According to Xinhua, China National Tobacco Corporation and Cuba’s cigar maker Habanos S.A. signed a letter of intent at the end of July to increase Cuba’s cigar exports to China. China National Tobacco Corporation General Manager Ling Chengxing and co-presidents of Habanos S.A., Inocente Nunez and Luis Sanchez-Harguindey, signed the document in Havana. According to … Read more
Compared to the Dominican Republic’s cigar exports, Cuba lags behind in terms of volume and value. But with Cuba excluded from the U.S. market, the largest single cigar market in the world, Cuba’s prospects appear bright bespite being restrained by politics. RELATED: Tasting the Rare Partagas Saloman This year, Vice President Jose Ramon Machado has … Read more
It isn’t easy to roll a salomon. Crafting this storied cigar vitola is a task often relegated to the most experienced and capable torcedores, or rollers, thanks to its unique shape that tapers at both ends of the stick. Indeed, even Habanos says these figurados are “at the peak of the roller’s cigar-making art.” Even more difficult? … Read more
It’s not always easy to find an Hoyo de Monterrey double corona, like many of the most legendary Cuban cigars. But when you find one of these massive smokes you must savor it. Not that it’s particularly difficult – a 194mm by 49 ring gauge cigar is a serious pledging of time. In the small … Read more
I’ve long been a big fan of Habanos’ limited edition cigars. No, they’re not always perfect, but there’s always a sense of ceremony about them, a sense that you’re smoking a special, rare cigar. But when they’re on, they’re really on, and they make for spectacular smokes. That was decidedly the case with the most … Read more
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
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
Last year, the Obama administration further adjusted Cuba-specific restrictions on importing Cuban cigars for personal use. “For personal use” is important because it means you can bring them back in your luggage from your trip to Cuba (or elsewhere), but it remains illegal to sell Cuban cigars in the U.S. The tax free limit is … Read more
Habanos S.A., the distribution and marketing arm of Cuba’s state-owned cigar industry, said recently that it expects to immediately gain 25-30% of the U.S. premium cigar market if the U.S. lifts its trade embargo – and up to 70% within a few years. History Cuba’s once dominant position in the world’s cigar market (rolled tobacco) diminished … Read more
U.S. President Obama took further steps today to loosen U.S. embargo rules against Cuba. The Obama administration announced a new round of executive actions designed to increase trade and travel with the communist island. And this is the one many Americans have been waiting for — no more Cuba-specific restrictions on the island’s famed rum and cigars … Read more
