Some good Cubans to start off with.

[AndrewH]

Ok, well just got into smoking Cigars (yesterday actually). Only ones I have smoked are Guantanmera Cristals (only thing the store near me had). Looking at ordering some so what would be a few good ones to try? I live in Canada so legality isn't a problem either.

[ReV]

hmm... not sure how everyone stands, but i think its in better form to just say ISOMs, Canadian or otherwise... Cohiba Siglo IV or other Siglo... If i could legally buy and smoke ISOMs, that'd be my pick. But thats strictly hypothetical...

[stjohnroe]

Cuban cigars are legal where I live and from my experience on the board the use of the word is not a problem.

If you are looking for a lower price cuban the Fonsecas are definately better than Guantanmera.

Next I would suggest a Partagas SD#4 or a Montecristo Edmundo.

Have fun finding out what you like.

[fainc07]

When I've been in places where it was both legal to obtain and smoke Cubans, I've really REALLY enjoyed the Cohiba Esplendidos. The construction is top notch, nice cool draw throughout, a fine smoke all around.

On a side note, what does ISOM stand for?

Cheers,

Mark

[mauied1101]

ISOM = Island South of Miami

enough of the Cohibas! - probably great smoke (no doubt) but there are plenty of other nice sticks to try for a lot less...

Montecristo #2, Cuaba Divinos, SLR Serie A, and San Cristobal La Punta and El Principe would top my list if i ever get the chance to try them.

[spiffykyle]

When I've been in places where it was both legal to obtain and smoke Cubans, I've really REALLY enjoyed the Cohiba Esplendidos. The construction is top notch, nice cool draw throughout, a fine smoke all around.

On a side note, what does ISOM stand for?

Cheers,

Mark

Just FYI, I thought it was technically illegal for an American citizen to get ISOM's no matter where they are, even if that country legally imports them. US laws apply to US citizens no matter where they are.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong though.

Hypothetically speaking I don't have a lot experience with them but I would have enjoyed a RyJ tubo and a Cuaba in the past.

spiffy

[fainc07]

Hey Spiffy,

I'm no lawyer, so I could be dead wrong in my understanding of the embargo, but I was under the impression that the definition of an embargo was essentially to limit and/or ban trade with a foreign nation. I wasn't aware it could be imposed outside the country due to citizenship.

Interesting point though. I'd welcome any legal scholars to chime in.

Cheers,

Mark...

[drew_goring]

Hey Spiffy,

I'm no lawyer, so I could be dead wrong in my understanding of the embargo, but I was under the impression that the definition of an embargo was essentially to limit and/or ban trade with a foreign nation. I wasn't aware it could be imposed outside the country due to citizenship.

Interesting point though. I'd welcome any legal scholars to chime in.

Cheers,

Mark...

It is fact that an American citizen purchasing/trading/being given products of Cuban origin would be breaking the law regardless of where in the world they are. (obviously there are a few exceptions to the rule, but very few)

[stjohnroe]

I think that the phrase is trading with the enemy

[mauied1101]

Just FYI, I thought it was technically illegal for an American citizen to get ISOM's no matter where they are, even if that country legally imports them. US laws apply to US citizens no matter where they are.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong though.


spiffy

Thank you for bringing this up. It wasn't obvious at all and does not bring anything we weren't already aware of into play.

Hey Spiffy,

I'm no lawyer, so I could be dead wrong in my understanding of the embargo, but I was under the impression that the definition of an embargo was essentially to limit and/or ban trade with a foreign nation. I wasn't aware it could be imposed outside the country due to citizenship.

Interesting point though. I'd welcome any legal scholars to chime in.

Cheers,

Mark...

Not a legal scholar, but Drew and Spiffy are correct. Department of State says so.

[cigar no baka]

It is fact that an American citizen purchasing/trading/being given products of Cuban origin would be breaking the law regardless of where in the world they are. (obviously there are a few exceptions to the rule, but very few)

Just wanted to back Drew up here - he is absolutely correct, it is illegal for any Amercian Citizen to purchase or consume products fo Cuban origin, with very few limited exceptions.

[AndrewH]

Picked up a Montecristo Petit Turbos and a Punch Gran Cru. I've smoked the Montecristo so far, it wasn't bad but I honestly thought the Guantamera tasted better. Gonna try the Punch tomorrow, hopefully it's good. I may pick up a a Bolivar Belicosos Finos tomorrow and a Cohiba (not sure which one) and try them over the weekend as well.

[cls515]

I'm not a fan of the Belicoso Fino. Some swear by it but it doesn't suit me.

For starters, try some:

Partagas Shorts, D4, Serie Du Connaisseur #3, 898 Varnished

Punch Punch

Montecristo #2, #4

Por Larranaga Petit Corona

Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas

I consider these blockbusters: Partagas D3, Cohiba Siglo II, Cohiba Siglo IV, Cohiba Siglo VI, Montecristo #4

[mauied1101]

Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas

I was just thinking RASS...

[AndrewH]

Thanks for the suggestions, may have to order some tomorrow.

[cls515]

http://www.cigarsmokers.com/t494-off...an-cigars.html

Official Policy on Cuban Cigars

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As much as it pains me to do so, I would like to officially declare that the sale or trade of Cuban Cigars (ISOM’s) are not be discussed on this board. Please do so in private. I am not enacting this policy because of any particular post/thread. I simply want to keep this board a clean, fun place for everyone’s enjoyment. The bottom line is that Cigarsmokers.com is owned and operated in the United States and Cuban cigars are illegal here. Black market wares bring nothing but trouble.

If you would like to discuss an experience or post a review about a Cuban cigar, that is fine so long as it does not involve buying, selling, or trading with in the United States.

Sorry guys, but I'm not going to jeopardize this community or myself for the enjoyment of anyone.

As soon as it becomes apparent that the trade embargo has been lifted, or someone can prove to me that allowing these type of posts will not fall back on the forum, then this ban will be removed.

[fainc07]

Thank you all for that input, it's good information.

CLS515, I apologize, for asking that question, I wasn't aware that I was crossing a threshold of sorts by doing so.

My question has good intentions.

Regards,

Mark

[mauied1101]

AndrewH - you should take the link off your post. Any discussion of ISOM sources, even if you're a Canadian, isn't good form.

Fainc07 - I don't think it was you that brought it up. I attribute that to SpiffyKyle. Some things are better left unsaid SpiffyKyle - but thank you for showing your smarts on the legality of Cuban cigars.

[fainc07]

Fair enough Maui, I just wanted all to know that I hadn't any intentions of ruffling any feathers. I learned something new from the post, that's for sure :)

Stay cool in DC in the next month or two...I spent a summer out there when I was younger, and can remember sweating through my suit on the walk TO the office at 7:00 a.m. Plus, all the damned tourists muck up the Metro system :0

Cheers,

Mark

[spiffykyle]

Mauied, sorry for broaching the subject, didn't mean to spark anything.

Just didn't want a member to unwittingly get into trouble because he/she didn't know the laws. Actually I learned this fact from someone else on this board and at the time it was new information to me.

I'll leave the legal stuff to the lawyers now.

spiffy