A Rich Tradition: The Enduring Legacy of Fine Cigars in Miami

By The Miami News

Miami, renowned for its sun-kissed coastlines and international pulse, harbors a lesser-known but deeply rooted tradition: the artistry of fine cigars. From the aromatic boutiques of Little Havana to the sleek lounges of Brickell, cigars in Miami are more than a luxury—they’re a legacy.

Exile, Resilience, and Tobacco

The cigar industry in Miami was born out of necessity and nostalgia. Following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, a wave of Cuban exiles arrived in South Florida, carrying not only memories of home but also a centuries-old tobacco craft. These skilled tabaqueros—master rollers and blenders—set up shop in the Magic City, determined to rebuild what they had lost.
Little Havana quickly emerged as the cultural stronghold of this revival. On Calle Ocho, cigar factories began to flourish, their humidors filled with rich tobaccos from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, hand-rolled using techniques honed over generations.

Calle Ocho: Ground Zero of Miami’s Cigar Renaissance

By the 1970s, Calle Ocho was no longer just a street—it was the beating heart of the city’s cigar renaissance. Shops like El Titan de Bronze, La Tradición Cubana, and Sosa Cigars became sanctuaries for craftsmanship, where each cigar was made with reverence and precision.
At Domino Park, retirees gather over rounds of dominoes and conversations that drift between politics, poetry, and family history—all while slowly savoring a perfectly rolled torpedo. The cigar was, and still is, a social connector and symbol of cultural pride.

A Modern Rebirth

Miami’s cigar scene has not remained static. While many American cities embraced cigars during the 1990s boom, Miami remained faithful to its roots. In the 21st century, a new generation of boutique cigar makers has risen—young entrepreneurs inspired by family heritage, blending traditional techniques with innovative branding.
Today, upscale lounges like Casa de Montecristo, Empire Social Lounge, and Prime Cigar & Whiskey Bar provide curated experiences, drawing aficionados from around the world. Whether you’re a veteran connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these venues are a masterclass in ambiance and flavor.

A City That Breathes Tobacco

Cigar-making in Miami is more than commerce—it’s craft, culture, and continuity. In an age of automation, the cigar remains one of the last bastions of hand-made excellence. Each roll is an act of defiance against mass production; each puff, a celebration of heritage.
And for Miami, cigars tell a story of displacement turned into destiny.
So the next time you’re in Little Havana and catch the faint scent of tobacco curling through the air, remember: you’re not just smelling a cigar—you’re inhaling history.

For those who love cigars or simply love stories, Miami remains a city where tradition is not just preserved—it’s proudly smoked.