I love visiting cigar lounges on my travels. They are part of my enjoyment of premium cigars. Each lounge has its own vibe and story behind it. This past month, I decided to take a cruise over to Lakeland, Florida on the recommendation of Monique Jones, the owner of MoJo Consulting and Training. Her business helps cigars brands grow their footprint. I had one of her clients, RSH Cigars, on my Taking It To The Nub show, and through that show I learned the brand uses Luis Sanchez and his La Tradicion Cubana company to manufacture their cigars. So, after talking some more, I knew I had to take a visit and check out the place.
Now, for those that have not heard of Luis Sanchez, also known as the “Mad Scientist” of cigar blending, he has been in the business since 1995. His family has actually been in the tobacco industry for almost a century (1928). Starting in Little Havana. Miami FL, where he had a small shop and rolled cigars. The shop dated around the same time as Don Pepin’s shop and Luis is quick to note:
‘I was the first ever cigar factory in downtown Miami, they did not have a regulation on their books for me so basically, I could just do almost anything.’
As time went on, the plaza that housed his establishment burned to the ground and he decided to locate to the Dominican Republic where he was plying his craft for a number of years. Realizing he wanted to be home with family he moved back to the States and has now opened a small cozy shop in Lakeland Florida still bearing the name La Tradicion Cubana where you can see him roll cigars to this day.
The shop is located just a few blocks away from beautiful downtown Lakeland, Florida right on E. Main Street US HWY 92. There is ample parking in the back of the shop.
The shop is unique in its own special way. The primary seating is outside with a covered patio and even an open-air seating area with old school cement tables and seats. The covered area has couches and chairs and a chessboard which also can be used for domino games.
Entering the building, you will get the full vibe of this old school shop. There are a number of cabinet humidors lining the wall with a decent collection of name brand and boutique brand cigars. On the back wall is a the La Tradicion Cubana humidor that houses a collection of Luis’ craft. If that is not enough, there is a cabinet in the front that offers “seconds” of Louis’ craft at an extremely wallet friendly price. The shop also has an accessory showcase with lighters, cutters, and ash trays.
La Tradicion Cubana has a full liquor license so you can get a spirited drink to pair with your cigars, and they also have a small selection of beer including few craft beers. The shop also has an espresso machine, and if you want to experience some of the finest and unique Cuban Coffee, just ask Luis to prepare that for you. His coffee is so good that the local bakery and pastry shop actually send customers to La Tradicion Cubana for coffee to pair with the pastries.
The shop has some fun wall hangings and collections including La Tradicion Cubana signs a clock and even a “Mad Scientist” sign that depicts Luis as the Mad Scientist of blending cigars. There is also a Cigar Store Indian and a Tiki Totem Pole. These two tell a special story for the shop. Luis explained to me that when the shop in Little Havana burned down, these two artifacts were in a cooler in the back of the shop and were the only items to survive the fire. The Indian is what really caught my eye. If you look carefully at it, you will note the unique design of the statue with a snake on the base. That snake looks like it is a friend of the Indian and is there to offer additional protection for the shop.
Of course, a shop review on Stogie Press is not complete without a trip to the rest room. There is only one, but it was immaculately clean. Kudus to Luis for keeping things neat and tidy.
Another familiar staple at the shop is a gentlemen affectionally known as “Uncle Hector”. You will most likely see him at the shop helping out. He even has his own cigar blend “The Uncle Hector” that is sold in the shop.
Location/Contact/Hours of Operation
- Address: 812 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801
- Phone: (863) 500-3717
- Website: www.tradicion.com
- EMail: cigars@tradicion.com
- Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
