| Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of | | | | business have been fined, at times, for the selling or |
| the lore surrounding the Cuban cigar. Long revered as | | | | distributing of large volumes of Cuban cigars to the |
| the finest and best tasting brands in the world, they | | | | pubic. Fines are a rare occurrence, however. Many |
| have traditionally been extremely difficult to procure. | | | | private settings that sell Cuban cigars, such as hotels |
| Consequently there exists a very profitable market | | | | or casinos, have experienced little or no problems |
| for importing and distributing Cuban cigars to | | | | over the years. |
| cigar-lovers worldwide. There are many brands of | | | | In recent years there has been a growing black |
| Cuban cigars available, but some of the most well | | | | market for fake Cuban cigars. Most of the time, they |
| known include Coronas Especiales (rumored to be | | | | are easy to spot because of their poor quality and |
| one of Fidel Castro's favorites) and Montecristos. | | | | appearance, but occasionally there have been Cuban |
| Many people assume that the distribution of Cuban | | | | imitations that are more difficult to regulate. The only |
| cigars on U.S. soil is illegal. The truth of the matter is, | | | | way to ensure the quality and authenticity of a |
| although there are certain restrictions placed on the | | | | purchase is to take proper care to go to a reputable, |
| importing of cigars from Cuba, there is no outright | | | | reliable dealer of Cuban cigar products. |
| law forbidding their presence. Recently the | | | | For any concerned individuals who hope to purchase |
| Department of Justice altered the original embargo | | | | Cuban cigars, but are worried about legal |
| on Cuban products, allowing limited amounts of cigars | | | | ramifications, there is little cause for concern. |
| to be brought back from licensed trips to Cuba. That | | | | Purchasing Cuban cigars for private, non-commercial |
| law has since been expanded to include personal | | | | use has been going on for years among the most |
| quantities, up to two boxes, for personal use. | | | | high-profile cigar aficionados, including politicians and |
| Although there is actually no law governing the | | | | movie stars. |
| importation of Cuban cigars for personal use, large | | | | |