Made in Miami: Cigar Brands that were founded in Miami

For decades, Miami has served as a hub for some of the most talented cigar artisans in the world. In the years following the Cuban Revolution, Miami became a haven for refugees — many of whom brought their cigar expertise with them. Today, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most famous cigar manufacturers and brands that make Miami one of the premier smoking destinations. 

La Gloria Cubana

Once upon a time, La Gloria Cubana was a relatively unknown brand operating out of the El Credito Factory on Calle Ocho in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Then, a series of eye-catching reviews coupled with the cigar boom of the 1990s catapulted this local favorite into the national spotlight. Since then, the La Gloria Cubana factory has moved to the Dominican Republic. However, the brand recently released a cigar collaborating with Miami cigar legends, El Titan de Bronze. Called 8th Street, it pays homage to the brand’s Miami roots. 

El Titan De Bronze

Just outside of El Titan De Bronze’s factory on Calle Ocho, the sounds of clanking dominoes and the smell of freshly-brewed coffee fill the air. But inside is where the magic happens. That’s where the boutique cigar manufacturer and its famed Level 9 rollers have been hand crafting cigars for some of the industry’s biggest brands since its founding in 1995.

Next up for El Titan De Bronze? Bringing one of its very own cigars to the masses.The factory has collaborated with General Cigar on a regular production version of El Titan de Bronze’s existing Redemption line of cigars, which will be exclusively distributed by GCC.

P. Carillo

If we’re going to talk about La Gloria Cubana, we *have* to talk about Ernesto-Perez Carillo — the master blender who created some of La Gloria Cubana’s most beloved cigars. In 2009, Perez-Carillo struck out on his own to develop the E.P. Carillo brand. And over the past 15 years, E.P. Carillo Cigars have become synonymous with exceptional taste and quality. Of course, the brand's headquarters remain in Miami. 

Don Pepin Garcia

Like Perez-Carillo, Don Jose Pepin Garcia is a brilliant blender from Miami. And, like Perez-Carillo, he’s also worked to develop/collaborate with some of the most acclaimed brands in the past 20 years. To keep it brief, if you’re a fan of any of the Don Pepin Garcia lines, El Centurion, or My Father Cigars — you have this Miami master to thank!

Padilla

Padilla Cigars have a long connection with Miami — from creating a Miami-based factory (Fabrica de Tabacos Padilla) to launching a cigar to honor their Miami roots (Miami 8 & 11). The company also shares a long history with Don Pepin Garcia and has collaborated with El Titan de Bronze. 

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