Working in the cigar industry, I get asked by customers if I sell any Cubans. Having smoked the best of both worlds, I am curious as to why they would ask for Cubans when they have a great selection of cigars in front of them. For some people, they like the fact that it is illegal in the US or just merely to find out whether or not I have them just to brag about how they just bought 10 boxes in Mexico for $200.00. I believe that the reason why the fake Cuban market is what it is today is because American tourist fall for it everytime, with the exceptions of those that read into it and are prepared for counterfeits. As far as taste goes, it is a fact that not many people would be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test unless they have experienced both. I believe that a true cigar aficionado simply likes cigars for their taste and not the price or the fact that they are illegal. I believe that part of the reason why DR, Honduran, and Nicaraguan cigars don't taste or smell like Cuban grown cigars is because of the fact that they are presented in cellophane for easy purchase and travel. Everytime I open a Cuban box, the smell is so pungent and reeks of Cuban soil that it is very distinguishable. Non-Cuban grown cigars can do the same when you purchase a box, remove the cellophane, and let them marinate their flavors. If you want to try a Nicaraguan cigar that taste and looks very traditional Cuban, try Tatujaje. It has a triple cap and has that I pungent smell I wrote about. People tend to forget sometimes that the US or Spanish/French owned non-Cuban grown tobacco is from the orginal Cuban families that created the industry and the blends but have been forced to leave Cuba during the revolution. Everytime I look at my selection, I know that the cigars I am smoking belong to the orginal families and their recipies, not Castro's version of their recipies.