The CCBR Miami Cigar Tour!

The CCBR Miami Cigar Tour – Trial Run

On Friday, July 5^th a good buddy and I decided to give our tour a trial run.  Our goal was to stake out some of the best shops and cigar factories in Miami, and see how feasible a tour from Palm Beach would be.

The start and end points were very easy for me to decide…it would be The Smoke Inn in Boynton Beach.  Owner Abe is the hardest working man in the cigar biz, and just does every event right.  I knew that if The Smoke Inn was involved, this would have to be a high quality tour, with lots to see and do.

Our first stop on the tour was the Nick Perdomo cigar factory.  It was fitting that as we drove up there were two giant 18 wheeler trucks in front, and one was still unloading!  Imagine not one, but two giant trucks bringing a payload of fresh cigars ready to be shipped all over the world.

We were greeted by Daisy at the front desk, and even though she’s at the front desk, you can tell she runs the whole thing!  We knew we had to stay on Daisy’s good side in order to get the private tour we were hoping for.  Daisy did not disappoint, and neither did our tour.  From the giant humidor, to Nick’ office, where he has a pair of Shaq’s size Gigantic sneakers, to the warehouse in the back were thousands of cigar boxes were getting ready to go out.  This one stays on the list a must stop on our tour.

Second stop was a shop that epitomizes the Miami cigar culture, Cuban Crafters in Hialeah.  It’s just that this place has a little bit of everything.  We started with the newly redesigned lounge and restaurant, and although different proprietors own it, you get the vibe it’s all one big place.  This is a sure bet to be our midday stop so we can eat here as well.  Then you walk into the store, and it’s just one overwhelming scene after another.  From the 10 cigar rolling stations, to the humidors, rocking chairs, domino tables, giant humidor, thousands of cigars and of course, a barber shop, just in case you need a ‘little off the side’ while enjoying your cigar.  This is an absolute stop on our tour.

From here things opened up a bit, and we both agreed, it would be a perfect way to continue the tour.  We headed down to SW 8^th street, more famously known as ‘Calle Ocho’ in ‘Little Havana’.  This is a little slice of earth that remains deeply grounded in the Cuban culture.  From the shops to the art to the dominos and people playing, to of course, the cigars, this is as close to Cuba as you can get.

We hit three different shops within walking distance of each other, La Tradicion Cubana, Cuba Tobacco and The Little Havana Cigar Factory.  Each had it’s own distinct flavor and history and each had amazing cigars for sale.  We particularly enjoyed the Little Havana Cigar Factory, which for all intensive purposes is one big giant humidor.  From the minute you walk in, and everywhere you go in the store, you enjoy the perfect temperature and humidity for all those yummy cigars on display.  Not to mention, one of the biggest selection of Padron Cigars we’ve ever seen.

We’re thinking we may need to come up with 2 or 3 different tours to get everything we think you’ll enjoy.  Other tours we’re considering would include stores like ‘Sabor Havana’, ‘Nepturn Cigars Superstore’, ‘Havana Humidor Cigars’ and ‘Absolute Cigar Shop’.  We’d also like to include other lounges like ‘Deco Drive Cigars’, ‘Havana Group Cigar Club’, ‘El Clique Cigar Lounge’ and ‘Aromas of Havana’.  And of course, no tour is complete without a few more cigar factories like ‘Wynwood Cigar Factory’, ‘Padron Cigars’, ‘My Father Cigars’, ‘El Titan De Bronze’, ‘G.R. Tabacaleras, and….I guess we’re gonna need more than 3 tours!

If you live in South Florida, or plan on visiting – subscribe to this blog or follow us on social media for more updates, and dates.

Believe the Hype! New 'Big Delicious' cigar by Room 101 Delivers Bigggg!

I had the distinct pleasure last night of attending the release party for the new creation by the hands of two of our industry's true pioneers Matt Booth (aka Swanky White) of Room 101 Cigars and Abe 'Ming' Dababneh (aka Big Delicious) owner of The Smoke Inn.

I give Abe all the credit for being a successful retailer in a time when most retailers are struggling to keep up with performance of prior years, let alone grow and prosper.  In this 'internet' age with many cigar sales going to the biggest discounter, Abe has managed to provide a smoking experience, that keeps customers coming back.

It's this type of dedication that I'm sure led Abe to partner with none other than Matt Booth to create a cigar that I believe is perfect for the mature cigar smoker that likes to get put on his ass every now and then!  First off, Matt Booth is a creative genius, artist, jewelry designer and if you ask me, looks a little like Robert Downey Jr. in Ironman.  It seems that whatever Matt puts his hands on, the outcome is pretty special.

This Big Delicious cigar is no exception.  I picked up a few sticks last night at the release party, and waited until the Knicks game got underway to spark it up.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Factory: Tabacos Rancho Jamastran
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Habano 2000
Binder: Honduran Corojo Seco
Filler: Brazil, Domincan Republic Ligero, Honduran Corojo & Nicaragua.

It has that unfinished tip that makes it appear like some of the tobacco is falling out.  Not sure the story behind this style, not even sure if you're supposed to just light it that way, or trim that off to be honest - I flicked some of it off with my finger, then gave it a good cut and went to work!

This cigar had what I look for in a good smoke right away.  The draw was easy, and a lot of smoke came out the other end.  Enough smoke sometimes to make your eyes water (happy tears!).  There was a good amount of spicy flavor and earthy components to let you know that you were smoking something special, and by the looks of it, was going to last a long time.

I got through the first 2/3rds and thought I was doing pretty good, enjoying the flavors, and having a good time. Then on the last third the cigar really slowed down.  I didn't have to fight with it to draw, it just forced you to take your time with it.  I did give it a slightly bigger cut (started with a v-cut), and then boom, it came right back to life and finished off like a champ.

It actually left me reeling a little bit, which hasn't happened in a while.  I guess I was so excited to smoke this for the first time, that I may have puffed a little faster and deeper than this cigar warrants.  It's all good, a little dizzy from a good cigar is worth it every time!

Another micro-blend success from the man that is continuing the cigar journey like not other!  Great job to Abe, Matt Booth, and everyone involved in bringing this stick to life.  Big D is in the house!

The Smoke Inn 'Continuing the Cigar Journey Like No Other!

I moved to Boynton Beach from New York 8 years ago.  When I moved I realized there were some compromises I was going to have to make when I left the Big City behind.  One that I was sure of was not being able to visit all of the great cigar bars and cigar shops the tri-state area had to offer - but boy was I wrong!

Let me introduce you to Abe 'Ming' Dababneh owner of The Smoke Inn, and a sneak peek into his newest store (number 11 so far) and his new headquarters in Boynton Beach, Florida - just a few blocks from where I live!!!!

Abe is a stickler for details, and it has never been more obvious than with the grand opening of his new flagship store.  Starting in 1996 Abe likes to say that he is 'continuing the cigar journey like no other', and one step into this magnificent shop and you'll have to agree.

It was with great anticipation that I awaited this grand opening, especially being just a few blocks away from where I call home.  I would drive by everyday and peek in on the progress, but I never expected what I saw when they opened the doors for the first time.

Having worked with Abe a bit, I know how engrossed he is with every detail of the operation.  It's easy to see why he has been so successful and keeps growing his brand.  From The Great Smoke - a yearly event that draws upwards of 1,500 cigar lovers (easily the best cigar event in Florida) and now, his own line of cigars in 'Big Delicious' (soon to launch)- which I have yet to try, everything Abe does is first class.

As you walk in the shop your senses are completely overwhelmed, and I'm sure the wow factor is the same for everyone who experiences this place for the first time.  Even before you walk in, the grounds out front have beautiful benches and tables with umbrellas, as well as two large sectional outdoor couches to relax on.

The first thing you see when you walk in is a gorgeous square glass check-out counter stocked with all the cigar accessories one can imagine.  I was greeted by Lindsay and Adam, who are expert cigar aficionados, able to point you in the right direction.

To the right was a cozy-ish area with plush leather seats and the first of many flat screen TV's.  Just to the right of that were a few round counter tops with stools for those who are maybe in larger groups.  Keep walking around the counter and you find 'le piece de resistance'...the walk in humidor.  Not only is it gigantic, but it's impeccably clean and well-organized.  If you can't find your favorite stick here, you're probably not alive.

On the left of the counter, more plush seating, counter tops, TV's and then....the bar.  I hate to even call it a 'bar' it just doesn't do it justice.  Marble, and leather and hand scrapped hard wood floors, stocked with all top shelf liquor and the most beautiful bar tenders in the county.

I'm not exaggerating when I say this new Smoke Inn location has it all, and then some.  I feel like an undeserving Herfer who doesn't know what to do with my new found fortune!  Abe "Ming" has absolutely done it again.  Thank you sir for your commitment to cigar excellence, and may you and your staff continue to prosper!

Custom Cigar Band Rings

Like Us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter