Whether you're a long-term cigar smoker or a novice, you'll be aware that Cuba is the nation most commonly associated with cigars.
As with any industry, quality – and personal preference – differs widely throughout the product chain. If you're looking for the best Cuban cigars, you'll need to understand where to look.
While cigars are available for sale from most supermarkets and tobacconists, you're unlikely to find the best Cuban cigars in such a locale. Instead, you'll need to find a specialised, licensed seller or look online.
The latter is invariably cheaper, but it's also fraught with risk. Like any product with a rabid following and valuable price tag, Cuban cigars are prone to forgeries.
Do not be deterred, however. The best Cuban cigars are worth any effort to obtain. Here are four ways that you can get your hands on the finest exports of the Caribbean.
Explore different types of Cuban cigars
First thing's first – you need to determine what cigars you are looking to purchase. Ask ten people in a cigar bar what they consider the best Cuban cigars, and you'll likely receive multiple different answers.
Your definition of the best Cuban cigar will depend on your unique taste, strength and aroma preferences. Still, as a rule, you cannot go wrong with any of the prominent brand names – Montecristo, Romeo y Juliet, Cohiba, Partagás, Hoyo de Monterrey and H. Upmann.
Identify licensed dealers
If you’re going to spend big on the best Cuban cigars, shop with somebody you can trust. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a brick-and-mortar seller, ask to see the certificate of authenticity that comes with the cigars.
As a rule, the best Cuban cigars will be kept behind a counter, in a secure box or case. You should not find them on a spinner rack or readily available – the products are too valuable for that.
Learn to identify a fake
As discussed, forgeries of the best Cuban cigars are rife. You need to ensure you are not being ripped off, paying premium prices associated with a genuine product for an imitation. If you're offered a deal that seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is!
Montecristo cigars are most counterfeited, often sold under the banner of Monte Cristo cigars (not the subtle spelling difference), but any of the best Cuban cigars are ripe for imitation.
If possible, purchase your cigars from the UK or Spain. These countries have the most rigorous and vigilant quality testing processes, so you're likeliest to avoid being scammed.
Exchange and trade cigars with other collectors
If you cannot find the cigars you’re looking for from storefronts or online purveyors, consider joining a cigar forum and trading with private collectors like yourself. You never know – somebody may have a collection of what you consider the best Cuban cigars but they would prefer to exchange them for another brand.
Follow these steps, and you'll soon be able to start building a collection of outstanding Cuban cigars. Just ensure you take care of your investments appropriately. The best Cuban cigars will appreciate, not depreciate. Look after yours, and you may find that anything you do not get around to smoking increases in value over time.
