Cuba is acclaimed as the birthplace of the world’s finest tobacco, and touring the island is also an invitation to discover the landscapes, towns, and traditions that bring it to life. On this tour, we explore some of the most iconic stops where tobacco and tourism intertwine. Want to discover some hidden places where your favorite Cuban mini cigars come from? Keep reading!
Remedios (Villa Clara)
Remedios is one of Cuba’s four major tobacco-growing areas, and it is here that the beautiful municipality of the same name is located. In addition to its Plaza Mayor and the Baroque art of the Church of San Juan Bautista, it is the birthplace of the Parrandas, a festival declared a Cultural Heritage event. If there is one thing that attracts Cuban tobacco enthusiasts, it is the tobacco fields.
These fields are where the leaves that will later be used to make our Cuban mini cigars are grown, making a visit to them a truly sensory experience. To make our trip to one of the birthplaces of tobacco even more memorable, there is nothing like enjoying a legendary Montecristo Short.
Tobacco Museum (Havana)
The Cuban capital has many attractive places to visit, and for fans of Cuban cigars, the Tobacco Museum is one of the most important. This institution offers a cultural and handcrafted perspective on tobacco, complementing the experience of visiting factories and plantations.
The museum contains original pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, offers an exhibition on the history of the colonial tobacco trade, displays a collection of antique labels and cigar bands, and occasionally hosts demonstrations of hand-rolling. In addition to taking home the history of Cuban tobacco as a souvenir, we recommend lighting up a Cohiba Club cigar at the end of your visit, especially since this brand is closely linked to the history of tobacco in Cuba.
Romeo y Julieta Factory (Havana)
Another must-see in Havana is the Romeo y Julieta Cigar Factory. Although Cuban mini cigars are not made inside, it is a temple for lovers of Cuban tobacco. On a guided tour, you can watch expert cigar rollers at work, learn about the tobacco aging process, and gain a deeper understanding of how the leaves are selected.
When you leave, you can take a stroll along Havana´s Malecón and enjoy a mini Romeo y Julieta Puritos while you contemplate the sea and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Museum of Rum (Santiago de Cuba)
In addition to being considered the birthplace of Cuban music, Santiago de Cuba is famous for being the place of origin of another traditional product on the island: rum. This makes it the perfect place for the next stop on our tour.
At its Rum Museum, you can discover how this spirit is made, enjoy its collection of bottles, and learn about the history of this legendary distillate. Of course, we can’t leave without pairing. We recommend pairing a Santiago de Cuba Añejo rum with a soft Guantanamera Minutos. An elegant, light, and very musical combination.
Varadero Beach (Varadero)
Although it is not a tobacco-growing area, leaving Cuba without visiting the stunning beaches of Varadero would be a shame. In addition to being the essence of Caribbean paradise, Varadero offers bars specializing in pairings with Cuban rum and coffee, as well as lounges in luxury hotels where you can enjoy your favorite mini cigars.
Our recommendation: head to the beach at sunset and light up a mini cigar that complements the paradisiacal atmosphere of the area, such as a Montecristo Open Mini. It’ soft to medium strength and will go perfectly with the gentle sea breeze.
For centuries, Cuba’s history has been intertwined with tobacco. From north to south and east to west, the island reveals stops marked by tradition and tobacco craftsmanship that has been passed down from generation to generation. Exploring this route adds an authentic touch to the travel experience, especially when accompanied by our favorite Cuban minis cigars.
