www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Most of this has been covered before but I still wanted to share a good experience. Bought a single Cuban cigar for a friend from a little tobacco shop in the Paseo de las Flores shopping center several months ago. I don't smoke but bought one in a tube. Friend said it had mold on it.

Another friend (poor K*D that works at Starbucks) is saving for a wedding thing & wants Cuban Cigars for his guests. He asked me to buy some on my next 5 -6 trips (I come down about once a month). He has to buy them in small quantities because of his budget. Stopped off at the HLH and talked to the Cigar Guy (Bruce?). Anyway, told him the situation & he really took care of my friend, offering a really fair price for him & giving a good selection for my first month's package. There were a few other fellows in there enjoying cigars as well. Overall kind of made me wish I smoked.

Highly recommended; don't even consider buying from the malls.

/dddick

Bruce is a great guy and very fair - the place has improved immeasurably since he took over the cigar operation and Boyd the hotel/bar. Its just a great place.

I would have told your Starbucks friend to bag the Cuban cigars (Sorry Bruce ) as he probably wants them for the "star" power vs anything else - if you don't know cigars (and I'll admit I could be off base here but don't think so) paying even a deep discount for Cubans is a waste of money b/c even w/ a deep discount - they are still expensive. Plenty of non Cuban cigars in $5 - 10 range that are great.

Kinda like buying what should be a dollar cup of coffee for $3 or $4 at Starbucks, if you take my point I hate coffee so a $4 Starbucks double late - or whatever - would be lost on me.

You know what - his wedding, his money - but it sounds like he's saving up and the easiest budget item to cut would be expensive cigars that likely will not be appreciated for anything other than the snob appeal

(I think I just broke my resolution to be kinder to all - but something about the guy you mentioned just did it for me - plus its a message board and all posts are fair game to comment )

Mr Scuba -

I agree but then we all do things just because we want to..... I told him the same thing & even bought a few "long leaf cuban tobacco" cigars from the Horseshoe for $6 apiece. But he does like the snob appeal; I guess when you're 26 and making $10 an hour that's important. Just glad I (and Bruce) could help.

/dddick

i agree. Bruce (WiseAsh) is great. i am not a smoker, but he introduced me to a wonderful cigar on my last visit. we chatted for awhile and i found him to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful. i'm looking forward to stopping by on my next visit. less than ten days to go...

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When I was born, I was given a choice - a big pecker or a good memory.... I don't remember what I chose.

Yeah, I hear ya

Sometimes .........and its because I'm 57 and have life experience more so than smarts You can just "call" a situation

Bringing Habanos from CR is not worth the risk. Very questionable authenticity, high prices and customs can be a problem…

http://www.finestcubancigars.com – Guaranteed quality, and guaranteed delivery to the US. Finest Cubans are a licensed Habanos dealer and are the largest retailer in the world. There is absolutely no question on their authenticity of product. You can buy 1 cigar or 1000… prices are the best anywhere outside of Cuba.

IMHO, Cuban cigars are the best… although there are some great cigars from Nicaragua and DR, but after state and federal taxes you will pay more them than a Cuban of the same or better quality.

Mendo

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"It takes a lot of good beer to make a great wine"

Havanahumidorroom.com. Habanos license #0021. Not the largest dealer in the world but guaranteed the lowest prices, no exceptions. A real store with a serious selection.

Try COH cheaper than both and authentic. Guaranteed delivery anywhere. Yes I use them.

http://www.cigarsofhabanos.com/

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LOL I would Love to never hear the word game used again ever again! :)

Mold is usually blue or greenish in color and you shouldn't smoke it, but the white stuff (bloom) is harmless. I don't
like to see it on my cigars either, looks gross but you can usually get it off using a cloth.

On another note, Bruce is a stand up guy and offers good quality cigars. I enjoy hanging out having a smoke with
him shooting the bull.

If your buying by the box I recommend using Havana Mike.

The Bloom is actually very desirable - shows super aged, quality tobaccos - its really something to look for, and if you find a cigar with bloom, well worth somking; otherwise agree w/ you 100% re your comments about Bruce

Oh boy howdy is it delicious. Just to clarify I was talking about buying boxes for singles from what I hear Havanahumidorroom.com is a great place and just took for granted that everyone knows it's customary to buy from the lounge you are smoking at out of courtesy. I will often bring my own aged stock to smoke but will buy from the shop to be fair. I also ask the proprietor if that is alright with them as well. Just good manners.

Your lounge was a favorite when I was able to travel and I hope it will be again when I am healthy enough to hit the road again, here's to your success WiseAsh

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LOL I would Love to never hear the word game used again ever again! :)

Brother Smelvis, get well soon! Let's have a good smoke together.

Thank You brother I look forward to it. If it's still possible I may just move in Okay maybe just to CR if the GOV doesn't make it to hard to do.

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LOL I would Love to never hear the word game used again ever again! :)

I was told years ago.. only by them at the airport cigar shops in CR and have ever since. they always seem freshest and official. Hope this is not a repost, if so please disregard.

I think maybe at duty free, but at the other places, all I've seen are overpriced and not very good domestic cigars.

Costa Rica, for a number of reasons (like a very high duty on imported cigars and a domestic industry not known for growing and producing good cigars) is not a great place for cigars - you will find few decent domestics and the worst place in your home town will have a better selection of the popular brands in the USA.

Regardless, if you have not already done so, check with Bruce at Hotel Little Havana (the former Zona Blue) - he has a great selection of genuine Havanas at good prices.