Derboesekoenig Posted July 13, 2018 Share Posted July 13, 2018 I didn't know what to expect, but used it more as a recon trip for the 2nd time i go. I don't recommend anyone go to Cuba in the summertime. I would say go from October to February. I traded over 3500 Euros at the airport, and quickly found out that it was not going to be enough. So there is A LOT that I didn't get to buy. Also worth noting is that just about every store i went to had mentioned a recent visit from the Chinese, and they had wiped out most Cohiba supply and much of what had been on my list. I visited the following LCDH, and added notes where I thought necessary: Hotel Melia Habana- had plenty of custom rolls (Yolanda correct?) and a few singles of Talisman left Partagas factory- unfortunately this was on my last full day there, so I absolutely had no money left to buy anything here. But they had a really great selection and had many boxes in which i hadn't seen available in other stores at all. Didnt go to the VIP lounge in the back, but next time maybe. Hotel Conde de Villanueva- kinda stumbled upon this one after visiting another LCDH closeby. Don't recall the address of the other one, but it was very small. This is the first time i found the Montecristo Linea 1935....all 3 of them in fact. Bought a box of Leyenda but sadly couldnt pick up all 3. The only other store to carry the new Montecristo line was at the airport, by the way. Also first time i found full boxes of Cohiba Media Siglo. Hotel Nacional- still upset about this one, but absolutely NO ashtrays. I asked everyone throughout the hotel. I found a couple 50 cabs of Lusitanias though! Too bad i didnt bring enough money for them lol Hotel Melia Cohiba- not a great selection but not bad either. I bought 2 (5) count boxes of Montecristo As from 2015, and 50 cab of PLPC from 2016, and a couple other reg production Hotel Comodoro- only had a few bundles of La Puntillas left, but i have Alexs card/contact info if anyone would like it. I bought 2 bundles Other selection was so-so. Some various 50 cabs caught my eye and i think i bought a couple other boxes here. Cannot remember which. I believe 50 cab of Partagas shorts from 2 or 3 years ago. Didnt make it in time to visit the famous shop on 5th and 16 Ave. They were closed. Also never made it to Club Habana to grab any Monsdales. I learned a lot though and will know what to do when i go back. I only need 2 full days there and i'll be good. Made it to La Guarida, but they seemed pretty stuck up and portion sizes were insanely small. Also really expensive. Went to the infamous La Floridita and the older guy working the bar gave us a bottle of rum to hang onto while he quickly filled our glasses every time we ran out. 304 O'Reilly was on point. Food and drinks were delicious If you want to save money, i recommend hiring a random dude to drive you everywhere you want to go. Taxis are stupid expensive for it being Cuba. Absolutely insane. I've been to a lot of countries and Cuba by far, had the worst overall service of anywhere i've ever been or lived. I'm sure i left out a lot but if anyone has any questions, just let me know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stogieluver Posted July 13, 2018 Share Posted July 13, 2018 I can highly recommend Jorge for a private hire. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derboesekoenig Posted July 13, 2018 Author Share Posted July 13, 2018 How much does he charge? Because i was just getting into random cars and they were charging me 30-50% cheaper than any taxi i could find Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stogieluver Posted July 13, 2018 Share Posted July 13, 2018 15 CUC/hr. Well worth it. Jorge is fluent in English & a helluva nice guy. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BolivarSmoker Posted July 13, 2018 Share Posted July 13, 2018 I highly recommend Hansel. Great guy, great english speaker. He's like hiring a tour guide. Knows all there is to know about the city. His mother (in the photo) works at LCDH Partagas and when I've gone in there with Hansel in the past, she rolls out the red carpet! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luv2fly Posted July 13, 2018 Share Posted July 13, 2018 Let us know how trip number 2 goes. You will find a wealth of info here and I will use it to enhance my first trip. Whenever the hell that may be.....boss is "concerned". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oliverdst Posted July 13, 2018 Share Posted July 13, 2018 2 hours ago, BolivarSmoker said: I highly recommend Hansel. Great guy, great english speaker. He's like hiring a tour guide. Knows all there is to know about the city. His mother (in the photo) works at LCDH Partagas and when I've gone in there with Hansel in the past, she rolls out the red carpet! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk How much he charges? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BolivarSmoker Posted July 14, 2018 Share Posted July 14, 2018 How much he charges?Last time I was there I paid him $60 cuc. Was with him about 6-7 hrs that day. Tipped him very well on top of that. Split with my brother and it was money well spent. I've got him lined up for September as well. I suspect it will be similar. Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derboesekoenig Posted July 14, 2018 Author Share Posted July 14, 2018 Oh hell yes, i will be hiring someone next time. Either of those two will work. I spent WAY too much in 7 days on taxis. I'll also be going during the winter next time, and bringing more money with me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hookmaker Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 How did your home country customs entry go with 9 suitcase full of cigars?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derboesekoenig Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 I only had one checked bag and one carry on. No issues whatsoever. No questions even Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fundadores Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 On 7/13/2018 at 10:23 PM, Derboesekoenig said: Also worth noting is that just about every store i went to had mentioned a recent visit from the Chinese, and they had wiped out most Cohiba supply and much of what had been on my list. I bet a box of cohibas the prices will go up within ten years noticeably due to chinese aficionados Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derboesekoenig Posted July 16, 2018 Author Share Posted July 16, 2018 All cigars will go up noticeably in 10 years. Haven't they skyrocketed the last 10 years already? Anyone have the government price lists dating back? I think it would be very cool to see prices from 2000, 2005, 2010....and compare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derboesekoenig Posted July 21, 2018 Author Share Posted July 21, 2018 What is the recommendation for the Montecristo A's as far as aging or rest time? Is this one I can age more than 5 or 10 years or do they hit a sweet spot and drop off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RijkdeGooier Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 The Montecristo A when properly cared for will provide peace and happiness for many years. Two boxes can last you a smoking life-time when smoked once a year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derboesekoenig Posted July 21, 2018 Author Share Posted July 21, 2018 Awesome, thank you. I have read/found very little info on the A. I wasn't expecting to get any, but I stumbled on them while there and just couldn't say no. Especially at less than $100 a box Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dshapiro Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 Nice find on the A’s! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derboesekoenig Posted July 24, 2018 Author Share Posted July 24, 2018 6 hours ago, dshapiro said: Nice find on the A’s! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monterey Posted August 12, 2018 Share Posted August 12, 2018 On 7/16/2018 at 8:13 AM, Derboesekoenig said: All cigars will go up noticeably in 10 years. Haven't they skyrocketed the last 10 years already? Anyone have the government price lists dating back? I think it would be very cool to see prices from 2000, 2005, 2010....and compare. According to the waayback machine (Internet archive) Prices haven't changed in the past 5 years. It is far back as they have archived for yul. Cool website, you can use the site to see web pages from many years ago https://archive.org/web/ Prices December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130504205713/http://yulcigars.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corylax18 Posted August 12, 2018 Share Posted August 12, 2018 1 hour ago, Monterey said: According to the waayback machine (Internet archive) Prices haven't changed in the past 5 years. It is far back as they have archived for yul. Cool website, you can use the site to see web pages from many years ago https://archive.org/web/ Prices December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130504205713/http://yulcigars.blogspot.com/ On the Island most prices haven't risen in years. There are some exceptions; Siglo I, Distinguidos, Partagas Aristocrats, and a host of others. HSA has however drastically increased the import price of these cigars over the last 5-10 years. The YUL Cigars Blog is priceless though! I print the most updated list before each trip. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now