Smoking

The $66,000 Gold & Diamond Samurai Lighter Set from S.T. Dupont

Filed under: Writing Instruments, Men's Style

S.T. Dupont, founded in Paris in 1872, is one of the few luxury firms that still makes exquisite accessories for that endangered species, the smoker. Their latest ultra-stylish offering is a limited edition lighter and fountain pen set designed in homage to the storied samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan. The Samurai Prestige Lighter and Pen set, limited to just 20 pieces, is priced at about $66,000 and comes complete with a display stand and matching katana or samurai sword letter opener. The items are hand-crafted from a chiseled piece of solid rose gold set with hundreds of white diamonds and textured black leather and silk ribbon accents, and are made to resemble the katana and traditional samurai armour.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: S.T. Dupont Samurai Prestige Set

Tags: cigarette lighter, diamonds, Dupont lighters, dupont+lighter, dupont+samurai+lighter, dupontlighter, dupontsamurailighter, fountain pen, Japan, leather, lighter, lighters, mens style, Paris, S.T. Dupont, samurai, samurai sword, smoking, st+dupont, stdupont, sword, writing instrument

Antique Tobacco Jars Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions, Art

These days most tobacco storage devices are fairly quotidian (except for some beautiful expensive humidors) but it wasn't always that way. After returning to the New World, the early European explorers carried tobacco with them. The practice of smoking took off like wildfire. Within fifty years, cultivation and use of the plant had spread from Continental Europe to Asia and Africa and containers for storage also developed quickly. Soon figural tobacco jars in the shapes of animals and people were very popular. At Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles, the August 22, 2010 Sunset Estate Auction will include part III of a single-owner Collection of Whimsical European Tobacco Jars. The sale will highlight several lots of unique glazed earthenware and wooden humidors as well as property from a variety of estates and private collections. The lot shown above features eight Continental earthenware tobacco jars of dogs in a variety of shapes. The tallest is 13 3/4 inches and the estimate is $600-$800, not the priciest of collectibles but ones that still have their charm and offer a look at life as it was long ago.

Tags: antiques, collectibles, smoking, tobacco jars

Time for a Smoke: Frederique Constant Meets Cohiba

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Swiss luxury watchmaker Frederique Constant has collaborated with classic cigar brand Cohiba on a new limited edition watch and humidor set. The timepieces are designed to evoke the masculine sophistication of the Cohiba brand. The luxury watches feature an elegant case inspired by Toro shaped cigars, an ivory colored dial, tobacco brown Roman numerals and a hand-sewn tobacco brown calfskin strap.The humidor is designed to hold the watch as well as several Cohiba cigars. The watches will be available in a limited run of 188 numbered pieces in stainless steel for $1,650 and 188 pieces in rose gold plate for $1,750. Constant and Cohiba will launch the exclusive timepieces at an event on Sept. 22, 2010 at Club Macanudo in New York.

[Perpetuelle via BornRich]

Tags: cigar, cigars, Club Macanudo, Cohiba, Frederique Constant, humidor, mens style, New York, smoking, stainless steel, timepieces

New Cigar: De La Concha Selection Premium

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

It's always risky to introduce a new cigar into the market. In addition to the normal new product launch challenges, there is no shortage of sticks out there today, to the point where Eddie Ortega decided not to bring anything new to shelves this year. In New York, however, the local shop where I cut and light has made space in the humidor for a new house cigar, the De La Concha Selection Premium.

This is the store's second house blend, following the Grand Reserve by Pepin Garcia, which was released in late 2003. Unlike the Nicaraguan cigar, the new blend is banded and sold in boxes (the Grand Reserve is bundled). But, that's just the beginning of the difference. The Selection Premium is a fundamentally different cigar. It's made by Davidoff, which owns De La Concha – and it tastes very much like a Davidoff product. There are some clear similarities to the Millennium, with which the Selection Premium shares a wrapper, and it is more complex than the Grand Reserve, which tends to be a tad more linear and emphasizes boldness over complexity.

Tags: cigar, cigar review, cigars, davidoff, new york, new york city, smoking

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Hotel Lutetia Introduces a Fumoir as Rewarding As Your Rocky Patel

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

For the past couple of years, if you were a Gitanes- or cigar-smoking guest at the Hotel Lutetia you needed to take your hand-wrapped hobby outdoors to enjoy. With the opening of the hotel's Fumoir, that is no longer the case. After celebrating 100 years in service, the Lutetia decided to make the next 100 a little kinder to those who are compelled by the ciggie and corona.

The Fumoir has replaced the hotel's grill room a few steps from the Brasserie, and in an odd bit of nomenclature is known as "The Kitchen" – perhaps because of the stove hood that now serves air extraction duty. Bedecked in the "sun-drenched" colors of Havana but still wit that darkly Parisian ambiance, leather divans and armchairs accompany stained wood fixtures and L'Ernestine, the hotels humidor-cum-artwork that's been out of commission for the dark and unlit years. Finally, if you're in Paris, you're welcome to come back in from la froid.

Source

Tags: hotel lutetia, lutetia, paris, smoking

Bespoke Vuitton Humidor Trunk for $27,800

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Men's Style

In 1925 Louis Vuitton created a special trunk in its iconic monogram canvas to house a portable set of the Encyclopaedia Brittanica for the traveling scholar. A later owner adapted the rare item to a more practical purpose, turning it into the world's most stylish portable humidor. The trunk was professionally refitted to house 500 cigars in removable boxes lined with seasoned Spanish cedar along with a removable humidor in burled American walnut. The lid of the trunk has been lined in Spanish cedar as well and inset with decorative burled walnut panels. London's Pullman Gallery is now offering the one-of-a-kind piece for $27,800.

[via Luxury Launches]

Tags: humidor, London, Louis Vuitton, luggage, Pullman Gallery, smoking, trunk

Kaiser Wilhelm II's Silver Cigar Set for $85,000

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Men's Style

A stunning bespoke sterling silver traveling cigar set in a leather carrying case made in 1885 for Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia, if being offered for sale by London's Pullman Gallery for $85,000. The leather case contains four matching sterling silver cigar boxes, a giant matchbox holder and a set of 10 monogrammed cigar holders. Each piece features an applied gold and red-enameled 'W' with the Royal Prussian crown on the lid, and the cover of each box is also engraved inside with the signature "Victoria", for Wilhelm's mother Princess Victoria (1840-1901), wife of Prince Friedrich Wilhelm, later Emperor Friedrich III. The fitted purple grained leather felt-lined traveling case features an applied gilded bronze Royal Prussian crown and is marked J. Wagner und Sohn, Berlin.

Tags: Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II, KaiserWilhelmIi, luggage, Prussia, royalty, smoking, sterling silver, SterlingSilver

Featured Cigar Lounge: Uptown Cigar

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

If you're heading up to Kingston, New York, around 90 miles up from the city, stop by Uptown Cigar to light up a stick and relax for a while. I had the opportunity to catch up with Israel Markevitz, the store's manager, on a trip to Esteli, Nicaragua to tour Pepin Garcia's cigar factory, as well as the Drew Estate factory, which makes Acid, T59 and others. Israel is clearly plugged into the cigar business, as everyone from Jonathan Drew to Eddie Ortega to Pepin Garcia greeted him as a familiar face.

Israel explains that his shop is home to a great group of around a dozen regulars who are more than happy to welcome new guests into the shop. You can relax in his spacious lounge while puffing away and sipping a coffee, or you can time your visits to coincide with the various events he holds, including tastings, rolling events and book signings. Chess and backgammon boards are kept on hand, and you can always kick back and watch the game on one of Uptown's big-screen televisions.

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, CigarLounge, cigars, CigarShop, new york, NewYork, nicaragua, nicaraguan cigars, NicaraguanCigars, smoke, smokers, smoking

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A New Appreciation for the Art of Cigar Rolling

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Video

Until last week, the closest I'd been to the cigar rolling process was to see on-site demonstrations at cigar shops. Even then, I understood that it wasn't easy, and that the speed with which the rollers worked was the result of years invested in their chosen career. My appreciation for this activity multiplied, however, when I stepped onto the rolling floor at Pepin Garcia's My Father Cigars factory in Esteli, Nicaragua and saw what felt like endless rows of cigar rollers, each taking a specific piece of the process: filler and binder, wrapper and cap. They worked quickly and quietly, each completing hundreds of cigars a day.

To see the operation at work was impressive, but to feel it was totally different. Even trying something as seemingly simple as wrapping and capping a cigar, I learned just how much craftsmanship goes into what we cut, light and smoke.

The leaf for the wrapper is delicate. Every cigar smoker knows this, but when it's waiting to be wound around the binder, the tobacco feels downright flimsy. I worried, appropriately, that the slightest stupid move would tear it and force me to start over. As I sat in the seat belonging to Jaime Garcia, Pepin's son, to roll a cigar, I was a little nervous. So many people around me were making it look so easy, and I knew that the reality, for me at least, would be far different.

Gallery: Cigar Rolling at My Father Cigars, Pepin Garcia's Factory

Welcome to the new My Father Cigars Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua

Cigar Manufacturing Operation at My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

Tags: cigar, cigars, esteli, nicaragua, NicaraguanCigars, smoke, smokers, smoking, tobacco, tobacco industry, TobaccoIndustry

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Featured Cigar Lounge: La Casa De La Habana in Detroit

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

While many Detroit businesses are looking for the exits, La Casa del Habana decided it was time to enter the beleaguered city. The Michigan-based collection of tobacconists offers an upscale alternative to traditional lounge smoking with its private clubs. In Detroit, between the Opera House and Music Hall, you can enjoy a touch of luxury until 2 AM every day (except Sunday, when it closes at 9 PM) at a destination that features the city's largest walk-in humidor.

To access the second floor VIP lounge, the fee is $100 a month, and you are required to buy a box of cigars up front. But, you receive a private humidor that can accommodate up to 20 boxes of cigars, full use of the club facilities at any La Casa De La Habana location and two premium cigars every month. Members get the first shot at hard to find cigars when they become available and can enjoy special events not open to the public.

Detroit may need a bit of help, but it's great to know that it already has its own oasis.

[Photo via La Casa De La Habana]

Tags: cigar, cigar club, cigar lounge, cigar shop, CigarClub, CigarLounge, cigars, CigarShop, Detroit, smoking

Used Cigar Sells for $7,000

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

The top luxury cigar brands can fetch $50 a stick or more, but that's usually for the whole thing. Like a car, the minute a cigar is used, it loses a good chunk of its value ... unless it's Winston Churchill who used it.

In 1941, a cigar smoked half way by British prime minister Winston Churchill was cast aside, only to be rescued by a member of his staff, who sent it to a friend. Like many of the cigars he smoked at the time, this one bore a personalized label, which continues to adorn the stick.

The unfinished -- probably unsmokable -- cigar brought in $7,000 in a recent sale, but there aren't many cigars that would sell for this amount. If you figure you'll be famous, though, maybe you should start tossing your butts into a plastic bag.

You never know ...

Source

Tags: churchill, cigar, cigars, smoking, Winston Churchill, WinstonChurchill

Cigar Review: The De La Concha Grand Reserve

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

I have a soft spot for the De La Concha Grand Reserve. Manufactured by Pepin Garcia, it came out in 2003, within roughly a month of the master roller's other creation, the Tatuaje, hit the streets. Both sticks are similar in taste and construction, though the Grand Reserve, which is the house cigar for the tobacconist with which it shares a name, isn't quite as heavy as its cousin. This is my regular, daily cigar and has been since I discovered it, at about the time it came to market.

The Grand Reserve is the first private label cigar created by Pepin Garcia. It is fully Nicaraguan – binder, wrapper and filler – and consequently delivers a bold experience. Momentum gathers through the first third of the Grand Reserve, giving way to a middle third that is a bit peppery with some hefty earth tones. The cigar ends strong but leaves little aftertaste. It generally burns evenly and holds up well against the elements (I smoked one in the snowstorm that hit New York over the weekend).

When you smoke the Grand Reserve, there's no doubt that it's a Pepin product. When I'm away from home (you can only get this cigar in New York), I usually smoke a Tatuaje, as it's quite close.

[Photo by Brian Sayler]

Tags: cigar, cigar review, cigar reviews, CigarReview, CigarReviews, cigars, new york, new york city, NewYork, NewYorkCity, nicaragua, nicaraguan cigars, NicaraguanCigars, smoking, tobacco

Featured Smoking Lounge: La Casa del Habano Montreal

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Cigar enthusiasts will find everything they could need at La Casa del Habano, Montreal's upscale smoking lounge. Located on la rue Sherbrooke Ouest, it is easily accessible from the city's downtown hotels and provides a relaxing destination for tourists who crave a Cohiba and business travelers who need to unwind following a marathon of meetings.

As the store's name implies, you'll only find Cuban cigars in its walk-in humidor. Be sure to see an attendant before trying to enter (the humidor, that is), as the door is kept locked. The employee will also help you with your selection, introducing you to the latest releases – which can be important, given their unavailability in the United States. As you peruse the shelves, prepare yourself for a bit of sticker-shock, as Canadian taxes do hike up the prices. But, for the cigar that will make the next hour magical, it's worth the sting.

Though you may want to pick up a few sticks for the road, make some time to smoke at least one in La Casa del Habano's large, comfortable cigar lounge. It seats close to 20, with large leather chairs and couches throughout the room and four seats at the full bar. The lounge offers coffee, espresso and a variety of cocktails, completing the experience you'd expect to have in the top shop in Montreal.

Gallery: Casa del Habano, Montreal

Tags: canada, cigar lounge, CigarLounge, cigars, cuban cigars, CubanCigars, humidor, humidors, montreal, smoking, tobacco

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Ltd. Edition S.T. Dupont Place Vendôme Gold & Diamond Lighter

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style

S.T. Dupont, makers of the world's most expensive lighter we wrote about last month, have come out with an equally exquisite instrument for lighting one's cigarette designed as an homage to one of Paris' most famous architectural landmarks.

The Place Vendôme limited edition Ligne 2 Prestige rose gold lighter embellished with 192 diamonds (right), which sells for $47,000 and is limited to 35 pieces, is modeled on the architecture of the majestic Parisian square of that name commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 17th century.

In 1810 following his victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon enriched the square by erecting the Vendôme Column. A pen matching the lighter modeled on the column is also available. Napoleon's famous quotation is engraved on the lighter's roller and on the body of the pen: "Impossible n'est pas français" - Nothing is impossible for the French.

Tags: architecture, France, gold, lighter, Napoleon, Paris, Place Vendome, PlaceVendome, S.T. Dupont, S.t.Dupont, smoking

Room101 Comes Out With New Cigar, Thanks to Camacho

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Matt Booth has kicked his style to a new level, releasing Room101 Cigars, a new line developed with Camacho. This addition joins Room101's clothing, jewelry and accessories product lines. The result of the Room101/Camacho partnership is a medium-bodied cigar which uses tobaccos from Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The wrapper is a Semilla 101 was grown exclusively for this cigar.

The new cigar is available in six sizes, which are named for area codes: 213 (44×5.5), 305 (50×5), 323 (50×6), 404 (54×52x6), 702 (48×54x48×6), and 808 (60×6). To my chagrin, 212 is not listed.

"We are very excited to launch this line of cigars with Room101," said Dylan Austin, marketing director of Camacho Cigars. "This project has been a year in the making and it really great to see it come to fruition."

Matt Booth calls the new cigar "first of its kind in many ways." He says "I am honored to be working with the Camacho family on this project. No other combination could have possibly done this concept justice."

Tags: camacho, cigar, cigars, clothing, jewelry, room101, smoking, tobacco