Slimboli, you can buy pre-embargo Cubans legally if you can find them, and I am sure that you have a lead on some, but I just don't think they are worth the price--sorry. I have about 6 Montecristo #2's, a Bolivar Pyramid, and a couple Cohibas that are all "illegal" or whatever you want to call them, but I would not go through the trouble to bring them into States! There are too many great cigars available........I think about the Napa Reserve and I would place it above any Cuban I have smoked! I know you have a corner on them, wish I had been as smart as you! Charlie

Cubans are a great "been there, done that" sort of thing. But at 15 bucks a pop or more they are nothing but a novelty. Most folks (myself included) couldn't REALLY pick one out of a lineup of similar quality smokes from elsewhere. It's amazing that we classify all cuban cigars in one category, when there are great ones and lesser ones just like from the DR or elsewhere. I remember about 20 years ago we couldn't get Coors beer here in the Northeast. We paid top dollar when we could find some. Claimed it tasted like Angel Nectar. "worth every penny". What a joke.

Tailgater ... I've got to disagree. The reason most people can't tell a 'Cuban' from the others, is because they have never had a real one. Since 95% of most ISOM's sold are fake, how wold they know? I've had the pleasure of getting ISOM's from very reputable people and sources, and I assure you, they have a taste and smell all their own. It is very unique and unmistakable, no other cigar can compare. I'm not saying that Cubans are better than others (there are plenty of great cigars out there that I like better), it's just that a 'real' Cuban will leave you wanting for more ...

...and I remember when I thought Coors was nectar of the gods.....we all wanted it because we were told we couldn't have it...."We pursue that which retreats from us"....I have a genuine fake cuban for the first person to correctly identify the source of that quote.

JBG, I believe it was Mr Spock. Just before he coined "the needs of the many are greater than the needs of the few.........or the one..." sniff, brings a tear to my eye every time...

Slim, very few folks have had the genuine opportunity to know true ISOM from fakes. My point was that people who don't know a swisher from a padron will still pay 20 bucks for a puff. The aura is more important than the product. And people DO lump ALL cuban cigars together, which is a joke. Sure, there is a flavor characteristic that can't be replicated with the same seeds grown elsewhere, but that isn't what is driving the price upwards. It's the "forbidden fruit" sydrome. You don't see NY City Bagels going for $20 a dozen even though they're the BEST...

... well, there's some truth in what you say. But, I have a couple of friends who smoke Cubans exclusively, and have done so for many years. For the most part, they won't smoke anything else ... simply because they like ISOM's better than anything else they've tried. These guys have been smoking cigars for a very long time ...

You should give them a Napa or two... How's about a Coors?

well here is a little test then....if money was absolutely NO object, would you drive a ferrari with a sticker of $250,000.....how about $600,000.....or even $2M....remember, money is no object.....would you drive "the best" even if the price was ridiculous? Then again, if money is no object, is there such a thing as a ridiculous price?