Smoke Fake Cubans by Jeff Corbett

Legend has it, that with full knowledge of the For the last forty years, history has not been kind impending embargo act against Cuba, JFK quietly to generations of US cigar smokers. After the Castro sent for a large shipment of cigars, thus ensuring no lead overthrow, the United States recognized what personal shortage of this highly sought after was then the “new” Cuban Government on product. Whether this is fact or just a fabrication, January 7, 1959. Very quickly, however, bilateral ever since, cigar smokers in the US have been hunting relations deteriorated as the new regime expropriated that mythical smoke. Why then do Cuban cigars US properties, adopted a one-party Communist seem to be quite plentiful within the borders of the system and committed numerous human rights US? The answer is simple, “Fake Cubans”. violations. Because of these actions, a mass exodus of citizens occurred from this jewel of an Island nation. On the streets of New York you can get yourself a Support for the Cuban people has always been a real deal by purchasing a “Gucci” watch or key element of US policy and reaction was imminent. handbag for pennies on the dollar, only to see it fall apart within a month. The same holds true for The Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 15CFR cigars. While Cuban cigars represent the pinnacle Part 515 were issued by the US Government on of quality, selling counterfeit merchandise has July 8, 1963 under the Trading with the Enemy become an unfortunate and widespread occurrence. Act. They are still in force today and affect all US If you have ever bought a “Cuban” on the sly, only citizens and permanent residents wherever they are to be disappointed with the taste, odds are that you located, all people and organizations physically in bought an expensive wrapper. the US and all branches and subsidiaries of US organizations throughout the world. The Cigar connoisseurs have long debated the Regulations are administered by the US Treasury many attributes of the unique blend of tobaccos Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. that make up the Cuban. Grown in an The basic goal of the sanctions is to isolate the environment where the soil is red and fertile, the Cuban government economically and deprive it of best of this nation’s output is thought to US dollars. Criminal penalties for violating the come from the area surrounding the capital sanctions range up to 10 years in prison, $1,000,000 city of Havana. The three core elements of the in corporate fines, and $250,000 in individual fines. cigar are the wrapper leaf (Capa), the binder Civil penalties up to $55,000 per violation may also leaf (Capote) and the filler leaves (Tripa). The be imposed. tripa is the heart and soul of any good cigar and no one has a more exceptional The embargo is taken very serious. Therefore, we method of blending these leaves. The major would suggest that only international travelers who manufactures are: Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y use a reputable, non-American cigar retailer could Julieta, H. Upmann, Ramon Allones. All of be sure they know the taste of an authentic Cuban who have long histories of creating superb cigar. For us law-abiding citizens, we wait and tobacco products. dream of a free Cuba.