The one in the Bahamas is the Havana Humidor Cigar Shop at the Atlantis resort.
You can get real Cuban's there, and they will be very helpful when you go in.
True Cuban's are not as easy to find as many people think.
Most shops sell counterfeits at inflated prices. Even worse, the real thing is frequently not as good as their reputation.
For most US smokers, living under a five decade embargo, Cuban's have gained an almost mystical reputation. Unfortunately the reality is far from the myth.
Communism has been a tragic failure anywhere it has been tried, and the cigar industry suffered as well.
Poor quality control is a major problem, and shortages are always an issue. Because of this, counterfeits show up in even many high end shops, and even when the cigars are real quality is difficult to find.
The only really consistent brand I've tried are Romeo and Juliet. Pretty much anything from them will be good to great.
I am one of the few people that take my cigars with me when I travel outside the US.
As for the US, I have two favorites, and I couldn't pick which I like more. The first, and a must visit anytime you're in Las Vegas is Casa Fuente at the Shops at the Forum mall adjoining Ceasar's Palace.
This shop is awesome from start to finish. Awesome, staff extremely well stocked bar, and a humidor that is filled with some of the finest cigars never rolled between the thighs of a cuban virgin.
The house blend cigars are great, and only available there. Smooth, flavorful and well crafted, these are a must try cigar that only get better with age and won't break your wallet.
They also carry a full complement of God of Fire cigars. They are priced at a slight premium, but not extreme. Almost a bargain for Vegas.
You'll also find a side variety of Fuente's, Ashton's and Diamond Crowns, a veritable humidor heaven.
The crowning jewel's there are a variety of the rarest of the rare in the Fuente line.
Fuente Fuente Forbidden X cigars, and Don Carlos Signature 13.
The Forbidden X is an aged version of the Fuente Fuente Opus X. These are true masterpieces, and rarely sold outside of this store.
You'll occasionally find them in a collectable gift set.
This store carries a full line. You will pay for them because of the rarity, but 50% of the proceeds go to benefit the cigar family foundation.
This provides a school, hospital and other community services to the workers and their families that work the tobacco fields in the DR.
In addition, they have one of the rarest cigars, I have ever tried the Fuente Signature 13.
Legend has it the cigar was created because of a bet made with Don Carlos, that he couldn't craft a great cigar using a blend of tobacco from every producing country.
No matter what the inspiration behind this cigar was, it is a masterpiece created by a true master craftsman. It is also one that you probably don't want to go in for unless you've hit the slots or tables and done well.
At 125.00 a stick it's one of those Vegas excesses that you don't do when you're thinking clearly.
I had one there watching the AFC divisional game in 2006, when the Pats were struggling against San Diego.
After a bitterly cold (it was snowing when we landed) weekend of partying with friends in Vegas, it seemed like the thing to do, and the game turned in our favor after lighting it up, so maybe it was.
There are lots of cigars in Vegas, but in my opinion the best of them are here.
My other all time favorite shop is Jack Schwartz Importers, in the lobby of the Chicago Board of Trade.
Established in 1921, the shop is one that is worth finding. Bill, Eric and Kenny can be found there from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm or so.
In addition there will be a group of some of the most interesting characters you'll ever light up with.
Floor traders on break come up to grab cigars and share the goings on from the futures pits.
One of the last markets that still have pits, the Futures markets are open twenty three plus hours a day, five days a week, which is one reason the shop is open so early, catering to the overnight traders working the floor.
The atmosphere is really cool, and the stories are worth trip. Their humidors are well stocked with awesome cigars of every type and price range. During the spring and summer you can sit outdoors at Ceres cafe next door and enjoy a beverage of your choice. Anyone with a fascination with the markets should not miss a trip here if you're in Chicago.
Unlike Casa Fuente, Jack Schwartz will ship and has a easy to navigate website, so if you can't get there, you can still get their great cigars.
There are many other shops I have had the pleasure of visiting, some are gone, some are still around. One of the things I love doing is finding new and out of the way shops just to see what they have and their take on the business.
The Aficionado
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