What is a Cuban Sandwich Cigar?
There are different types of cigars: long fillers, short fillers and those that are rolled using the so-called Cuban sandwich process.
Cuban Sandwich cigars combine long and short fillers and are sometimes referred to as medium fillers. These cigars have a wrapper and a binder made of large tobacco leaves (long filler). The filler consists of smaller pieces of tobacco (short filler), which in turn are rolled up into larger pieces of tobacco like a sandwich. This design allows for more cost-effective production. In the higher quality cigars, the smaller leftovers from the production of long fillers are used asfiller, so they are not inferior tobaccos. As a rule, these cigars burn very evenly with a good draw.
How is the price of a cigar determined in Germany?
We researched for a few hours, asked dealers, tax advisors and customs.
As an example, we took a Robusto with a retail value of $ 10 from Nicaragua. Cigars from Nicaragua, Central America, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica can be imported into Germany duty-free. Cigars from the USA, Cuba or Indonesia, on the other hand, are subject to an additional 26% tariff. The selling price here in Germany is not variable as we have a fixed price for cigars.
The distribution between trade and importer naturally varies from company to company. If the trade gets more, the importer’s margin is reduced and vice versa.
The percentages we rounded refer to the gross sales price including the 19% VAT in the store.
So the state has a 36% stake in our cigars!
Cigars from the USA, Indonesia and Cuba, among others, are subject to an additional customs duty of 26% when imported into Germany. This increases state taxes to 40%. If we stick with our example of a cigar with a sales price of $ 10.00 and assume all other parameters as for the duty-free version, only 25% or $ 2.50 remains for production.
Names such as “Habano Seed”, “Kuba” and “Havana” are not permitted in Germany for cigars made from non-Cuban tobacco.
In response to a lawsuit filed by Corporación Habanos S.A. after the Munich Regional Court in the first instance, the Munich Higher Regional Court has now also determined as an appeal authority that “Cuba” and “Havana” and derivatives thereof are geographical designations of origin with a special reputation in relation to cigars and enjoy correspondingly extended protection under trademark law.
Additional information such as “from Ecuador” or “Jalapa – Nicaragua” does not changes this result. As has now been confirmed in the appeal ruling, such information is inadmissible, even if the tobacco grown outside of Cuba originated in Cuba, with seeds taken from there to other countries after the Cuban Revolution.
Background:
Tobaccos are annual plants and adapt strongly to soils and climatic conditions; very different properties develop from the same seeds in different growing areas in a short time. Genuine Cuban seeds have been bred exclusively for Cuban tobacco production for many decades and are not exported.
The American Cuba embargo and its effects for us in Germany
In 1959, Fidel Castro overthrew the then Cuban dictator Batista and subsequently established a socialist state. In the course of the revolution, US companies and citizens were expropriated, and the USA responded with a permanent blockade against Cuba.
The first measures were imposed in 1960 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and were tightened by John F. Kennedy in 1962 when an embargo was imposed on all trade between the United States and Cuba. On the eve of the embargo coming into force on February 7, Kennedy ordered a delivery of 1,200 Cuban cigars for himself — a product that has been banned for US citizens since then. In 2014, President Obama relaxed the travel and trade barriers to Cuba. Americans are now allowed to take home goods worth up to $400 from their trips to Cuba. Alcohol and tobacco together may not exceed a value of $100, and Cuban cigars may only be imported for personal use. In 2021, President Trump withdrew these concessions and Americans are now again not allowed to bring Cuban cigars into the USA.
In 2024, President Biden signed a law that prohibits US courts from recognizing rights to trademarks that have been “illegally seized” by the Cuban government since 1959 without the consent of the original owners.
In contrast to many other countries, the USA has not recognized Cuba’s trademark rights. As a result, there are identical brands of Cuban cigars in the USA that are parallel to the Cuban cigar brands, but they are not produced in Cuba. Since the European Union, and therefore also Germany, recognizes Cuban trademark rights, only the Cuban variants are available here and the American ones may not be imported into Germany because they violate Cuban rights. Cuban cigar brands such as Cohiba, Montecristo or Partagás are protected in the EU by the Cuban government or the state-owned tobacco company Habanos S.A. If another company uses these brand names without owning the rights to them, as happens in the USA with US companies, this is considered a trademark infringement in the EU.
The same applies to Cuban rum such as Havana Club.
The tobacco plant and the importance of the different levels of the leaves.
Tobacco plant and the individual floors: Media Tiempo, Ligero, Viso, Secco, Volado and Sand Leaf.
Tobacco plants are annual winter plants. Cultivation begins between October and November and is then harvested between March and April. The ready-to-harvest plant will then have reached a height of between 5½’ and 6’. As the plant grows, the side shoots are removed by hand so that they do not stunt growth. The last bud is removed after about 3 months to stop growth and so that the leaves continue to improve in quality and strength.
Cultivation occurs in two ways. On the one hand, “Tabaco del Sol” (tobacco in the sun), here the plants grow unprotected under the sun. The leaves of these plants are used for filler and binders. From top to bottom the leaves have different properties:
Medio Tiempo, the two leaves at the top of the plant are the strongest. These get the most sun and have a high nicotine concentration. They are often used for strong cigars.
This is followed by the ligero leaves. Spicy, strong and aromatic, so the larger the proportion of ligero leaves in a filler, the stronger the cigar is.
Viso leaves deliver more flavor and contain more oil than Seco, but the leaves are less intense than Ligero. Viso also burns slower than Seco but more evenly than Ligero.
Seco leaves from the middle part of the plant are mild and particularly important for the aromas.
The lower ones (Volado) are particularly mild and have particularly good burning properties. They are often used as a binder.
On the other hand, “Tabaco Tapado” (covered tobacco), here the plants grow under white veils protected from direct sunlight. This method is chosen for plants intended for wrappers. The darker wrappers are obtained from the upper leaves of these plants. The further down, the brighter.
When harvesting, the leaves are picked by hand. The harvest takes place in six rounds. Each round lasts approximately one week. First there are the lowest leaves, the sand leaves, then from bottom to top: Volado, Secco, Viso, Ligero and finally the top pair of leaves, the Corona.
Due to the different properties of the individual “floors”, the master blender can mix many different variants of the same plant.
The different cigar shapes (Spanish: Vitola).
Cigars are not only made in different ring gauges (diameters) and different lengths, but the shapes also differ and therefore the smoking experience.
In general, the vitolas are divided into two categories:
- The Figurados. They taper on one or even both sides and therefore have a changing ring gauge between head and foot.
The torpedo is probably the most popular cigar shape. The most famous cigar of this format is the Montecristo No. 2.
The Piramides are very similar to the torpedoes. However, towards the head they become slimmer and more pointed, like a pyramid.
The chisel is a rare and special shape. The head is modeled on a pipe mouthpiece.
Perfectos have tapered ends on both sides. This means that the ring gauge of a Perfecto cigar is very different at every point.
The diadema is a longer perfecto.
- The Parejos. They are rolled straight in such a way that their sides are parallel to each other, like a cylinder. They have a consistent ring gauge from head to toe.
A special form of Parejos are “box-pressed” cigars. Boxpressed cigars are available as both parejo and figurado. The term “boxpressed” comes from the past, when as many cigars as possible were pressed as close together as possible into their boxes. Therefore, they took on a rectangular shape and were no longer round. Today this condition is imitated by pressing into rectangular shapes. These types of cigars are particularly popular in the USA.
Another special form are the culebras. This form also has a historical origin. A culebra (Spanish for snake) is a braid made from three individual thin cigars. The factory workers were entitled to a certain amount of free cigars (cigar allowance). At that time, the aim was to prevent factory workers from reselling cigars and they wanted to be able to tell immediately when a worker was smoking one of the more valuable cigars. However, the Culebras were a huge success when sold on and were so sought after that they have since been produced specifically for the trade.
Common names for the different sizes of Parejos (cylindrical cigars) and their dimensions
The names of the different cigar formats have evolved over centuries. They are the result of the cultural and artisanal traditions in the countries where cigars were made, particularly Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Honduras.
Many of the common names come from Cuba, the historic center of cigar production. Manufacturers such as Habanos S.A., the umbrella organization for Cuban cigars, have standardized the formats, such as “Corona”, “Robusto” or “Churchill”.
Some names reflect local traditions or historical figures. such as “Churchill”, named after Winston Churchill, who was known for his love of large cigars. Over time, certain formats have become established as they have proven popular with cigar lovers. Terms like “Panatela” (thin and long) or “Gordo” (thick) are based on general descriptions. In the modern cigar industry, formats are often defined by brands and manufacturers themselves in order to stand out from others. Examples are fantasy names like “Diadema” or “Perfecto”.
Confusing ring gauge
The ring size of our cigars has nothing to do with the usual ring size for jewelry rings in Germany. With a finger ring, the circumference of the finger is measured in millimeters and this results in the inner circumference of the ring and thus the ring size.
The ring gauge of our cigars, on the other hand, is the diameter, measured in inches, i.e. the Anglo-American measurement system. However, it is a little more complicated. Since one inch is equal to 25.4 millimeters, the unit would simply be too large. Therefore the diameter is given in 64ths of an inch. So, for example, the ring gauge 40 would actually be correctly called 40/64″.
The American cigar ring size 40 corresponds to 50 according to our German metric system of the jewelry industry.
The import of cigars into Germany is subject to certain legal regulations. The following people or companies are allowed to import cigars:
- Private individuals
For personal use: Private individuals can import cigars from other countries into Germany as long as the allowance is not exceeded.
Within the EU, the guideline quantity for private use is:
200 cigars. Imports are tax-free if they come from an EU country and the goods are intended for personal use.
From non-EU countries:
The allowance is: 50 cigars, as long as the total value of € 430 ($ 450) is not exceeded (only applies to air or sea travel). Only a maximum of 10 cigars may be sent by post and only from private individual to private individual with a total value of no more than € 45. Shipments from foreign dealers to private individuals in Germany are confiscated by customs.
- Commercial dealers
Commercial dealers may import cigars, but must:
Be registered and have a tax warehouse permit.
Properly declare and pay the tobacco tax. Be able to present all import documents (e.g. customs papers, proof of origin).
Mark the goods in accordance with legal requirements (e.g. tax stamps, warnings).
- Licensed importers
Companies that specialize in tobacco imports require:
A license or permit from the relevant authorities.
Registration with German customs.
Compliance with the legal requirements for ingredients and packaging in accordance with the Tobacco Products Act.
Violations of tobacco tax and customs regulations can result in high fines.
- Important regulations
All cigars must comply with German and EU standards (e.g. warnings on packaging, ingredient restrictions).
Furthermore, the so-called “Trac and Trace” legislation (T&T), which has been in force throughout the EU since 2024, must be observed. T&T in connection with tobacco products is a system for the traceability and monitoring of tobacco products along the entire supply chain.
Tobacco importers must ensure that each tobacco product is uniquely identifiable. This is done through a unique identifier code (UIC) assigned by an independent body. This allows each product to be tracked from the manufacturer to the importer and retailer. For importers, this means that they must ensure that their products are only passed on by registered and approved operators. All movements of tobacco products must be digitally recorded and reported to a central database. Authorities can verify the movements of the products. Violations, such as the lack of a UIC or incomplete reports, can lead to heavy fines.
- All statements without guarantee
Where are cigar smokers welcome? Tips from our members:
Aachen
Schneiderwind
Due to the current legal situation in North Rhine-Westphalia, unfortunately neither service nor serving is permitted in the lounge. However, the lounge bar has a large selection of soft drinks and coffee that customers can and may consume self-service. Specialties previously purchased in the store such as whiskey, rum, cognac, etc. are of course personal property and may also be consumed on the premises.
Lindenplatz 11–12, 52064 Aachen
Mon — Wed & Fri 10:00 a.m. — 6:30 p.m
Thu 10:00 a.m. — 8:30 p.m
Sat 10:00 a.m. — 3:30 p.m
Phone: +49 241 943 77 60
Website
BERGHEIM-NIEDERAUSSEM
Pfeifen Heinrichs
Voltastrasse 17, 50129 Bergheim-Niederaussem
Mon — Fri: 9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m
Sat.: 9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m
Phone: +49 22 71 — 56 88 90
Website
BERLIN
HEMMY’S
approx. 12 seats, with terrace in summer
Small but excellent selection of cigars.
The opening times can vary, better call in advance!
Welfenallee 6, 13465 Berlin-Fronau
Mon & Tue 12 noon — 8 pm
Wed — Fri 12 noon — 10 pm
Sat 10 am — 8 pm
Phone: +49 30 / 40 10 77 74
Website
Vox Bar im Grand Hyatt Berlin
You can bring your own cigars or buy some there
Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 2, 10785 Berlin
Sun — Thu 5:30 p.m. — 1:00 a.m.
Fri & Sat 5:30 p.m. — 2:00 a.m.
Phone: +49 30 2553 1566
Website
Zigarren Herzog
La Casa del Habano Berlin am Osthafen
ONLY Cuban cigars
In summer with a terrace on the Spree
Stralauer Allee 9, 10245 Berlin
Tue-Fri 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Phone: +49 30 29 04 70 15
Website
Restaurant Habel am Roseneck
(no lounge, restaurant with side room for smokers)
No cigars for sale, you have to bring your own
with terrace in summer
Hohenzollerndamm 93, 14199 Berlin
Mon — Sat 3 p.m. — midnight
Phone: +49 30 826 12 60
Website
DUISBURG
House Of Cigars
Former ice hockey player Ron Noack has been running the lounge since 1998. The selection in the humidor is huge.
Wallstr. 10, 47051 Duisburg
Tue 11:00 a.m. — 7:30 p.m
Wed & Fri 11:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m
Thu 11:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m
Sat 10:30 a.m. — 4:00 p.m
Phone: +49 203 28 40 48
Website
DUSSELDORF
Cigarworld Tabac Benden
huge lounge with a huge selection of cigars, private parking
Burghofstraße 28, 40223 Düsseldorf
Mon — Sat 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.
Phone: +49 211 159 39 85
Website
ESSEN
Cigarren Baydar & Sahin Lounge
70 square meters of comfortable seating for 26 cigar lovers
Hollestraße 1, 45128 Essen
Tue – Sat 12 noon – 10 pm
Phone: + 49 201 8432 34 86
Website
HAMBURG
La Casa del Habano
Hamburg Chilehaus C
Burchardstraße 15, 20095 Hamburg
Mon — Sat 10 am — 7 pm
Phone: +49 40 30 70 48 80
Website
Davidoff Cigar Lounge Hamburg
Cigar lounge in Leos Café
Colonnaden 9, 20354 Hamburg
Phone: +49 176 41 48 64 50
Instagram
COLOGNE (KÖLN)
Pfeifen Heinrichs
Hahnenstraße 2, 50667 Cologne
Mon — Fri 9:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Phone: +49 0221 25 62 31
Website
Zigarrentraum
Buchheimer Str. 50, 51063 Cologne-Mühlheim
Mon — Wed 9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Thu & Fri 9:00 a.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Phone: +49 0221 820 82 46
Website
LEIPZIG
Mephisto Bar in Auerbachs Keller
in the Mädler Passage
Grimmaische Strasse 2–4, 04109 Leipzig
Mon — Thu 12 noon — 10pm
Fri & Sat 12 noon — midnight
Sun 12 noon — 6pm
Phone: +49 341 21 61 00
Website
Restaurant Zigarre
Barfußgäßchen 10, 04109, Leipzig
Tue – Sat 12 noon – midnight
Phone: +49 341 961 50 35
Tabak-Kontor & La Casa del Habano
with cigar lounge on the upper floor 25 seats
Hainstraße 11, 04109, Leipzig
Mon — Sat 11 a.m. — 5:30 p.m. — last entry 5 p.m.
Phone: +49 341 962 89 82
Website
MUNICH (MÜNCHEN)
Cigar Lounge by Zechbauer
in the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski
Entry: € 35.00
Maximilianstrasse 17, 80539 Munich
Mon — Sun 8 a.m. — midnight
Phone: +49 89 2125 1745
Website
NUREMBERG (NÜRNBERG)
Casa del Puro
Large selection of cigars, no alcohol served
Hauptmarkt 9, 90403 Nuremberg
Mon — Fri 10:30 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Phone: +49 911 974 66 90
Website
TIMMENDORFER STRAND
Les Privatiers Zigarrenlounge
Strandallee 90, 23669 Timmendorfer Strand
Mon & Thurs from 4 pm
Fri – Sun from 2 pm
Phone: +49 4503 898 55 60
Website