Consequently, a lot of factories have shortened up the aging and curing process to move product out more quickly. That has caused the tobacco to have a harsher quality. Also, Cuba has lost many of its best tobacco experts over the years, and many of the great production experts and their experienced rollers have died off.
There are still some good brands out there, but stick to the "old line" names like Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, Punch, Hoyo de Monterrey, and H. Upmann. Forget about Cohibas - overpriced and most of them are fakes. Also, pay attention to the size of cigar you order. The smaller ones (robustos, Lonsdales, delicatos) are frequently better than the Churchills and "gordo" sizes.
The truth is that there are terrific cigars being produced now in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras, and I mean "World Class". Check them out.
I agree, my favorites are Partagas Serie D #4 and Punch Punch. Montecristo #2 is as close to perfection as you can get, but you need to leave them in the humidor for at least a year.
Ten or so years ago, in an effort to increase sales they began to create all these special releases, ELs, REs, etc. They're taking the best leaf and dramatically marking it up, and the regular lines are going to hell. Cohiba Esplendido is a classic example but almost every line is suffering. Of course don't even talk about how badly they're rolled.
Habanos SA needs to realize Las Vegas makes its money from quarter slots, not large whales, and follow their example with higher quality overall.