In October 1960, the U.S. announced the first of several embargo restrictions applicable to most exports to Cuba. When Castro restricted the staff of the U.S. embassy to eleven persons, the U.S., on January 3,1961, severed diplomatic relations and withdrew its ambassador, setting the stage for escalation that lead to the failed Bay of Pigs … Read more
The 18th Habanos Festival was held in and around Havana from February 29 to March 4th, 2106. The annual event is the most prestigious international event dedicated to premium hand rolled cigars. Hosting 1,200 attendees from more than 60 countries, this year’s festival was dedicated to the most exclusive brand in Habanos S.A.’s portfolio, Cohiba, … Read more
Returning U.S. travelers may carry up to $400 of Cuban-origin goods for personal use, $100 of which may be alcohol or tobacco products. New rules as of October 2016: Cuban rum and cigars will now be subject to the same duties as alcohol and tobacco from other countries, meaning most travelers will be able to … Read more
Bacardi’s recent US marketing campaign for its Havana Club® brand feels like a typical Barardi campaign, but the look is quite different from the brand’s original label seen mostly outside the US. The Bacardi bottle’s trade dress is vintage-style packaging that features the Arechabala family crest – not the familiar red oval – and the … Read more
Want to buy a box of Cuban cigars in Cuba you can actually bring back? A reddish brown petit corona, the Sancho Panza is a wonderful if largely unknown smoke. Geared largely the Spanish market, as its name would suggest, Sancho Panza is one of Cuba’s undiscovered brands, offering great taste and, even more importantly, … Read more
By Alexander Britell HAVANA — It’s the most famous hotel in Havana: the Nacional, the one where Frank and Mickey and Ernest used to stay from time to time. Now, like much of Cuba’s hotel product, it’s a paean to another time, tour groups mingling with ghosts. And while the Hotel Nacional has some of … Read more
by Cuba Journal staff In early 1962, President John F. Kennedy called his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, into his office to discuss an urgent matter. “I really need some help,” said Kennedy. “What do you want, Mr. President?” Salinger replied. “I need some cigars,” JFK replied. “Fine,” Salinger answered. “How many do you need?” “A … Read more
by Cuba Journal staff photo credit: Big101big The Cohiba® cigar brand is known worldwide as a symbol of quality and exclusivity. Despite its near universal notoriety, the trademark is actually the property of two companies that have been locked in a legal battle in the US for more than 17 years. Cohibas® that are legally … Read more
By the Cuba Journal staff If you only watch one film about Cuba’s love affair with the cigar, it should be this: global cigar expert James Suckling’s Cigars: The Heart and Soul of Cuba. The 50-minute film, which was written and directed by James Orr, is an effort by Suckling to discover “why Cuban cigars … Read more
