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One of the most frequent queries I hear
goes something like this: "I
am traveling to Europe and am very interested in trying Cuban
cigars, but do not know what is best to sample. Any advice?" Absolutely! This is a topic I just relish, in
fact, I am always jealous of those travelling overseas knowing
that they will be shopping for fine Havana cigars unimpeded by
their government. Whenever I am abroad I make a dedicated effort
to visit foreign tobacconists, and though I may not be able to
afford everything they have on their shelves just the act of
perusing their treasure trove of smokables delights me.
Selecting a Havana cigar for the uninitiated
can be a daunting task, particularly without knowing the individual's
personal tastes. What I have attempted to do is to make a shopping
list of internationally distributed Havanas that will expose
the smoker to the wide spectrum of what is available from Cuba.
Basically, it is a primer introduction to Cuban cigars, and although
there may be other fine Havanas that will suit your individual
tastes better, this selection of cigars will expose you to some
of the best that Cuba has to offer. By tasting these cigars you
will become more experienced and able to decide which other Havana
vitolas might be ideal for your palate.
Romeo y Julieta Churchill  |
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This is a classic Havana that exemplifies the balance and subtle
complexity a Havana can offer the smoker. Offered in both tubes
or box pressed, this is an excellent cigar to whet your palate
with. If you find this to be an enjoyable smoke I would also
recommend sampling the Cohiba
Esplendido and the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona and Churchill. |
| Montecristo No. 2 |
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The benchmark torpedo by anyone's standards. Begins smooth, yet
full, delivering a spicy tangy richness to the smoker. Some may
find the concentrated flavors of this figurado too strong, but
if this cigar suits your fancy then you should try the Vegas Robania Unicos and the H.
Upmann No. 2. |
| Punch Punch |
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I have long regarded this corona gorda as the consummate representative
of the Havana flavor. It offers an excellent blend of earth,
wood, and spice with a nice bit of Cuban tobacco bite. If this
cigar is pleasing to your palate try some of the spicier Havanas
such as the Saint Luis
Rey Series A and the Romeo y Julieta Celestiales Fino. |
| Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdale |
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Yet another benchmark, this is the classic Lonsdale. It offers
a rich creamy flavor that is dense and delectable. This cigar
tastes as elegant as its long visual lines are pleasing to the
eye. If you enjoy this cigar the Cohiba Siglo IV and the
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure
No. 1 are excellent follow-up choices. |
| Partagas Lusitania |
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This is a powerhouse of a double corona delivering full-bodied
Havana flavor to the smoker. Heavy loam-like flavors coarse across
the palate from this hardcore Cuban cigar. If this cigar meets
with your approval, I highly recommend you sample the Ramon Allones Gigantes and the H.
Upmann Sir Winston. |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Short Corona |
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A potent delicious small smoke that doesn't sacrifice a single
note of flavor because of its diminutive size. This is sure to
satisfy the most ardent aficionado with its strong flavor. The
Ramon Allones Small
Club Corona and the Bolivar Coronas Junior
are other exceptional small Havanas. |
| Ramon Allones Specially Selected |
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This portly robusto delivers an amazing burst of Havana flavor
to the smoker. This is a world class blend of rich tastes with
a very heavy aftertaste that pleases most Cuban cigar smokers.
If you find this to be to your liking then I would also suggest
the Bolivar Royal Corona and Partagas
Serie D No. 4. |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 |
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This is a wonderfully rounded and balanced rothschild that offers
the smoker a smooth creamy texture. Notes of chocolate highlight
this smoke. Other medium-bodied Havana robustos worth trying
include the Cohiba
Robusto and the Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No. 4. |
| Bolivar Belicoso Fino |
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This is Havana flavor unadulterated and provides the most punch
per puff. This cigar is only for those that like their tobacco
strong, fully flavored, and without compromise. Most will find
this cigar to be too much for them to regularly enjoy, but if
you like this potent blend then you should sample some of Cuba's
other heavy hitters such as the Partagas 8-9-8 Unvarnished
and Romeo y Julieta
Cazadores. |
Many great Havanas are not included on
this list such as the Montecristo Tubos, Punch Churchill, and
Saint Luis Rey Regio to name a few. The intent is for the list
to serve as an introduction to some of Cuba's finest and provide
the inexperienced Habana smoker with some worthwhile suggestions
to help make their first few Cuban cigar shopping experiences
pleasurable and informed. 
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