Where can I get real Cuban Cigars in St. Martin?

Old Jul 18th, 2006, 11:40 PM
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Where can I get real Cuban Cigars in St. Martin?

Going to St Martin on a cruise on 7/21. Will be there one day so I need a no nonsense, no tourist, bargain priced store for real Cuban Monte Cristos cigars. Any such thing? Also any MUST see sights in St. Martin or St. Thomas?
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 06:29 AM
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If you just walk along Front Street you will run into a cigar shop or two (or three). I can't recall specific names, but I have seen them and they do sell Cuban cigars because my husband has bought some in that area.

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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 06:39 AM
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I'm sure you may know but watch out for fakes. My husband came across that in Turks and Caicos. Take a cigar band from your authentic Cohiba and compare to the others. The "H" in Habana is different, the 'C' in Cuba is different and the black & white band at the top don't line up. And the price is not in line with the real thing.

If its a bargain priced store, I would be very leary! (just my 2cents)
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 06:40 AM
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I usually pick some up in duty free, right in the Airport.
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 06:55 AM
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I was going to suggest the airport, too, but it seems the OP might be on a cruise since he/she is only in port for one day. I would also suggest going to the French side, but if he/she is on a cruise, then Front Street would be the easiest option.

I do agree to watch out for fakes, too. Try to go to a more upscale actual cigar shop rather than a souvenir shop. There is a pretty nice speciality cigar shop on Front Street, but I just can't recall the name. Ask around and you will be directed to it, though.
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 07:04 AM
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Cohiba fakes are pretty easy to spot if you are familiar w/the band (& popular as well). As Statia said, visit a reputable cigar shop & you'll not have any problems. There are no 'bargains' when it comes to Cubans, although St. Maarten is likely to be the cheapest place to find them.
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 12:33 PM
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Ok, as many of you might know, I travel to Cuba quite often. Here's a few links that will help you in identifying Cuban cigars and info on them.

These are current prices in Cuba for your favourite brands. Note that a CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) is worth about $1.11 USD.

http://marty.514crew.com/cigarpacks.html

Brands of Cuban Cigars and a description of each. Click on the photo of the cigar band for the info.

http://www.habanos.com/marcas.asp#

-----------------------------------
Here are the two official licensed Habanos dealers in St. Martin.

La Casa del Habano 71 Marina Port la Royale Marigot, St. Martin

La Casa del Cigarro Marina Port La Royale, BP 445 Marigot, St. Martin
---------------------------------------

And finally read this website. "The Ultimate Counterfeit Cuban Cigar Guide"

http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/counterfeit/

Now that you're well prepared, have yourself a great stogie and enjoy the finest cigars.

Steve





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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 01:14 PM
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Wow, Steve! Lots of info. I'm passing that inf on to my husband and his friends. Thanks for sharing.

Beachgirl
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 01:48 PM
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The greatness of the cuban cigar is a myth,BELIEVE ME, That may have been true 50 years ago all the great cigar makers left Cuba and moved on .Guys who smoke daily will say the same its a big scam even if the cigars are cuban they are absolutely ripping people off, try a good Padron with the label markings 1926 they are about 16 dollars online 26 in a smokeshop Good luck.
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 03:05 PM
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BeachGirl247 - Where in Turks did you come across fakes?? Just curious if it was the same place I saw advertising for Cuban cigars....
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 03:55 PM
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Oh come on miaspapa, do you Cuba bashers always have to try and make a political statement out of everything?

The form of government in the last 50 years since the Cuban Revolution has absolutely no bearing on the quality of cigars Cuba produces.

Your post is sad.... so very sad.
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Old Jul 19th, 2006, 08:25 PM
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When I was in Cuba five years ago, I was told by an agricultural expert that formerly the outer wrap of Cuban cigars was done with tobacco leaves from Connecticut.

Now, of course, they are not, and that made a difference in the taste.

I am not a cigar expert, so I don't have any way to know if this change made a big difference or not.

I would recommend a visit to a cigar factory when in Cuba. Yes, it's touristy, but it is quite interesting to hear and see how they are made, and see the people rolling them. That cigar factories also had a reader, who would read news stories and books to the employees as they work, was a wonderful insight into the factory life.

CW
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Old Jul 20th, 2006, 04:32 AM
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For updates on Cuba & particularly the cigar industry, fakes, how to find them, etc. Check out Cigar Aficionado. It is teh cigar smokers Bible.
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Old Jul 20th, 2006, 12:37 PM
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canuck your sad so very sad and you really don't have a clue I' m talking wasting your scratch on bull pick up a book on cigars you may learn something. Your just another jealous person.
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Old Jul 20th, 2006, 12:45 PM
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I'll not argue that a 1926 isn't a great cigar, it is. But it still doesn't stack up to a legit Cohiba (in my book). Again, check out Cigar magazines....although Cubans did go through a down period, the quality is returning, as evidenced by how they are currently performing in blind taste tests.
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Old Jul 20th, 2006, 03:23 PM
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One other thing that cigar purchasers must be very carefull are Cuban Cigar counterfeits made by United States companies that have "stolen" the legitimate trademarked name of authentic Cuban cigars.

Names like "Montecristo".
Check out this US website from the American company Altadis.

http://www.altadisusa.com/cigar/montecristowhite.asp

Note how they say they sell Montecristos but say "Reminiscent of the original, the Montecristo White boasts a lovely, hand selected Connecticut Shade Ecuadorian wrapper. With a Nicaraguan binder and a blend of select Dominican and Nicaraguan long fillers, the Montecristo White makes for a rich and satisfying well rounded smoke." It's a fake Montecristo that because the USA does not recognize Cuba nor legal Cuban trademarks the USA allows American companies to sell these fakes and confuse the consumer.

Even the much vaunted Cohiba, perhaps the best of Cuban cigars has now been ripped off and a USA company has been been "authorized" by an American court to use the Cohiba name. The Miami Herald had a full story on this.
"U.S. SUPREME COURT
Cuba loses fight to competitor over its trademark cigar
BY FRANCES ROBLES
[email protected]
Wed, Jun. 21, 2006"

So be carefull folks when you purchase Cuban Cigars while anywhere in the Caribbean. Look carefully for the "HECHO EN CUBA" and "Totalmente a mano" branding burned into the bottom of every box of legit Cuban cigars. It's burned into the wood, NOT an ink stamp.

Enjoy a great smoke.

Steve



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Old Jul 21st, 2006, 07:46 AM
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I don't know that anyone thinks that just because it says 'Montecristo', that they would think it is Cuban. I don't think they should be allowed to use the names, but it is a pretty smart marketing tool. Cohiba (US) even uses a totally different band...of course they try & price them like Cubans...Most avid cigar smokers are keen to all of these things. But some of those (particularly the Montecristos & H. Upmanns) are pretty good smokes. I think calling them fake or counterfeit is a tad harsh. They are what they are, fakes would be someone trying to pass off a cigar as a Cuban that isn't (fake band, box, etc.) If you can't read the box or band, there is little I can do to help you.
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