Customer Reviews

The Havana Cigar: Cuba's Finest

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really appreciated this book for the photography and the explanation of the manufacturing process. Del Todesco does a great job of walking the reader through the myriad processes of creating a puro. The only thing about this book that left me a little disappointed was the review of cigars in the back. It seems a little difficult to review a cigar in one sentence, especially cigars that are as complex as a Montecristo #2 or a Hoyo de Monterrey...but time and again, he sums up an otherwise world famous cigar as "suitable for a beginner" or "mild, not much to recommend about this cigar". It just struck me as odd to have a compilation as deep as what is presented in this book and then give the cigars an extremely indifferent and passing glance en masse. The first 130 pages were interesting no matter what level of aficianado you are...the encyclopedia could use a good second edition enhancement.

This is a great reference book for specific havana brands. Life sized images of most cigars from nearly all brands is included along with vitola information and author's tasting notes/suggestions. This is in addition to general cigar information like history of tobacco, tobacco cultivation and creating a cigar. The specific details are a bit dated (1997) but still the best I have seen published in the US. However, Min Ron Nee's text is superior if you can obtain it.

I have an extensive collection of cigar books but this is the only one I cannot part with . The author has successfully catalouged Cuban cigars and provided extensive and interesting information not available in other contemporary publications . A must for any serious aficionado.

With the plethora of books currently available on cigars in general and on Habanos in particular, this is (still) the one item no cigar aficionado dare be without.

This book is a powerhouse of information. From the technical aspect of fermatation,ageing,curing and even the various leaf sizes and their roles in the cigars,blew me away! A MUST have in the collection of true "habanophiles" such as myself. The reference portion of the book is truly a collection of different vitolas,their own taste,brand names ,and taster's note is a great point of information. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a great habano,and can appreciate ,not only the task it took to make this book,but more importantly ,the task it takes to make a truly great cigar!!!!

I found this book at Amazon while searching for the second printing of "An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars" by Min Ron Nee, that I understand is soon to be released for sale within the United States.

Mr. del Todesco's book, though now nearly ten years old, remains a valuable addition to the library of anyone who has an interest in Cuban cigars. The first 130 or so pages contain a detailed history of Cuba's cigar-making as well as a seed-to-cigar description of the creation of Cuban cigars. Most of these pages consist of excellent photographs of Cuba and of the farmers, torcedors and others whose skill and knowledge contribute to the manufacture of, arguably, the best cigars on earth. The last half of the book consists of sepia photgraphs and brief descriptions and tasting notes of the brands (marcas) and sizes (vitolas) of Cuban cigars that were in commercial production in 1996. Comparing these notes to more recent reviews of examples of later productions of these cigars is fascinating.

I'm glad that I happened to have stumbled onto the existence of this beautiful volume.

I agree with Van55. (What else is new?!) This is a fantastic book. I bought my copy used through Amazon over a year ago, and I am still making reference to it. If you are a fan of quality Cuban cigars, you need this volume along with Min Ron Nee's work. In contrast to Min Ron Nee's book, this one has much more on the history and production of the cigars. The photos, many full page, are colorful and moving.

While this book does have descriptions and evaluations of various vitolas, the ones in MRN's book are much more thorough and complete. That does not mean that the ones you will find in the book are not useful, but they are best treated as an overview. Don't look for detail here. But then again, this book is less than half the price of the MRN book, and it is much easier to find.

Again, you probably need both books, but buy this one first. You won'd be disappointed. Makes a great coffee table book too!

the very best cuban cigar book available at online bookstores. detailed descriptions of every step in growing tobacco plant from seed to mature plant, drying, fermentation and storing. the second part , the notes for every single cigar, is an excellent comparative index for beginners. it is definitely a must for cuban cigar enthusiasts.

Great resource, descriptions, and tasting notes on almost every single cuban made. Has actual-sized photos of all cigars and an excellent resource for anyone who smokes a lot of cubans. Need something for the aficionado who has everything? Well, I'm also sending this to a friend who's also a Cubaholic.

The only thing that will make this book better is an updated version with the new vitolas now in production. A great referance and a must for serious havana smokers and collectors