Cuban tobacco is unique. It's not the tobacco plant that makes it unique - it's the soil the tobacco plant comes from. There are those that argue this - but the best place to grow tobacco is the Vuelta Abajo region of the extreme western part of Cuba. That's where tobacco is grown for Partagas and Cohiba. I personally am not a big fan of Cohiba, but I love the Vegas Robaina Famosos (from that region).

There are quite a few cigars produced throughout the world that are very nice. The same as Cuban? I don't think so. Very similar? I believe so. Blends are created that have a very similar profile.

It seems things have changed pretty dramatically since the cigar boom. I don't see the same emphasis on trying to compare NC's to Cuban's. I think cigar smokers have become much more pin tune with NC cigars. I still believe there is a faction of staunch Cuban cigar smokers, but I'm not sure Cuban cigars have the luster they did a while back. And - there are so many fake Cuban's floating around - it's sickening...

My journey with cigars has taken me many places. I've had some wonderful Cuban cigars - but I've had equally wonderful NC's. I say - don't get hung up on seeking out Cuban cigars. They're not necessarily overrated - but they're also not necessarily the best you can get.

The best way I can illustrate this for you - get a hold of a Davidoff. ,I'd recommend their Grand Cru line. In my view - consistently one of the best cigars you'll smoke. Beautifully made - incredibly blended. I've never been disappointed.