Cuban cigarillos and tompus are definitely the most famous type of cigarette in the world. Tobacco has been grown in Cuba for centuries, and cigarettes began to be produced during Spanish colonization during the reign of King Philip II (1527-1598). Today, both the production of cigarettes and their export are under the strict control of the Cuban government, so it is very difficult to find them in the rest of the world.
Production
Cuban cigarettes have been produced for centuries. What is specific for them is that they have been produced in the same, traditional way for hundreds of years. There is also information that about a hundred rules for their production must be followed.
Every cigarette has to be perfect, every pack has to be perfect. Meeting the strictest standards starts from the very cultivation of tobacco. The soil must be fertilized with the best fertilizer, tobacco must have the best conditions for its growth, to get enough sun and rain, to be protected from pests.
It goes so far as to separate the parts of the tobacco that are sick, eaten or cut from those that are healthy. That imperfect tobacco is sold as cheaper. Some companies are fully committed to copying the highest quality Cuban cigarettes, so they often buy this tobacco of secondary quality.
Further, healthy tobacco is separated and dried separately in strictly controlled conditions. Every mistake in production is not tolerated, such products are also sold at lower prices.
This kind of production is practically passed from generation to generation. Cubans are family involved in tobacco growing, cigarette making and sales.
The Cuban Revolution
During the 1950s, the situation in Cuba became quite tense. The Cubans set out to fight American imperialism, overthrowing the then ruler, Flugencio Batista. The leader of that revolution was Fidel Castro, together with Che Guevara.
This was followed by the US economic embargo on Cuba. Until then, most exports from this island country went to the United States, but that situation has changed since then.
Fidel Castro, who was a big fan of Cuban cigarettes, said that his favorite brand of cigarettes was Kohiba. He could often be seen smoking in public, and he also often gave them as gifts to world public officials.
The difference between fake and original tompus
Cuban cigarettes are extremely expensive even in Cuba. If someone offers them to you at a low price or at a discount, that is the first sign that it is not the original.
The boxes state exactly that the cigarettes are handmade (totalmente a mano), below is the factory that made the cigarettes, as well as the date with the information when the cigarettes were packed in the box. Fake tompus usually do not contain all this information.
You can recognize the original Cuban cigarettes by their taste. The highest quality Cuban tobacco is far stronger than any other cigarette you have tried. It has a specific taste, which is not tolerable even for many smokers with "long experience". There is no difference in quality between cigarettes, each has an identical taste and provides complete enjoyment.
Best regards!
Cuban cigars are known as the highest quality in the world,they have become a mandatory souvenir when someone visiting this country.Also Havana hosts every year the world-famous cigar festival.