Cuban Cigarin London

[Sator Sartoris]

I'm an American living in London for another month and wanted to try a Cuban cigar while here. I know almost nothing about cigars so does anyone have any recommendations on where and what to buy. I'd like something in the $25 or under ballpark.

 

[jkw]

Selfridges and Harrods both have cigar rooms. I've used the one in Selfridges and it seems very comprehensive (to me - I know nothing). The staff are also very knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to help however low the budget. I usually go in for one or two sticks, not the most expensive, and they're always polite and recommend me something good.

There are also stores in picadilly, and one on St. James (Lobb side), which I actually remember the location of. These would be classic places I imagine.

Just looked, on that street there is both davidoff and James J Fox, which operates the ones in the department stores...

 

[fcuknu]

Honestly, I wouldnt buy them in london, their VAT is insane. PM me and I will send you a place to buy them, you will probably save at least 50%

 

[VKK3450]

You might also look at James Fox. I think they run the Selfridges and Harrods cigar installments. They have a shop on St James place.

I dont know much about cigars, but when I stopped in there they seemed to

K

 

[ACDoyle]

James Fox is a cool place, they have a mall museum with memorabilia from Winston Churchill and others, their cigar selection is pretty good and you can smoke in the store

 

[TexasLidig8r]

When you find your place, ask a lot of questions... they will ask the type of cigars you have enjoyed in the past.. and can make recommendations.

You may want to try to old stand byes to get a benchmark.

Monte Cristo No. 2 (the torpedo)
Cohiba Esplendido
Romeo y Julieta Churchill

I'd throw in a Partagas Serie D Edicion Limitada (for the.. uh.. FULL experience).

Enjoy.

 

[fcuknu]

I would second the #2, I would also recomend:
the Cohiba Robusto- this is my favorite habano. It was the first I ever smoked and has always been my favorite
the Partagas Serie De 4 - fantastic medium-full bodied smoke at a great price
The Bolivar Royal Corona - has been highly rated by CA in the past, a very good smoke
The Bolivar Belicoso Fino - great belicoso, very similar to the MC#2

Cuban cigars have a reputation of being very strong and full bodied, but this is just not true. At best, even the most full bodied cuban is medium-full.

 

[Manton]

Best shops in London:

Desmond Sautter, Mount Street. Tiny shop, but knowledgeable staff.

Davidoff, St. James. Huge selection.

Fox, St. James. Old world and clubby. Best atmosphere.

Dunhill, Jermyn Street: Best selection in London, maybe the world.

Prices will be identical owing to the Hunters & Frankau monopoly on importation & distribution.

 

[itsstillmatt]

^^^^ I really like Sautter. Not sure why, though.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by iammatt

^^^^ I really like Sautter. Not sure why, though.

Because it is two doors down from Rubinacci?

 

[goodlife]

+1 on Dunhill not only for selection, but also service.

I was in London in 2001 as a student and recieved fantastic service despite not being their typical customer. A store here in Chicago would have treated me like I was planning to steal something. American retailers would do well to provide service like their English counterparts.