CigarPhoto is coming back from a well deserved vacation in pleasantly warm Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Although we have stayed in one of the chain hotels (Iberostar), a trip to Playa del Carmen was added to the itinerary to visit two cigar shops – La 5ta Habano (shop owned by fellow Friends Of Habanos member) and La Casa del Habano. The purpose of that visit wasn’t so much about stocking up but more about going to the store, buying a cuban cigar (legally), ordering mojito with Havana Club Anejo 7 rum and … relaxing.
I was able to accomplish exactly that at the La Casa del Habano. Between mojito sips, I was able to take few photographs and scope out price tags – scary, as expected. I was quoted $850 for a box of Trinidad Fundadores !!! Everything across the board was super overpriced and if I lived in Mexico, I wouldn’t be smoking cuban cigars unless I was paying wholesale. On the way back I stopped at the La 5ta Habano. Great, but very small, shop. Rush Blakely (the owner) has expanded his selection to include non-cubans as well. Refreshing strategy, considering every other Joe will be most likely looking for the forbidden Cohiba.
It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Caribbean region without seeing fakes cuban cigars. Your “standard” glass-top selection was readily available on the main drag. Casa Partagás was selling Siglo VI tubes for $50 each ! Iberostar hotel had a dedicated cigar lounge with decent cigar selection. Unfortunately, once again, way overpriced. I skipped their stock but couldn’t say no to unlimited and free amount of Havana Club Anejo 7 rum. Bliss ! Airport’s Duty Free wasn’t any different. I had to double check with their customer service if prices were in Mex$ or USD$. A box of Cohiba for 900 USD$ tapped it all.
Bottom line, bring your own ! If you smoke cuban cigars exclusively, bring them down as well unless you are willing to pay $25 for Monte #2.
La Casa del Habano
5ta Avenida con Calle 26 No. 301, L-2 Colonia
Xaman-Ha, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México.
Phone: 52 (984) 803 3001
Email: cservice@lacasadelhabanoplayadelcarmen.com
www.lacasadelhabanoplayadelcarmen.com
La 5ta Habanos (owner: Rush Blakely)
Corner of 5th avenue (Quinta) and Constituyentes
Phone: 9841111873
- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-
#1 by czerbe on April 30, 2012 - 3:24 pm
Hey Jay glad your back and it looks like you had a great trip. Well earned buddy. Love the pictures and the photo of the vendor selling the Fakes is awesome. Hope all is well.
#2 by J rebel on May 3, 2012 - 7:12 pm
Great pics Jay, crazy how bad they hose tourist on the Cubans. Sounds like a great trip nonetheless. Thanks for sharing.
#3 by BlackBeard on May 7, 2012 - 10:36 pm
sweet pics! Are those cubans legit? ha!
#4 by admin on May 23, 2012 - 10:37 pm
Hey Anthony !
Of course they are. LCDH !!!
#5 by jjo on May 20, 2012 - 7:56 pm
Great photos, Jay. Sounds like a fun trip. Now I’m craving a mojito. ;)
#6 by Mike on March 10, 2013 - 1:48 pm
Can tell you one thing ,the Cohiba Maduros in the picture are definetly fakes