www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I was at the airport in San Jose recently awaiting my flight to Los Angeles. I was browsing around those duty free liquor shops and I happened to notice they carried several different brands of Rum which were made in Cuba. I know you're not allowed to bring in Cuban cigars (as it turned out I had 6 Cuban cigars in my inside pocket and I was waived straight through customes--they didn't check or ask a thing)so I was wondering whether the same applies to Cuban Rum as well. Are those also Verboten to bring into the U.S.? Thx.

The United States has for many years maintained a trade embargo against Cuba. The importation or exportation of any goods between the two countries is forbidden without a special license issued by the US government.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Yeah, but I have made 4 trips out of the country in the last 3 years and have never been checked on what I have brought back in.

Do not doubt that all. When you next arrive in the US from a foreign country see how feel people have to open a bag. The odds of being caught with Cuban products is negligible. Customs is more concerned with drugs enforcement than boycott enforcement.

My answer was addressing the original question concerning the legality of bringing Cuban rum into the United States.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I tried some at the bar at the Prez and was disappointed. There were numerous Central and South American rums that I prefer for less money. Are there any Cuban rums that should not be missed? I like rum for a zarpe, often with lime on ice, so getting a bottle when in town is no problem. I have no desire to break the border rules. It sounds like far more trouble than it is worth. I can't imagine that the state department has agents at Mas X Menos.

Cuban rums are vastly overrated. Zacapa from Guatemala and Flor de Cana from Nicaragua are the best bets.