Cigar Aficionado - MAY/JUNE 2015

Welcome to Cuba

As Cuban-American relations continue to thaw, tourism to Cuba is quickly becoming an exciting prospect for both nations. The June issue of Cigar Aficionado sets out to bring you the ultimate Cuba travel guide. We take you inside the vastly expanding fine-dining scene in Havana; highlight the unique blend of old-world charm and new-world conveniences of the city's newest hotels; celebrate the rich culture of Cuban music and art; explore Cuba's emerging cocktail culture and nightlife; and, of course, provide a comprehensive guide to all things cigars, including what to smoke, where to buy them, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of touring a Cuban cigar factory. Plus, a feature on the emergence of hybrid tobacco seeds. All this and more, ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

Up Front
Editors' Note : Cuba On The Mind
Letters : Out of the Humidor

Good Life Guide
Electronics : Makerbot brings 3-D printing home
Drink : Tasting away in Margaritaville
Sport : A golf club for shaping your shot
Cigars : Big cutters for big smokes
Time : Wristwatches join the military
Wheels : Volvo's racy new image
Places : Getting wrapped up in Grand del Mar
Fun : Scotland's train to nowhere
Style : Retro swimsuits go now-tro
Gourmet : Cooking like the Cubans do
CigarAficionado.com: Cook Like a Cuban—A Gourmet Ropa Vieja Recipe

Welcome to Cuba
Cover : Cuba's New Dawn - In the biggest change in half a century, Cuban-American relations are beginning to thaw. Our latest guide on the island reveals what to see, where to sleep, what to eat and how to get the best smokes.

Restaurants : The Cuisine Scene - Cuba’s dining scene was once tired and predictable, but today’s Havana features restaurants with surprising quality
Cigars : Smoker's Heaven - For lovers of Havana cigars, nothing beats shopping at the source, where quality, choice and value are superb

Vignette : The Battle of Havana - A hundred years ago Jack Johnson was the world’s most controversial boxer, and for one brief moment he made Havana the focus of the sports world.

Conan The Ambassador - Conan O’Brien brought his show to Havana, reminding us that humor can overcome cultural and political differences

Hotels : Pillow Talk - Hotel options are ever-expanding in Cuba, offering a mix of old-world charm and new-world conveniences

Art : And The Frenzy Begins - Cuban art is taking the collecting world by storm and creating a virtual buying frenzy

Bars : Mixing Magic - An emerging cocktail culture set in great venues is proving that there’s more to Havana than just its delicious rums.

Music : Rhythms of the Night (And Day) - The mix of Latin and African vibes that make up Cuban music can be heard throughout the city, and not just in the evening.

Factories : The Pilgrimage - When you smell the tobacco and hear the click-clack of chavetas in a cigar factory tour, you’ll know you’ve gone to heaven.

Cigars
Industry : The Heights of Hybrids - The tobacco-growing world is ceaselessy seeking the perfect seed for cigar rolling.

News : ProCigar - The Dominican Republic’s annual bash puts guests together with cigar makers.

Made For You : Made For You - A not-so-dumb waiter; Ted Baker for tall guys; ultra-slim spectacles; a Land Rover tribute; a body buffer; and weights shaped like cigars.