I hit a cigar shop a few weeks ago when I was in the US and was surprised to see a lot of familiar Cuban brand names, but when you look closely, the tobacco was always from the DR or somewhere. Figured I'd give a few a try for comparison's sake... and it was like smoking a fucking 2x4 every time. Sorry to say, nothing comes close to Cubans IME.
In the week I was smoking there, the best one I found was a Macanudo, but by 'best' I mean 'tolerable.' Never tried a Cohiba though - Cuban or US market version. Cohiba always seeems absurdly overpriced. I think the cheapest I can get a single big smoke (Churchill or double corona) over here is like $85 per cigar or something. I can't justify paying that.
When you get back across the border, look for a Ramon Allones, Alex. I've had their robusto and it is the best value smoke I've found if you like moderately aggressive character. I think I paid $22 here (which isn't expensive for a premium cigar in Aus), and I still preferred it to the $30+ smokes I've tried. Large Punch are my favorite for a kinder, gentler smoke, which I prefer these days, but I still reach for the Allones when I want something with a little more weight.
