Do you ship cigars nationwide in the United States?

Yes. Sun of a Gun Cigars ships premium cigars to all 50 US states using humidity-controlled packaging with Boveda packs included. Orders over $99 ship free. Most orders arrive in 3–7 business days after handling.

How do you ship cigars without them drying out?

Every cigar order from Sun of a Gun Cigars ships with Boveda 69% relative humidity packs and is sealed in moisture-retentive packaging. Cigars arrive at the same humidity they left our walk-in humidor in Yuma, Arizona.

Are your Opus X and Padron cigars authentic?

Yes. Sun of a Gun Cigars is a direct authorized retailer for Arturo Fuente (including Opus X and Lost City), Padron, Drew Estate (including Liga Privada), God of Fire, Ashton, Diamond Crown, My Father, AJ Fernandez, La Flor Dominicana, Oliva, J.C. Newman, and El Septimo. We never sell counterfeit cigars — every product is sourced directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributors.

How do I get notified when rare cigars like Opus X Lost City are back in stock?

On any out-of-stock product page, enter your email in the "Notify Me" box to be alerted when that specific product returns. Allocated releases like Opus X Lost City, Padron Family Reserve, and God of Fire often sell out within hours, so we recommend signing up early.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. All Sun of a Gun Cigars orders over $99 ship free within the United States. Orders under $99 ship at a flat rate of $8.99 with humidity-safe packaging included.

How old must I be to order cigars?

You must be 21 years or older to purchase any tobacco product from Sun of a Gun Cigars. Age verification is required at checkout and again on delivery (adult signature required for all shipments per federal tobacco shipping regulations).

Can I visit your cigar lounge in Yuma, Arizona?

Yes — Sun of a Gun Cigars operates a walk-in cigar lounge with the largest humidor in Yuma, Arizona at 1651 S Arizona Ave. We are open Sunday–Wednesday 9 AM to 11 PM and Thursday–Saturday 9 AM to 1 AM. Smoke on premises, enjoy fine spirits and craft cocktails, and shop the full humidor in person.

What is your return policy on cigars?

Each return or exchange case is handled individually due to the nature of tobacco products. If a cigar arrives damaged or with construction defects, contact sales@sunofaguncigars.com or call (928) 276-3500 within 7 days of delivery. The customer is responsible for return postage and any applicable restocking fee.

Why Are Cuban Cigars Illegal in the United States?

Noman Tahir
4 days ago
3 min read

If you've ever wondered why Cuban cigars carry such mystique — and why you can't just walk into a cigar shop in the US and buy one — you're not alone. It's one of the most asked questions in the cigar world. The short answer: politics. The longer answer is a lot more interesting.

The 1962 Trade Embargo

The US trade embargo against Cuba has been in place since February 1962, enacted under President John F. Kennedy during the height of Cold War tensions. The embargo prohibited the import of all Cuban goods into the United States, including cigars, rum, and other products.

Before you could ask — yes, legend has it that JFK himself asked his press secretary Pierre Salinger to secure 1,200 Petit Upmanns the night before he signed the embargo. Kennedy made sure he had his supply before shutting the door for everyone else.

Has Anything Changed Since 1962?

There have been significant political shifts. During the Obama administration (2014–2016), diplomatic relations with Cuba were partially restored and rules loosened temporarily. However, under the Trump administration (2020), those exemptions were revoked. As of today, bringing Cuban cigars back to the United States — even for personal use — is still prohibited under federal law. The embargo remains fully in place.

What Happens If You're Caught?

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can seize Cuban cigars at the border. While individual travelers are rarely criminally prosecuted for a box of cigars, commercial importation or sale of Cuban cigars in the US carries serious civil and criminal penalties, including fines up to $55,000 per violation.

Can You Buy Cuban Cigars Online?

No — not legally in the United States. Any US-based website claiming to sell authentic Cuban cigars is either operating illegally or selling counterfeit product. Counterfeit Cuban cigars are a massive problem worldwide; estimates suggest the majority of "Cuban" cigars sold outside of official La Casa del Habano stores are fakes.

The Best Legal Alternatives to Cuban Cigars

Here's the truth that seasoned cigar aficionados know: the best cigars in the world today are no longer made in Cuba. Since the 1960s, Cuban master rollers, growers, and blenders emigrated to Nicaragua, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and elsewhere — bringing centuries of knowledge with them.

Nicaragua's volcanic soil (particularly in Jalapa, Estelí, and Ometepe) produces tobacco with complexity and power that rivals anything from the Vuelta Abajo. Brands like Liga Privada, Padron, Oliva, and Drew Estate are made here. The Dominican Republic is home to Arturo Fuente, the most celebrated cigar dynasty in the world — their Opus X is widely considered one of the greatest cigars ever made.

Our Top Recommendations for Cuban Cigar Seekers

If you're chasing that Cuban profile — earthy, creamy, complex — these are the cigars we'd put in your hand:

Padron 1964 Anniversary — silky Nicaraguan perfection, medium-full body
Arturo Fuente Hemingway — iconic Dominican medium body with natural wrapper complexity
Oliva Serie V — Nicaraguan powerhouse with dark, spicy character
Liga Privada No. 9 — bold, complex, and nearly impossible to find (we stock it)
My Father Le Bijou 1922 — Honduras/Nicaragua blend, widely considered one of the top 5 cigars in the world

Browse our full selection of premium cigars and discover why the best smoke in the world isn't from Havana anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cuban cigars legal in Canada or Europe? Yes. Cuban cigars are legal to purchase and possess in Canada, the UK, and most of Europe. Only the US maintains the embargo.

What about cigars bought in Mexico or Canada? If you purchased Cuban cigars in Mexico or Canada, you still cannot legally bring them into the US. CBP can seize them upon re-entry regardless of where they were purchased.

Will the embargo ever be lifted? It's uncertain. The embargo requires an act of Congress to fully repeal. While diplomatic relations have fluctuated, there has been no sustained legislative movement to lift it.