cigar lounge

Make the Right Champagne and Cigar Choice for New Year's Eve [EXCLUSIVE]

Filed under: Cigars

What will you cut and light when you pop the cork on New Year's Eve? People may agonize over champagne choices, but cigars don't always get commensurate attention. Fortunately, Vin lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, was on hand to provide his recommendations for the biggest party night of the year. Below are his top five cigar and champagne pairings, designed to make your first sip and puff of 2011 ideal.

Lee is particularly excited about the new year. "Now is the time for the world to celebrate its recovery and success," he said. "For the New Year, from Dubai to Paris and from New York to Beverly Hills, it is time for the world to rejoice in what we have and who we are. Coming together with a glass of bubbly and a fine cigar, let's welcome 2011."

Let's take a look on what's on the Beverly Hills Cigar Club's list:

Tags: arturo fuente, beverly hills, Celebration, champagne, cigar, cigar club, cigar lounge, cigars, davidoff, Macanudo, new years eve, Veuve Clicquot, zino, zino davidoff

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La Sirena Cigar Launch Party in New York City

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

The world just got a new cigar! I've been waiting for this launch for months, having first heard about it last winter. And, if ever there was an open secret in the cigar industry, this was it. The La Sirena line of cigars, manufactured at Don Pepin Garcia's My Father Cigars factory and distributed by Miami Cigar & Company, is the latest bold and powerful Nicaraguan stick to take a place on tobacconists' shelves. It is unmistakably a Pepin creation, with rich flavors and the sort of kick that inveterate cigar smokers are bound to appreciate.

La Sirena was launched at a dinner in its honor held last week at De La Concha in Manhattan. "Full house" was redefined, as customers packed themselves into the Sixth Avenue retail establishment ... while more than a dozen others made it no further than the waiting list. Even with Cigar Aficionado's Big Smoke going on at the same time, the presence of Nestor Miranda, Janny Garcia and Arielle Ditkowich demonstrates the excitement that had built around this product. And, Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars stopped by to offer his regards (and announce with De La Concha General Manager Ron Melendi that the store would begin carrying Johnson's Tatuaje cigars).

Gallery: La Sirena Cigar Launch, De La Concha

Gallery: The Guests at the La Sirena Cigar Launch at De La Concha

[photos by Steve Zak Photography]

Tags: big smoke, cigar, cigar aficionado, cigar dinner, cigar lounge, cigars, nestor miranda, new york, new york city, nicaragua, NicaraguanCigars, pepin garcia, tatuaje, tatuajes, tobacco

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Cigar and Beer Pairings in Beverly Hills

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Cigar Reader Summer Cigar Cheatsheet

When you crack open a cold one this summer, what are you going to cut and light to go with it? Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, has put together a list of cigar and beer pairing recommendations for your Fourth of July festivities, with eight ways to celebrate the birth of our nation. My favorite is the My Father #1, but I've always been a fan of Pepin Garcia's work. What's your choice for the best barbecue weekend of the year? Leave a comment, and let us know.

[spreadsheet courtesy of John Biggs]

Tags: beer, beverly hills, cigar, cigar club, cigar lounge, cigars, summer

A Cigar Smoker Invades Rick's Cabaret ... and Brings Davidoff Surprise

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Last week, cigar smokers took over the roof of upscale gentlemen's club Rick's Cabaret in Manhattan. With a view of the Empire State Building, not to mention the impeccable local talent, dozens came to cut, light puff and imbibe.

The event, organized by Barry Stein the man behind the cigar blog "A Cigar Smoker," attracted a large and varied group of cigar smokers, making the Rick's roof feel like your local cigar shop (though with the obvious differences). As hors d'oeuvres were passed and drinks sipped, on-the-spot back rubs were delivered expertly by roving masseuses, and cigars were abundant. Conversation flowed freely and easily, especially with my new blogging buddy the Social Vixen.

Gallery: A Cigar Smoker Event at Rick's Cabaret

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, cigars, CigarShop, davidoff, DavidoffMadison

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Five Cigar Recommendations for Father's Day

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

I'm about to celebrate my first Father's Day, so when I heard that the Beverly Hills Cigar Club had a few cigar suggestions for the occasion, I opened the e-mail immediately. In past years, I would have written the blog post for everyone else ... this year, I have something at stake!

Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, has put together an interesting menu of cigars for Father's Day this year. From this list, I'd go with the Oliva Serie V, though my personal favorite these days is the 601 Trabuco (hint, hint).

Let's take a look at the five cigars Lee offers up as Father's Day suggestions:

1. CAO America Monument Pinstripe Torpedo
The wrapper on this cigar consists of two leaves arranged to deliver a pinstriping effect. One is a golden brown Connecticut Shade, and the other is a chocolate brown Connecticut Broadleaf. The filler comes from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and the United States. Notes Lee, "Warm summer nights this Father's Day, heat up the Kalamazoo 900 Grill and let Dad light up America while he slow grills his special burgers. No, he still won't tell you what's in the sauce though."

Tags: beverly hills, cigar, cigar club, cigar lounge, cigars, colombia, costa rica, dominican republic, fathers day, fathers-day, FathersDay, honduras, Mexico, nicaragua, NicaraguanCigars

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Virtual Cigar Factory Tour: The Drew Estate Manufacturing Process

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Have you ever wondered how your favorite Liga Privada cigar finds its way in a box and on a cigar shop's shelf? Well, if you can't make it down to the Drew Estate Cigar Safari resort for a few days, check out this interview with Marvin Samel, one of the founders of Drew Estate. On a recent trip to New York, he explained the entire process, from seed to ash. I'd say you'll learn the secrets behind the Drew Estate cigars, but as usual, lips remain shut tight when it comes to the infusion process!

Gallery: Drew Estate Cigar Factory

Cigar Safari: the resort section of Drew Estate

Disclosure: I was invited to cover this event for Cigar Reader by De La Concha, and wasn't charged anything. It was free for all invited. Each guest received a Dirty Rat cigar, a few slices of pizza (or more, depending on hunger)and some cognac.

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, cigars, CigarShop, drew estate, new york

I Smell a Dirty Rat: Drew Estate Talks about Its Rarest Cigar

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

You probably won't find the "Dirty Rat" on the shelves of your local cigar shop. The rare corona-sized stick is too expensive to manufacture for mass distribution, so it's rolled in small quantities for the Drew Estate staff and is shared with friends and at cigar events. The unique cigar is worth a smoke if you can get your hands on it. It's smooth and flavorful with a solid construction and a great draw.

Cut and light a Dirty Rat, and you'll certainly be the envy of the cigar shop.

Gallery: Dirty Rat Cigar Event: Drew Estate and De La Concha

Marvin Samel of Drew Estate and Ron Melendi of De La Concha

Marvin Samel of Drew Estate Smoking a Dirty Rat

[Photos by Steve Zak]

Disclosure: I was invited to cover this event for Cigar Reader by De La Concha, and wasn't charged anything. It was free for all invited. Each guest received a Dirty Rat cigar, a few slices of pizza (or more, depending on hunger)and some cognac.

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, cigar shop, cigars, CigarShop, corona, drew estate, esteli, nicaragua

Cigar Interview: Padron Discusses Coming Limited Edition

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

The name Jorge Padron is known to even occasional cigar smokers, and the anniversary lines – such as the 1926 and 1964 – are certain to make the connoisseur salivate. I had the chance to catch up with Jorge a few weeks ago, when he came to Manhattan to attend a cigar dinner in his honor. The company has a new limited edition cigar coming out this year, which I, frankly, can't wait to cut and light. Watch the video to see what Padron has to say about the quality of his cigars – past, present and future.

Gallery: Jorge Padron Cigar Dinner

To keep the FTC happy: I did not pay to attend the Padron cigar dinner at De La Concha. I was hosted by Ron Melendi, the store's general manager. That said, do you think I would have paid for the dinner, just to have the chance to interview Jorge Padron? Of course. Also, I would have shown up just to interview him and participate in the event if I hadn't been invited by Melendi.

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, cigars, CigarShop, jorge padron, manhattan, new york, new york city

Luxist Interview: Rocky Patel Discusses His Latest Cigars

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Video

On his recent trip to New York, I was able to catch up with Rocky Patel. He discusses his three newest cigars, including the recently released Patel Brothers stick (which is an enjoyable smoke). He still has a three more cigars up his sleeve for 2010, including a 15th anniversary cigar and a special edition stick. The anniversary cigar hits the streets in June, with the other two cigars being released over the summer. Watch the video for the full story from Rocky Patel himself.

Gallery: Rocky Patel Comes to Mahattan

Disclosure: I interviewed Rocky Patel while attending a cigar dinner as an unpaid guest of De La Concha. Even if I had not invited, I would have shown up at a minimum to interview Rocky without participating in the dinner.
[Photos by Steve Zak]

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, cigars, interview, rocky patel

The Drew Estate Cigar Factory

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Video

Drew Estate stands out in Esteli, Nicaragua. Eschewing many of the traditional aspects of manufacturing hand-rolled cigars that you'll find in Pepin Garcia's factory, it has a more American flair, with the conversion of construction and marketing at every point in the process. Born of the minds of two Long Islanders, Drew Estate has grown into a substantial cigar manufacturing operation with an incredibly wide range of cigars and its own collection of secrets.

On my recent cigar trip to Nicaragua, I hadn't expected to visit Drew Estate. Hell, I'd never heard of it. I knew a few of the brands it produces but never related them back to Drew, simply because they aren't cigars that I smoke. Most of what comes out of Drew Estate is infused, with Acid cigars the most prominent. I don't look down my nose at those who smoke infused (hey, the point is to enjoy whichever cigar you choose), but I simply don't lean that way. Nonetheless, I was excited to see the factory, if only to deepen the experience.

I'm glad I did.

In addition to seeing an impressive cigar operation and learning of a fun travel alternative, I discovered that Drew Estate is also moving into the traditional cigar market, and its fairly new T9 and T52 cigars are certainly worth more than a few puffs. What's really staggering, though, is the planning and execution that goes into running a segmented operation that draws hard lines between the infused and traditional products.

Gallery: Drew Estate Cigar Factory

Tags: cigar, cigar factory tour, cigar lounge, cigars, drew estate, drew estates, esteli, nicaragua, NicaraguanCigars

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Five Reasons to Visit a Cigar Factory

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Video

My visit to Pepin Garcia's My Father Cigars factory was an eye-opening experience. I'd had no idea just how much work goes into manufacturing a cigar. My trip wasn't thrust of a media relationship or any other connection: cigar companies want their customers to visit. And these days, it's easier than ever to do so. Cigar trips are becoming increasingly common. Rocky Patel and Camacho, among others, have been hosting groups for a while, and the trend is gaining momentum. I was able to see Pepin's team in action because of a trip arranged by De La Concha and Uptown Cigar. If you're looking to take advantage of a cigar trip, talk to the manager of your local shop.

Why would you want to visit a cigar factory? If you enjoy cigars, your mind is probably flooded with reasons – curiosity alone is sufficient motivation. You'll see the entire process, which is eye-opening, and you'll get a feel for how each step affects your smoking experience.

Here a five reasons to take a cigar tour:

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, cigar lounge, cigar shop, CigarLounge, cigars, CigarShop, esteli, farm, nicaragua, NicaraguanCigars, travel

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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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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

Tobacconist University: Making Cigar Shopping Easier

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Sometimes, it really is possible to judge a book by its cover. From the moment you walk into a cigar shop, you take a quick look at its inventory and get a sense for the entire establishment. If the shelves are packed with low-end sticks, the discerning smoker will figure out pretty quickly that another tobacconist may be a better fit. And, there are the lounges you enter with everything from established favorites to rare and exciting cigars. Most of the time, you'll be able to get exactly what you want. In both cases, however, there is always the risk that you'll talk to someone who doesn't know what he's doing. Not every staff member is a great hire, and just because some great inventory is in the humidor, it doesn't mean the proprietor knows what he has.

Tobacconist University, founded by Jorge Armenteros, is trying to solve this problem. The organization, sponsored by Padron (a hell of an endorsement, frankly), provides a baseline education and testing structure to demonstrate to consumers that a retailer is knowledgeable. Simply, if you have a question about a cigar, the goal of the Tobacconist University certification program is to make you comfortable asking and confident in the answer.

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, CigarLounge, cigars, CigarShop, tobacco, tobacco industry, TobaccoIndustry, TobaccoUse

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Partagas "Man Cave" Winner Announced

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Michael Boehkle of Kent, Washington, is about to get a new smoking room. The winner of the Partagas Ultimate Man Cave Contest, he is being given $10,000 to construct his dream smoking room. In his essay, Boehkle explained that he's forced to enjoy his cigars outside, since he doesn't have a place to smoke them. And, living in the Pacific Northwest, that often means smoking in the rain.

The winner's new man cave will fuse his two passions: cigars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. "I will combine two great legends, Partagas cigars and Harley Davidson to create a cigar lounge and vintage motorcycle museum in my garage," he said. Boehkle collects and restores Harleys.

Boehkle bought the four pack, which cost little more than $20 (in New York -- taxes probably caused the price to vary across the country), at Snoqualmie Casino. Because of its role in selling the winning sticks, the casino's cigar lounge, Lit, will receive Partagas-branded leather seating.

Source

Tags: cigar, cigar lounge, CigarLounge, cigars, harley, harley davidson, harley-davidson, HarleyDavidson, partagas