Cigar questions - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

iamca · 05-30-2006, 04:34 PM

I will be coming back to Calgary for the first time in awhile and I want to pick up some Cubans to bring back with me to the States.

Which are the best smoke shops in Calgary to pick up some cigars?

What is your favorite cigar and why?

Bring_Back_Shantz · 05-30-2006, 04:44 PM

Are you even allowed to take Cubans back to the states?
I don't think so.
you might want to check up on that.

iamca · 05-30-2006, 05:15 PM

Let's say I'm smoking them while I'm in Calgary, which I probably will smoke at least 2 or 3.

Technically, the man says I can't bring any Cuban cigars back into the U.S. because the United States still has a trade embargo against Cuba.

I am a Canadian citizen (iamca) and when I cross the border in my vehicle, they won't search me so I don't worry about it. The cigars are for me and my friends, but I don't sell them to anyone.

Dumb rule and dumb rules are made to be broken.

RedMan12 · 05-30-2006, 05:22 PM

dont get caught. They are pretty serious. I got searched for cigars when I went back with my family for the States. The border doesnt mess around anymore since the Bush regime.

I-Hate-Hulse · 05-30-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamca

Dumb rule and dumb rules are made to be broken.

Hmmmmm interesting approach....not sure how a customs officer will react to that one....good luck with that!

That said, try the Cigar shop in Eau Claire, or International Cigar in Watermark Tower, next to the Eaton's center, above the AMA store.

Table 5 · 05-30-2006, 05:40 PM

print out a "Made in Dominican Republic" sticker and stick it on the cigar box. That, or buy a box of Dominicans and switch the content so it appears you are bringing the legal stuff.

Azure · 05-30-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedMan12

dont get caught. They are pretty serious. I got searched for cigars when I went back with my family for the States. The border doesnt mess around anymore since the Bush regime.

Since 9/11....

Border Security is a good thing.

I-Hate-Hulse · 05-30-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Is that the one that 'Chico' owns?

Not sure who owns it but it's the one where you can go smoke up in their "boys club" room during the lunchhour inside. (or any time for that matter)

Burninator · 05-30-2006, 08:02 PM

Here are Cuba's most well known cigar brands:

Cohiba - Castro use to smoke these.

Romeo Y Julieta - Winston Churchill use to smoke them.

Montecristo

All are very good cigars.

snappyk · 05-30-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

Here are Cuba's most well known cigar brands:

Cohiba - Castro use to smoke these.

Romeo Y Julieta - Winston Churchill use to smoke them.

Montecristo

All are very good cigars.

I would have to agree with that, I've smoked all three of them. The best one that I have had imo is the Montecristo

Table 5 · 05-30-2006, 08:45 PM

So I guess the question is, what does El Presidente smoke now?

Burninator · 05-30-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snappyk

I would have to agree with that, I've smoked all three of them. The best one that I have had imo is the Montecristo

I am not sure which I like more, the Montecristo or the Romeo. Tie. The Cohiba's I bought where really fat. You had to inhale so hard, it was not as enjoyable as it could have been.

ken0042 · 05-31-2006, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamca

I am a Canadian citizen (iamca) and when I cross the border in my vehicle, they won't search me so I don't worry about it.

Just an FYI- even since 9/11 every time I go down they ask more questions; and I think each time I was asked if I had any tobacco or alcohol. Then each time they gave the car a quick search- about 3-5 minutes.

The last time they even questioned why my passport had Mexico and Dominican stamps in it. I'd hate to see their reaction if I had gone to Cuba or something.

Bobblehead · 05-31-2006, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

So I guess the question is, what does El Presidente smoke now?

He doesn't, or so I was told when I was in Cuba a few years ago.

And when I was heading to Cuba, I was told your had to do a transfer in a US airport (although I can't see many flights between US & Cuba) then it was illegal to be in possession of Cuban cigars. Not a concern to me, so I didn't ask any more questions.

socalwingfan · 05-31-2006, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamca

Dumb rule and dumb rules are made to be broken.

Enjoy the rubber glove - hopefully the border guard warms up his hand before the "inspection". I got hassled at the border for having a Cuba baseball jersey in my luggage that my brother bought for me.

iamca · 06-03-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

print out a "Made in Dominican Republic" sticker and stick it on the cigar box. That, or buy a box of Dominicans and switch the content so it appears you are bringing the legal stuff.

Thanks Table 5! Best idea I've heard so far.

ken0042, during the 3-5 minute search of your car, did they look in obvious places or was it pretty thorough?

BTW, for all the folks who posted thanks, but do you honestly think the US embargo against Cuba is a good thing?

The whole Bay of Pigs and Castro thing is long overdue from being repealed, but the talk down here is that it will take Fidel's passing and a new administration in the White House to consider lifting the ban.

FYI, technically as a Canadian citizen with a valid passport I can visit Cuba, however this is where I have heard about horror stories. Coming back into the US can be a major hassle if not a political fight. Even some of my friends who live in Canada have been detained trying to fly back through Miami or Raleigh on their way back from Cuba.

On a related subject, does anyone know the limit of alcohol I can bring back per adult, after a 7 or more day stay in Canada?

ken0042 · 06-03-2006, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamca

ken0042, during the 3-5 minute search of your car, did they look in obvious places or was it pretty thorough?

They looked in the obvious places, but also had mirrors to look under the car, etc. It's not like they ripped out the seats or anything; although I have had that happen once about 10 years ago.

jroc · 06-04-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamca

On a related subject, does anyone know the limit of alcohol I can bring back per adult, after a 7 or more day stay in Canada?

I'm pretty sure (but not positive) its 1.5L of hard alcohol or 12 cans/bottle of beer

iamca · 07-18-2006, 03:13 PM

Just got back from my trip to Calgary, went Pedin', saw Blue Rodeo at Fort Calgary, Northern Pikes at Wiskies, went hiking in Banff (Paradise Valey), I purchased some cigars from Cavendish and Moores and brought back some Big Rock Traditional and Pale Ale...beauty stuff and perfect weather, eh!

FurnaceFace · 07-18-2006, 04:08 PM

I have a Cuban stamp in my passport along with a dozen or so other stamps including countries like Honduras and Brazil which could be on the US radar. I've gone through the US on many trips since 9-11 and they have never once asked or even really looked at the other stamps. The Cuban stamp is also pretty inconspicuous, it was just an airplane in a square. It didn't say CUBA on it.

I believe the stamps don't matter too much. I am not 100% sure but I believe when they whip your passport through the barcode reader they get a list of the countries you've gone through...or at least countries synced up to the international system who's acronym escapes me at the moment. Can anyone in the know confirm what the agents see when they swipe your passport?

As for cigars, depends how desperate you are to get them across the border. If it's worth potentially getting fined then bob's your uncle.