By now, I’m sure you and your siblings of the leaf have probably discussed the recent change in US politics concerning Cuba. I’ve my thoughts and have talked with others in the industry. I’ll share those in a follow-up post later today. But I am interested in what our readers have to say. So, please post your thoughts in the comment section and I may intertwine those in my follow-up blog.
The Hippie
The Hippie
Having grown up in the South, The Hippie was no stranger to tobacco. Although a city boy, his farming cousins were anything but, and visiting them frequently allowed him to watch the process of tobacco grow from seedling to harvest to curing in the barns. Both grandfathers enjoyed a pipe, and that opened up a new door to a more fragrant and sophisticated way to smoke. The smell was intoxicating. Then in the 90s, prominent athletes and actors really started to endorse cigar smoking. Just like pipe tobacco, the smell was unique and enjoyable, and promoted a more cultured way to enjoy tobacco. Remembering Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen smoking cigars after winning another championship for the Chicago Bulls, or seeing actors like Jack Nicholson made cigar smoking mainstream. Friends, too, were enjoying cigars and the passion had started. Everything else is, as they say, history. He was a regular contributor to Tiki Bar Online before being a founding member of Leaf Enthusiast.
While I think its the Start of something, its just that… A start. I hope it can lead to a full lift of the embargo at some point. I have always wanted to see Cuba and one day I’m sure my wife and I will go visit. As far as the Cigar industry I really am not getting excited about it as I have never been one to really Fall in Love with Cuban Cigars, I have had a few that were amazing… and some that were less then impressive. To me they are all over priced so I’m in no rush to grab them when I can. The one thing that will peak my interest is when companies will use Cuban tobacco in their Cigar Blends I am excited to see how Cuban tobacco will Marry with Leaf from other countries. That is all.
This is why I stopped smoking Cubans: http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/jay-z-blasted-21-jump-street-director-over-cuba-trip-85551/
I can’t really say anything on Cuban cigars because I haven’t smoked more than maybe two or three legitimate ones, but reading about what’s been found inside of some of them – well, I’ll stick to those cigars that aren’t considered contraband in the U.S. – for now.
I’m mostly interested in the day when blenders have the ability to utilize Cuban tobaccos in their blends. Cuban wrappers and tobacco available will give the blenders all the herbs and spices for some great new blends.
I think it’s gonna take away the thrill of getting your hands on them. Then again it could probably put a stop to all the fake ones that are filled with shit that’s not good for you. I’ve had the pleasure smoking a few good ones. It will probably be years before it goes in effect anyway.
I think it is great that people will be able to buy Cuban Cigars while traveling and not having to worry about losing them at customs. I also agree with the other statements and I believe that there are other cigars that are just as good if not better that we can all get.
I look forward to trying any and all cigars! It would be nice to have the best available no matter what country it’s from.
Looking forward to Cuban tobacco being used by other than Cuban manufacturers. As far as the politics of it all, it’s just that, politics. Cuban cigars aren’t necessarily insanely priced either, just depends on the source.
I am still waiting for the day when I can tell a difference between a Cuban and a Nicaraguan other than just by the band. Until then, I’m not too worried.