Quote:
Originally Posted by gnbikes
In speaking with several industry insiders, the Cuban blenders are all ready experimenting with "imported" tobaccos. I did not believe it when I heard this the first time, but having it confirmed by people that "used to be" key people in the Cuban cigar industry, I now believe it. So don't be suprised when you see Cuban cigars that are not puros.
Garry
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hotreds
I have been told by several folks that the Cubans are now importing tobacco because they simply don't have enough for all the cigars they produce. Not sure if this is true, but it kinda makes sense. Then again, could just be sour grapes from folks who can't get Cuban cigars.........
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This goofy rumor's been happening for years now. There's no way in Hell Cuba would pay precious money or trade other valuable resources for tobacco they consider inferior. And besides that, there's no evidence whatsoever of tobacco shipments of any kind going into Cuba. And lastly, this rumor
always seems to be spread by "people in the industry" who have a vested interest in misleading you and improving the image of their product and detracting from the image of their world competitor, and who aren't necessarily trustworthy just because they "would know" if it was happening. I don't trust anyone who is or is trying to sell me something.
Cuba has enough tobacco for the cigars they produce; this is because their production is limited by the tobacco. They only produce cigars if they can make them. They are preparing for a possible "sudden demand increase" (ahem) by testing and approving new fields for planting, so they do still have a good bit of potential for growth in production. At least that's my interpretation of the information.