What are your thoughts on Cuban Cigars vs. cigars from other parts of the world? Is there anything else out there that even comes close to the Cubans?

Cuban cigars have their followers, who claim that the combination of Cuban tobacco and centuries of cigar-making tradition make the sweetest, most aromatic cigars. But more and more serious smokers agree that many Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan brands are just as good as Cuban cigars. And these other brands are easier to find, cost less, and won't get you in trouble with the law.

dudes, cubans are the best. there are just a lot of americans who do not want to believe this because they can't get cuban cigars.

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I have only had three genuine Cubans and two that were questionable. I do have to say that the Cohiba Siglo V that I smoked was the best cigar I have ever had. If Cubans were available and affordable, I would try to smoke them all the time.
The interesting thing about the embargo is that it has led to a great flowering of non-Cuban cigars. The high end Honduran, Dominican, etc., cigars that I have smoked come very close to the level of a cuban at a fraction of the price (although you can spend as much on a non cuban as a Cuban)
Anyway, I know that someday, when the embargo is lifted, I am going to smoke a lot of Cubans, but I will still be interested in what the non-cuban world has to offer.

In my opinion. There aren't many mild to mild/medium bodied cigars that can compare to the rich smoothness and sweetness of real Cubans. However, There are now many premium full to medium/full bodied Nicuraguan, Dominican, and Honduran brands that compare closely to other full bodied Cuban cigars. Padron Anniversary series, Fuente Fuente Opus X, Lito Gomez, and La Araura are a few goodies.

I think non-cuban cigar makers try to make the biggest baddest stick out there to rival the cuban goodies. The complexity of a medium to light bodied cuban cannot be compared to the competition I have yet to discover a dominican, nicoragiuan, or american smoke that is as pleasurable as a La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.1 for breakfast.

there is a reason cuban cigars are the most sought after cigars in the world

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.

I agree with what you say. I think that the Cuban embargo has really brought out so many other possibilities for cigar lovers. One can buy an absolutly wonderful tasting non-cuban cigar in the us and not have to worry about it's being a counterfit or a second

That being said. I do have to admit that the best cigar I've ever had was a Cuban. So I don't know. I recommend getting a cuban if you can get one from a genuine Habanos dealer. But, after you have enjoyed it, come back down to earth and keep non cubans for your regular sticks.

you know, I don't know what the fuss is about. I've had some cubans in the bahamas and they weren't all that. I can't remember exactly which ones, because that trip was about 7 years ago, but I did have some of my own on that trip and there really wasn't a difference. I guess if i had to, I would tip it toward the cuban, BUT, the cubans I bought were $9 at their cheapest. I would compare a $5 stick to it. Back then, that's all I would buy. 5 of less... Being broke sucks. Anyway, not anymore. I have a pretty good selection to choose from now. Gurkha, Montecristo, Bolivar, Rocky Patel and the list goes on. I have about 300 cigars and will have more after christmas, but thats not the point. Point is, if you take away it's "Illegal Luster" and eventually it'll happen, I just don't think the cuban cigar boom would last. Sure, I'de buy some, but you know the price won't go down. And then, when this 20,000% tax increase happens. Well, no more cigars at that point. Who want's to spend $275 for a $75 box. Anyway, that's my opinion. Cubans score 10.. Non-Cuban score 9.75........