Connoisseur's Corner: Admiral Cigar Club Places You in Command

    Though the sounds of target practice and the cadence of marching trainees no longer permeate the shores of Lake Baldwin, one local cigar lounge pays homage to the memory of the area's history with military fanfare. Flanked by iconic photos and memorabilia of the Second World War, Admiral Cigar Club offers smokers an experience found nowhere else in Florida.

    In a tribute to the heritage of Baldwin Park's Naval origins, and that of the greater Orlando area, former U.S. Marine and owner of Admiral Cigar Club, Miguel Crespo founded his business on July 4, 2016. Crespo's own tenure in the military and his family's background emigrating from communist Cuba inspired much of patriotic paraphernalia in the lounge as well. The former Navy base once served as a training center. In fact, the Orlando Naval Training Center only touched the surface of military activity in Orlando.

Above: The Orlando Naval Training Center circa 1970.

    The area operated as a military hub, which also included the old Orlando Air Base (now Orlando Executive Airport) and McCoy AFB (now MCO, formerly Pine Castle Air Base). One of the only military remnants left in the area is nestled near Baldwin park at the Army Reserve Center. During a recent interview with Agents of Innovation podcast host Francisco Gonzalez, Crespo expounded on the significance of the photographs and military decor: "It's good to expose the younger generation, even if it's subconsciously, to what's around them. When you look on the back and you see 50 or 60 years of history staring upon you— you say : 'who are those guys?' Those are the guys who made it happen... Those are the kind of folks we need to idolize as heroes...

Pictured: Admiral Cigar Club founder Miguel Crespo.

    "That even when they experienced the most difficult circumstances they still rose to the occasion. That's what it means to be an American." The sense of tradition and history found in the lounge also reflects the clientele. Admiral Cigar presents to guests an oasis where gentlemen and ladies can be themselves.

    The lounge is simultaneously a place of solace and place of community. From their wide range of cocktails and spirits to the unequaled atmosphere and friendly staff, Admiral Cigar encapsulates the essence of every cigar aficionados' dream and reminds all who enter of a time when all gave some and some gave all.