Cigar rollers in Havana Cuba thrilled with warming U.S.-Cuba policy

HAVANA – There are changes coming in Cuba. First the President of Cuba has joined Twitter. The move to thaw relationships with the United States came quickly, and despite some protest from Republicans, and questions from many on how Fidel Castro feels about the move, the people who roll cigars in Havana are excited.

Americans have long yearned for a Cuban cigar, which have not been available legally in the United States since 1961.

It’s a formerly ‘forbidden fruit’ sure to be enjoyed by cigar aficionados on both sides of the Florida Straits.

On the list of President Barack Obama’s new Cuba policy are legalized Cuban cigars, regarded as some of the finest in the world.

New provisions that may soon be implemented would make it legal to return to the United States with up to $100 of alcohol and tobacco.

Milagros Diaz says Americans have been lining up at her Havana cigar shop, and they’ll only get the finest.

Cuban Cigar maker Milagros Diaz says, “We are very happy. It is going to be very beautiful, all of the Cubans here are (looking) forward to the relations that the United States will have with Cuba and Cuba with the United States.
In terms of Havana cigars, we are going to guarantee that they take back with them the best quality and the aroma of the tobacco leaves.”

But it may take some time before Americans can find a Cohiba to puff on in the States as the new rules are still coming.

Video by Reuters