Making like Carmen, rolling cigars. Not on our thighs though (January 17, 2025)

We took a cigar rolling lesson at the Rodriguez Cigar Factory. The family emigrated to the Keys after Castro nationalized the cigar industry in their native Cuba. How did Carmen roll cigars on her thigh? Hard enough on a flat surface! The cigar flavor depends on which leaves you use.
 

Ta da!  Now the cigar must cure in a cool, dark place for 6 months. We don't have humidors so Mr. Rodriguez gave us air tight containers to store them in.

The tobacco leaves are shaped with the slicer near my elbow. Hmm. Cigar should be ready around Father's Day. Perfect!