Cuban cigars are highly popular Bermuda souvenirs — maybe because they’re illicit.
If you’re American, you’ll risk confiscation, mega fines, or even criminal prosecution if you’re found trying to take them back into the United States — an offense under economic sanctions enforced against Cuba since 1963. (Only licensed visitors to Cuba can bring back less than $100 worth of cigars for personal use.)
Nonetheless, retailers say Americans are some of their best customers, either taking the opportunity to enjoy their Romeo y Julietas and Cohibas during their vacation, or running the risk and sneaking them home in their luggage.
Cigar retailers include: Chatham House (Front St., at the corner of Burnaby Hill, tel. 441/292-8422), a specialty tobacco shop which stocks Punch, Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, Montecristo, Cohiba, and Bolivar.
Churchill’s (Duke of York St., St. George, tel. 441/297-1650, open 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) carries a full range of Cuban, Dominican, Costa Rican, Nicaraguan, and Jamaican cigars.
Cuarenta Bucaneros (Continental Building, corner of Cedar Ave. and Church St., second floor, tel. 441/295-4523) sells boxes of 25 cigars ($175–340) in top Cuban brands, including Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta.