CUBAN CIGAR FAQ
Q: I heard that Cuba is increasing production and the quality of Cuban cigars has gone down. Is this true?
A: No, it is not true. Yes, Cuba is increasing production, but they are nowhere near the much higher production levels of many years ago. It is possible to increase production without decreasing quality. Cuban cigars age very well. In fact, they improve with age. Although new Cuban cigars rate at the top of most cigar rating scales, and all are already aged at least one year, many brands will actually taste better after a few months if properly stored. We suspect that the primary reason for the "bad tasting Cuban" rumour is the proliferation of fake Cuban cigars. Indeed, one cigar "expert" has in his cigar book a black and white photo of what he considers to be poorly made (inconsistent wrapper color) Cohiba cigars. However, the photograph is clearly a box of fake cigars, as they are in a glass topped Cohiba box (and Cohiba does not make glass topped cigar boxes). Amusingly, we have discovered many cigar books and even cigar web sites that contain pictures of fake Cuban cigars. Even the experts are fooled. In our opinion, no other cigar compares to a real Cuban cigar.
Q: How are your cigars stored?
A: They are stored in large cedar humidors at 70 degrees F and at 72% humidity.
Q: How are your cigars shipped?
A: All products are securely packaged. Singles are shipped in plastic cigar bags or, if available, tubes. Boxes are sent in their original form. We inspect boxes before shipment for the following: Cigar beetles, missing cigars (rare, but sometimes a sealed box will have a cigar missing due to factory theft), and damage. However, we can also ship cigars as originally sealed, if requested.
Q: Do you guarantee your cigars?
A: Of course. We guarantee that they will arrive and that they are authentic and in good condition. Full refunds will be given if cigars are returned to us. We have been selling internationally for over a year and have had no cigars returned to us, nor have any been confiscated by importation officials.
Q: How long will it take for the cigars to arrive?
A: Two to three days after confirmation of order. Cigars are shipped COD via express mail.
Q: Do you accept phone orders, or credit card orders?
A: Not at this time. Credit card orders may be possible sometime in 1999. However, as Cuban cigars are not legal in all countries, some may not want to purchase via credit cards. In order to decrease overhead via automation, we do not accept orders by phone.
Q: A friend of mine has just returned from Cuba with a glass topped box of Cohiba Esplendidos, how can I tell if they are real?
A: They are not real. Cohiba Esplendidos are not made with glass topped boxes. We are happy to answer any other questions regarding the authenticity of Cuban cigars you may currently own. However, if you did not purchase them from a La Casa Del Habano dealer, you may find the truthful answer rather painful.