US cigar aficionados can’t wait to buy Cohibas

Cuba

U.S. cigar smokers have lit up at the prospect of getting their hands on Cuban cigars, known as the world’s best, following the reestablishment of ties between the United States and Cuba. But there are still some hurdles to overcome before these cigarros can be freely purchased. CCTV America’s Karina Huber reported this story from New York. 

U.S. travelers to Cuba will now be able to import $100 worth of tobacco for personal consumption only. The Cuban trade embargo still forbids the large-scale import and sale of Cuban cigars, and for that to change, Congress needs to intervene.

Cigar lovers at the Davidoff of Switzerland tobacco store in Manhattan welcomed the thaw in ties. Davidoff sells Cuban cigars in every market except for the U.S., where it mainly sells Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars.

The store’s general manager Luis Torres expected to offer Cuban cigars soon.

“It’s fantastic for everyone. It’s great news. There’s a certain mythology to Cuban cigars, so we welcome this as a company, and I as the manager of our flagship in New York think it’s wonderful for business and for everyone involved,” Torres said.

If the embargo is lifted, Torres predicts a frenzy to buy Cuban cigars in the U.S., but some cigar lovers think once the cigars are no longer illicit, some of their appeal might fade.

Allowing $100 worth of cigars into the U.S. for personal consumption may be a good change in policy for cigar lovers, but it doesn’t get them very far. One box of 25 premium Cohibas sells for between $100-500 dollars in Havana, so every puff is valuable.


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