That's what the sign said when I pulled in the parking lot.  Had some time to kill, I am always game to try a house cigar.  So, Cuban Paradise Cigar & Cafe on Treasure Island I go.  So I inquired about his house cigars, he suggested a robusto, because I liked spicy NIC blends.  Well, it was a damn good cigar, had similarities of a Pepin!  

I talked to the owner for a few minutes, he is originally from Cuba, a 4th generation roller, family taught.  Really nice guy, said his english wasn't very good, I must say it was better than he gave credit.  

The sign was right, I have smoked numerous house blends rolled right here in the Tampa Bay area, none of which were as good as this shops cigars. That includes anything I have smoked in Ybor City, which is loaded with cigar history.   I bought 3 more for the road and he threw another in.  $5.49 for the robusto each, I have had plenty of box cigars at that price that were mediocre by comparison.  

Great! Yet another place to buy cigars!


Don

Don - you going by there any time soon?  PM sent.

I loved the ones I found in Key West.  Did you add them to the Cigar Places on CG?  Do they have a website?  Inquring minds want to know!

Now I'm jealous.    Are they available anywhere else? Does he have an internet site, or any other way for us intrepid non-Floridians to partake?

Yeah I picked up about 5 handrolled beauties in Ybor City when I was there on New Years for the Auburn/Northwestern game and they were amazing!!

I did post this shop in places, he doesn't have a web site, but did have an e mail address  if you are interested

I did add him to our places tab.  He doesn't have a web site as yet, it is in the works, but has an email address if you are interested.  I got a list of what he has available, and can scan it and send it it you are interested.  Have a great weekend!

QuoteDonM - 7/17/2010  1:39 PM

I did add him to our places tab.  He doesn't have a web site as yet, it is in the works, but has an email address if you are interested.  I got a list of what he has available, and can scan it and send it it you are interested.  Have a great weekend!

That would be cool!  I'll PM you my email addy.

Must have been a great experience to see cigars rolled right before your eyes, and get to talk to the the man who rolled a cigar you later smoked!

Being here in the Tampa Bay area it is not uncomon to see that, but many of the hand rolled cigars are ok, not of the quality with this guy.  It was indeed enjoyable to talk with him about his experience rolling in Cuba and the success he has had here in opening his own shop.

http://www.golocalsonly.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=12&sobi2Id=266&Itemid=60

This webpage has a lot of info and even discount coupons. And the email addy. Wish I were there.

Very cool! I, too, have found some locally rolled cigars I like. One from San Antonio called Latin Gold (the maduro robusto was a full-flavored treat) and Bobalu Cigars in Austin. They have an awesome CAMEROON MADURO (the orange label, if you go to their site) which is just sweet, strong and fantastic.

Most Finck exclusive handmade cigars (another San Antonio cigar company) are rolled in Honduras, Nic., DR, etc., so finding locally rolled stuff that is good is pretty awesome. It's like finding a really good local bar or a local strip club that let's you use your hands, if you know what I mean.

Quotecmmayo - 7/18/2010  12:35 AM

It's like finding a really good local bar or a local strip club that let's you use your hands, if you know what I mean.