AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Buying cigars?

Not being in Belize currently, I am confused about the 2 shops mentioned above. Which is in Belize City and which is on AC? Are either one a LCDH?

Thanks

A couple more questions re: cigars in Belize. Please remember that I am moving to Placencia in the next month, so know next to nothing regarding availability and opportunities for cigars there.

1) Are custom-made humidors available, or is it just the typical branded group that I find in the States?
2) Are there websites for the better-known cigar shops? What is the closest authorized Cuban dealer and,
3) are they trustworthy regarding real vs. fakes?

Thanks in advance.

he everyone
first post!
I have been to Belize several times and just got back from SP.
on the question of cuban cigars. here is my advice,
unless you know how to tell a real cuban branded cigar from a street turd, I would bring my own to Belize. I have been to several shops including those mentioned here, and I can tell you that I have seen fake cigars sitting on a shelf right next to a genuine article in several places. I have seen fake Cohiba everywhere. Even one time in a legit Cohiba box, they just resuse a legit box and through in street turds with cohiba bands.

bring your own, or buy a cheap and cheerful street turd, and forget the "cuba" hype.
cheers

So much for the Cubans... What about local availability of Dominican or Nicaraguan, Camaroon or Maduro wrappers? Will be down in less than a month for an extended stay and am curious about my options. Not a fan of the ones rolled locally.

1) I have not seen one, but you could proabably have one built. In fact I encourage it, support local craftsman.

2) Not that I'm aware of. The Scoop did a nice piece on Sauls place (The Rum Cigar and Coffee Shop in SP) which is probably the best known with the largest humidor, but I could find no basis for accredation as an authorized dealer with Habanos S.A....Havanas on Front St, however did. I was a bit surprised that Saul hung his hat almost exclusively on "Cubans" when there are many other cigars from the Caribbean that are noteworthy. My recollection is that he does stock a few local "Belizean" brands. I'll admit I havent tried them. Oh by the way the Airport Duty Free was not an accredited Habanos dealer either.

Wallen's Grocery and several of the Chinese owned "Supers" in Plancencia carry "Cohibas"(?) but my own trials with those sad crispy sticks left me cold regardless of authenticy. In fact I dont like Cohibas period; even the real ones. So I may not be the best judge of that brand from the stables of Habanos. The fact is youre going to see Cuban Cigars touted everywhichaway in everyewhichplace.

3) You take your chances. I can tell you categorically that if you have a cigar palate and you taste a true Cuban (Habanos S.A.) cigar vs a half assed fake and youre going to know it immediately.

There are plenty of Cuban seed cigars from Nicaragua, Dominica and elsewhere and many are quite good. I'd find a cigar you like and forget about whether its a real cuban or not. IMHO there are plenty of non-cuban cigars out there (but maybe not for sale in Belize) that beat the pants out of a true Cuban gorwn and rolled cigar.

Thanks for the info, above.

I love ALL cigars, and I know that many of the DR and Hondurans are on par with Cubans. My humidor is filled with both. Out of my +/- 400 sticks, maybe 10% are Cubans.

My questions are because I want to KEEP my humidor full. Whether it is CC or NC, makes no difference. I agree that Cohiba is an acquired taste, and not one that I have. Many other good Cubans are available which I like far better. I know the fakes, as they are pretty easy to spot if you know what to look for. I would never try to buy Cubans unless it is a Habanos, SA authorized reseller, and I would still check for authenticity.

No real Cuban cigars here..there are real Cubans. You can start your own little shop like Kramer. Just watch the humidity, the drawers may stick.