Cigar Lounges Archives - Cigar Life Guy

Holiday Gift: How to Buy for the Cigar Lover

Posted on November 6, 2022 by Staff

So you’re looking for a holiday gift for the cigar enthusiast. The first question a cigar shop owner might jokingly ask is, “How well do you like the person?” That’s because there are plenty of options at a wide range of prices. You can spend as little as $10 on a gift. If you like them, you can spend plenty more than that.

Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or just because, shopping for a cigar smoker does not need to be a chore.

Novices and nonsmokers may feel overwhelmed when they first step into a cigar shop. They may get the same feeling scrolling through cigar catalogs online. Here’s a guide on how to shop for the cigar smoker in your life.

Holiday Gift Shopping Cigars

Experienced smokers can identify a cigar by its band, size, and color from across a room. To the newbie and the nonsmoker, all cigars look the same. However, newbies see oblong rolls of tobacco with an array of colored bands. Additionally, cigars come in different sizes, shapes, and outer wrappers. Finally, there are dozens and dozens of other brands.

Holiday gift shopping for cigars can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Where to Start Holiday Gift Shopping

Pay attention to your smoker. Noticing the size of the cigar is an excellent place to start. If you’re shopping in person, you’ll be able to narrow the scope of your search. Is the cigar short and thick or long and thin?

Peek at the cigar band if you can. Many cigar lines print their name on their bands or have identifiable designs and artwork. Then, you’ll at least be in the ballpark. Now it’s a matter of finding your seat.

Cigar employees are helpful, knowledgeable, and glad to answer questions. Boldness is challenging to determine because it can’t be identified simply by looking. Here’s where you’ll want to get an expert opinion.

Most cigar shop employees would advise you to err on the side of caution and go with milder cigars. If a smoker is not used to robust cigars, they probably won’t be able to handle a full-bodied cigar. However, someone who regularly smokes heavier cigars won’t refuse a mild blend.

Loose Sticks vs. Full Box for Holiday Gifts

If you’re wondering whether you buy loose sticks or an entire box of cigars as a holiday gift, it depends on how much you like the person. But, all kidding aside, the cost is a factor in cigars.

A box of twenty or even ten cigars will cost more than a selection of loose cigars. In addition, buying a box of cigars is risky if you don’t know the exact brand, size, and shape.

Cigars are agricultural products, and many shops, especially smaller ones, do not accept returns. Buy the wrong box, and you may be out of luck.

A wiser option may be to buy a variety of loose cigars. Of course, you’ll want to get advice from an expert. They’ll find a selection in the price range of your choice. Any cigar lover would welcome a mix of a half dozen cigars.

Gift Cards as Holiday Gifts

Consider a gift card if you know where your favorite smoker likes to shop (brick and mortar or online seller) or hang out but don’t know what they smoke.

Like any other retailer, most cigar stores offer gift cards. One advantage is your favorite smoker gets what they want. Another is if they are an excellent “shopper” and hunt for deals or watch for sales; if you get them a gift card, they stretch that face value more than what you’d pick out for them. The downside, like any other product category, is it just isn’t quite the same as a physical holiday gift you can wrap up (or, in this case, smoke right away!).

Holiday Gifts: Cigar Accessories

Cigar life involves accessories. Accessories make excellent holiday gift options if finding the right cigar proves too difficult or tedious.

Cutters and Cigar Lighters

You can’t smoke a cigar without a proper cut. But, if the smoker in your life is using a simple plastic cutter, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Whether choosing a scissor, butterfly, or V cut, a first-class cutter made with surgical steel, is a holiday gift any cigar smoker can use.

A lighter is an obvious essential as well. Refillable butane lighters can get expensive, but companies like Xikar and Colibri offer a variety of styles at different price points. Shopping for a lighter is more straightforward than shopping for cigars. However, there is a wide range of designs and colors.

Triple jet or double jet? Gunmetal or Black? Any shop employee can provide guidance. Reading online ratings is also helpful. Many companies make high-quality lighters that cost anywhere from $30 to $100.

Carrying Cases and Carriers

Frequent travelers, golfers, fishermen, and enthusiasts who take their cigars on the road can always use a carrier. These come in different styles and sizes. Some simple leather cases hold 2 to 4 sticks, perfect for the golf bag. Others are made of plastic and have solid seals and humidification sponges so cigars won’t dry out.

Humidors

Every cigar collector could use a place to store and age their cigars. Prices will vary based on size, the exterior woods, and the type of finish, either high gloss or matte; this may seem aesthetic, but a quality humidor is not only for storage. They make a fine centerpiece for an office or den.

When shopping for a home humidor, be sure it has a good seal and interior woods made of nonaromatic cedar. Most will come with humidification sponges and an analog hygrometer. Upgrade to a digital hygrometer if you like the person.

Buying a holiday gift for the cigar lover doesn’t need to be stressful. You don’t even have to visit your local cigar shop. Cigar Life Guy has shirts, hats, jackets, and more if you’re too skittish to visit a shop. All net proceeds — 100% — go to Operation: Cigar for Warriors.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Diversity of Cigar Lounges: Here’s What You’ll Find

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Staff

So that cigar you smoked at your best friend’s wedding became a once-a-day experience. You’ve started collecting cigars and purchased an at-home humidor. You’re a regular brother of the leaf. Everyone who enjoys a premium cigar is part of an exclusive club. Most smokers eventually look for a place to share a smoke with friends. From the high-end cigar bar to the cozy storefront club, you’ll find a wide variety of venues when smoking outside the peacefulness of your home. If you live in a small town, you might not have as many options as you would in a larger city. However, there are loyal cigar enthusiasts everywhere, so what does the diversity of cigar lounges look like today? Here’s what you might find when heading out to smoke.

Diversity of Indoor Smoking and Laws

Smoking laws these days are as complex and varied as tobacco tax codes. Many states have ordinances that ban the sale of alcohol in establishments that also allow smoking. Getting a license for food and alcohol sales often depends on a certain percentage of revenue from tobacco products. Private clubs are typically not subject to these laws but allow members to bring alcohol and food.

Know the laws in the area. They will often dictate the type of lounges you’ll find. For example, smoking accommodations run the gamut from first-rate service to the shabby and everything in between.

The Diversity of Lounges

Free Front-of-the-House Smoking

Many cigar shops allow “front of the house” smoking at no charge. These technically don’t fall into the “lounge” category, but they are worth mentioning. All some guys need is a comfy chair right in the retail space of their local cigar shop. They smoke the merchandise and talk up the newbies about the latest blends.

Front-of-the-house smoking might not be the right fit for everyone, but it is cost-effective, and there is a genuine sense of belonging when you become a regular at your local shop. There are plenty of drawbacks, however. Most shops that allow smoking have limited seating. Depending on local laws, many lack the proper ventilation and won’t allow you to enjoy your favorite stick with your favorite spirit.

The Retail Store Lounge

Many lounges connect to small retail shops. They charge a yearly or per diem fee and have various amenities worth the money. Regarding cigar lounges and cigar bars, there are plenty of choices and a wide range of quality.

The size, decor, and ambiance of a lounge matter if you plan on spending time there. You’ll know what kind of place it is by evaluating the diversity of furniture and the interior design. For example, are there leather chairs with firm armrests or ratty chairs with broken springs and burn holes?

You’ll also want to know how many members belong. For example, if the lounge has ten chairs for 200 members, you might be out of luck during busy hours or cold weather.

The No-Frills Lounge

These establishments may seem dumpy, but some smokers feel at home in a fusty old room with a pool table and video poker.

Since small shops are typically in the business of selling cigars, many pay little attention to their lounge accommodations.

The no-frills clubs may charge you for a day pass, but they are usually inexpensive. Here you’ll find a few folding chairs and a table or two. The room may be small and poorly ventilated. You might not want to bring that bottle of 100-year-old scotch. Chances are you’ll be drinking it from a red Solo cup.

If you’re traveling for business or want a quick stick out of the elements, there’s nothing wrong with these establishments. They can be quaint with plenty of locals and friendly staff. However, don’t expect a diversity of amenities. While they may offer yearly memberships, these establishments devote little time or money to their lounge atmosphere.

The Traditional Private Lounge

For the classic lounge, there is a range of choices. These lounges become affiliated with a storefront but typically provide a more comfortable setting for frequent smokers — a simple elegance with a quiet calmer vibe.

Owners of these lounges spend a good deal of time and money designing rooms devoted to smoking cigars. So expect a first-rate ventilation system, decor, and atmosphere more akin to a charming Irish pub.

Most have televisions, comfortable seating, glassware, and soft drinks. Since paying members are the only smokers allowed, finding a seat isn’t a problem, nor is dealing with crowds and foot traffic from customers buying cigars.

They often provide merchandise discounts and host events like Super Bowl Parties, poker nights, and holiday gatherings for members. Since owners work closely with vendors, you can also count on special events hosted by cigar companies.

Since membership costs extra, most places don’t mind if you bring your cigars, but it’s always nice to support a local brick-and-mortar store by buying from the humidor.

BYOB Cigar Lounges

Small shops are typically in the business of selling cigars, so most lack a diversity of licenses like selling alcohol or food. However, membership has its advantages. Since they aren’t private clubs, lounges allow members to bring alcohol and food.

Conventional lounges also typically offer humidified storage lockers for an additional fee, but basic lounges are inexpensive and provide a home away from home. Besides yearly memberships, they welcome walk-ins and travelers.

However, not all lounges are the same. Some BYOBs and private clubs cater to wealthier clientele, others to a more blue-collar crowd. Nevertheless, there are plenty of classy lounges that appeal to everyone, no matter what your income. In the end, everyone is there to smoke. As long as you know cigar etiquette, most places welcome new members and walk-ins.

The Full-Service Lounge

Like the BYOB lounge, a full-service lounge typically offers large modern televisions with cable stations, streaming, and sports packages. The furniture is comfortable and plentiful, and members prevent crowds from getting too large.

The difference is a full-service bar and possibly appetizer and entrée menus. These full-service lounges keep the private club feel, but many attract a diversity in clientele. Non Smoking patrons with friends who smoke are often welcome, so the crowd may not be just cigar enthusiasts. However, the draw is the freedom to smoke. A membership might cost a bit more than a traditional lounge, but expect top-notch service and a business that appeals to the cigar smoker foremost.

The High-End Cigar Bar

Although many cities outlaw smoking and alcohol consumption or at the least make it difficult or costly to get licenses, larger businesses can afford it. Cigar companies like Ashton and Davidoff have elegant, spacious venues in big cities like New York and Las Vegas.

They provide a full-service experience that focuses on the accommodations and the satisfaction of their members and patrons. Expect a bar fully stocked with top-shelf liquors and expert advice on pairing cigars with spirits. Depending on the region, they provide indoor and outdoor seating. Perhaps it’s the novelty of lighting up a premium cigar in a sophisticated setting, but novices, enthusiasts, and everyone in between patronize genuine cigar bars.

Diversity in Cigar Lounges: The Right Place and Time

Cigar smoking is a bond no matter where you decide to smoke. Part of smoking cigars is being open-minded. You’ll meet people of various backgrounds in various lines of work. Remember to keep politics and religion out of the conversation. Nothing spoils the atmosphere like an untimely political barb. From construction workers to Wall Street traders, cigar smoking attracts people from all walks of life. It’s part of the camaraderie of the hobby.

Some venues attract a younger livelier crowd, others an older one. If you’re looking to relax and watch the news after work, a lounge that feels like a nightclub might not be for you. Alternatively, paying a day fee at BYOB is a good bet if you want to network or share a smoke with a few like-minded individuals. Ultimately, it’s about comfort and what you want when you light your next premium cigar. There’s always a place with the right atmosphere for the moment.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Cigar Store vs. Online Cigar Shop: Which is Better?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Staff

We all know the internet changed the world and how the world does business. The cigar business was no different. Internet sales are a huge part of the industry now, but a true cigar enthusiast still loves the experience of heading to their local cigar store. Each has distinct benefits, but you don’t have to choose one. Cigar lovers can have the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of an Online Cigar Store

Convenience and Product Information

Like shopping for anything online, the advantage is you get to do it from home. Online sellers provide an array of inventory with thorough descriptions and colorful photographs. Often the information about a cigar’s blend, body, and construction is more detailed than what you might find on the shelf at your local cigar shop. This can be extremely helpful especially if you’re new to the cigar world or not sure what you’re looking for. Add in customer reviews and recommendations, and it’s almost like having a certified tobacconist at your disposal.

Cigar Store Selection

Sure you’ll find Arturo Fuente smokes at your local shop, but will they carry Opus X?

In most cases, small cigar stores won’t carry everything you’re looking for. For instance, Davidoff only supplies to select stores and requires an extensive vetting process before stores can carry their lines. Your average store won’t have them.

However, anything and everything is available online including rare and hard-to-find brands. Even a large retail shop can’t maintain the back stock or compete with the variety of premium cigars that online merchant’s offer.

Lower Prices Online

Online distributors benefit from high volume and low overhead. They don’t have to pay rent and utilities or staff like brick-and-mortar establishments, so they can afford to charge less. Plus, you won’t have to pay hefty taxes, as the online warehouses are almost always on low/no tobacco excise tax states. The state tobacco excise tax alone in some states can be 30% or higher. If you’re looking for a more economical route, shopping online is the answer, but don’t rule out supplementing your stash by visiting your local cigar shop.

The Benefits of the Cigar Store Experience

There’s nothing like walking into a cigar store. The personal greeting from the owner.The aroma of premium cigars wafting from the lounge. Stepping into the humidor and perusing the display of premium cigars. The benefits of shopping for cigars on-site don’t end there.

Immediate Gratification in a Cigar Store

One advantage of shopping on-site is immediate gratification. You can spend an hour browsing the selection and walk out with your cigars or even better light one up right after you get your receipt. There’s no waiting for deliveries, no chance of orders getting lost in transit, and no chance of receiving the wrong order.

Individualized Attention

Customer service online is excellent, but nothing beats talking with someone in person. Cigar shops are staffed with knowledgeable employees and most times certified tobacconists, who are always glad to steer you in the right direction. One of the best features of cigar life is talking cigars with experienced smokers. Need a good full-bodied cigar at a reasonable price? How about a short smoke for a novice smoker? Need a cigar to impress the boss or your father-in-law? Any good cigar shop owner can answer your questions and provide guidance.

Camaraderie and Smoking

Recently, strict smoking laws have not been kind to the cigar lifestyle. There aren’t too many venues to enjoy a fine cigar. However, many brick-and-mortar stores showcase lounges or at the least small smoking areas for their customers. Some may charge a fee, but in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual, it’s always nice to sit down and share your smoking hobby among like-minded people.

You may pay a few extra bucks in person, but it’s a small price for the ambiance and genuine warmth you get when you become a regular at your local shop, and supporting a local business is always a plus.

Online or on-site? There’s no need to choose. Why not do a bit of both? There’s no harm in looking for that rare trophy cigar online, but shop in person, sit down, have a smoke, and talk cigars.

Photo by Kai Bossom on Unsplash

Cigar Lounge Etiquette for the Frequent Traveler

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Staff

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you’re never far from home or a premium cigar, if you can find a good cigar lounge. Practicing good cigar lounge etiquette is essential, regardless of where your travels lead you. Here are some tips to consider when taking cigar life on the road.

How to Choose a Cigar Lounge

Smoking restrictions will vary depending on where you are in the country or the world. Some cities allow smoking in restaurants and bars, and others restrict it to designated smoking lounges or private clubs. But if you’re traveling for business or on vacation looking to relax, avoid some of the flashier settings. Consider the size and what a place offers. Restaurants and bars that allow smokers might attract larger and rowdier crowds.

If you’re simply looking for a place to have a stick and sip on your favorite cocktail, traditional cigar lounges and local shops remain the best option. Since they are typically filled with paying members who are aficionados themselves, they are often the most welcoming.

There are apps out there to help you find smoke-friendly venues and Reddit and Facebook groups can provide information, but sometimes the best resource is your hotel concierge or simply asking a local. Asking a local can also help you avoid the trendy places you wouldn’t visit when you’re in your hometown.

Cigar Lounge Etiquette Rules Differ

Each lounge has its own policies. Some lounges will allow you to bring your own sticks, while others prefer you purchase a cigar on site. But conventional (cigar) wisdom says if you’re patronizing a store, it’s best to make a purchase. Don’t presume that because you’ve purchased a cigar, you can kick back and smoke for free. Since many lounges have paying members, some may charge a small smoking fee.

The same etiquette applies to booze. Some lounges and cigar clubs have fully stocked bars and serve alcohol, and others are B.Y.O.B. Phone ahead to find out store policies rather than showing up with your own bottle of bourbon.

Assume nothing. Be polite and simply ask. And don’t haggle the owner over policies and prices. Cigar life is about camaraderie and enjoyment. Most places graciously welcome tourists. Lounges, especially independently owned smaller shops, may even waive the smoking fee for travelers.

Each Lounge Has Distinct Atmospheres

Whether you’re in New York, Rome, or smaller cities across the country, every cigar lounge will have its own unique atmosphere.

When you sit down as a guest at a cigar lounge, read the room how Tom Brady or Peyton Manning would read a defense. Cigar life is about leisure and the satisfaction of a great smoke. If guys are settling in for the big game or watching the local news, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Don’t change the channel. Also, sometimes cigars are best savored in silence, so take your phone calls outside.

Smoking is a small exclusive community, but cigar smokers are not exclusive. Know cigar lounge etiquette. Respecting the regulars goes a long way to being welcomed as one of their own. There’s nothing wrong with making conversation. So share a drink. Talk cigars, football, baseball, maybe some business, but keep politics and religion out of it. Remember, local lounge members are there for the same reason you are: to enjoy a premium cigar.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Four Reasons to Love Cigar Lounge Communities

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Staff

The atmosphere in a cigar lounge brings people together. “Brothers of the Leaf” or “Sisters of the Leaf” describe lovers of fine hand-rolled cigars and their passion for each other. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, hundreds of thousands of cigar smokers have banded together online by joining virtual cigar clubs through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, sharing pictures of their latest stogie. However, there’s a different energy when people physically come together to smoke cigars and enjoy the company of other cigar smokers in cigar lounge communities.

Unless you have your smoking room, places to herf indoors are few. That’s where the local brick-and-mortar cigar lounge comes in to offer refuge. Whether you’re an experienced smoker or just getting into the cigar lifestyle as a newbie, cigar lounges provide a haven for tobacco enthusiasts without worrying about the smoke police. Here are four reasons to love cigar lounge communities.

No Judgement in Cigar Lounge Communities

The magic of a cigar lounge is how it brings people together, whether they’re white-collar business people or blue-collar engineers. Beyond cigar talk, aficionados share life stories to further the bond of the Brotherhood of the Leaf (or Sisterhood). It’s not uncommon to hear someone letting off steam about their workday. The lounge community almost acts like a group therapy session in a way. Someone will usually listen to your story and offer their own. Once you walk through the doors of a cigar lounge, you become part of a community dedicated to the cigar lifestyle.

It’s always heart-warming seeing people from different walks of life come together under the banner of enjoying a good cigar. It’s equally heart-warming listening to discussions about the last stick they smoked while describing the flavors and aromas of puffing on a handmade artisanal product. Whether you’re smoking a $20 or more Davidoff or a $7 Charter Oak is irrelevant — cigar communities are a judge-free zone. It doesn’t matter as long as you enjoy what you’re smoking. Occasionally, you’ll get the “I only smoke Cubans” guy, but he’s probably not smoking a Cuban cigar in the lounge. In cigar lounge communities, it’s about taking in the luxury of smoking a cigar and sharing the experience with the peace of mind of knowing you’re among people as passionate as you.

Cigar Knowledge

There’s always something new to learn with cigars. The cigar industry is expansive, with new products coming out every quarter. Regular lounge goers are welcoming to rookie smokers, quickly inviting them to share their enjoyment of the leaf. Usually, the first question is, “What are you smoking?” before getting to know the new folks. These veteran cigar smokers have different palates and will share their cigar experience and recommend new stogies. If you smoke the same stick consistently, you can spread your knowledge among the cigar lounge communities and get someone else to try it. Then, you can compare notes after they puff on your favorite cigar. Maybe you’ll find something in the tasting notes you haven’t had before.

Cigar Lounge Community Companionship

Bonding over a cigar is one of the best experiences in a cigar lounge community. That people gather in the same room while sharing the same love of a niche activity creates a connection. Friendships and business partnerships can develop over a good smoke and drink. A good cigar lounge with a friendly atmosphere creates the perfect networking environment as long as you’re there to enjoy smoking with others.

Arguments are few in a cigar lounge. Discussions about sports teams can sometimes get heated. Still, most places try to avoid hot-button topics like religion or politics. At most, you’ll hear about excise taxes raising cigar prices. There may be some friendly ribbing, but that’s all done in jest. When you get to this point, you know you’re among friends.

Great Environment

A good cigar lounge will have a hospitable staff that regularly keeps the room clean, usually emptying the ashtrays hourly. Comfortable seating is a must. Sitting on a butt-numbing chair while herfing on a Churchill for an hour or two is no fun. A sound ventilation system is also essential to prevent the haze of cigar smoke from clouding up the room. Also, having air conditioning or heating makes everyone more comfortable. Music or TVs are often available. They provide background noise as long as they aren’t so loud that they drown out conversations. If a cigar lounge sells drinks or has a BYOB policy, it’s a big plus. All of this provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for smokers to enjoy.

Cigar lounges have a way of letting cigar enthusiasts drop their worries at the door and engage with other like-minded individuals looking to get away from daily stress regardless of race, religion, or creed. It’s a great place to join other smokers and escape life’s stresses in a casual environment. So if you find the lounge empty, call your friends! They’re probably looking for a haven to puff in, and cigar shops are more than happy to fill up their lounges.

Photo Credit: Cigar Life Guy

Six Things a New Cigar Shop Owner Should Do

Posted on October 11, 2021 by Staff

Cigar shipments are up and some in the industry are hinting at a second Cigar Boom following the original boom in the 1990s. The U.S. economy, despite a global pandemic, has been in a decades-long bull market creating unprecedented wealth for many. Borrowed money is cheap and easy relative to historical norms. More Americans are working remotely, giving them greater schedule flexibility. Together, you have the perfect recipe for a lot of very green, wannabe new cigar shop owners to enter the market. If this sounds like you, then there are a few things you must know to reap rewards and create your own cigar shop success story. Here are six basic business fundamentals you need to know to stay smokin’ happy and in business.

Who Opens New Independent Cigar Shop?

The owner of a typical new, independent cigar store* is someone with a mid-to-high income full-time job that loves cigars and thinks it would be fun to own a place. Obviously, these operators want the store to be financially viable and don’t overtly go into it thinking about it as a hobby, but the reason they’re in the cigar business is because they want to be in the cigar business. Income from the cigar store is not typically what pays the family’s monthly expenses. Variants on this include several individuals, typically friends, partnering on a store or a recently retired mid-to-high income individual that opens a store as a retirement business. A commonality here is that while they love cigars, have spent a lot of time in humidors, and (may) have some business experience outside of cigars; most of them have never really been in the cigar business before.

Find a Cigar Shop Mentor

“Mentor” has become a buzzword or cliché over the last decade or so but find someone or a small group of individuals that have successfully run retail cigar stores/bars/lounges and will share with you some of the marketing and operational keys to success. This person may or may not be in your market and may or may not be in a competitive situation with you. Focus on individuals that have a track record of success, have run similar scale operations (e.g., transferrable lessons), and similar backgrounds (e.g., outside work demands, family demands, shared values).

This isn’t a formal “mentoring relationship” like you read about in big corporate America. Your mentors may not even know you view them as mentors, per se. You don’t run an ad or post on LinkedIn that you’re looking for a cigar mentor. Good mentoring relationships develop organically because the parties genuinely like each other. Mutual cigar friends might be very helpful in making introductions. Spending some time at national or regional events is a great way to identify potential mentors.

Keep Regular Shop Hours

Some of you will think this is obvious, and it doesn’t need mentioned. Yet, for too many cigar shop operators, not opening the doors happens too often. Anyone who has regularly visited different cigar shops will tell you they are no longer shocked when they arrive at a locked door. You can’t sell anything if your doors are closed. Nothing frustrates regulars and potential new customers alike more than arriving to find a closed store. The potential new customers won’t give you a second chance.

Despite our social media- and Yelp-driven world of round-the-clock feedback, most potential customers won’t admit you’ve lost out. You never hear about the sales you missed; you can only guess. Not only do you lose the direct sales you could have made that day, but the value of a long-term customer. Obviously, genuine emergencies rarely occur, but it shouldn’t be the norm that the store doesn’t open on time. The most likely reason for the store not opening is a staff call out or no show.

As a side note on your hours of operation, while you don’t technically own the posted hours for your store on Google, Facebook, and other online websites, your customers rely on them. You can always blame Zuckerberg, but listing the wrong hours costs you money. Task someone with checking listed hours on Facebook and Google at least weekly and correcting any mistakes.

Hire Cigar Shop Staff

As the new owner of a shiny new cigar store, you may think there’s nothing you’ll love more than spending much of the week in the store. Even if you’re used to spending over 20 hours per week in the lounge as a patron, everything changes once you step behind the counter. As a patron, you can get up and leave any minute. If you’re working, you’re there. Unless you decide you’d rather be somewhere else and you to close the doors, which isn’t a good idea either (see “Keep Regular Hours” above).

You’re a high-income earner in your day job. That’s how you got the money to buy the cigar shop! Your time is more valuable than what the prevailing wage is for most of the cigar shop jobs. So, hire staff where it makes economic sense, which is most of the time. You should know how to perform all the roles and be a substitute, but for your quality of life, don’t make yourself live behind the counter. If the only way your budget works continuously is with very low labor costs because your staff primarily includes you, your partners, or family members working unpaid, then you don’t have a business. Instead, you have a hobby. Hope you’re enjoying yourself!

Keep Cigar Shop Humidors Stocked

You’ll hear all kinds of excuses for a light humidor, most notably “It’s not our fault! Manufacturer is out of stock!” In reality, that’s often a partial truth. It’s not unusual for a couple of items on back-order. However, if most are out of stock in the store, it’s because they weren’t reordered. Out of stocks directly cause lost sales in humidor. They also send a bad vibe to your customer base. It’s a message suggesting you don’t care or that you won’t be here long. A light humidor is often a precursor to a store closing. According to A.T. Kearney, out of stock levels are a critical item for nearly all retailers.

Focus on Cigar Shop Location

You’ve heard the mantra, “location, location, location” all your life. So, there’s no need to beat it to death. You get the importance of location on the success of any brick and mortar retail establishment. Yet, there are a couple of things to consider. Be cognizant of any current or potential future legislation risk affecting tobacco or alcohol sales. Second, be wary of a location that’s too good to be true. These are often home to multiple successively failed businesses. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Remember, many other operators that came before you failed in that space. Some locations just are not good for retail.

Know Your Numbers – Invest in a Point-of-Sale System

Many small retailers will think they can initially get away without a point-of-sale system and they probably can on the productivity side. They think if sales volume is slow enough, then they don’t need the operational efficiencies generated by a POS system. Unfortunately, this initial thinking drags on. The loss you experience in going without a POS system is not knowing what’s going on in your business. Your inventory management and profitability at the unit level reflect that loss. The data is the difference between guessing and knowing.

*Author’s note: This description of a “typical” store and owner is an archetype. It represents insight from interviews with countless cigar shop owners. Obviously, all owners will not fit this description in background or mindset. It also assumes a small cigar shop composed of usually 1-5 employees. That includes the store owner and employees.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Atlanta Cigar Experience 2021 Highlights

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Staff

Cigar Life Guy was pleased to once again be a lead sponsor for Cigar Mike’s Atlanta Cigar Experience in and around Atlanta, Georgia, September 20-26, 2021. Several hundred cigar enthusiasts from around the country and the world descended on Atlanta to mix with local smokers across at least fifteen venues throughout the week. We’re going to break it all down to give you a taste of what the smoke was all about, and it begins with Cigar Mike Bennett. So, sit back, light up and read on.

“Cigar Mike” Bennett

The weeklong series of events of the Atlanta Cigar Experience is the brainchild of twenty-five-year cigar industry veteran Mike Bennett. Yet, Bennett is affectionately known simply as “Cigar Mike.” Bennett reflected on the week, “Atlanta is special to me since it’s my hometown. I felt so much love seeing my friends — old and new, visit. I was just thrilled everyone had a great time again this year.” Cigar Mike regularly hosts large gatherings of cigar lovers across the country. Notably, he will have his second annual “Cigar Mike Vegas Takeover” in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 4-7, 2021.

Up next, Black Smoke Magazine hosted its official release party to mark the publication’s debut.

Black Smoke Magazine Release Party

Stanley’s Cigar Lounge, a new lounge in town, was the lucky venue that held the most noteworthy party of the week. In fact, local entrepreneur and owner, Monica Coleman, opened the doors to this venue just this month. The event marked the official release for the inaugural issue of Black Smoke Magazine. Additionally, the debut cover featured Atlanta cigar icon Christine Morgan and BSM owner Kennedy Achille. You might also know Achille simply as “TK”. Regardless, we’ve rounded up over 35 great images of this event and linked them here for your viewing pleasure.

Besides Christine and TK, countless other industry personalities made the pilgrimage to Atlanta for the week’s festivities as well. In fact, even the legendary Boston Jimmie joined the fun. So, make sure you check out his recap as well. Finally, there were also more cigar companies, brand owners, manufacturer representatives and store owners than you could count. So, if you’ve never been to the Atlanta Cigar Experience and you’re going to be in the area next year, consider adding it to your calendar. Speaking of, let’s dive into what the Atlanta Cigar Experience entails.

Atlanta Cigar Experience Featured Events

The event kickoff began on Monday at the Cigar City Club in Sandy Springs. The kickoff event is mostly for locals. Yet, the party brought together many shop owners and representatives, too. In fact, anyone in the area who could get away on a typically slow Monday showed up for the event.

Tuesday was day two and turned into a complete street takeover of Main Street in Lithonia. There were parties held indoors and outdoors at the local crowd favorite, Life N Times Cigar Lounge. The lounge offers a selection of coffee, wine and spirits, and favorite boutique cigars to patrons. So, stopping here for a smoke is always a must.

The prerelease announcement party for ATL Cigar Co.’s new line extension “Magic,” arrived on day three of the event. That was on Wednesday, of course. The prerelease announcement was made at Atlantucky Brewery in Downtown, which is also a great place to grab a craft brew. The brewery also carries a local favorite you’ll want to try: Kentucky Mudd chocolate milk stout.

Thursday was day four of the Atlanta Cigar Experience. It also marked the day for the aforementioned Black Smoke Magazine Party in at Stanley’s Cigar Lounge in South Fulton. So, everyone headed over to join the festivities and enjoy a good stick.

On Friday afternoon, we headed over to the Quick Shot gun range near Buckhead. Guests spent time on the range popping off a few rounds for fun. After that, there was a barbecue buffet featuring Barbeque & Smoke sauces and related items. It was enough to make your mouth water. After the wild afternoon on the range, everyone enjoyed an exquisite evening at the Davidoff of Geneva store in Buckhead. Unfortunately, if you didn’t make it to the Atlanta Cigar Experience this year, you’ll miss out on the Davidoff store in the future. The store is closing its Atlanta location at the end of the year and will be missed. Not to worry, though, there are still plenty of other venues to pique your interest and enjoy a good smoke and fellowship at.

Saturday started with a bang. There was a day party takeover at Cam Newton’s Fellaship Lounge in Downtown. After that, event patrons enjoyed the evening at The Patio Social Club in Smyrna before wrapping up the sixth evening of the experience.

Sunday was the final day of the Atlanta Cigar Experience and with it came a finale any cigar enthusiast can appreciate. The finale was at King’s Cigar Lounge and featured all the NFL games on big screens and more barbecue. King’s is just a short Uber ride to the airport. So, cigar enthusiasts returning home can have a final smoke or three before catching their return flights.

Besides the featured evening parties, each afternoon of the Atlanta Cigar Experience included an organized “pop-up” event at a local shop or lounge. The pop-up events are a great way for cigar enthusiasts to mingle in a laid-back environment and check out a local cigar shop or lounge they’ve never visited.

Giving Back: Cigars for Warriors Fundraiser

Giving back and providing opportunities for others to giveback is always a staple of Cigar Mike events. One example for this year was Cigar Life Guy’s “Cigars Just Taste Better in Atlanta” T-shirt promotion. Atlanta Cigar Experience guests received a gift of a fun shirt showcasing Atlanta when they made a donation to Operation: Cigars for Warriors. Shirts were also available at retail partner Highland Cigar Co. and several pop-up events in the weeks leading up to the event. Cigars for Warriors is a 501 (c)(3) charity that has received over $2,000 donated so far. It uses these funds to send cigars to U.S. troops deployed overseas.

What Patrons Said About Atlanta Cigar Experience

When asked what they thought of the Atlanta Cigar Experience, guests had much to say.

“A.C.E. is an annual event for me. I enjoy seeing my extended cigar family. My [personal] quote is ‘That’s why you don’t have no friends…we have family!!!’ Thanks for the Family Reunion, Mike” – Kevin Watkins, Founder, Black Cigar Aficionados.

“The Atlanta Cigar Experience captured the true essence of what the cigar lifestyle is all about! As always, Cigar Mike was the ultimate ambassador to a great week of fellowship” – Reggie Kimble, Stickmen Blog.

“The Atlanta Cigar Experience hosted by Cigar Mike, was a true celebration of the cigar lifestyle, the appreciation of cigar lounges and small business owners who are a part of the lifestyle. It was an honor for Barbeque and Smoke to be a part of an amazing week full of events. We look forward to working with Cigar Mike and his team in the future and are always glad to return to Atlanta, GA” — Mac Bostic, Owner, Barbeque and Smoke.

“Atlanta Cigar Experience is an event I plan to never miss. Cigar Mike makes sure to create an experience like no other. I love the different vibes in the venues. I came last year for the first time knowing my Mom was gonna be gone when I got back. So it’s also my getaway and how I celebrate her leaving this earth with fellowship and enjoying others in the cigar culture” — Calvin “King Hollywood” Jenkins, Owner of Luxe Cigar Lounge in South Carolina.

“You can always count on Cigar Mike to put on a great Atlanta Cigar Experience. I believe much of that is due to his passion for premium cigars and his love for his hometown. Our industry is fortunate to have someone like Mike Bennett” — Eddie Tarazona, Owner, Tarazona Cigars.

“The Cigar Mike experience is always really exciting. You never what you’re going to experience and what to expect. Mike is an experience in his own way. Everything is always tailored to the people and for the people who travel from any distance to be there” – Akbar Alam, manager of Fellaship, an exclusive lounge and restaurant in Atlanta.

“Everywhere you went, you could see and feel Mike’s advocacy for the industry and small business. Cigar Mike is good for both the cigar industry and culture” — Greg Willis, a partner of Emperors Cut Cigars.

“Cigar Mike has an amazing network of people that we were so excited to host at Stanley’s. His connection to the pulse of the cigar community is unmatched” — Monica Coleman, Owner, Stanley’s Cigar Lounge.

“Mike is the host of all hosts! The vibe and events were great” — Mr. SODO in Houston.

“Tuesday night was an amazing experience at Life N Times Cigar Lounge Block Party. Truly enjoyed all the cigar enthusiasts from all sides of the country come together to celebrate Atlanta Cigar Experience 2021, hosted by Cigar Mike. It was a true cigar event that featured vendors, bourbon, cigar sponsors, and music that honored the Atlanta cigar industry” – M.J. Smith, Owner of Life N Times Cigar & Coffee.

“My trip to Atlanta from New Jersey was truly worth it! Mike was a great host. It really was an Atlanta Cigar Mike Experience!” — Donnell Isaac, Silverback Cigar Crew.

“There are days when I stand in awe of Cigar Mike. Though his schedule is often hectic, he is always seems to be in the moment, enjoying the company of whoever is in his presence. This ability is truly a remarkable skill, and I am honored to learn it from a great man” – Leroy Lamar, President, ATL Cigar Co.

That’s a Wrap

The Atlanta Cigar Experience is an annual event, traditionally held the fourth week of September. Look for coming details about the 2022 Atlanta Cigar Experience event and then mark your calendar.

Photo credit: All images are credited to Cigar Life Guy except for Akbar Alam, which is credited to Instagram.com/aalam.

Six Things Your Cigar Bartenders Wish You Knew

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Staff

The cigars are only one aspect of the experience at the cigar lounge. By and large the cigar bartender at your local cigar bar appreciate the job they have, certainly relative to other bar gigs. Yet, there are a few things you as a patron ought to know. So, we reached out to the community of cigar bar staff to get the scoop from their perspective. Here’s what your cigar bartenders wish you knew:

Cigar Bartenders Work for Tips

Like other bartenders and servers, most of our incomes come from tips. The hourly wages we get won’t cover our Uber rides or childcare for our shifts. But we like working in cigar bars. On whole, cigar folks are good tippers, relative to other places we work. That’s a big reason for us to stick around.

Some cigar folks can do better, though. We’re talking about some members or a regulars who receive many freebies such as coffee, soft drinks, or etc., or who don’t purchase from the humidor, often as a result of membership fees. Cigar bartenders still must serve you even though we didn’t get paid on your annual membership. Throw us a little something now and then or don’t tip as a percentage of your check. If you’re here all afternoon and buy a coffee, we might refill your cup six times. But when it comes time to pay, even 50 percent on your $3 check is way light for the service we provided.

Also, we genuinely appreciate small gifts, like the gift of a cigar from your personal humidor. But that cigar doesn’t pay our bills. It’s better to tip appropriately. Then, if you want to give us something in addition to that, it’s perfectly fine.

Cigar bartenders are also realistic. We understand when you purchase a box of cigars or make a large purchase out of the humidor and pay via one credit card tab. If that tab is co-mingled with your small bar tab, we don’t necessarily expect you to tip 20 to 25 percent of the entire tab. Of course, if you do then we certainly won’t complain either.

Cigar Bartenders Don’t Want to Date You

You want to date us, too? Seriously, guy! You’ve probably got kids older than us! Besides, we’re more than likely married or seeing someone. Just because we’re not wearing a ring or talking about our significant other doesn’t mean we’re on the market. And even if we were, you aren’t what we’re looking for. Yes, we’re attractive. Yes, we might be dressed somewhat provocatively. We might also flirt with you a little or are happy to see you. But we also work for tips. That doesn’t give you a license to be a creep.

Bartenders and Servers Talk About You

Ever wonder whether secret conversations about you are happening among us? They are, but that’s usually a good thing, not a bad thing. If you’re a creep or an awful tipper, then we’ll tell other staff members and probably a few of the regulars. We’re not priests, doctors or lawyers. There is no such thing as cigar bartender or smoker confidentiality. Alternatively, if you’re a good guy or gal, then we’ll share that informally with the rest of the staff and our favorite regulars, too. This is kind of news enhances your status within the bar, though.

You may not realize that we refer business all the time, but we do. In fact, you’d be amazed how many referrals we give. We consider it a win-win. If you’re a business professional and a cigar bar regular, then let me know what you do once we’ve become acquainted. Don’t do it in an obnoxious way, though. We’ll choose who to refer you to and if it’s appropriate. Of course, if you don’t make a positive impact on us, that referral opportunity will probably not happen. You’d be amazed how many conversations in the bar we take part of. People are always looking for referrals.

Don’t Be a Seat Hopper

One of the great things about the bar is that it is informal with open seating. Don’t abuse it. We understand that you might move seats occasionally. We also understand that you might want to talk with a friend who’s visited. The problem is every time you get up, that’s a seating area we must clean. That’s particularly now that we live in the COVID-19 era. Now, our work also involves sanitizing seating areas for the next person. Some regulars dirty half a dozen seats within a two-hour span and it drives us nuts!

Cigar Bartenders Not an Expert on Cigars

Are cigar bartenders also cigar experts? Maybe, but the odds are that we don’t even smoke cigars! We’re bartenders, not a tobacconists. We might not even know the difference between a Corona and a Connecticut. And we certainly might not know that a cigar can be a Corona as well as a Connecticut. Unless you know differently, we’re probably not the one to geek out with about minute cigar details. Stick to regular bar room conversations with us like sports, current events or etc. If you want to talk cigars then everyone else in the bar is probably a better candidate than us. There is one expectation, though. We won’t complain about the smoke or cigar smokers in general. If we didn’t want to be around smoke we wouldn’t be working here.

Know What Time It Is When We Interact

Part of our job as a bartender, even if it is unwritten, is chopping it up with you and other regulars. In fact, that’s one of the best parts of working in a cigar bar. The cigar crowd is usually a joy to be around and we learn a lot about life from you. You might not know this, though, because we haven’t said as much. Some of your suggestions and advice benefit us greatly in our personal lives and sometimes even our non-bartending professional endeavors. We grow as individuals from some of the smokers we meet this place.

Hard stop, though: When we’re slammed with work, our job is to make drinks, not be your conversation companion. Look around and read the room. Read our body language. Then, let us do our job get those drinks out! We had a great chat an hour ago, but it’s prime time now.

As a side note, if you’re here watching the big game and you know you want to leave as soon as it’s over, clear your tab in the middle of the fourth quarter. We go through this every Saturday and Sunday. You know it and we know it. Everyone wants to close out tabs at the same time. If you don’t want to wait, then close out early so you’re free to leave sooner.

Hopefully all of this was helpful. Be good to us and we’ll be better to you. We really do appreciate you and your patronage. Additionally, we also realize that customers like you pay our bills. We just ask that you treat us with the same respect we offer you. We can’t wait to see you again tomorrow.

The Final Word

Working as a cigar bartended isn’t always easy, as you can see. In fact, sometimes it’s downright challenging. Cigar Life Guy has had the priviledge of speaking with many cigar bartenders to gather this important information for you. Not only does this advice help your friendly bartenders, it also helps you, as a cigar enthusiast, elevate your status while visiting your favorite cigar lounge. If you’re new to cigar lifestyle, then might not know the conversations and other things that go on behind the scenes of the cigar bar. We hope you enjoyed this post. More importantly, we hope you’ve gleaned something valuable to level up your cigar lifestyle.

This blog reflects conversations with many bartenders in cigar bars who wished to remain anonymous. It includes some generalizations as well. Certainly, some bartenders are true cigar aficionados and love the leaf more than anyone in the room. You might also find a bartender who wants to date you, but good luck. Regardless, don’t be a creep, but do enjoy cigar lifestyle.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Six Types of Smokers You’ll Meet at the Cigar Lounge

Posted on June 12, 2021 by Staff

When you begin the cigar lifestyle, you’ll probably start seeing yourself in lounges and cigar shops. You’ll meet a wide variety of people and personalities with the same common interests. The shop and lounge atmosphere vary based on your city. Although each atmosphere differs from the next, cigar lounges share one thing in common. Regardless of location, there are six types of smokers you’ll likely meet when you visit a cigar lounge.

The Boutique Tribe Member

Ritual is the name of the game for boutique tribe members. Offer them a free stick in a cigar lounge, and they will decline if it’s not from a small batch. Boutique cigars are high quality which makes the tribe run on rampant snobbery and elitism. Tribe members refuse to smoke anything that’s not from a boutique or a small batch. Whether it’s cigars, music, beer, cheese, or whatever, there will always be elitists and snobs. So don’t get your feelings hurt when you meet a member of the boutique tribe. It comes with the lifestyle.

When boutique members smoke, it’s according to their ritual. Anything less is undesirable. You’ll never catch them lighting a cigar with a lighter. They prefer long, wooden cigar matches. They must pair the cigar with a specific brand of bourbon or blended whiskey for the perfect flavor note combination.

These folks also tend to be avid collectors. They even keep the boxes the cigars come in. Custom boxes have very unique designs, after all. Small batch cigars are great now and then, but there are other cigars out there, too. Mass-produced cigars exist because there’s a demand for them and they’re worth their price.

The Anything and Everything Smokers

The most enjoyable person on this list is the anything and everything smoker. They have no preferences. They aren’t loyal to a specific type of smoke. They are not impressed by any brand, and they will smoke everything, including house (cigar shop) brands. This smoker likes to visit all the shops in the area and is well known by everyone. They know when to speak, how to listen, and tend to be very charismatic. A man’s man, or woman’s woman. These smokers are great people to have around in the cigar lifestyle. They also carry some of the coolest-looking cigar lighter torches.

Cubans Only Smokers

Cubans only smokers have a way with words that never leaves you doubting whom you’re smoking with. Best of all, they know their Cubans well. In fact, you’ll probably hear them say things like, “I got a hookup that provides Cubans. I only smoke Cubans”

That’s cool.

“Oh man, I can tell by the smell that your cigar has Cuban tobacco.”

Sure, buddy.

You’ll find this group on Facebook asking for Cubans. They want the world to know they smoke Cubans. Visit their home, and you’ll find a collection of Cohiba bands and no cigars. Cuban-only smokers are becoming a rare breed. That’s because the quality of Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras has increased over the years. Also, the US lifted the embargo on Cubans, making the Cuban cigar very unattainable, which also makes smoking Cubans less cool.

Bargain Hunter

The bargain hunter smokers search the web far and wide for the best deals on cigars. They spend countless hours and create spreadsheets comparing prices across the internet. Sometimes they’ll score a nice find, but usually, it’s the opposite. They act surprised when their new cigars arrive dry or there’s a handful missing from the box. It’s a lesson learned. When it comes to cigars, you get what you pay for.

You’ll also likely see the bargain hunter smoking free or discounted cigars. They almost always want to trade cigars hoping to bag a higher quality one. This is the type of smoker you’ll stop inviting over to your events, given that they tend to never bring their own cigars.

Vintage Smokers

Vintage smokers know what they want. That includes the classics such as Arturo Fuente, Padron, Cohiba, Romeo Y Julieta 1875, and Partagas. You’ll find vintage smokers in the shops looking for aged cigars that have been around for fifty, sixty, or even eighty years. Visit a cigar shop or cigar lounge and you’ll also find this smoker correcting your Spanish pronunciation of the vintage brands.

“Coo-bah-no” not “Cue-ban”

Vintage smokers are a tamer version of the boutique tribe. Unlike the tribe, vintage smokers tend to smoke a variety of cigars. They also aren’t snobs about vintage cigars. Yet, they’re also a bit like the bargain hunters. They never bring their own cigars when you invite them over. Instead, they prefer to leave them inside their Audew Electronic Cigar Cooler Humidor.

The Newbie Smokers

Our final type of cigar smoker is the newbie. You can spot them from a mile away because they’re novices when it comes to the cigar lifestyle. You’ll see them on their phones, posting selfies at the cigar lounge to their Instagram and Facebook accounts. If you’re lucky, you can catch them doing a silly dance for a TikTok video. You’ll probably know they’re at a cigar shop because they’ll check-in.

Newbies are great listeners when they’re not on their phones. They are eager to learn about the lifestyle and they need to learn the ropes. Start by telling them not to smoke rings every time, or to stop collecting those bands. Show them how to rotate a cigar every couple of minutes. Tell them if they smoke too fast, they’ll ruin the flavor.

Hopefully, after your good advice, they’ll graduate into the cigar lifestyle.

Whatever type of smoker you are, if you’re happy (and don’t make the rest of us unhappy), then we’re glad you’re smoking cigars and enjoying whatever it is that you enjoy.

Photo credit: Kelvin Robinson Sr. on Facebook, Leaf Life Lounge in Ellenwood GA