Cuban cigars have a huge fan base and are popular all around the world for their uniqueness and high quality. They also come with a hefty price tag. Let’s take a look at the nature of Cuban cigars to understand if they are worth the money and whether you should be buying Cuban cigars.

What is a Cuban cigar?

Cuban cigars are well-known worldwide. They are, in fact, regarded as the greatest cigars available. Tobacco has been produced in Cuba for several hundred years, and manufacturers have been making cigars there since the time of King Phillip II of Spain. 

Cuba’s cigar business is currently subject to direct government oversight. The purpose of this governmental oversight is to verify that every cigar that leaves the factory is well-made, properly rolled, and free of defects or imperfections.

Since each cigar is produced with so much care, attention, and high-quality materials, these cigars differentiate themselves from the competition. In fact, it’s been calculated that over a hundred stages are necessary to properly make just one Cuban cigar. The industry adheres to a meticulous cigar-making process that hasn’t evolved much in the last century or so. These cigars differ from cigars produced in other nations in part because of the dedicated care and attention they receive.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find these cigars. Authentic Cuban cigars are difficult to find outside of Cuba. The difficulty in obtaining these cigars has only increased demand for them globally. By the time John F. Kennedy imposed an economic embargo on Cuba in the early 1960s, Cuban cigars had already begun to be widely consumed in the United States. But once the prohibition was in effect, demand for these cigars increased significantly. Although it is now feasible to travel to Cuba and carry a certain number of these cigars back to the United States, American law continues to forbid the import of Cuban cigars for commercial purposes.

The fact that only Cuban tobacco is used in the production of these cigars distinguishes them from other cigars consumed worldwide. Almost all other cigars are constructed from a blend of multiple varieties of tobacco, which many smokers are unaware of. This isn’t terrible in and of itself, and so many users find the mixture of diverse tobaccos to be rather enjoyable. A dedicated smoker understands, however, that only Cuban cigars produce the strongest, most genuine smoke. It should be mentioned that puffing on any of these cigars is not something you should do so casually. Such cigars have a potent scent and flavor; in fact, many novice smokers dislike them largely due to this.

Also read: A History of Cigars

Why Do Cuban Cigars Cost So Much?

Five different types of tobacco are used to make Cuban cigars, with the most potent leaves being used sparingly for extra flavor because they receive the most sunshine and have the richest flavor. The binders that keep the filling together are created by the leaves further below. Wrapper leaves that are tan in color and feel thin and elastic like vinyl are produced in the shade.

Although cigar smoking is steadily losing favor in many regions of Europe and North America, there are still ardent supporters of the habit. Some people even go so far as to just smoke Cuban cigars because of their reputation for being of the highest quality and flavor. But why do Cuban cigars cost so much? And if you have the money, should you buy Cuban cigars? On paper, these issues may appear to be fairly clear-cut; after all, Cuban cigars do charge more than the majority of cigars. It is mainly because they are uncommon and unavailable in many regions of the world. 

Cuban cigars are popular all over the world, despite the market’s enormous demand, which they are unable to provide. As a result, the majority of Cuban cigars sold worldwide are phony. According to a study, 90% of the cigars sold in the US are fake. If a cigar has a torpedo shape and purports to be Cuban, it most likely isn’t.

Terroir

Terroir is a French word that literally translates to “region,” but when used in agricultural contexts, it relates to a location’s soil, climate, and geology. It’s typically used when referring to grapes made into wine, but it’s also frequently heard when talking about tobacco.

There is little doubt that if Cuban cigars didn’t taste well, they would not have been regarded as extraordinary. The terroir of tobacco’s origin plays a significant role in the flavor of a cigar. Cuban soil has historically been rich in nutrients, especially magnesium, calcium, and iron, particularly in the westernmost region of the island, Vuelta Abajo. These components combined effectively to produce tobacco that was moderately sweet. The majority of Cuban cigars produce ash that is light to medium grey, which shows that the magnesium content is not very high. Because calcium and magnesium combine to impart sweetness to the cigar, Cubans rarely have significant amounts of acid, which might result from a shortage of magnesium. Aroma is primarily caused by iron.

The soil of Vuelta Abajo has undergone significant degradation over time. The yield of the tobacco produced there has suffered as a result of overproduction and illness. Many cartons of Cuban cigars have these issues visible.

Conclusion

As amazing as this achievement is, it also serves to highlight a harsh reality. Premium cigars are no longer only produced in Cuba. Competing industries exist in nearby nations, many of which were established by Cuban immigrants utilizing Cuban customs. The reality is that if Cuban cigars live up to the hype, it depends on personal preference. The embargo is much to blame for the hysteria that has developed around them. People lust after prohibited things. Cuban cigars are still extremely good, some of the finest in the world, and many people still find their flavor to be particularly enticing, but if you’re looking for a premium cigar, you don’t need to travel to Cuba. If Cuban cigars are still your only option, the island still produces a variety of top-notch brands. Although they cannot be imported directly, they are commonly available in other nations.

You can find the best quality Cuban cigars in India at Cingari along with a huge collection of non-Cuban cigars.