There's something about a Cuban cigar that just screams luxury.

Perhaps it's the fact that they're handmade with only the finest tobacco leaves.

Or maybe it's because they're illegal in the United States. Pop culture is rife with images of celebrities and dignitaries indulging in Cuban cigars, often in defiance of the law.

But why are Cuban cigars illegal in the first place? It all goes back to the Cuban Revolution of 1959. When Fidel Castro came into power, he nationalized all private businesses on the island, including cigar factories. This angered a lot of people, including the owner of the Cuban cigar company Habanos S.A., which is now the only legal producer of Cuban cigars.

The United States placed an embargo on all imports from Cuba in 1960 in response to Castro's seizure of private property. The embargo was expanded over the years to include a ban on travel to Cuba and any financial transactions with Cuban businesses.

Since the embargo is still in effect, it's illegal to buy or sell Cuban cigars in the United States. But that doesn't stop people from trying. In fact, Cuban cigars are some of the most smuggled goods in the world.

Whatever the reason, there's no denying that Cuban cigars are some of the best in the world.

So, if you're looking for a truly luxurious smoking experience, you'll have to look outside the US for your Cuban cigars. But be prepared to pay a hefty price tag – they're not cheap!

Despite the fact that Cuban cigars are illegal, many people still enjoy them. They are considered to be some of the best cigars in the world, and their forbidden status only makes them more desirable to some smokers.

Can you buy Cuban cigars in the US?

Cuban cigars can be illegally sold. Donald Trump reintroduced hardline measures against Cuba, but no Cuban products can be shipped. If you're caught buying or selling Cuban cigars in the US, you could be subject to hefty fines and even jail time. However, many people take the risk because they feel that the cigars are worth it.

So, there you have it! That's why Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States. Despite the risks, many people still enjoy these fine cigars. Are you brave enough to try one?

How much does a real Cuban cigar cost?

Cuban cigars are not cheap. Prices for them range from $7 or $8 to hundreds of dollars per cigar. However, the price you'll pay for a Cuban cigar depends on several factors. For example, where you purchase it makes a big difference. It is important to note that Cuban cigars cannot be bought legally in the United States.

Thanks to an executive order by former President Obama in 2014, though, US citizens are now permitted to bring in these cigars from Cuba as well as other countries. So, the cost of a Cuban cigar will mainly depend on where you purchase it from. To begin with, we'll look at prices within Cuba itself.

When on the island, Cuban cigar prices are by far the lowest you'll find. The iconic Montecristo No. 2 will only set you back $8 CUCs (Cuban Convertible Pesos). And if you can actually find it, that is.

In Mexico, the same cigar would be priced at $18 in a La Casa del Habano--the official Cuban cigar store. If purchased in London, you're looking at a price tag of $30. Finally, in the United States, the same Cuban cigar would be priced around $100.

 

What is the best Cuban cigar?

There are a number of different opinions on this subject, but some of the most highly rated Cuban cigars include the Montecristo No. 2, the Cohiba Esplendido, and the Romeo y Julieta Churchill. Some of the less expensive Cuban cigars that are still very good include the Montecristo No. 4 and the Cohiba Robusto.

What's so special about Cuban cigars?

Cuban cigars are made from high grade materials which are carefully handcrafted to perfection. The average Cuban cigar requires around 100 steps to manufacture.

 The tobacco is also of a very high quality, and the climate in Cuba is ideal for growing it. Some people also believe that the embargo has made Cuban cigars even more desirable, as they are seen as forbidden fruit.

What separates these cigars from the rest is the high-quality leaves used as well as the care and precision that goes into crafting each one. A single Cuban cigar requires at least one hundred steps to create from start to finish.

The cigar industry follows a set process that has stayed largely unchanged for the last century. These cigars' dedicated care and attention sets them apart from others made in different countries.

Some people really enjoy the flavor of Cuban cigars, while others find them too strong. It really all comes down to personal preference in the end. 

What are good alternatives to cuban cigars?

Of course, we're biased, but Gadsden Cigars are a fantastic alternative to Cuban cigars.

Gadsden's artisanal cigars are hand-rolled in the Land of the Free with Cuban-seed tobacco. They are the closest you can get to smoking freedom.

Molon Labe's thick creamy smoke gives you rich layers of coffee, almond, white pepper, and vanilla bean flavor that will linger long after you put it down.

Sic Semper Tyrannis is a smooth, sweet cigar with earthy tones and a touch of pepper. The dark chocolate aroma gives it a perfect medium body that fades in between draws.

The Defiant cigar features a delicious Nicaraguan Habano wrapper that gets its dark color from an 18-month aging process. When you smell it, you'll notice barnyard, red pepper, bittersweet chocolate, and malt aromas. It has a slow smooth burn, creamy smoke, with medium+ intensity. The flavor profile includes raisin undertones.