Cigar Walkin'
in
Old Key West
Key West? Cigars? YOU BET!!! The southernmost city in the U.S. (only 90 miles to Havana!) has a rich tradition and scores of cigar-friendly bars, restaurants, etc. In fact, you'll have trouble finding places which aren't cigar-friendly!
Since the 19th century, Key West has been one on the historical centers of cigar tradition. At one time boasting more cigar factories per capita than anyplace else in the world, Key West had always played a major roll in the cigar industry. Just after the American Civil War, this city became a Mecca for Cuban citizens fleeing their countries long running revolution against Spain. By the late 1870's there were over 100 factories making Cigars.
Other areas such as Tampa and Ybor City, which later became central to U.S. cigar manufacturing owe their beginnings to Key West. It was the growing industry in these other American cities which brought an end to Key West's golden era of cigar-making in the 1930's when cheap, machine-made 5 cent cigars took over. Key west was home to Cuban artists, hand rolling their cigars in the traditional style with leaf imported from just 90 miles south.
Although many of Key West's older citizens remember it's days as the cigar capital of the world, modern Key West has (unfortunately) lost it's original roots. The great factories of the past are all gone now. Many of their buildings remain, but they are now used for other purposes. They have been replaced by newer tobacconists carrying popular imported cigars, and small mom-and-pop rolling factories where you'll find unique blends rolled in the Cuban tradition. This page is dedicated to these resurgent tobacconists and their products.
Wait! Before you head down the Overseas Highway (US Route 1 - the Keys only main road) to Key West, consider stopping at Key Largo's Island Smoke Shop at Mile Marker 103.4 in Key Largo, the first of the Florida Keys. This is the LARGEST cigar shop in South Florida!
Owned and operated by the Internet Cigar Group's own Bob Curtis, you'll find the best selection of cigars and the best prices in the Keys!
You'll want to stop by and try their "El Original" cigars - produced locally by famous cigar roller Santiago Cabana and exclusively available through this shop. This top-quality cigar boasts a six-country blend, making it as rich and complex tasting as any Cuban. Stop in on a Saturday and you might just catch Santiago Cabana himself, doing what he does best - rolling these great cigars...
Od course the Island Smoke Shop also carries all your favorite brands, including lot's of hard-to-find cigars. Hours are 10am to 6pm. Call 305-453-4014 or 800-680-9701 or visit www.islandsmokeshop.com for more information or to order online...
Toward the top of Duval street, you'll find the Key West Havana Cigar Factory - owned and operated by Tom Favelli.
Located in the landmark Speakeasy Inn, this tobacconist boasts one of the best assortments of "classic" cigar brands, along with several wonderfully complex house brands.
Relax in the island atmosphere of their comfortable smoking area or sit out on the porch and watch the world go by.
Perhaps you'll meet some of the "locals" like Paruchio - a 90-year-old cigar smoker who's full of tales of Old Key West and the fascinating cigar factories of the 30's....
The Conch Republic Cigar Factory...
Another classic Key's style shop, located on Green street just a block from the Famous Sloppy Joe's bar, is the Conch Republic cigar factory. A small but interesting shop, their house brand may not be for everyone... ;-)
Land's End Cigars...
Still heading north toward Land's End Marina and the famous Half-Shell Raw Bar, you'll pass a real "Conch style" cigar shop buried in a row of small shops. This shop features cigars from the Key West Havana Cigar Company's fine selection.
While on Green Street, travel two blocks west to Pirates Alley. Sometimes called "Cigar Alley", you'll find both the oldest and newest of Key West's Cigar Offerings...
Rodriguez Cigar Factory...
One of Key West's oldest traditional rollers, a true (small) factory, can be found almost across the street from Caribbean - the Rodriguez Cigar Factory. Owned and operated by Cuban rollers who remember Key West's cigar days, this is a must-see on your cigar tour of the city.
Old Key West Cigar Factory...
A true Key West tradition, don't miss this stop on "Cigar Alley" - it's as much of a museum of old-style cigar paraphernalia as a cigar shop.
An on-site roller creates several of the house-brands here, and you'll see old cigar molds, photos, tins, presses, you name it, in every nook and cranny of this shop. A recently added walk-in humidor contains some modern classics, and you'll find plenty of their locally-produced smokes for sale!
Cigar City, USA...
Now that you're near the end of Duval, it's time to visit a unique cigar shop and exhibit area. Located right along Mallory Square in an old brick warehouse (once used for tobacco products), Cigar City, USA is the place to find exhibits, reproductions of antique cigar art, and a large modern tobacconist.
Cigar City USA features an awesome collection of cigar art collectables - on mugs, coasters, calendars, placemats, and (of course) framed reproductions. There's also a small exhibit of Cuban history and a wonderful outdoor cafe (Cafe Cayo Hueso)...
It's time to travel back up Duval Street now, where you'll encounter just a few more depositories of fine cigar products...
Duval Street Cigars...
A small booth opening up onto the left (north) side of Duval Street, Duval Street cigars features a few local brands...
King's Treasure's Cigars...
A new, upscale shop on the first block of Duval (just a block away from Sloppy Joe's!), King's Treasures features name-brands at very reasonable prices, and a full line of pipes and pipe tobacco. Recommended.
Conch Republic Cigars...
In the pedestrian alley next to Rick's Club. A small shop, with walk-in humidor. Try the flavored cigars!
Cuban Leaf Cigar Factory
A real treat for vacationers in Key west is a visit to the street-front kiosk of the Cuban Leaf Cigar Company on Duval Street (right across from the Hard Rock Cafe). Featuring many inexpensive brands of cigars, this open-air shop manufacturers their own tasty La Liga line. Be sure to stop in for the continuous on-site display of traditional cigar-rolling!
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