If you’re a lover of Cuban cigars, you’re likely a regular at La Casa del Habano, the official global retail network of cigar stores for Cuba’s Habanos company. With more than 140 around the world, they’re mini-outposts of Cuba, typically offering a wide selection of cigars, walk-in humidors, plush seating and knowledgable staff. In many … Read more
There is something different to a Partagas. While the legendary brand has the most famous (recently renovated) factory in Havana, there is a mystique to it, an air of exclusivity that even more easily recognizable brands like Montecristo and Cohiba somehow don’t seem to possess. A Partagas is different; it is understatedly elegant. It is … Read more
One of Cuba’s most esteemed cigars began with a puppet comedy show. It was the middle of the 19th century when Don Manuel Lopez of Juan Valle & Co, seeking to capitalize on the thriving British cigar market, named a new brand after Mr Punch, the famous puppet of “Punch and Judy” fame. Today, one of … Read more
It appears the weaker hands in the airline industry have given way to the major carriers’ long term plans for flying to Cuba. United Airlines today filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to increase from Saturday-only to daily nonstop service between its hub at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport … Read more
By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon Cuba Journal Contributor It’s not every day that I have lunch in Havana. And it’s not every day that I have lunch in a repurposed peanut oil processing plant. But today I’m doing both. Hidden in plain sight on a non-descript street in the Cuban capital’s Vedado neighborhood, El Cocinero is the … Read more
As several carriers reduce service, one major airline is actually expanding its flights to Cuba. Delta has announced plans to expand its Miami-Havana service, with an additional daily nonstop flight between the two cities. Delta plans to begin operating this route by Dec. 15, pending U.S. Department of Transportation regulatory approval. RELATED: Cuba Travel Guide … Read more
It’s one of Cuba’s signature cigar brands: H. Upmann, one that counts more than 173 years of heritage and among the world’s oldest cigar brands. Indeed, the Upmann brand, named after a German banker, was the favored brand of none other than John F. Kennedy, whose regular smoke was the H. Upmann Petit Upmann. And … Read more
Habanos, SA, the global corporation for Cuban cigars, has announced the appointment of Ernesto Gonzalez as its new operational marketing director. Gonzalez comes to Habanos with more than 15 years of experience in the tobacco sector; he has previously held positions including General Director of the Infifon company; exclusive distributor for Habanos SA in Russia … Read more
Rum is in everything in Cuba, part of the rhythm and the melody of life on the island. And when rum is enjoyed among friends, a few drops are poured out of a new bottle to the floor (or, in rural areas, to the soil), as a symbol of thanksgiving. While the ceremonies can vary … Read more
Tauck Small Ship Cruising, one of the world’s top luxury cruise operators, is adding a new Cuba cruise in partnership with Ponant. The company has announced a new 10-day cruise for 2018 aboard the three-masted schooner Le Ponant. The people to people voyage will call on stops around the coast of Cuba between Havana and … Read more
