Welcome back to the Gentleman's Gazette in our series is it worth it?
Welcome back to the Gentleman's Gazette in our series is it worth it?

Have you ever wondered if Cuban cigars are worth their money?
Have you ever wondered if Cuban cigars are worth their money?

That's exactly what we're going to talk about today.
That's exactly what we're going to talk about today.

In our is it worth it series, we cover iconic or popular products, sometimes expensive luxury
In our is it worth it series, we cover iconic or popular products, sometimes expensive luxury

products, we determine if you should invest your money or not.
products, we determine if you should invest your money or not.

You can check out the other videos in the series here.
You can check out the other videos in the series here.

Part of the mystique about Cuban cigars is that they were hardly available in the US
Part of the mystique about Cuban cigars is that they were hardly available in the US

due to the embargo signed in 1962 by JFK.
due to the embargo signed in 1962 by JFK.

With the recent easing of restrictions, Americans can now buy Cuban cigars abroad and bring
With the recent easing of restrictions, Americans can now buy Cuban cigars abroad and bring

them into the country.
them into the country.

Cuban cigars are prestigious and with that, comes a higher price tag.
Cuban cigars are prestigious and with that, comes a higher price tag.

So is it worth importing Montecristos or Cohibas into the US?
So is it worth importing Montecristos or Cohibas into the US?

Recently, a friend bought home Cohiba Robustos and Montecristo Edmundos so we had a chance
Recently, a friend bought home Cohiba Robustos and Montecristo Edmundos so we had a chance

to try them.
to try them.

So before we go into any details about the cigars themselves, let's briefly touch on
So before we go into any details about the cigars themselves, let's briefly touch on

the restrictions in the US.
the restrictions in the US.

First of all, selling Cuban cigars in the US remains illegal.
First of all, selling Cuban cigars in the US remains illegal.

For the same reason, you can't also buy them at online stores in America, however, you
For the same reason, you can't also buy them at online stores in America, however, you

can bring back Cuban cigars from Cuba or from other third-party countries back to the US.
can bring back Cuban cigars from Cuba or from other third-party countries back to the US.

The cigars you bring back are for personal consumption and for gifts only, you cannot
The cigars you bring back are for personal consumption and for gifts only, you cannot

resell them in the US.
resell them in the US.

Interestingly, there are no dollar limits on how many cigars you can bring back.
Interestingly, there are no dollar limits on how many cigars you can bring back.

So if you're now interested in bringing back Cuban cigars, please check out the FAQ section
So if you're now interested in bringing back Cuban cigars, please check out the FAQ section

on the Department of Treasury website for more details.
on the Department of Treasury website for more details.

This is not legal advice.
This is not legal advice.

First, let's do a comparison between a Cuban cigar and a readily available Dominican cigar.
First, let's do a comparison between a Cuban cigar and a readily available Dominican cigar.

So a Cohiba Robustos has a strength that is about four out of five.
So a Cohiba Robustos has a strength that is about four out of five.

If you buy a box of 25, it breaks down to about 15 dollars per cigar.
If you buy a box of 25, it breaks down to about 15 dollars per cigar.

On a flipside, if you go with a Dominican Chateau Fuente sun-grown cigar, it costs about
On a flipside, if you go with a Dominican Chateau Fuente sun-grown cigar, it costs about

five bucks if you buy them in a case of twenty.
five bucks if you buy them in a case of twenty.

Both cigars have approximately the same strength yet the Cuban one is three times as expensive.
Both cigars have approximately the same strength yet the Cuban one is three times as expensive.

In terms o flavor, the Arturo Fuente Robusto will give
In terms o flavor, the Arturo Fuente Robusto will give

you notes of spices and chocolate.
you notes of spices and chocolate.

On the other hand, the Cohiba Robusto will have notes of wood, pepper, honey, and cocoa.
On the other hand, the Cohiba Robusto will have notes of wood, pepper, honey, and cocoa.

Some also argue that it has some extra complexity compared to the Dominican cigar.
Some also argue that it has some extra complexity compared to the Dominican cigar.

Now that difference in complexity is worth triple the price, as well as the hassle, is
Now that difference in complexity is worth triple the price, as well as the hassle, is

a question that you have to answer personally.
a question that you have to answer personally.

I know people who would argue both ways.
I know people who would argue both ways.

So in general, what makes Cuban cigars special or what are the pros of Cuban cigars?
So in general, what makes Cuban cigars special or what are the pros of Cuban cigars?

First of all, it's definitely the strength and the flavor.
First of all, it's definitely the strength and the flavor.

A Cuban stogie represents, for most cigar aficionados, the ultimate experience.
A Cuban stogie represents, for most cigar aficionados, the ultimate experience.

Known for their strength and flavor, they offer the smoker spicy, woody, and earthy
Known for their strength and flavor, they offer the smoker spicy, woody, and earthy

tones that are just excellent.
tones that are just excellent.

Sometimes, you can also have herbal notes but you'll always enjoy a good intensity of
Sometimes, you can also have herbal notes but you'll always enjoy a good intensity of

the cigar.
the cigar.

In blind tastings, the powerhouse cigars is usually a Cuban cigar.
In blind tastings, the powerhouse cigars is usually a Cuban cigar.

So yes, the big hallmark of Cuban cigars are strength and complexity.
So yes, the big hallmark of Cuban cigars are strength and complexity.

At the same time, there are also milder Cuban brands such as H. Upman or Sancho Panza.
At the same time, there are also milder Cuban brands such as H. Upman or Sancho Panza.

So what is the secret of Cuban cigars?
So what is the secret of Cuban cigars?

Basically, it's all in the Ligero which are the top leaves of the tobacco plant.
Basically, it's all in the Ligero which are the top leaves of the tobacco plant.

More specifically, the medio tiempo leaves are smaller leaves that come up later in the
More specifically, the medio tiempo leaves are smaller leaves that come up later in the

plant and many growers don't wait with the harvest until those medio tiempo leaves have
plant and many growers don't wait with the harvest until those medio tiempo leaves have

developed and because of that, they are more sought after, more priced, and also more expensive
developed and because of that, they are more sought after, more priced, and also more expensive

to get.
to get.

For example, some Cohibas such as the Behike line use medio tiempo leaves.
For example, some Cohibas such as the Behike line use medio tiempo leaves.

The second secret is the terroir.
The second secret is the terroir.

It is a French word that encompasses lots of different things.
It is a French word that encompasses lots of different things.

Just like with any other agricultural product such as grapes, the quality of tobacco leaves
Just like with any other agricultural product such as grapes, the quality of tobacco leaves

and the final Cuban cigar depend on many aspects.
and the final Cuban cigar depend on many aspects.

Specifically, it's about the climate, the temperature range, the rains, the wind, the
Specifically, it's about the climate, the temperature range, the rains, the wind, the

soil, as well as the human hand.
soil, as well as the human hand.

All of these aspects together make up for the terroir so even the most exclusive Cuban
All of these aspects together make up for the terroir so even the most exclusive Cuban

tobacco firms such as in the Vuelta Abajo, in the region of the Pinar del Rio, you will
tobacco firms such as in the Vuelta Abajo, in the region of the Pinar del Rio, you will

find differences in the quality of some growers compared to their neighbors.
find differences in the quality of some growers compared to their neighbors.

For example, the leaves on the Vuelta Abajo vegas which is a tobacco farm are much superior
For example, the leaves on the Vuelta Abajo vegas which is a tobacco farm are much superior

to the Robainas Cuchillas de Barbacoa in San Luis.
to the Robainas Cuchillas de Barbacoa in San Luis.

Now there are also outstanding tobacco terroirs in Central or South America that are not in
Now there are also outstanding tobacco terroirs in Central or South America that are not in

Cuba, for example, the tobacco used by Arturo Fuente for cigars like the Opus X, the Padron
Cuba, for example, the tobacco used by Arturo Fuente for cigars like the Opus X, the Padron

Aniversario, or the Serie 1926, or the Joya de Nicaragua are all of really top quality.
Aniversario, or the Serie 1926, or the Joya de Nicaragua are all of really top quality.

Nevertheless, the fact remains that tobacco leaves from the Pinar del Rio region in Cuba
Nevertheless, the fact remains that tobacco leaves from the Pinar del Rio region in Cuba

remain the pinnacle of tobacco growing among the cigar aficionados in the world because
remain the pinnacle of tobacco growing among the cigar aficionados in the world because

they put out consistently good quality tobacco leaves.
they put out consistently good quality tobacco leaves.

So with that being said, what are the cons of Cuban cigars, you might wonder?
So with that being said, what are the cons of Cuban cigars, you might wonder?

First of all, Cuban stogies are not always consistent in their quality and can range
First of all, Cuban stogies are not always consistent in their quality and can range

from year to year.
from year to year.

Because the demand for Cuban cigars is so high, they are sometimes pressured to produce
Because the demand for Cuban cigars is so high, they are sometimes pressured to produce

more quickly which in turn means that the cigars can't rest as long and that has an
more quickly which in turn means that the cigars can't rest as long and that has an

impact on the flavor.
impact on the flavor.

Generally, the leaves are more edgy in flavor and it's not as round as it could be if it
Generally, the leaves are more edgy in flavor and it's not as round as it could be if it

would have rested for longer.
would have rested for longer.

Also, just like other luxury products like the Montblanc Meisterstuck or the Rolex watch,
Also, just like other luxury products like the Montblanc Meisterstuck or the Rolex watch,

the Cuban cigars are also highly counterfeited and likely the most counterfeited tobacco
the Cuban cigars are also highly counterfeited and likely the most counterfeited tobacco

products in the world.
products in the world.

For example, Cuban cigar experts have more than 25 checkpoints on the cedar box of the
For example, Cuban cigar experts have more than 25 checkpoints on the cedar box of the

cigars alone and of course, they don't reveal them because otherwise, counterfeiters would
cigars alone and of course, they don't reveal them because otherwise, counterfeiters would

pick up on them and it would be even more difficult to determine the real Cuban cigar
pick up on them and it would be even more difficult to determine the real Cuban cigar

from the fake counterfeit.
from the fake counterfeit.

So by investing top dollar in Cuban cigars, you may actually end up with a fake that doesn't
So by investing top dollar in Cuban cigars, you may actually end up with a fake that doesn't

taste like the original product.
taste like the original product.

Keep in mind that fake cigars are not just thriving outside of Cuba but also in Havana.
Keep in mind that fake cigars are not just thriving outside of Cuba but also in Havana.

So because of that, Cuban cigars should only from trusted sources.
So because of that, Cuban cigars should only from trusted sources.

As I mentioned among the pros, Cuban cigars are typically full flavored and strong.
As I mentioned among the pros, Cuban cigars are typically full flavored and strong.

Now as a tobacco or cigar novice, that may be overwhelming and off-putting.
Now as a tobacco or cigar novice, that may be overwhelming and off-putting.

So as a novice smoker, it makes sense to start with something milder and then slowly but
So as a novice smoker, it makes sense to start with something milder and then slowly but

surely transition to these stronger cigars.
surely transition to these stronger cigars.

So after carefully considering the pros and cons, at the end of the day, do we think that
So after carefully considering the pros and cons, at the end of the day, do we think that

Cuban cigars are worth it?
Cuban cigars are worth it?

The answer is yes!
The answer is yes!

they are the reasoning behind it is that the price is not cost prohibitive.
they are the reasoning behind it is that the price is not cost prohibitive.

Yes a Cuban cigar can cost three times as much but at the end day, the difference between
Yes a Cuban cigar can cost three times as much but at the end day, the difference between

a fifteen dollar cigar and a five dollar cigar is just ten dollars which is quite affordable
a fifteen dollar cigar and a five dollar cigar is just ten dollars which is quite affordable

for most people out there.
for most people out there.

If you get a Cuban cigar from a reliable source, you will likely end up with a more robust
If you get a Cuban cigar from a reliable source, you will likely end up with a more robust

flavorful and complex cigar experience than you would with other cigars.
flavorful and complex cigar experience than you would with other cigars.

There is a reason why Cuban cigars are so famed other than the embargo.
There is a reason why Cuban cigars are so famed other than the embargo.

Some people really like to pair their cigars with their favorite cognac, brandy, whiskey,
Some people really like to pair their cigars with their favorite cognac, brandy, whiskey,

scotch, or even port wine, and if you want to learn more about how to pair cigars with
scotch, or even port wine, and if you want to learn more about how to pair cigars with

those spirits, please check out this guide on our website here.
those spirits, please check out this guide on our website here.

That being said, we have a bunch of different cigar guides on our website and if your novice
That being said, we have a bunch of different cigar guides on our website and if your novice

and you want to find milder cigars or stronger cigars, we have the right recommendation for
and you want to find milder cigars or stronger cigars, we have the right recommendation for

you, so please head over there and check out what we have to say about cigars.
you, so please head over there and check out what we have to say about cigars.

If you're in a position right now where you can't get your hand on
If you're in a position right now where you can't get your hand on

Cuban cigars it's ok you will eventually get your chance and in the meantime, you can figure
Cuban cigars it's ok you will eventually get your chance and in the meantime, you can figure

out what's easily available in the US on the guides in our website
out what's easily available in the US on the guides in our website

If you enjoyed this video please check out the other ones in our is it worth it series
If you enjoyed this video please check out the other ones in our is it worth it series

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in today's video I'm wearing a rather summery outfit it consists of a fresco jacket that
in today's video I'm wearing a rather summery outfit it consists of a fresco jacket that

is double-breasted which is part of a suit in a kind of a petrol bluish greenish color
is double-breasted which is part of a suit in a kind of a petrol bluish greenish color

that is rather unusual I'm pairing it with a Winchester shirt with a club collar that
that is rather unusual I'm pairing it with a Winchester shirt with a club collar that

is white with a light blue and white stripe that is rather bold the shirt has double cuffs
is white with a light blue and white stripe that is rather bold the shirt has double cuffs

for French cuff links and I'm wearing a pair of green enamel cufflinks I'm combining it
for French cuff links and I'm wearing a pair of green enamel cufflinks I'm combining it

with one of my favorite pinky rings in gold with a green tourmaline and you can learn
with one of my favorite pinky rings in gold with a green tourmaline and you can learn

more about pink earrings in our in depth video guide here my slacks are light blue chinos
more about pink earrings in our in depth video guide here my slacks are light blue chinos

from Ralph Lauren they're very summer in their color and I'm combining them with shadow striped
from Ralph Lauren they're very summer in their color and I'm combining them with shadow striped

socks and turquoise and grey from Fort Belvedere that pick up the turgor stones of my jacket
socks and turquoise and grey from Fort Belvedere that pick up the turgor stones of my jacket

and tie it together with the dark olive green Derby shoes the
and tie it together with the dark olive green Derby shoes the

pocket square likewise from Fort Belvedere has tones of orange blue and green and ties
pocket square likewise from Fort Belvedere has tones of orange blue and green and ties

everything together including the orange knit tie from Fort Belvedere all of those accessories
everything together including the orange knit tie from Fort Belvedere all of those accessories

can be found in our store just like the little light blue boutonniere and I'm wearing in
can be found in our store just like the little light blue boutonniere and I'm wearing in

my buttonhole here right now
my buttonhole here right now