For over four decades, cigar smokers of America have been left without the ability to procure what’s reputed to be the finest smokes on the market; they’ve been left empty -handed like a child who lost a favorite toy, a very luxurious, flavorful toy, in a neighbor’s backyard. This has placed cigar lovers in perpetual wonderment, asking why they are missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures.

The History

Bent on a legacy of close economic and geographical relations, the ties between Cuba and America began to unravel when the Cuban Revolution gave Fidel Castro power on January 7, 1959. These tensions between the two countries were further compounded when Cuba and the Soviet Union appeared in cahoots, like two forces attending a Communistic tea party. Reacting to this two-headed threat, the US dealt with unraveling ties by severing them altogether.

Cuban Cigars found their way into the history books on February 7, 1962. Intending to cut off Castro and his government, JFK implemented a trade embargo. Americans, under this embargo, were prohibited from purchasing Cuban Cigars and Cuba, as JFK intended, lost a majority of their customer base, and a great amount of revenue.

The US government knew this would happen; just four years earlier 67 percent of Cuba’s exports and 70 percent of their imports involved the US. A trade embargo was sure to hit them below the belt. And so, JFK laced up his gloves.

While the embargo resulted in American exporters losing an estimated 1.2 billion, the Cuban government lost much more; the embargo cost them roughly 70 billion. However, this loss didn’t hit Cuba with the force intended; the Soviet Union, supplying Cuba with subsidies, shielded the blow.

The Criticism

As soon as the embargo began, so did the criticism. While tobacco lovers everywhere were angry, standing by and watching their ability to procure the best cigars in the world go up in smoke, much of the criticism came on a political level.

While some argued that the embargo only strengthened the unity between the Soviet Union and Cuba – just as the attack on Pearl Harbor strengthened the relationship between the US and Great Britain – others argued that the embargo gave Castro an excuse for Cuba’s lack of prosperity. In a time when Cuba was plagued by problems, critics feared Castro would be able to shrug his shoulders and say, “What? It’s not me; blame the cigars.”

To this day, the embargo continues to be looked on negatively by members of the United Nations. Each year the UN calls, by a large majority vote, for the US to lift its embargo and each year the US refuses.

The Impact

No American wanted Communism to spread throughout the world, believing that the form of government that works for insect colonies would not necessarily work for humans, but no American wanted cigars from Cuba to become illegal either.

JFK himself was among those who indulged in the luxuries of a Cuban Cigar. In fact, knowing the embargo was imminent, JFK sent his press secretary out to obtain a stockpile of Cuban Cigars on the eve before he signed the Executive Order.

For those who didn’t have the inside information of the President, the Cuban Cigar embargo ended a cigar democracy Americans had come to love and expect.

Just as Prohibition forever changed the alcohol industry, the Cuban Cigar embargo forever changed the cigar industry; it is as if all the government needs to do to shake up any industry is make something about that industry illegal. While Prohibition saw bootleggers and wine smuggling, the Cuban Cigar embargo saw the black market obtain a best selling item.

And, of course, anytime anything comes onto the black market, counterfeiters sit by licking their lips and waiting for unsuspecting purchasers. This is particularly true with Cuban Cigars. While they are seemingly easy to get inside the US, everyone has a friend who has a friend who sells them, those patrons who purchase them have a better chance of being scammed than obtaining the real thing.

The Cuban Cigar embargo also added to the cigar’s already exciting reputation: smoking something illegal often seems more fun than smoking something not prohibited by law. Banning the cigars drew attention to them and, as soon as smokers learned they couldn’t have them, they wanted them even more. This resulted in a boom in the black market (Cuban Cigars began circulating everywhere), an upslope of cigar smuggling (people began transporting Cuban Cigars from Canada, where the embargo did not exist) and a foundation of counterfeiting (some people were able to quit their day jobs and start a business peddling fake Cubans, not much of a dental plan, but lucrative nonetheless).

The Cuban Cigar embargo is the epitome of tobacco history. Not only have few government acts in the entire existence of America impacted the smoking industry so drastically, but the Cuban Cigar embargo demonstrates how much the history of a nation is intertwined with the history of cigars.

The embargo had nothing to do with cigars themselves, JFK wasn’t offended or turned off by something a Cuban Cigar had once said to him. It was merely a political move to protect a country during a time when Communism seemed ready to take over.

However, times have changed: the Soviet Union has since dissolved and Cuba is not the threat they were in the years that preceded the Cold War. It seems, in fairness to American smokers, that Cuban Cigars should once again be legal in the US; the Cuban Cigar embargo needs a little embargoing of its own.

Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.

Author: Jennifer Jordan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The reason for this is the fact that Cuban cigars are made by hand, one by one; each tobacco leaf is carefully selected, cleaned, dried, and finally rolled through a very complex process, following very high quality guidelines to get that strong, tasty flavor that makes each Cuban brand unique.

Although this process takes much more time than other cigar’s manufacturing process (mostly assisted by machines), the resulting cigar provides a smoking experience that no one can leave unnoticed.

Perhaps the most famous Cuban cigars are the “Cohibas”, delicate and flavorful cigars that have smokers all over the planet. But let’s not forget about other unique brands too: “Montecristo”, “Partagas” and many more manufacturers make Cuba the first and most important tobacco producer and supplier in the world, and this is a well deserved award.

Of course, if you already tasted any of the fine Cuban cigars available, then you know this facts yourself, there is no need for me to tell this to you. But if, in the other hand, if you have smoked cigars before but never tried out a Cuban, or even if you have never smoked cigars but want to begin enjoying this pleasure (so much different to cigarette smoking), then I must strongly encourage you to get yourself a quiet place, maybe some peaceful music, and a nice “Habano”. You will realize that there is no better smoking experience.

Perfect companions for a selected wine, after a great meal, or among friends in a reunion, Cuban cigars have earned the top place in the finest tobacco’s list, and are almost mandatory if you are really a lover of the pleasures of life.

Tamara Williams contributes to the cigar website Cuban Cigars where consumers can find all the best cuban brands at affordable prices, plus information that will help them decide on the best cigars to buy.

Author: Tamara Williams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Since President Kennedy placed an embargo on Cuba in 1963, Cuban cigars have been illegal to import. One little known fact is that JFK had one of his assistants go to Cuba and bring back a large supply of the Cubans before the embargo took effect so that he would have them for his own personal use. Partly because they are the best and partly because they are forbidden, the Cubans are highly desired by cigar aficionados. The only way that one can legally bring back cigars from Cuba is if you go there on an officially licensed trip, but even then you are only allowed one hundred dollars worth. You need to know that buying, selling, and trading Cuban cigars in the United States is against the law and you can be fined over $50,000 for doing so.

If you are considering buying a complete box of Cubans you can expect to pay heavily for them, they aren’t cheap at all and a box can set you back as much as $500. If you are shopping for these classic stogies and you are offered a box for less than a couple hundred dollars they are probably not authentic. This is largely the case with many internet sites so be careful when buying them on the internet.

So, with all that said, how in the world are you supposed to be able to find the real thing? One of the simplest ways to get them is to go to the Great White North, Canada. They aren’t illegal there so you can buy them there, but you must camouflage them to bring them back here because it is still illegal to bring them into the U.S. Remove them from their original packaging, remove the rings, and put them in another box. With all the other things customs agents are looking for these days they generally don’t check cigars that closely and it isn’t really considered a huge offense to bring them in anyway.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a executive gifts at http://www.expresscorporategifts.com

Author: Gregg Hall
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The record breaking 2005 Tropical Hurricane Season has taken its toll on Cuba’s main exporting cash crop and it is now in critical crisis from catastrophic calamity. Many specialists in the Cigar Trade say it is crucial that Cuba fix the problem. Hurricane Wilma caused the evacuation of 367,000 Western Cubans and caused crops to flood. There were mudslides and deaths. Now Cuba is once again faced with similar torrential rain and flooding causing things to worsen.

Some say that if we re-open trade with Cuba some day, that all these issues will go away and that there will be plenty of Cuba Smokes for everyone, and yet, that is not really true, because Cuba must deal not only with Hurricanes and floods, but also droughts as well, and depending on the year, this is quite prevelent and causes disastrous results for that year’s crop.

Economic crisis is a serious issue as well as Cuban currency, as agricultural exports are of concern. Can Castro’s Cuba recover and what about your Cuban Smokes online in time for Christmas, as they could also be curtailed due to the critical calamity causing catastrophic crop concerns. Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Author: Lance Winslow
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Will the Tobacco Crop in Cuba survive? Does this mean that Cuban Cigar prices for the Holidays will sky rocket? Does this mean you should buy your Cuban Cigars early for Christmas Gifts? Well, many believe that Cuba cannot handle anymore torrential rains without a huge hit on all of its crops, Tobacco among them.

Is this an economic blockade in the form of a wall of water? Is this Mother Nature’s revenge against the aging Castro? Is this Castro’s last stand; are his days numbered? What will happen to Cuba’s economic agricultural output, will this cause a further decline in Cuba’s ability to export, feed its people and recovery from its economic woes? Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Author: Lance Winslow
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Many people assume that the distribution of Cuban cigars on U.S. soil is illegal. The truth of the matter is, although there are certain restrictions placed on the importing of cigars from Cuba, there is no outright law forbidding their presence. Recently the Department of Justice altered the original embargo on Cuban products, allowing limited amounts of cigars to be brought back from licensed trips to Cuba. That law has since been expanded to include personal quantities, up to two boxes, for personal use.

Although there is actually no law governing the importation of Cuban cigars for personal use, large business have been fined, at times, for the selling or distributing of large volumes of Cuban cigars to the pubic. Fines are a rare occurrence, however. Many private settings that sell Cuban cigars, such as hotels or casinos, have experienced little or no problems over the years.

In recent years there has been a growing black market for fake Cuban cigars. Most of the time, they are easy to spot because of their poor quality and appearance, but occasionally there have been Cuban imitations that are more difficult to regulate. The only way to ensure the quality and authenticity of a purchase is to take proper care to go to a reputable, reliable dealer of Cuban cigar products.

For any concerned individuals who hope to purchase Cuban cigars, but are worried about legal ramifications, there is little cause for concern. Purchasing Cuban cigars for private, non-commercial use has been going on for years among the most high-profile cigar aficionados, including politicians and movie stars.

Cigars Info provides comprehensive information on cigar smoking, Cuban cigars, discount cigars, humidors, lighters, boxes, and more. Cigars Info is the sister site of Humidors Web.

Author: Eddie Tobey
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The Dominican Republic, fittingly discovered by Mr. Cigar himself, Christopher Columbus, is the largest producer of cigars in the entire world, making it known as “Cigar Country” and leaving stogie lovers everywhere to search for their passports, book their flights, and come to a place that captures the true culture and essence of tobacco.

Bent on a history of instable organization, ruled by military government and dictators, the Dominican Republic is a nation possessing the burdens of economic hardships. From recessions, to inflation, from trade deficits to fraud, the citizens of the Dominican Republic have seen more economic turmoil than most. Nonetheless, their tobacco industry has helped to keep them afloat, with cigars from the Dominican Republic rivaling Cubans for procurement of the title of “Best Cigar.”

Cuban Cigars may get all the mention, as if they are lit with a spotlight rather than a match. But, as cigars from the Dominican Republic stand in the corner, quietly ashing and giving Cuban Cigars a look of intellectual composure, the question about whether the elusiveness of the Cuban Cigar plays into some of its greatness must be posed. Does the difficulty of procuring Cuban Cigars make them a sweeter smoke, as if a reward for an accomplished challenge? But, even with this question and the mysterious mystique that Cuban Cigars possess, some cigar connoisseurs still believe that in the fight of Dominican Cigar versus Cuban Cigar, it is the Cubans that get burned.

However, because many Cubans fled their country during Castro’s rise to power, taking with them their knowledge and their tobacco seeds, many of the cigars produced in the Dominican Republic literally do have Cuban roots. This, undoubtedly, gives the cigars some commonalities, but, because they are grown in different soils and on different lands, the cigars also maintain some differences.

While Cuban Cigars may be more recognizable, overall, cigars from the Dominican Republic include a greater variety of flavors, aromas, and colors. This is largely due to the ideal growing environment the country possesses, giving cultivators the ability to be versatile in their creations. With more than 600,000 acres of tobacco plants nationwide, the Dominican Republic is able to produce a cigar that will fit just about anybody’s taste.

The majority of the tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic is cultivated in the northern part of the country, in close proximity to Santiago. Because of this, Santiago is known to many as the “Capitol of the Tobacco and Cigar Industry.” With climate full of warm weather, and the occasional tropical wind, it’s an ideal place for tobacco growers and cigar makers to establish roots.

Over the past two decades, the people of the Dominican Republic have spent a great deal of time improving the quality of their cigar tobacco. The tobacco plants are carefully managed and cared for, leaving no leaf unturned in the quest to produce cigars of the highest quality. The entire process is highly involved and highly evolved – a process that can take up to three years from beginning to end.

In keeping with its reputation as the “Cigar Country,” the Dominican Republic is the birthplace of cigars from some of the world’s most popular brands. Among these are Arturo Fuente, La Aurora, Leon Jimenes, Cojimar, and Montecristo. But, the Dominican Republic, relying heavily on tourism for economical increases, doesn’t simply produce cigars and send them on their way. Instead, they have a whole cigar world in their cigar country.

From gift shops specializing in souvenir cigars to famous cigar factory tours, from cigar shops to cigar museums, the Dominican Republic offers the cigar loving visitor an experience they won’t soon forget. With all the cigar-related activities, this country assures that the excitement and enjoyment won’t be extinguished.

For the true cigar lover, the Dominican Republic must be on the list of places to visit. A country that not only values the intricate details involved with cigar making, but also shares those details and experiences with the visiting public, this country is sure to add a flavorful experience to all that cross into it, carrying humidors and leaving cigarettes at the border.

Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.

Author: Jennifer Jordan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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