Added: 08/12/2005 |
Visiting Cuba - Buying Cohiba Cigars
The demand for Cuban cigars has been high for years, due to high quality, unique aroma and world fame. Among the great number of those who value Cuban cigars are politicians, musicians, singers, actors and of course, travelers from all over the world. Among travelers it is common to buy cigars as souvenirs. The world knows 23 (!) famous brands of tobacco cigars from Cuba. Tobacco brand named "Cohiba" is especially famous. This brand appeared in the middle 60s of the 20th century. It became a luxury to smoke "Cohiba" for until 1982 only the government officials of the Cuban Republic had access to this medium strong blend. The brand "Cohiba" groups 12 vitollas. The names of these vitollas are connected to the great events in the history of Cuba, outstanding events and people.
In the end of February the international festival of Cuban cigars takes place in Havana. It is always a great holiday with lots of rum, beer and cigars. The streets are decorated with flowers and colored lanterns.Clubs and cafes invite guests to try delicious cuisine and taste the best brands of cigars.
One should not forget that export of Cuban cigarsis a great support to the budget of this small Caribbean country (about 11 million people). Among the countries that import Cuban cigars are Spain as the former metropolis, Lebanon, the USA and other. The participants of the Festival taste the newest and the best sorts of tobacco. Also excursions are organized to tobacco plantations. Although the festival is held in Havana, the capital of Cuba, plantations of the best black tobacco in the world are situated in the western province of Pinar del Rio. It should be mentioned that this province is famous for the great valley of Viniales and mineral springs. Tobacco leaves for the "Cohiba" brand are transported from the region Vuelta Abaho of this province. The leaves used in the production of the "Cohiba" cigars are especially thin. And they pass an additional third fermentation.
During the festival competitions are held to show the quickest in making a cigar. Actually, the profession of a cigar-maker is men's priority. Of course nowadays factory production is a common thing but the traditions are still kept. "Cohiba" cigars are made by masters - "torsdores" of high professional level at the factory "El Lagito". The vitollas of the "Cohiba" brand are of different blends. For example, the aroma of Cohiba "Coronas Especiales" is fresh flowers and fried nuts while Cohiba "Lanceros" have a strong herbal aroma. Make sure you know about the different sizes of cigars. If you are a real collector and an experienced smoker, of course you know about the sizes and about other interesting details. But if you are a tourist looking for a souvenir or a present, you are lucky: the cigars are packed into cedar boxes (25 in a box) or carton boxes (5 in a box). It is convenient to transport them and wrap in colorful paper with a bow!
The demand for "Cohiba" brand constantly overcomes the proposal. So try to get a souvenir of that kind while traveling in the Caribbean!
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