PCA Magazine: Tell us a little about yourself.
Danny Difabio: I was born and raised in Key West, Florida, but my family’s story with cigars began long before me. My grandparents immigrated from Cuba in the 1970s, bringing with them not just their craft, but a passion for preserving the old-world traditions of cigarmaking. In 1984, they founded the Rodriguez Cigar Factory. I grew up in the factory—the smell of aged tobacco was as normal to me as the smell of breakfast. Over the years, I worked every part of the process, from rolling cigars to sourcing tobacco, until eventually I stepped into the role of owner. For me, it’s more than a business. It’s a family legacy and a living piece of cigar history.
How is Rodriguez Cigars unique to the industry? Anything new coming soon?
Rodriguez Cigars was founded in 1984, making us the oldest operating cigar manufacturer in Key West and one of the last 16 domestic producers left in the United States. Our uniqueness lies in our ability to combine heritage with rarity. We work with aged, vintage tobaccos from our private reserves, some of which have been aging for many years. Everything is done by hand, from the selection of leaves to the final inspection, ensuring an authentic, small-batch quality that larger brands simply can’t replicate.
As for what’s new, we’re excited about our upcoming project, an invitation-only release crafted from vintage tobaccos aged for years and with intention. Each cigar will be individually numbered, making it one of the most exclusive projects we’ve ever produced.
If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep and why?
- WhatsApp: It’s how I keep in touch with friends, family and business partners around the world.
- Instagram: It’s our digital cigar lounge, where we connect with customers, share our story and showcase our craft.
- Spotify: Music and cigars go hand-in-hand for me, whether I’m working late at the factory or enjoying a smoke at sunset.
Describe your ideal cigar smoking experience.
For me, it’s about time, place and company. My ideal experience is sitting outdoors in Key West just before sunset, when the light is golden and the air is still warm from the day. I’d have one of our vintage Maduro cigars in hand, a glass of aged rum on the table and a couple of close friends around. There’s no rush, no distractions—just conversation, laughter and a slow burn that reminds you to enjoy life at the right pace.
What’s one mistake you made and how did you learn from it?
Early on, I tried to grow too quickly, saying “yes” to every opportunity, even when it stretched our resources thin. I learned that in the cigar world, just like with aging tobacco, patience is essential. Quality and relationships matter more than quick expansion. Now, I focus on sustainable growth, protecting our standards and making sure every decision adds value to the brand and the legacy we’ve built.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 3, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.