Cuban Cigars Ranked: The Best & Worst

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

An easy tell for fakes bought on the ground in the Caribbean, South America, cruise tours, etc is that none of the major brands have ever sold glass or plastic fronted single layer boxes.

[@malthus101]

also, if the guy selling them to you is REALLY keen to sell them and offers you a discount of 50% 5 minutes after talking... FAKE!

[@evolassunglasses4673]

Fascinating window into a World i know little about. Really appreciated that ( in the sunshine having a wine ). Very enjoyable, civilised hour. Thanks AA.

[@PhilipNott-g9e]

Sir what a pleasure, I really enjoyed the video I’m a 70 year old pensioner and have always enjoyed a pipe ! !! I’m only just starting to learn about cigars. I’ve only ever had them on special occasions ( Christmas weddings or birthdays) I’ve noticed that here in the UK it costs more or less the same for a bad one as good one so I tend towards Cubans . I was very interested in your likes and dislikes there’s no way I can afford to buy them by the box but manage to get them in twos and threes so thank you for your opinion it will help me choose my next treat. Thanks again Phil ( badger ash. On you tube) 👍👍😉🦡

[@Lord-Inquisitor]

I said to myself that line from Black Hawk Down. "Miami isn't Cuba, my friend" Then, I remembered you lot across the pond don't have a ban on Cubans. We need to drop that embargo.

[@wiggawithattitude]

There are ways for you to get Cubans if you want them.

[@TheVleckChannel]

And we in the UK need to drop the tax and make all the New World cigars available over here.

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

@@TheVleckChannel I order from The US, 3/4 of orders make it through undetected as long as you don't get too greedy.

[@TheVleckChannel]

Same. If you keep the order total (including shipping) under £150 you should be fine. I like a lot of Cubans, H Upmanns especially, but not enough to pay the prices.

[@wiggawithattitude]

@@TheVleckChannel the amount is not the key factor. It's luck. I've had orders of 4 sticks caught when 8 or more have come through. There are ways of gaming it but they will charge for whatever amount they find.

[@lsshvs8415]

Last year AA said he had only ever bought 2 boxes of cigars in his life. Look how much his hobby has progressed.

[@steveelliott8640]

Would be nice to know what drinks you recommend with each cigar.

[@whiggles9203]

capri sun

[@m.k.k.4931]

Vegueros is actually a good one with age. But my epi#2's and partagas madiro#2's are my go to's. Trinidad clubs are perfect for starting a smoke sesh. 5 boxes of 100ct aging.

[@m.k.k.4931]

My Cuban twang tastes like a toasted sourdough bread with butter and honey. Trinidads represents the twang the best... Nice collection!!!

[@Alibm80]

Non-smoker here and have been sold with your detailed presentation

[@02tom46]

Arturo Fuente is on par with the best Cuban brands.

[@AcademicAgent]

I agree with that.

[@Ian-j9u4e]

I haven’t tried those but I do hear good things about them!

[@02tom46]

@@Ian-j9u4e as mentioned by AA, the Hemingway Short Story are great and would be a great introduction to AF. Not expensive relative to Cubans too.

[@SirHargreeves]

I’ll be having a Short Story at the weekend.

[@willgoins218]

Good shout, will keep that in mind

[@specialforces101]

Can you do something short on storage and maturation?

[@chrisgardbard]

There's no real secret to storage and curing. 70°f at 70% (favouring 67-69%) is perfectly fine. Left undisturbed for long enough, the plume develops nicely and the character really starts to build. Simple cedar wood humi at 70/70. Prepare them for a smoke for 2 weeks at about 67-68%. If you want to austistically prepare each one for the smoke. You can smoke them nicely straight out of 70% but the burn isn't quite as good as having a boost at 67-68% for a couple of weeks after curing for quite some time at 70%.

[@ludovicofusco1404]

Great video. A couple of notes: Vegueros has only long filler cigars in their vitolario. The brands you were looking for are Quintero and Guantanamera. Even if Quintero's quality is way higher than Guantanamera, both make only short filler cigars. However, when it comes to short filler cigars, not all of them are bad. I regularly smoke Rafael Gonzales Panatelas Extra, which are short fillet, but have a great taste, and a good replacement when Por Larrañaga Montecarlos are not available.

[@vaunmalone3064]

What a collection 😃

[@nick540]

Fantastic video and description. I do love my Cohibas but understand they are pri$ey Top 5 Cubans: -Cohiba Behike 52 -Cohiba Robusto -BBF -H. Upman 54 - Trinidad Vigia Top 5 non Cubans: -Padron 1926 -Padron 1964 -Liga Prevada 9 Toro -Nica Rustica -Undercrown Maduro Toro

[@eymerichinquisitore9022]

I keep all my Cubans, which I continue to find in Europe despite the Chinese raid, in a humidor for at least 3 or 4 years before smoking them because when young they seem to be almost all in hibernation. The last one I wanted to try after two months of purchase was a Partagas P2 that lacked the flavors and depth to which this brand had accustomed me in the past. In the meantime I smoke the extracubas that despite offering good smokes after only a few months of rest even at 10/15 euros to offer truly superior smokes require 20 to 40 euros or more per stick like the Opus X or some Davi limited editions.

[@smokingsnowman7838]

Sadly it is almost impossible to get any kubans in germany since the coof. Online shops have basically been sold out for years. And my local shops do not have any as well :(

[@carsonhoward2652]

Jose L Piedra is quite fine for me. Petit Cabelleros are my fav dailys. I buy a monte cristo monthly, and a cohiba on my birthday.

[@EvzenKovar-i5p]

Been wanting to try cigars for years. Decades actually. Just never got around to it. Spent a lot of time as a kid at my aunt and uncle’s house. He always had a cigar going. As opposed to places where people smoked cigarettes I always loved the aroma of the house. A few months ago I bought some randoms to try. Really do enjoy them. Alas, It’s illegal to import Cubans here. Man I wish it wasn’t so. I’d love to be able to take AA’s cigar advice.

[@filipkrstevski5449]

we have verry similar taste for cigars. I also smoked only cubans before the price increase but now unfortunately I am shifting towards the new world cigars. Good videoo keep it up

[@warrengleeson2891]

Really enjoying Olivia Series V Melanio lately - worth a try! Where do yo buy your sticks?

[@willfox1037]

What is your opinion on the difference between the Upmann Connoisseur No 1 and the Connoisseur A? The latter is slightly more expensive.

[@albo97056]

The A is quite a bit bigger. Longer and slightly thicker ring gauge

[@RoccoFirenze]

I agree with a lot of what you see but Cuaba Distinguidos are excellent. Really quality smoke. Wish you would change your mind.

[@Mr_Bogan]

My top 5 cigars in no ascending order -Baccarat Rothschild Maduro -Partagas D4 -San Cristobal La Punta -Rocky Patel Hamlet 25th Anniversary -Montecristo Double Edmundo

[@chrisgardbard]

The upmann connoisseur no. 2 is unbelievably good.

[@SupersaiyanChristian]

Dang, now I really want a cigar. 😂 Any non-cuban recommendations? I have only just started cigar smoking and need to be careful with my budget. Any good cigars on a budget?

[@ASMRCIGARS]

EP Carillo pledge prequel or the Bolivar petit carona also a great cigar both can be found online for £20

[@piercebrosnan9528]

Nicaragua have the best budget cigars in the world.

[@ccchikw]

Such a fantastic primer on Cubans. Thank you!

[@N8KOW]

Great video, very in depth. Do you buy all your cigars in the U.K. or do you buy them from Europe?

[@leprick2896]

More cigar vids please!!! AMAZING VID

[@filipkrstevski5449]

I love Upmann as well. They have the most satisfying taste of all cheers

[@user-hu3iy9gz5j]

Next video: top 10 falsified cuban cigars

[@Wooster96]

How much better is the winston compared to the connoisseur line?

[@AcademicAgent]

It's definitely a cut above, but it is a very long smoke too, 2-3 hours, maybe even more.

[@Wooster96]

@@AcademicAgent oh man, the best of representation of uppman for sure! Still more affordable than a siglo i guess 😂

[@Wooster96]

@@AcademicAgent i didnt see it in the video but what is your opinion on robaina and san cristobal?

[@AcademicAgent]

@@Wooster96 I like VR a good bit, the Famoso is a 10/10 Robusto. Saint Luis Rey is a strong stick too which I didn't mention. San Cristobal I have less experience with, have a box of El Principe aging currently.

[@yz2374]

Vegueros are all long filler and premium cigars They are just a newer brand and reasonably priced but still premium.

[@AcademicAgent]

Well, I didn't know that, I just had written them off as cheapo.

[@An_Draoi]

Interesting. Although I just roll my own cigarettes. I used to smoke a pipe for a while and partake in the odd cigar on rare occasions. This has inspired me to go and get some nice ones though.

[@basingstokesteve9131]

Very good analysis and recommendations.

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

You can get the depth of flavour and construction quality (often better) from New World, the variety available dwarfs that available from Cuba as well, but for half the price. Without the embargo and the "forbidden fruit" aspect it grants to Cuban made sticks in The US, Cuba would fade in to obscurity as a producer or have to significantly increase their QC.

[@wiggawithattitude]

It wouldn't. That's the americentric view of Cuban cigars. Cubans have their issues, and are going downhill, but there's a reason for their rep.

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

@@wiggawithattitude I'm British and have access to the full world-wide lineup, agree to disagree.

[@wiggawithattitude]

@@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami yes, same. I can agree that maybe you don't rate Cubans, but your statement about the market for them is just factually incorrect. The US isnt propping up the Cuban market, that would be the Chinese and Middle Eastern markets. That's why the prices are so high. As I say, Cuba has it's issues, but it's certainly not the US keeping it afloat.

[@AcademicAgent]

@@wiggawithattitude Cubans have 80% of worldwide market share and yes it's the Chinese pushing those prices up. Paying full UK prices with tax and everything NCs are not "half the price". Buying Cubans where I do, the CCs even work out cheaper.

[@wiggawithattitude]

@@AcademicAgent I'm not sure if you replied to me by accident, but I didn't say new worlds are half the price. Id like to know where you're buying from though ha... I have sources for cheaper Cubans than UK retail, but generally only singles, not boxes.

[@gmoney1627]

@AcademicAgent Is there a legitimate website to buy authentic Cuban cigars just in general? Lastly is there one that will ship to the USA?

[@filipkrstevski5449]

try from Romeo thicker gauges they are good and not like the thinner ones only some wood and that's it

[@twospoonstim3195]

Might be a stupid question but I noticed that you didn’t like one cigar touching another, can they contaminate each other?

[@wiggawithattitude]

no

[@dramares]

Damn… This dude loves his smokes.

[@CatholicBossHogg]

Thoughts on pressed? Padron 1964 is classic

[@constanza86]

In all honesty, I think that Epicure 2 is too mellow for my taste, I much prefer Epicure 1 as it's still not a strong cigar, but has bit more character. Also Qual D'orsay Coronas Claro are not so expensive, but rewarding cigars. And the staple, Partagas Serie D 4.

[@AcademicAgent]

Try an Epi 2 first thing before you've eaten and see if it makes any difference. They are very mellow it's true.

[@constanza86]

@@AcademicAgent I have smoked before meal, so I guess that it is a question of preference. Still, I know it is a good cigar. As such, for those who want to get into cigars, Epicure 2 is one of the best out there. I have recommended it to few people, that initially ware discouraged by the intensity of other brands.

[@Desertduleler_88]

I got a bundle of Cuban Rounds in the Churchill’s, very cheap compared to the other brands you mentioned. I have to say good bang for buck for the money.

[@Ian-j9u4e]

Does AA recommend any New World cigars? I haven’t tried any New Worlds however I hear they’re hot on the heals of the cubans?

[@malthus101]

Mouth-watering stuff... damn I wish I had a humidor. Shocked at the prices of Cohiba! I used to smoke them occcasioanally for fun, strong sticks but fun.

[@chillaxe9603]

Thanks mate, what's Ef oh haitch?!!!

[@AutistCat]

There are some Honduran cigar brands with identical names to some of these Cubans. I wonder what that's all about.

[@sonofhibernia8872]

What a great video and what a collection. I never knew anything about the Aristocrats before, but who doesn't like crunchy nut cornflakes? All things considered, would it be fair to say the H Upmann Half Corona is the best cigar out of Cuba? Good luck trying to age the PLPC lol.

[@AcademicAgent]

I wouldn't say the Half Corona is the best cigar, Cuba has too many good ones, but I've never met anyone into cigars who doesn't like em

[@bruleham]

Fantastic show. More cigar content! CC are far better than NCC...

[@James-WM]

Fair to say this was a mellow moment.

[@jamespurchase4035]

Great content. Really enjoyed it. Bit of a cigar newbie, been a newbie for yrs tbh given I probably only get around to 1 cigar a year !!! So recomendations beyond the upmann corona or MC#4 are very welcome. Will rewatch next year hahaha.

[@jakegallagher8631]

Great video! Would love to see a new world edition too

[@gilbert2303]

How do you compare the connoisseur vs magnum line? Also which is your fav conny cigar?

[@AcademicAgent]

Connie A for me, but they are too expensive to smoke all the time, so Connie 1 for "every day", both superb. I prefer both to the 2 or B. Mag 46 can pack a punch, I think I prefer the 54. I take the Connie line over the Mag line generally though.

[@chrisfactoryboi]

Any light introductory cigars? I enjoyed the Vega Fina classic corona a while back

[@AcademicAgent]

Upmann Half Corona or Hoyo Epicure 2

[@Fabian_AS]

What was the cigar at around 39:20 called, the caramel bomb? Couldn't get the name right.

[@AcademicAgent]

Por Larranga Petit Corona

[@Fabian_AS]

@AcademicAgent Thank you, Sir. Now I understand. You meant Por Larrañaga!

[@NetMillionaire]

Brilliant review ❤. Watched every minute 😊. You must post more reviews regularly 😊

[@ryancentnarowicz]

I can’t rank any Cuban cigars because I never had one. They are illegal here in the USA.

[@CatholicBossHogg]

AA, you should try the Pappy Van Winkle familia Reserve. Legendary bourbon clan making cigars

[@CatholicBossHogg]

This one is salty, AA, btw, so you may like it.

[@Ned.1274]

Coffee and a smook

[@newglof9558]

Proper smokes mate

[@unoriginal_username1]

Good morning AA

[@odond36]

Stop singing the praises of my favourite affordable cubans... there's enough demand already!@!

[@vladimirkraynyk]

Ого

[@Alibm80]

B)

[@Bluepilled-c5t]

Google Prententious meaning

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

The Big-Mac box is the perfect profile picture for you. Unremarkable, disposable and entirely unsatisfying.

[@whiggles9203]

Heaven forbid a man enjoy something

[@Bluepilled-c5t]

@@whiggles9203 he just needs to work out they’re for smoking, not insertion up the arse.

[@alcontv4133]

I am Cuban myself and even for me it is extremely difficult to get my hands on Cohibas,EVEN fake ones 🫣. By fake I mean buying them locally from people who get their raw material from factories, and roll them at home. The prices have gone up so much, and people all over the world keep buying them so quick that even for these local guys is nearly impossible to get their hands on decent quality raw material. Something that 15 years ago was easily done. I could buy a bunch of 25 for just $70 - $100 dollars but those days are Over. Now we have to settle for Montecristo, Romeo & Juliet, Partagas. I can't blame you for not wanting to spend that kinda of money in a Cohiba. But man they are something else..The last one I had was from last December, one of a few my father was able to get from a local Havano event in Havana.