had chance to review it, check back after this February).
No comments:
Post a Comment