Robaina Cigars...not!

[Ginseng]

It seems that there is yet another cigar that claims to use "pre-embargo legal Cuban tobacco" in their blend. Unlike the Pinar 3000 series which uses 100% PELCT, the A/R Robaina line uses only 40%. Good gosh. Take a look for yourself here. Don't mind their mispellings of the brand

The frontmarks are "Don Alejandro," "Famoso," and "Familiare." Note: the genuine Vegas Robaina Habanos vitola de salida is "Familiar."

Wilkey

 

[preembargo]

I think Moki said it best and has said it often, "don't bother with preembargo tobacco".

 

[ggiese]

Oh, Look!!! And they have a "pre-embargo" glass top box!!!

Go figure...

 

[OpusXKC]

I have some of these (both Pinar and Robaina). Didn't think they were all that bad, but one can tell there is no "cuban" tobacco in there. Besides the fact that it tastes obviously Nicaraguan, tabacco that old would not be in such good shape and color. Nice to have a conversation piece in the humi. Now I think I will go have a RASS

 

[PuroEsq]

I have not had many Cuban cigars (maybe 2 or 3) but one common thread was not only the flavor but the construction. No veins, firm draw, well done cap etc.

It would seem then that while the tobacco grown in Cuba is a big part of the Cuban cigar mystique it is also the superb construction that has been a Cuban tradition passed down through generations.

I think it would be safe to say that even if Cuban tobacco was taken outside of Cuba and say rolled in Mexico, Honduras or the US it would still not be as good as a "real" Cuban.

So all this talk and advertising of "Pre-Embargo" Cuban tobacco seems a bit silly and more of a gimmick than anything.

My .02

 

[SMSUCigarguy]

I have some of these (both Pinar and Robaina). Didn't think they were all that bad, but one can tell there is no "cuban" tobacco in there. Besides the fact that it tastes obviously Nicaraguan, tabacco that old would not be in such good shape and color. Nice to have a conversation piece in the humi. Now I think I will go have a RASS

I'll second that they aren't bad smokes. I especially liked the Robainas, probably because they were always cheaper than the Pinars. But Cuban? I think the first couple Avo LE5s I smoked tasted more Cuban.