"Pre-Castro Cuban Cigars made in the Dominican Republic?

**cohibachruchill** · 01-08-2006, 05:54 PM

I received a box as a gift -- via Nieman Marcus. While both the box and the ring labels are bothmarked "Pre-Castro Cuban Cigars -- Series 1958," the ring label also says "Domincan Republic." What gives? I'm not an aficionado -- just a guy who likes cigars and who has a generous and thoughtful wife.

bigpoppapuff · 01-08-2006, 05:57 PM

it's the thought that counts.....if you enjoy them,fine....

and,wtf is a chruchill??.....

**cohibachruchill** · 01-08-2006, 06:09 PM

... corruption of churchill resulting for a typo, obviously.

**ggiese** · 01-08-2006, 06:11 PM

This is one of those long debated, never settled, cigar issues.

Typically, these cigars are manufactured (according to their makers) with a certain amount of pre-embargo Cuban tobacco (which is legal). Oftentimes you hear about someone coming across a warehouse full of Cuban tobacco that was long forgot about, or was part of some type of bankruptcy deal. Many leading experts out there claim there is no such thing as pre-embargo Cuban tobacco at this point. Given the number of years since the start of the embargo, it is highly unlikely any of the tobacco was able to survive without having been rolled into cigars.

At any rate, these cigar makers claim to add a certain amount of this tobacco into their blends and sell them as such. The most recognized are the Gurkha pre-embargo's. I've smoked these cigars (amonst others), and haven't been overly impressed considering the price. I gotta think if momma bought them at Needless Markup, they weren't cheap.

I'm sure they're decent cigars - they usually are - but definitely not worth the coin they ask. That's just my view of 'em.

At any rate, smoke 'em!!!

**cohibachruchill** · 01-08-2006, 08:13 PM

... That is very helpful. And go Sox!!!

**nhcigarfan** · 01-08-2006, 08:26 PM

I've tried a couple also, nothing to write home about. Something about 47 + year old tobacco that I am sure was properly stored the entire time, which is why they are releasing them now.

**SuperChuck** · 01-09-2006, 07:57 AM

I'd suggest giving them a nice, long rest at proper humidity... I imagine they're dry as firewood.

**cohibachruchill** · 01-09-2006, 09:11 PM

Count on it, SuperChuck.

**bluesman455** · 01-09-2006, 11:05 PM

the Palms casino cigar bar in Vegas has real true pre-embargo cubans starting at $400 a stick.

bigpoppapuff · 01-09-2006, 11:22 PM

hex has some pre-embargos on his website (camino viejo) that are decently priced...and are a pretty good smoke...

**hex1848** · 01-09-2006, 11:55 PM

Yep, I carry the Vuelta Abajo Pre Embargo Cuban Cigars. They are also made in the Dominican Republic with a tasty blend of Dominican and Cuban tobacco finished off with a spicy Brazilian Maduro wrapper. These are surprisingly really good smokes. Is there real Cuban tobacco in them? I've heard both sides. My father laughs at the notion that tobacco has been sitting in a warehouse since 1959, let alone that it’s still be roll able. However the sources are trusted and the cigars do have that distinctive taste.

I’ve had other cigars claiming to be Pre Embargo, and they haven’t come close to being as enjoyable.

**cohibachruchill** · 01-10-2006, 09:09 AM

I'll bet these are similar to the cigars described by Hex, though they are marked pre-Castro rather than pre-embargo (I now understand the difference). I hope they smoke as good.

**SuperChuck** · 01-10-2006, 09:26 AM

The Pinar line also claims to contain pre-embargo tobacco...

**Shakespeare** · 01-10-2006, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by hex1848

Yep, I carry the Vuelta Abajo Pre Embargo Cuban Cigars. They are also made in the Dominican Republic with a tasty blend of Dominican and Cuban tobacco finished off with a spicy Brazilian Maduro wrapper. These are surprisingly really good smokes. Is there real Cuban tobacco in them? I've heard both sides. My father laughs at the notion that tobacco has been sitting in a warehouse since 1959, let alone that it’s still be roll able. However the sources are trusted and the cigars do have that distinctive taste.

I’ve had other cigars claiming to be Pre Embargo, and they haven’t come close to being as enjoyable.

Nice web sites Hex. Not a bad price either at $6-$6.40 a stick. I might try a bundle when I get my allowance this week.

**ukyfan** · 01-10-2006, 01:58 PM

After a while wouldn't a 50 year old cigar/leaf ruin even if it was kept at the right humidity?

bigpoppapuff · 01-10-2006, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by ukyfan

After a while wouldn't a 50 year old cigar/leaf ruin even if it was kept at the right humidity?

no,in optimum conditions the tobacco would still be useable...the real question is how much of this leaf still exists...

**Kenyth** · 01-10-2006, 04:34 PM

I don't know BPP, usable is probably the best you could say. Tobacco contains lots of volatiles which give it it's flavor profile. Kind of like coffee or tea. Wouldn't all that evaporate in 50+ years time? I'm not saying it doesn't have pre-embargo tobacco. I'm just guessing it's a gimmick and that the amount is miniscule, not to mention flavorless and neutral to the flavor profile.