Rodriguez Cigar Factory

Rodriguez Cigar is an experience not to be missed by cigar fans when in KW. Just off the hustle and bustle of Duval St. in it’s original location is packed with character, a lot of which comes from owner Danny who took over the family business. He’s a great host who welcome you in, asks what you like, give you recommendations, then cuts and lights your cigar as you kick back with a cup of Papa Pilar rum, also a local product.
The cigar roller was right there in shop when we went by which was neat to see the actual craft of cigar rolling in action. Danny does personalized cigars for hotels and events where you can also request a live cigar roller to attend. His passion for the craft and his business is contagious and makes for a great time you can’t miss down in Key West!

My hubby loves Rodriguez cigars. We discovered the shop several years ago and Danny was a big part of making him a fan. Danny is SO outgoing and a great salesman so my hubby is now a devoted fan (he says the cigars are top notch!) to the tune of buying extra and sharing them with people he knows are cigar smokers in our home town. He probably goes through five boxes each year.

We had such an amazing time today doing the tour of the Cigar factory. When signing up for the tour I was not very excited as I have very little interest in cigars and mostly was doing it to tag along with my father so he wouldn’t have to do it alone. Boy am I glad I did! We were there for about three hours and it seemed like it flew by. Danny is so passionate and knows so much about cigars and history I could listen to him talk all day long. It is very interesting to see what goes into each and every hand rolled cigar and I would HIGHLY recommend the tour for everyone.

I had a great time visiting Rodriguez Cigars. Danny is a great guy and a wonderful host. This is a must visit location for all cigar aficionados. Their Serie 84 Maduro is excellent.

Danny DiFabio, sales manger at Rodriguez is as passionate as he is knowledgeable about cigars. During my trip to Key West, Danny invited my wife and I into the back of his quaint shop (where the magic is made) to have a smoke on the house and to chat about the cigar industry, politics and life. Meanwhile his lead cigar roller worked on rolling some of their great cigars!
I told Danny that I’m a huge fan of Bolivar Belicoso Maduro’s so he hooked me up with his Series 84 Maduro Torpedo. Wrapper: Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua, Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua.
This is a complex cigar has a medium to full body flavor. On first puff I sensed the hint of black pepper, but as I smoked some more I tasted dark cocoa and leather with toasted nuts and hints of sweet spice on the palate. The cigar burned perfectly and the wrapper has a nice dark finish. After enjoying my smoke I got a box to take back to NJ where I may or may not share with friends (too good to share).
You can never go wrong with a great cigar in great company! If you are a cigar aficionado like me don’t waste your time with the other vendors and head straight on over to visit Danny. You won’t be disappointed!!!

I just called to place an order for a couple of boxes, and had the pleasure of speaking with Danny’s mom on the phone — a very nice lady who was helpful and pleasant to chat with! A few minutes later, I get a call from Danny, who was following up with me because of some confusion in my order… we worked it all out, and now I’m looking forward to some cigars coming my way. The best part is that Danny was calling me from a boat on the Gulf of Mexico while he was off on a fishing trip — talk about customer service! Despite the confusion, we reworked the order over the phone and got it all taken care of. I really appreciate the customer service, no-​nonsense and honest discussion, and the willingness to work with their customers to bring to them a great cigar. No hidden agendas or cheap stuff here folks, these cigars are great, and the management is as well. Thanks Danny, and to everyone else there at Rodriguez — you have a loyal customer in Virginia, and I’ll continue to tell folks about what a wonderful smoke you all offer. Best Regards, Doug

A wonderful Key West surprise. Danny is HIGHLY knowledgable and could not be more friendly. Gave me a cigar to try and served an unforgettable cup of Cuban expresso. The cigars were excellent. Of course I bought a couple boxes and have mail order procedure for future orders. A MUST stop for a cigar smoker.

Many times I have run the boat down to key west for the exceptional fishing off shore. Never ran across this shop! Was watching Bizzare foods with Andrew Zimmer and he featured the shop, and grandmother making cigars.
I called the next day and much to my surprise Danny picked up the phone and spent the time to explain their offerings relative to the brand that I had been buying. He shipped a box that he recommended and they are GREAT!
So the keys don’t just offer exceptional fishing, but also exceptional cigars with great service.

Wonderful experience. For a young man, Danny is extremely knowledgeable and he shares the grower’s story very well. We watched his mom and a young Cuban woman roll while Danny told us all about the tobacco farms and cultivation techniques that have spread from Cuba and are now well practiced in Nicaragua, where he sources his tobacco. This family business brings all the secrets of Cuban quality to the art of their cigars. The Reserva 1984 Meduro Toro was a very complex smoke, with mixed spice and coffee tones, and a bit of fruit toward the middle. The prices are very affordable, too. We were happy to walk out with a great selection — all rated over 90 — and all under $ 10/​stick. Our visit here was a rare treat… And one we will repeat the next time we are in Key West.

First time in Key West and had to visit his shop based on other reviews and recommendations. I was impressed how clean the shop is and the experience was one for the ages that left me speechless.
As soon as I walked in the door, Danny greeted me like he would a family member and was very welcoming. He offered me a Cuban Expresso and asked me what kind of cigars I liked. I am still newer to the art of smoking cigars and he gave me some recommendations. We sat down and he offered me a cigar and talked about his shop, his grandfather and most important his passion for cigars. He gave me some tips about smoking a cigar and was never pushy or seemed like he was arrogant. Very professional and friendly.
A few more customers came into the shop while I was enjoying my cigar and he greeted them the same way he did for me. I ended up purchasing a box of 20 cigars and a few other accessories.
If you are in this area, whether you are brand new to smoking a cigar, an experienced smoker, or just want to learn the art and history behind his family and cigars, please visit his shop. You can also purchase some cigars online and he ships them out almost immediately. Highly recommended!
Thank you Danny for the amazing experience!
–Scott

There are lots of places on Duval Street to buy a cigar, but there is only one place that you’ll want to go if you’re interested in a quality product and knowledgable service.
Rodriguez Cigars are the best kept secret in the cigar industry. I don’t expect that to last. I have no doubt that this company is about to explode.
On the recommendation of Danny, I tried the Reserva Privada Robusto and Series 84 Maduro Torpedo. I was blown away by the quality. I’ve smoked a lot of great cigars over the years, and Rodriguez ranks right of there with the best.
After my first visit, I returned a few days later. This time I tried the Vintage 1925 Series Panetela, and was similarly impressed.
These will be the cigars that dominate my humidor for sometime to come.

ENVIRONMENT: It was chill and smelled awesome. We had a chance to go in the aging room, which was cool because it was the first one I’d ever been in.
STAFF: Danny was super friendly and really helped me figure out what I wanted. I’m a newbie when it comes to cigars, so he recommended a 5-​pack so I could try 5 different cigars. I appreciated his suggestion and willingness to share the history of the company.
PRODUCT: I enjoyed my first cigar. I haven’t tried the other 4 yet, but I have high expectations. I also bought a cutter that worked beautifully. I definitely recommend this business.

Key West was a port of call for our cruise in April. I was craving a good cigar and was directed to Rodriguez from a gentleman that works at Hog’s Breath. I walked next door and was met by the very friendly owner. Danny asked me what I liked and he then recommended a Toro Maduro. I told him I’d buy one to try before buying a box and he informed me that they didn’t sell singles. He then handed me one and said «you take this on me, if you like it come back and buy more». After trying it there was no doubt I wanted more! What a fantastic cigar. Smoked one tonight in hot tub (back in Canada) and had to post this… if you are down there and love cigars it’s a must!

Fantastic experience! Danny took the time to find out what I liked to smoke and picked me out the perfect cigar! I learned a lot about cigars, how the tobacco is grown and aged over the time spent smoking a cigar with Danny over a Cuban coffee. Most impressive was how he treated everyone who walked into the shop to include a guy who had quit smoking but just wanted to look around… definitely no sale there but Danny treated him just like any other customer, congratulated him for quitting and encouraged him to stick with it… never seen anything like that before… great place and amazing experience!

We went to Rodriguez shop at 4:50 and it was closed. Tried again the next day and met Danny the owner. Teased him about not being open till five. Found out he coaches the high school baseball team. Totally understand and glad to hear he has time to do something like that.
Helped my husband chose a great mild torpedo cigar. Nice guy to deal with

Danny is a true professional. I was impressed with his passion which translates into his outstanding cigars. He made my wife and I feel as if he invited us into his home and treated us like family while we were there.

I have sampled cigars all over the world and once in a while i get the opportunity to try a great cigar. Then I found this place 4 years ago!!!
This is it! The cigar that changes your view of life around you: that enables you to sit back and imagine soft sand on a blue ocean, a cool breeze and a hammock waiting for you. This cigar is all that and more. The Rodriguez family has created a 5 star experience in cigars.
Danny and his family have developed a cigar that doesn’t need special packaging or marketing schemes this cigar is a stand alone phenomenon that only needs you to light up and enjoy.
So if you are in key west and don’t pay this shop a visit, you just missed greatness.
Or call Danny and order a box delivered to your home.

A true family ran business in Key West. Was greeted right as we walked in the door and wasn’t pressured at all. They were attentive to everyone that came through the door, I was very impressed with the way they could handle multiple guests as they walked in and out.
We only bought a five pack today, but they have my business for a long time.

This review is only for the cigars from the Rodriguez Cigar Factory, although based the courtesy and friendly reception I get from Danny when I have called, I have no doubt that I could walk in to his shop and be treated like every customer would like to be treated: honestly welcomed and appreciated. Hell, it feels that way over the phone!
I have been an avid, 2 – 3 times a week cigar smoker for many years. Regarding preferences, cigars are very much like food and wine — everyone has their opinions about what is and what isn’t good. I have smoked many not so great cigars, in the early days while going to school. I have also smoked many top shelf, hand rolled cigars, and continue to do so, and this includes many from a business in Southern California that rolls their own (just a one off experience — not the greatest).
I want to say that the Rodriguez Cigar Factory «Series 84» (with both the Ecuadoran Habano wrapper and the Maduro wrapper) are the most well balanced, best tasting, best smoking cigars I have ever experienced. A close friend of mine echoes this opinion, highlighting the pleasantly obvious difference between the two types — not at all an easy thing to pull off within a cigar type like the «Series 84».
These cigars are simply delicious. If you’re in Key West, stop by and pick up a box of the — no lie — BEST cigars you’ll ever smoke, for a terrific price. Thanks Danny, for making these great cigars. I will be buying more!

Unfortunately they were closed.
From what we gathered from some locals at the Cuban place down the street, this is THE place to go to get bad ass cigars.
Wish I could confirm. It LOOKED legit from the outside.