While those poor saps sat at a lounge in Mason, a city Northwest of Cincinnati (a nice lounge, but not where I wanted to be at the time), I headed south to Miami. Destination: Little Havana. It was “cold” in Miami with highs in the mid-sixties and lower seventies. But I’ll take that over waking up to nineteen degrees Fahrenheit in Cincinnati. Bye-bye Pastor Smokey, Cigar Benjy, RavDov, Herb, Ryan, and all you other losers. I’m in Little Havana!
I’m El Jefe, and I’m here to help you. This post is not just an “in-your-face, I’m here and you’re stuck up north” article. Instead, here’s your short tour of my mini-adventure in Little Havana. When you visit, just go to Calle Oche (SW 8th Street), grab some Cuban coffee and your favorite vitola and relax!
Havana Classic Cigar
Havana Classic Cigar, 1419 SW 8th Street, is a lounge that seats 20+ people, offering fine Cuban Coffee and great cigars. The customer service is superb and you can see, like many other boutiques (pronounced ‘boo-teek,’ Pastor Smokey), an experienced cigar roller. They also have a giant rooster.
The Cohoba Salon in the back of the lounge features artwork and wine. There is no shortage of rooster art in Little Havana.
Guantanamera Cigars
Guantanamera Cigars, 1465 SW 8th St, features live music as well as plenty of outdoor seating as well. Blender Jose Montagne established Guantanamera in 1997. The shop features the 310, Duo, and Gold Series cigars.
El Titan de Bronze
It was a pleasure meeting Sandy Cobas, owner of El Titan de Bronze, 1071 SW 8th St., who took over her father’s business of 25 years. She took the time to tell me about her business and the industry. What was most intriguing was her cigar blend, “My Way.” She definitely did it her way, producing a fine cigar that is rolled in the shop.
El Titan De Bronze was named after Antonio Maceo Grajales. He was referred to as “The Bronze Titan” by men who were under his command because of his exceptional physical strength and resistance to bullet and blade injuries.
Made by level 9 rollers, each cigar uses the entubado method and is triple-capped in the Cuban tradition.