Exploring J&J La Casa Del Habanos in Los Cabos
This year, my family and I decided to take a relaxing seven-day cruise down to Mexico. As always, one of my first tasks was to check the cruise line’s smoking policy. Unfortunately, cigar and pipe smoking have become increasingly restricted, while cigarettes are still allowed in certain areas—like the casino. It was a bit of a disappointment, but I didn’t let it ruin my trip. We sailed with Princess Cruises, which, at one time, had a Churchill Cigar Lounge on board. Sadly, that lounge has since been transformed into the Churchill Arcade. Thankfully, the cruise line still offered a designated smoking area at the back of the ship, complete with a cigar menu at reasonable prices in case you hadn’t packed enough for the journey.
Alongside finding a place to smoke on board, I also planned to visit a Casa del Habano and get my hands on some Havana Club rum. It’s always a thrill to indulge in the Cuban pleasures we’re deprived of back home due to the embargo. Our first port of call was Cabo San Lucas, where I was excited to visit J&J La Casa del Habano, an official Casa del Habano shop. As soon as we got off the ship, vendors swarmed us with offers of so-called “Cuban cigars” in glass-top boxes. Politely declining, I stayed focused on my mission to find authentic cigars that were well-cared-for and properly humidified. It was a pleasant 15-minute walk to J&J, during which I soaked in the local sights, picked up a bottle of Havana Club rum, and browsed the various vendors along the way.
When I arrived at J&J, I was warmly greeted by a gentleman named Jimmy, who was enthusiastic about my request to take photos for this article. We had a great conversation about the shop’s history. J&J was founded in 1996 with a commitment to providing high-quality products and experiences to its customers. The shop’s name comes from the initials of the owners, José and his wife, Julieta. In 2007, their dedication paid off, and J&J earned the prestigious title of Casa del Habano, becoming an official, authorized distributor of Cuban cigars.
J&J carries about 10% of their inventory from brands outside of Cuba, such as Rocky Patel, Oliva, and Arturo Fuente, with the remaining 90% being authentic Cuban cigars. They even bring in a master roller from Cuba with specially sourced tobaccos to roll farm-fresh cigars, which they age for a year before selling. These farm-rolled cigars were priced at $20 each—quite a steal for a Cuban cigar! The only downside was that the American preference for larger ring gauges had reached Cabo, and these farm rolls were on the larger side. After selecting a few cigars, Jimmy kindly offered to show me their VIP lounge in the back and invited me to light one up. Unfortunately, I had to pass on the lounge experience to meet up with my family for tacos. But next time, I’ll be sure to carve out enough time to enjoy a cigar on-site. Before leaving, I grabbed a refreshing mojito and picked up a souvenir shirt.
J&J also offers a wide selection of quality spirits, with high-end tequilas and small-batch options for those seeking something unique. The shop itself was beautifully stocked, spotlessly clean, and staffed by friendly, knowledgeable folks. If you’re a cigar lover headed to Cabo San Lucas, J&J La Casa del Habano should definitely be on your list.
Have you had an opportunity to visit a cigar lounge in another country? What was your experience there? Do you have any international locations that are a must-visit? Have you been to J&J in Cabo if so, what was your experience there?
I’m John Cardenas, also known as Johnny Havana in the cigar industry. What I love about being involved with Cigar Public is that I have the opportunity to learn and share the stories of those in the cigar industry. I’ve formed lifelong relationships over a cigar and conversations. I’m committed to providing honest reviews of cigars and sharing my experiences with you. @JohnnyHavana