I’ve smoked lots of the major brands. For example, I’m a big fan of the Rockey Patel Sun Grown. I love the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserves. I love nearly any Ashton.

Maybe my palate isn’t as sophisticated as some, but I rate certain Cuban Crafters cigars among my favorites— and among the best I’ve ever smoked.

These particular cigars – the Cabinet Selection – are excellent. And the Don Kiki Brown Label is as good, if not better. Both have an incredibly smooth draw, great ash integrity, and incredible billowy white smoke (especially the Cabinet Selection).

Beyond cigars, these guys have always been amazing when it comes to customer service.

There was a problem with my humidor, and instead of having me send it back, they just sent me a replacement. They’re that classy.

I’ll be a customer for life.

From the moment I walked through the door the rich tobacco aroma hypnotized me and was greeted by the friendly (non-pushy) staff. They gave me one of their 1959 Medinas to ‘try’,on-the-house, and I was WOWED! Then was offered some espresso which I thought was a very nice touch.

The Don Kiki White Labels Harvest of 2000 is a wonderful mild, creamy smoke. (By the way, they only have a few left at the store) The JL Salazar line is an EXCELLENT smoke! Box pressed and rolled by cubans. If you’re ever in Miami take some time to make Cuban Crafters a destination. Watch the cigar rollers, have some cuban coffee (espresso with the sugar already in the ‘cafe’) and enjoy a smoke while exploring the humidor thats about 1000sq/ft and the size of the store itself is huge compared to others in Miami. And if time permits, sit down for a game of dominos.

Check it out… 3604 NW 7th Street

Not long ago, my local tobacconist got a call from the Kiki sales rep and he really wanted to get his product into this store because of its high-end selection of brands like Tatuaje, Padilla, VSG, Don Carlos, etc. So he set us up with some bundles to try.

Now, maybe we’re snobs, but we all tried the Kiki, J.L. Salazar and Cuban Crafters and literally none of us could stomach them for more than a few puffs. We’re talking, like, 20 guys — all of whom, myself included, smoke at least one cigar a day.

I respect the fact thay everyone’s tastes are different, but the tobacco tasted green at best and strange at worst, and the cigars looked like doggie you-know-what. All in all, they just seemed like a very inept attempt at cigarmaking, made with whatever tobacco Don Kiki was able to get his hands on at that particular moment. I’ve never experienced a cigar line as uniformly bad. Maybe they have “non-traditional” appeal like the Lars Tetens line or something. I just don’t get it.

Keep up the great work, E.Z…it takes a real enthusiast to chronicle his cigar experiences with such vigor. It’s always a pleasure checking back from time to time, even when I (vehemently) disagree!

Thanks, Roy.R, UK