I have a question that I hope that someone can answer for me. I am a cigar aficionado. It is one of the few vices that survived my New Years resolutions. And it is well known that the best cigars outside of Cuba are made in the DR. My favorites right now are the Montecristo Afrique and the Pleiades Paris. Both are made in Santiago.
So imagine my despair when I could not find any of my favorite smokes while visiting Santiago last summer. In fact, aside from Leon Jimenez, I couldn't find any premium brands. Leon's a decent cigar, no doubt. But not in the same class as Cohiba, Montecristo, or even Partagas. I asked an expat friend of mine, and he explained to me that the premium brands are usually too expensive for the average dominican to indulge in. Thus, they aren't sold outside the airport and tourist areas. I couldn't even find my beloved Afriques in Santo Domingo or Sosua.
So my question is, why are so few locally made premium brands priced for local consumption. And how is it that, while visiting a country known for it's fine cigars, I have to bring mine all the way from the states.
Vince.
So imagine my despair when I could not find any of my favorite smokes while visiting Santiago last summer. In fact, aside from Leon Jimenez, I couldn't find any premium brands. Leon's a decent cigar, no doubt. But not in the same class as Cohiba, Montecristo, or even Partagas. I asked an expat friend of mine, and he explained to me that the premium brands are usually too expensive for the average dominican to indulge in. Thus, they aren't sold outside the airport and tourist areas. I couldn't even find my beloved Afriques in Santo Domingo or Sosua.
So my question is, why are so few locally made premium brands priced for local consumption. And how is it that, while visiting a country known for it's fine cigars, I have to bring mine all the way from the states.
Vince.