The Cigar Guys Podcast at Empire Brickell

Conversations, cigars, and the art of hospitality in Miami’s iconic cigar scene.

There’s something special about a great conversation shared over a fine cigar — and that’s exactly what unfolded when The Cigar Guys Podcast visited our Empire Social Lounge Brickell, one of South Florida’s most recognized destinations for premium cigar culture.

In this episode, hosts Alex Gonzalez and Jared Burrows sit down with Alex SanGiovanni and Byron Marin from Empire Social Lounge to talk about what it takes to operate a top-tier luxury lounge. From the daily rhythm of hospitality to the nuances of cigar pairings, the conversation dives deep into the world that makes Empire a cornerstone of Miami’s lifestyle and nightlife.

Listeners get an insider look at the balance between craft and community — how a lounge like Empire doesn’t just sell cigars, but curates experiences. Along the way, the group shares stories about cigar legends, the iconic Davidoff Especiales 7, and what makes Empire Social Lounge a place where both regulars and newcomers feel at home.

The Cigar Guys Podcast
Hosts: Alex Gonzalez, Mark Nikollaj, Zachary Nikollaj & Jared Burrows
Special Guests: Alex & Byron from Empire Social Lounge, Brickell