How much does a real Cuban cigar cost?
Are you looking for an authentic real Cuban cigar? You may be surprised by how much they cost. While the average price for a cigar in the U.S. is around $7, a genuine Cuban can set you back anywhere from $25 to $80 or more, depending on the type of cigar and where you purchase it. So before you light up, brush up on your knowledge of Cuban cigars and their prices.
A guide to Cuban cigars: what you need to know
There’s something about a Cuban cigar that just captures the imagination. It could be because the Cuban government tightly regulates them, or perhaps because of their explosive flavor. Either way, if you’re looking to buy a Cuban cigar, there are a few things you need to know first.
That’s a pretty loaded statement. After all, there’s a lot to know about Cuban cigars – and believe us, we’re experts. So much so we decided to put together this comprehensive guide on everything related to these prestigious smokes. From the country of their origin to the different types available, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to make sure you have all the information you need before buying your first (or next) Cuban cigar. Read on for an education that’ll make you the life of any cigar lounge!
Still curious about Cuban cigars? Read on!
Things you didn't know about Cuban cigars
Cuban cigars are some of the most sought-after cigars in the world. Walking into a humidor, the aroma of Cuban cigars is unmistakable. For cigar lovers, these are the holy grail. But what do you know about Cuban cigars?
Here are the things you may not have known about these famous smokes:
- The tobacco for Cuban cigars is grown on a small island off the coast of Cuba called Pinar del Río.
- There are many different Cuban cigars, each with a unique flavor profile.
- A single cigar can cost up to $100 or more!
- The wrapper leaf on a Cuban cigar is often fragile and delicate, making them difficult to roll and smoke properly.
- Many smokers believe Cuban cigars taste better than any other kind of cigar.
- It’s illegal to bring Cuban cigars into the United States without a license from the Treasury Department.
- Winston Churchill was one of Fidel Castro’s biggest fans and smoked nothing but Cuban cigars his entire life!
- In 2002, Cubans exported over $445 million worth of premium cigars worldwide – making them one of Cuba’s top exports!
- The Cohiba cigar brand was created exclusively for Fidel Castro in 1966.
- Most Cuban cigars are made in the town of Estelí, Nicaragua.
- Cohiba is the most famous Cuban cigar brand.
- Fidel Castro banned Cubans from smoking cigars in public in 1962.
- The average price for a box of Cuban cigars is $300-400 USD.
- Six hundred million cigars are produced yearly in Cuba, most for export markets.
- Winston Churchill was a big fan of Cohiba cigars and smoked them often during World War II.
- Finally, did you know there’s even a “cigar pope”? José Martínez is the president of La Casa del Habano – an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving premium handmade cigars worldwide, including Cubans.
How to spot a fake Cuban cigar
If you’re looking for an authentic Cuban cigar, it’s essential to spot a fake. Here are a few tips to help you out:
– First, check the construction of the cigar. An authentic Cuban will have a perfect structure, while a fake will often be poorly made.
– Look at the band on the cigar. An authentic Cuban band will be gold or silver foil, while a fake band will usually be paper-made.
– The tobacco in a genuine Cuban cigar should be aged for at least five years, so check the date on the sticker.
– Finally, take a smell of the cigar. An authentic Cuban will have an earthy aroma, while fakes often smell like chemicals.
A beginner's guide to understanding the actual cost of a Cuban cigar
“How much should a Cuban cigar cost?” The answer to that question is more complicated than you may think. The price of a Cuban cigar can vary greatly depending on the size, shape, and blend. Cigars have been a popular item among smokers for centuries. But many must learn that Cuban cigars are the world’s most coveted and expensive.
How much does an authentic Cuban cigar cost? Top 5 brands compared
Move over cigarettes, and there’s a new smoke in town. Or at least, there’s been a resurgence of an old favorite among the rich and famous. We’re talking about cigars, of course, and specifically, Cuban cigars. Though they’ve been around for centuries, Cuban cigars have regained popularity as the ultimate status symbol in recent years. But what makes them so unique? And how much do they cost?
Here we’ll compare five of the most famous Cuban cigars brands and break down the cost per cigar. Spoiler alert: they aren’t cheap.
- Montecristo N4 – Cuba
The name Montecristo is bound to come up when discussing Cuban cigars. The No.4 is the top-selling cigar worldwide, and for good reasons. The cigars provide a consistent experience in all aspects and are ideal for people stepping into Cuban tobacco for the first time.
Montecristo N4 cigars are firmly constructed and well-packed. The 4-inch long short, thin cigars are perfect after lunch providing you with a flavourful smoke for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The sticks light up with the touch of a flame, and the first half offers a hint of spice and earthy notes.
You can notice the intense flavors in the middle with a touch of coffee and cream notes. Gradually the chocolate and fruit flavors reveal themselves while the spicy tone reaches its peak. The flavors are always well-balanced and never overwhelm the taste of the Cuban filling.
Highlights
- Rich, flavourful, and smooth
- It goes along with most drinks
- Consistent draw and burn
- RYJ (Romeo Y Juliet) Mille Fleur – Cuba
Named after the tragic lovers created by William Shakespeare, RYJ ( Romeo-Y-Juliet ) has been providing a satisfying smoking experience to its followers since 1875.
RYJ was the favorite brand of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and won several awards at testing exhibitions in the 1900s. You can see the gold medals in the logo of the leading cigar brand in Cuba.
Right in sync with the name, RYJ offers refreshing floral flavors right off the first draw. You can also feel the presence of sweet spice and hazelnut tones as you progress toward the middle part. Gradually the earthen tone sets in, carrying along fruity and wood flavors. As you are nearing the end, the spice becomes strong, and techniques of cedar and pepper kick in.
You can notice each flavor separately over a smoking period of roughly one hour. Both beginners and experienced smokers can enjoy the affordable RYJ, which comes in 5-inch sticks.
Highlights
- Well-balanced flavors
- Taste becomes enhanced with aging
- The mild profile makes it suitable for beginners
- Trinidad Vigia
Once reserved only for dignitaries and diplomats, Trinidad quickly became popular with smokers when they commercially hit the market in 1998. The Vigia is a short and fatty alternative to the long Fundadores and provides a well-balanced mix of flavors and the Cuban taste.
Trinidad’s eucalyptus, honey, and woody notes travel down your throat as you take the first few puffs. The draws are firm with adequate strength and leave a smooth and silky aftertaste. Touches of lightly toasted oak and graham crackers complement the honey and earth flavor during the second third of the smoke.
The last half of the cigar brings up notes of roasted nuts while the sweetness spikes up. Each drawing enables you to taste the richness of one flavor while the others subtly complement it. The cigar burns effortlessly with impressive strength, devoid of harsh notes.
Highlights
- Rich flavourful profile
- Optimum complexity for expert smokers
- Medium-level strength with excellent after-finish
- Montecristo N2 – Cuba
The Montecristo N2 needs no introduction to even someone who has been into Cuban cigars for a few months. The N2 has remained unchanged since 1935 and has grown to be one of the top Cuban cigars in the world. The cigar was awarded the best cigar of the year by Cigar Aficionado magazine in 2013.
The well-made N2 is solid in appearance, and you can feel spice, earth, and cocoa notes in the pre-light draw. Tinges of almond and cinnamon reveal themselves as you light up, complemented by subtle oak notes. The taste becomes solid as you burn the cigar, introducing a slightly salty, savory note.
The last half entertains your senses with touches of cedar and black and white pepper. The oak also becomes sharper though it never crosses the sweet taste of cedar.
Highlights
- It provides a rich blend of flavors
- It offers a steady and consistent smoke
- Flawless construction and appearance
- Cohiba Siglo VI
How about puffing on a cigar that was once made exclusively for Fidel Castro?
The Cohiba Siglo VI was introduced in 2002 and is considered the best line. It’s pretty attractive in its yellow and black colors and comes in a soft, buttery wrapper. You can pick up the smell of earth, cocoa, and cedar right after you open the box.
The pre-light draw reveals the cocoa and cedar flavors and offers slight resistance. Once you light up, the pepper and spicy flavors leave a sweet aftertaste of coffee, vanilla, and earth.
New flavors are introduced as you reach the second third giving the cigars a complex flavor profile. The spice hits you with touches of leather and peppery earth, making it a versatile treat. The third half enriches the taste with tonnes of dried wood, flowers, and nuts while retaining the flavor profile of the second half.
Overall, you get a smooth and velvety smoking experience that lasts for 1 hour to 90 minutes.
Highlights
- Delicious floral notes
- The right mix of spices for a rich taste
- It tastes great right out of the box