Changing the world one cigar at a time

There are two different types of people in the world, cigar smokers and everyone else and until you've sat down in a cigar lounge to smoke this concept will elude you. Cigar lounges are socially charged environments with a shared dynamic in that there is no shortage of opinionated people. Conversations range from where to find the best steak to the economic impact the dying honey bees will have on domestic agriculture and everything in between. It is a venerable smorgasbord of life experiences melded together under one roof. Often times reaching a boiling point, tempers flare and debates end in a stalemate only to ensue when someone with a fresh opinion joins the diatribe. For the most part these moments of contention are quite civil and there is a mutual respect for each other's opinion.

To me this is what separates cigar lounges from other social environments. Usually when people congregate together they often share the same views and economic backgrounds causing polarized opinions. Whereas in cigar lounges it is the cigar that bring us together. Here you will find people from all walks of life and economic stages brings different perspectives to the conversation. No two people experience events in the same manner, even members of the same family, so adding a fresh point of view to a conversation enriches the overall experience giving us the opportunity to learn from one another and learning is the a fundamental part of change.

Most of my life I have assumed the roll of devils advocate, not to be contrary but to learn from other people's opinion. I do this by challenging your stance on any particular subject, my intent is to understand fully why you feel the way you do and maybe I can present a side that you may have not considered.  By taking time to listen to each other and share ideas I feel that we can break down the very barriers that keep us apart. I may not be an expert but frequenting cigar lounges has given me the opportunity to converse with people I normally would not have the chance to, all while smoking a premium cigar.

5 things I learned in a cigar lounge

Cabaiguan Guapos Toro Grande Maduro  

In a time long before cellphones and social media men would gather together in private clubs to exchange ideas, socialize and unwind. Cigar lounges in part are vestiges to these traditional gentlemen's club, although not exclusive to men and not always restricted to members only, serve as a safe haven where men can still be men. Throughout the years I have frequented many different establishments and have learned quite a few things, that I felt it necessary to put together a comprehensive list for those interested in venturing into the world of cigar smokers. Cigar lounges are always a tight knit community and to newcomers can seem somewhat exclusionary but given time can become a home away from home.

The art of conversation has seemingly fallen to the wayside with the advent of technology, people are opting for texting as their primary mode of communication but cigar lounges are designed to have patrons sitting in close proximity, promoting dialogue amongst each other. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other patrons and gradually join the conversation. Be mindful not to intrude on any personal conversations or be overly opinionated. You may not always agree with other people's opinions but speaking over them and trying to dominate the conversation does not make you right. There is so much you can learn by conversing with other people, just remember to leave the bs and the thin skin at the door. 

Cigar etiquette  changes depending on who you ask but some things are taboo no matter where you go. Under no circumstances should you bring cigars purchased elsewhere to a cigar lounge, I see this all the time and I'm really not in agreement. You smoke cigars because you enjoy the taste and you don't want anyone ruining it with a flavored cigar. Some cigar lounges outright prohibit flavored cigars and some don't but to be on the safe side leave the flavored stuff alone. Another thing guaranteed to ruin your cigar experience is someone talking loudly on the phone in the middle of the lounge. I know I did encourage conversations before just not over the phone so if your call takes longer than a minute try excusing yourself. 

Your word is everything when introducing yourself to new social circles and once tarnished it will follow you around forever. In a new environment no one has any expectations of you, so if you give your word be sure to stand and deliver. 

 Knowing your way around food while in a cigar lounge is a definite must. The second most discussed topic in lounges, after cigars of course, is food. My first taste of fine dining was largely due to recommendations from friends at the cigar lounge. Food is what brings people together and it is not only limited to making reservations at a restaurant, learn how to cook and be adventurous when trying new foods. 

The importance of friendships  is something you'll learn to appreciate in the cigar lounge. I have been blessed to create lifelong bonds with some amazing people, some of who are like family to me. I have met people from all walks of life and have learned a great deal from them, as I hope they have from me.

Primetime

Smoking a cigar is like a mini vacation during an ordinary day. Smoking a cigar whilst on vacation is perfection. Add my favorite drink and I might not want to leave. Recently I went on vacation to visit my parents in Boca Raton and although Boca is not known for its steamy night life like South Beach I was able to find this hidden oasis. Prime Cigar & Wine Bar is not new to me, having lived in Florida for seventeen years I had been there on numerous occasions. But this time something was different. After a five hour flight from LAX to Ft. Lauderdale, dinner with my family and some much needed catching up I was more than ready for a cigar. I arrived at Prime around ten o'clock on a Wednesday night, the parking lot was sparsley populated with cars, so I pulled up to the front and parked. I put on my sports coat and walked in,  immediately greeted by the bartender, I made my way to the humidor for the crucial task of choosing my first cigar. Selection of your first cigar is important to me as it sets the tone for the entire evening. I'm not the kind of smoker who follows ratings or only smokes high end cigars. I like what I like, robust cigars with flavor and complexity. I had a friend Steve Goodstat who was the same way. We would always wind up smoking the same cigar and since he was about thirty years my senior having the same palate was a huge compliment. He passed away about a year ago and being unable to make it back to Florida for his memorial service this cigar was for him. I grabbed a Cabaiguan Guapos Toro Grande Maduro and made my way to the bar to grab a seat. I ordered a Don Julio Añejo neat from the bartender, she responded with an approving smile and asked if I wanted it garnished with an orange. I nodded yes and she followed up asking if I have tried it with cinnamon. I had not but was open to trying it so she sprinkled cinnamon on the orange. If you have never tried this I suggest you do so. You can thank me later or better yet, thank her. Steve was also a tequila drinker and would've approved. I sat back in my seat and lit my cigar as I would be here for the duration of the night. 

Prime Cigar & Wine Bar, Boca Raton

It had been almost two years since my last visit to Florida. In that time my then girlfriend became ill with TMJ Disorder, we got engaged and I took on the role of caretaker, I lost some dear friends and made new ones. For the most part the theme for the past two years was me working like a pack animal trekking across the Andes. This was the first moment I had to myself void of responsibility. I took it all in with deep puffs from my cigar as the tension eased from my shoulders I relaxed and began chatting with patrons and staff alike. Everyone was friendly, eagerly asking questions about the left coast. I felt very much at home as I grabbed a second cigar and ordered a few more drinks. Music played in the background while NBA playoff highlights were shown on the TVs. I repeated this every night during my vacation with the exception of a sneak peek tour of Prime's new location in the Brickell area of Miami called Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar and Whiskey Bar facilitated by my good friend Luis who was working late that night in preparation of the grand opening. A place I look forward to visiting on my future trips to Florida. But all good things must come to an end so on my last night of vacation I returned to Prime to end my vacation as good as it started, this time with the help of my friend Al. We toasted to our lasting friendship, memories of nights at Aromas of Havana and a future that looks bright. I closed the night out with a Don Julio Añejo and an Espinosa Especial. As last call came around and I took the final puffs from my cigar that punctuated the perfect evening, I said my goodbyes, thanked the staff for their hospitality and made my way home grateful I found such a great place to catch my breath and regroup. If you're ever in the area stop in and you'll understand. 

Don Julio Añejo and an Espinosa Especial

Hecho a mano

It starts as a seed planted in a pot of soil. Raised to a seedling and placed in the earth. Here it will bask in the sunlight absorbing the nutrients it needs from the ground. Leaves are carefully harvested at different times. They are dried, cured, then aged before they make it to the rolling table. Then, by skilled hands, they are carefully crafted into the fine cigars. From the rolling table they are sorted by color, inspected for quality, labeled and boxed before their journey to your local tobacconist shop begins. Hecho a mano means more than just hand rolled. It's about tradition and every time you light a cigar you become a part of that tradition.

For me it started 25 years ago in the streets of the Bronx. I was 19 years old when I lit my first cigar, it was a celebratory cigar, after engaging in a street fight. I remember sitting on someone's stoop, adrenaline still coursing through my veins, sweat dripping from my brow, I lit that cigar. With each puff I felt a surge of unbridled manliness. Little did I know how impactful this moment in time would be. Five years later I would say goodbye to the unforgiving streets of New York for the warm sandy beaches of South Florida. My move coincided with the tail end of the cigar boom. But for me it was just starting. Here I did less fighting and more cigar smoking. First I would smoke on special occasions but soon I was seduced by the tropical breeze and the sounds of the Caribbean reverberating through the night air. I started smoking more frequently but at this point the cigar lounge was still uncharted territory. That changed one night as I drove home from work and noticed a cigar store close to my home. On a whim I decided to stop in, I smoked, played dominoes and hung out with the guys till two in the morning. I quickly became friends with the owner and patrons alike. Within months I began working at the shop part time. I flourished in this environment. There was a wealth of knowledge and I was eager to take it all in. My circle of friends began to change and expand. I went from hanging out it nightclubs and bars to lounges and swanky restaurants. I had matured a great deal in these years and by the time I stopped working in the shop I found two new cigar lounges that would become my new home. During the day I would frequent one store close to work and at night I would go to Aromas of Havana in North Miami owned by a very dear friend. We smoked, drank and celebrated life together. Although both stores have long since closed we all still remain close friends. Smoking cigars is not a habit. It's a lifestyle and finding the right people to share that with is unmeasurable.