What the Cigar Lifestyle Really Means Today: Culture, Travel, Ritual, and Connection

If you’ve ever searched “cigar lifestyle blog,” you’re probably not looking for a scorecard.

You’re looking for a world—a way of moving through life that values intention, atmosphere, craftsmanship, and connection. That’s the heart of the cigar lifestyle, and it’s exactly why ThinkCigar exists.

Since the inception of the blog, we’ve intentionally not focused on rating cigars. Our goal is to educate and shed light on cigar lifestyle topics, destinations, and information—because lifestyle isn’t something you rank on a scale. It’s something you experience.

This is your “start here” guide to understanding what the cigar lifestyle really is today—and how to explore it through culture, travel, pairings, lounges, and people.

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What Is the Cigar Lifestyle?

The cigar lifestyle is a blend of culture + ritual + environment.

It’s the way certain moments become more meaningful when you slow down and treat them with intention—whether that’s a conversation, a celebration, a meal, a trip, or a night out in the city.

For many enthusiasts, cigars are not the point. They’re a symbol:

• a pause button

• a marker of presence

• a social bridge

• a ritual of craftsmanship

• an excuse to gather, reflect, or celebrate

That’s why the best cigar lifestyle spaces don’t feel like stores. They feel like rooms where stories happen.

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The 5 Pillars of the Cigar Lifestyle

Think of the cigar lifestyle as five pillars. This framework also explains what you’ll find across ThinkCigar.

1) Culture and Tradition

Cigar culture changes depending on where you are. Havana feels different from the Dominican Republic. Miami feels different from Atlanta. Tokyo feels different from New York.

Traditions shape everything:

• etiquette

• lounge vibe

• pairing rituals

• conversation style

• how time is respected

If you want a global view of how traditions shape the lifestyle, start here:
Cigar Culture: The Best Traditions Around the World

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2) Travel and Destination Experiences

For some people, the cigar lifestyle is a destination lifestyle.

It’s the “where” that matters:

• city lounges

• hidden gems

• iconic streets

• private rooms

• the neighborhood energy outside the door

A true cigar lifestyle blog doesn’t just show the cigar. It shows the place.

Cigar Lifestyle: Culture, Travel, Pairings, Experiences 

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3) Pairings and Culinary Rituals

Pairings are not about “what’s best.” They’re about what fits the moment.

A pairing is storytelling:

• bourbon and the warmth of a slow night

• rum and a coastal mood

• coffee and an early morning reset

• food and the shared memory of the table

If you want to explore the pairing side of the lifestyle, start here:
The Ultimate Bourbon & Cigar Pairing Guide for the Lifestyle Smoker 

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4) Lounges and Local Lifestyle

Lounges shape identity. A city’s cigar lifestyle is often defined by a handful of spaces that carry the culture.

In Atlanta, several lounges help shape the vibe and community, including:

• Got Cigars

• Havana Cigar Lounge

• Highland Cigar Co

• The Cigar Bar

• Cam Newton’s Fellowship

If you want the Atlanta-specific lifestyle view, read:
Atlanta Cigar Experiences: Five Lounges That Shape the City’s Lifestyle 

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5) People, Stories, and Presence

The cigar lifestyle is ultimately about people.

It’s the conversations that don’t happen anywhere else.
It’s the stories that come out when the room gets quiet.
It’s the chef who loves the ritual.
It’s the traveler who measures a city by its nightlife culture.
It’s the bartender who understands that pairing is a mood, not a recipe.

This is what ThinkCigar is here to document.

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What Makes ThinkCigar Different

If you’re new here, here’s the simplest way to understand ThinkCigar:

• We’re culture-first, not product-first

• We focus on lifestyle experiences, not rating cigars

• We explore travel, lounges, rituals, and pairings

• We build guides that help readers live the lifestyle, not just shop it

• Across ThinkCigar’s hub and supporting articles — from global cigar traditions and the bourbon pairing guide to Atlanta cigar lounges — we’re crafting lifestyle stories grounded in experience and culture.

👉 Start here: https://thinkcigar.com/cigar-lifestyle/

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How to Use This Site (A Simple Path)

If you’re exploring ThinkCigar for the first time, here’s a clean path:

1. Read the hub page (the full lifestyle map)

2. Choose a pillar you’re in the mood for today:

• global culture (Article A)

• bourbon pairings (Article B)

• Atlanta lounges (Article C)

3. Come back to the hub to explore the next direction

This is how lifestyle becomes a library—without feeling like homework.

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Final Thought: Lifestyle Isn’t a Rating

The cigar lifestyle is a way of living with intention.

It’s not about chasing a “top cigar.”
It’s about building moments worth remembering.

That’s what we’re doing here at ThinkCigar.

If you’re here for culture, travel, rituals, and stories—welcome home.

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FAQ

Is ThinkCigar a cigar review site?

No. ThinkCigar does not focus on rating cigars. We focus on cigar lifestyle culture, travel, pairings, lounges, and experiences.

What does “cigar lifestyle” include?

Cigar lifestyle includes cultural traditions, lounge experiences, travel destinations, pairing rituals, and the people and stories that shape the community.

Where should I start on ThinkCigar?

Start with our hub page: thinkcigar.com/cigar-lifestyle and explore the pillar that fits your mood.

Atlanta is a cigar city—but not because of numbers, ratings, or ring gauges. Atlanta works because of culture. Because strangers sit next to each other and become conversation. Because bourbon meets music. Because the tempo is slow when it needs to be, and celebratory when it wants to be.

If you’re looking for the kind of cigar lifestyle that lives through people, lounges, and rhythm—not algorithms—start with our cigar lifestyle hub. From there, Atlanta becomes a proving ground.

This is ThinkCigar’s lens on the city: five cigar experiences that help define Atlanta’s identity.

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🥃 Got Cigars — Neighborhood Culture

Got Cigars isn’t loud. It doesn’t need to be. It grew from conversation, trust, and regulars. It’s where you stop in after work and recognize faces—not because of membership structure, but because of community exchange.

Got Cigars is the definition of:

• neighborhood energy

• unforced dialogue

• relaxed pairing culture

This is where cigar time still means something.

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🥃 Havana Cigar Lounge — Nightlife & Dress Code Energy

Havana operates with an evening personality. You step in and immediately feel like the night is supposed to stretch for a while.
The lighting is purposefully low. Glasses clink. People present themselves—style is part of the environment.

Havana represents:

• social signal

• nightlife pairing

• rhythm and pacing

It’s less about a cigar list and more about presence.

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🥃 Highland Cigar Co. — The Atlanta Staple

Highland is consistency—and in cigar life, consistency is trust. It’s leather chairs, exposed brick, sports screens, and cigars that pair well with whatever bottle your table is working through.

The real value of Highland?
It’s predictable in the best sense. You know you can:

• unwind

• watch a game

• decompress

• stretch out time

Highland is where “cigar lifestyle” becomes a daily escape.

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🥃 The Cigar Bar — Celebration & Social Currency

The Cigar Bar lives in the space between lounge and nightlife—where cigars become part of social currency.
You’re here to celebrate something. To make something feel bigger than it was earlier that day.

It’s:

• shoulder-to-shoulder

• dressed up

• photo angles

• drinks and movement

This is the Atlanta version of “step inside and elevate the moment.”

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🥃 Cam Newton’s Fellowship — Celebrity Narrative

Fellowship added narrative to Atlanta cigar life:
celebrity meets cigars, but without losing the roots.

It offers:

• curated seating

• crafted cocktails

• intentional ambiance

• Atlanta identity

Whether you’re a football fan or not, Fellowship proves the point: cigar culture in this city has personality.

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🌇 The Real Story — Atlanta is Contrast

Atlanta cigar life isn’t one tone. It’s five:

• neighborhood

• nightlife

• staple

• celebration

• narrative

That range is why people keep coming back.

Want to explore more cigar lounges in metro Atlanta and beyond? Visit our national lounge directory at Cigar-People.com for growing listings, hours, and maps.

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If Atlanta is your cigar playground—or the start of your travel list—tap into our cigar lifestyle hub for pairing guides, global culture, lounge stories, and Smoke Sip & Savor experiences.

This is where Atlanta becomes story—not score.

Smoke. Sip. Savor.

Bourbon and cigars have never been about analytics or tasting-score politics. They’re about experience. About slowing the world down just long enough to let flavor, aroma, and conversation connect.

If you’re looking for storytelling, travel, pairing, and cigar-lifestyle depth—not numeric judgments—start here: explore our cigar lifestyle hub.

This guide brings together the fundamentals of pairing bourbon and cigars—from balance and body, to culture and environment.

Smoke. Sip. Savor.

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🥃 Why Bourbon & Cigars Work So Well Together

Cigars and bourbon share:

• barrel aging

• handcrafted tradition

• terroir and provenance

• warmth, complexity, and ritual

Bourbon is archived time—stored in oak to mellow, deepen, and take on character. Cigars follow the same logic: patience creates depth.

So pairing them is less science and more hospitality.

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🥃 Pairing Principle #1: Match Body With Body

The secret to pairing is balance.

• Heavy bourbon → medium-to-full cigar

• Delicate bourbon → mild-to-medium cigar

You’re matching weights, not “strength.”

Think harmony—not domination.

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🥃 Pairing Principle #2: Look for Shared Flavor Sensory Notes

Bourbon carries:

• vanilla

• caramel

• toasted sugar

• oak

• spice

These are natural matches for cigars leaning:

• earthy

• nutty

• cocoa

• pepper

• molasses-like tobacco

The pairing isn’t about identical flavors—it’s about flavor cooperation.

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🥃 Pairing Principle #3: Let Heat + Smoke Work Together

Bourbon gives warmth through alcohol.
Cigars give warmth through smoke.

Together:

• the palate expands

• retrohale opens flavor

• mouthfeel becomes richer

You’re creating texture—not a buzz.

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🥃 Three Cultural Pairing Styles

Instead of naming brands, we use styles, so readers can explore freely.

🟤 1. The Heritage Pair

Bourbon chosen for:

• age

• patience

• oak depth

Cigar chosen for:

• tradition

• consistency

• evening pace

This is the “sit back and reflect” style.

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🟡 2. The Dessert Pair

Bourbon with:

• sweetness

• vanilla

• brown sugar

Cigar with:

• cocoa

• cream

• mellow spice

This style fits after dinner, not mid-afternoon.

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🔥 3. The Conversation Pair

Bourbon:

• light to mid-proof

• bright spice

Cigar:

• flexible body

• something you can smoke for an hour without fatigue

Perfect for lounges, social tables, and people you just met.

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🥃 Setting the Environment Matters

Pairings thrive with:

• low lighting

• room to breathe

• a steady ash

• glass shape (Glencairn or rocks glass)

• silence or low conversation

This is presence—not noise.

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🕶️ Smoke Sip & Savor — The Editorial Direction

Smoke Sip & Savor lives here:

• bourbon culture

• spirits storytelling

• culinary perspective

• cigar pairing environments

It is not about review politics.
It’s about ritual.

Expect more pairing narratives—rum, cognac, tequila, and chef-driven experiences.

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If bourbon and cigars are part of how you slow down, unwind, explore, and connect—dig into our cigar lifestyle hub for more culture-driven pairing guides, lounge experiences, and Smoke Sip & Savor stories.

Smoke. Sip. Savor.

There’s a difference between smoking cigars and living the cigar lifestyle. The first is a habit — the second is a culture, a mindset, a way of slowing time down.

And if you appreciate this perspective, you’re already part of something bigger — a global community built on patience, ritual, and connection.

If you’re looking for a place that celebrates cigar culture without handing out scores or ratings, explore our cigar lifestyle hub for stories, travel, pairings, lounges, and more.

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🛫 Cuba — The Origin Story

You can’t talk about cigar culture without Cuba. Not because it’s cliché — but because it’s sacred ground.

Here, tobacco isn’t treated like a commodity. It’s heritage, craftsmanship, and generational pride. Rolling cigars by hand is tradition — not mass production.

Cuban cigar culture celebrates:

• patience in the roll

• respect for harvest

• storytelling tied to land

It’s less about showing off — and more about honoring history.

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🇩🇴 Dominican Republic — Celebration and Ceremony

Dominican cigar culture blends pride and celebration. Cigars are paired with rum, shared among friends, and enjoyed after meaningful moments.

This is social cigar culture — hospitality and openness.

The Dominican vibe:

• friendly and communal

• approachable flavor profiles

• culture built on sharing

Here, cigars aren’t serious — they’re joyful.

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🇳🇮 Nicaragua — Power and Expression

Nicaragua shaped a new generation of smokers. Its culture reflects intensity, bold flavors, and volcanic soil that produces unmistakable expression.

Beyond strength lies identity — a tobacco tradition built on families, rollers, and small-batch artisans.

Nicaraguan cigar heritage celebrates:

• terroir

• innovation

• new voices

This is where experimentation thrives.

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🇺🇸 United States — The Modern Lounge Movement

American cigar culture isn’t about origin — it’s about evolution.

It’s bourbon, leather chairs, and conversations that stretch until midnight.
It’s CEOs and creatives sharing space.
It’s emotion and unwinding.

But most importantly — the U.S. turned cigars into slow-down culture.
No rush. No noise. Just presence.

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✈️ Japan — Precision, Pairings, and Respect

Japan’s emerging cigar scene blends etiquette with experimentation — curated lounges, pairing menus, rare inventory, and intentional quiet.

It feels tailor-made for culinary cigar culture — a perfect extension of Smoke Sip & Savor.

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🌍 The Universal Thread — Community

Across all borders, cigar culture carries three truths:

• The cigar pauses life

• The cigar invites conversation

• The cigar connects strangers

That’s why cigar culture doesn’t rely on competition or numeric scores — it survives through memory and shared time.

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🥃 Why It Matters

Because cigars represent:

• patience over speed

• presence over distraction

• connection over ego

That is cigar life — and that’s why ThinkCigar will always illuminate culture over criticism.

For more cigar lifestyle insights — pairing guides, lounge experiences, travel culture, and food-driven storytelling — explore the ThinkCigar cigar lifestyle hub.

The holiday season has a way of slowing us down—pulling us toward warmth, flavor, and the kind of gatherings that make us grateful for the people and pleasures that fill our lives. As cigar lovers, we know the way a good smoke can anchor a moment, turning a simple evening into an experience worth remembering.

This year, in our Smoke Sip & Savor series, we’re exploring a seasonal pairing that brings together bold tobacco, smooth bourbon, and a festive culinary touch, all guided by the storytelling and palate of our friend Chef Marco—a chef who understands that the best flavors are meant to be shared.

This feature is more than a pairing guide. It’s an invitation to settle in, lift a glass, spark a cigar, and savor the season with us.

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🎄 A Holiday Moment Worth Savoring

Before we talk cigars and bourbon, let’s set the scene.

If you’ve ever stepped outside on a cool December evening—when the air is crisp enough to make the smoke from your cigar hang like a slow-moving cloud—you know the feeling we’re chasing here. There’s something about the season that makes a richer cigar feel right in your hand and a small pour of something warm feel right in your glass.

That’s the energy behind this year’s pairing.
A moment of quiet, comfort, and indulgence after the noise of the day.

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👨‍🍳 Meet Chef Marco: Flavor Curator, Storyteller & Cigar Enthusiast

Every Smoke Sip & Savor post features someone who lives at the crossroads of flavor and lifestyle. For the holiday edition, we turned to Chef Marco, an Atlanta-based chef known for weaving together cultural food traditions, spirited drinks, and a deep appreciation for cigars.

Marco grew up in a family where holiday gatherings meant long tables, slow-cooked dishes, and the familiar scent of his grandfather’s cigar drifting in from the porch. As he built his culinary career, cigars naturally became part of his creative ritual.

Today, he closes many of his holiday evenings the same way:

“A bold cigar, a warm spirit, and a plate of something that reminds me of home. That’s all I need. Flavor tells a story. The holidays are the chapter we savor the most.”

Marco’s approach inspires this entire guide.

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🥃 The Signature Pairing: Full-Bodied Nicaraguan Cigar + Caramel-Bourbon Warmth

There’s something about the winter months that calls for a cigar with presence—fuller flavors, deeper earth, richer cocoa, and a slow, confident burn.

For this year’s feature, we recommend a full-bodied Nicaraguan cigar with:

• Cocoa and espresso notes

• Subtle holiday spice

• A peppery retrohale

• A dense, satisfying smoke output

These flavors pair beautifully with a small-batch caramel-forward bourbon, preferably one aged in charred American oak.

The bourbon should bring:

• Caramel and vanilla sweetness

• Toasted oak

• Light baking spice

• A warm, lingering finish

Together, the cigar and bourbon harmonize into a holiday moment that feels crafted just for this season.

Another good reference

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🍰 Enhancing the Experience: The Culinary Touch

Marco insists that a perfect pairing isn’t complete without a small bite—something that complements both the cigar and the bourbon without overshadowing either.

Here are his favorite holiday additions:

✔ Spiced Pound Cake

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar amplify the cigar’s cocoa richness.

✔ Dark Chocolate Dessert

A square of 70% dark chocolate deepens the pairing with bold, bittersweet notes.

✔ Aged Cheese Plate

For a savory twist, an aged Gouda or sharp cheddar bridges the bourbon’s caramel profile with the cigar’s earthiness.

These items turn your pairing into a small but meaningful ritual.

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🔥 Why This Pairing Works (The Flavor Science)

A perfect pairing isn’t just about matching flavors—it’s about balancing contrasts.

Here’s why this trio sings:

Cigar: Cocoa + Earth + Spice

These foundational notes give the pairing structure.

Bourbon: Caramel + Oak + Heat

The sweetness softens the cigar’s strength; the oak deepens it.

Food Component: Sweet or Savory Lift

The right dish stretches the pairing into a complete experience—rounding edges, enhancing notes, and keeping your palate engaged.

That’s Smoke Sip & Savor in its purest form: not just pairing, but elevating.

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🌮 Alternate Pairing: Tequila Añejo + Peppered Cigar Boldness

(Editor’s Choice Pairing for Readers Who Want Something Unexpected)

Sometimes, we crave a pairing with a bit more edge—something that kicks up the heat, brightens the palate, and brings a cultural twist.

For that, we turn to Tequila Añejo, aged in oak barrels and full of caramel, citrus, and spice. When paired with a peppered medium-to-full-bodied cigar, magic happens.

✔ What to Expect:

• Añejo’s citrus brightness lifts the cigar’s pepper notes

• Its vanilla caramel base mirrors a bourbon vibe

• The cigar’s earth + white pepper pushes back pleasantly against the tequila’s sweetness

This is a pairing that feels celebratory, bold, and perfect for the kind of night when conversation lasts hours.

✔ Optional Food Element:

Try pairing with:

• Grilled citrus shrimp

• Spiced walnuts

• Mexican chocolate truffles

This brings out the tequila’s cultural roots while enhancing the pepper profile of your cigar.

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📍 Where We’d Enjoy This in Atlanta (Local Flavor SEO)

If you’re here in our hometown, you already know the city has no shortage of lounges where a holiday pairing comes to life.

Here are two settings that fit the vibe perfectly:

1. A Cozy Back-Corner Lounge Booth

Dim lights, jazz playing, bourbon neat, cigar in hand—holiday perfection.

2. A Heated Patio with Winter Ambience

Where you can watch your smoke drift into the night air as you sip something warm.

cigar-people.com

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❓ FAQs: What Readers Ask About Holiday Pairings

What’s the best time to enjoy this pairing?

Evenings, especially after dinner or during a relaxed holiday gathering.

Can I substitute the bourbon?

Yes—dark rum, rye whiskey, or a sherry cask finish work beautifully.

What if I prefer mild cigars?

Choose a Connecticut with creamy notes and pair it with lighter bourbon or añejo tequila.

Do I need food with my pairing?

No, but adding a culinary touch enhances the experience.

A friendly spot

🎁 Final Thoughts: A Season Worth Savoring

The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about moments. The kind where we sit back, light up something special, pour a glass of something warm, and enjoy the company of friends, family, and flavor.

With Chef Marco’s pairing at the center, this year’s Smoke Sip & Savor guide gives us a reason to pause and appreciate the season’s richness.

From our ThinkCigar family to yours:
Smoke well. Sip slowly. Savor everything.

Macon, Georgia, is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly Soul Music and Southern Rock, as well as its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene.  It’s also famous as the Cherry Blossom “Capitol of the World due to its extensive display of Yoshino cherry trees…ok, area blah blah blah covered.  My good friend (aka, my brother), Mr. Oliver Price, mentioned that he’d gone to a really nice cigar spot in Macon (que my skeptical mind), and that we should check it out.  Living in the Metro Atlanta area can give you a false sense of “we’re the shit,” and the rest of Georgia is somehow less connected (calling bullshit on that one), soooo not true, come to find out.  We took the ride to downtown Macon and reached our destination in under an hour from Locust Grove (Oliver’s house).  Churchills on Cherry…the upstairs cigar bar and lounge that you didn’t see coming.

This spot is pretty damn amazing. From street level, you climb the stairs to the main floor, still not really knowing what to expect until you cross the threshold at the top, where you’re greeted with a view of the humidor, leather chairs, and sumptuous hardwood flooring.  You turn to the left and get visually assaulted by a uniquely gorgeous and expansive, well-stocked bar that rises up to what seems to be 20-plus-foot ceilings.  The large televisions and smart lighting, along with intricate art pieces, complement each other in a way that makes complete sense.  The staff greeted us with smiles, southern professionalism, and a warm tone.  It was really refreshing if you know what I mean.

I certainly expected drinks, but wasn’t really sure about having any food…atleast not anything to special, again, bad assumption on my part.  We ordered. two dishes, a Surf and Turf special along with Shrimp and Grits (that’s how we do it down here), our drinks came first, a couple of “Old Fashions” that went down real easy on a hot summer Georgia night.  Then the food arrived, pipping-hot and visually pleasing.  The portion size was generous and I’m happy to report…the food was on-point, really good.

It was a Friday night and the owner had live music scheduled, jazz tunes were belted out by a saxophone player accompanied by a pianist.  If you’re anything like me, this night would’ve checked all the boxes for most aficionados.  Did I mention how big this place is ?  Levels, spots, corner seating hang-outs, couches and fireplaces, cool-ass sections for private party space that’s been tastefully pimped-out.  Again, boxes checked.

And just when you think there’s nothing else to talk about…there’s more shit to talk about.  One of my favorite and relaxing things to do is, smoking my cigars outdoors.  Churchills on Cherry has an awesome outdoor seating area.  Tables, couches, fireplace and television on a large deck over looking private parking.  String-lighting and friendly people, it was all there.  In Macon GA.  I’m serious.

So I guess a question might be, who put this thing together, who’s the mad genius with such a diabolical plan, what are his super powers and will he ever use them for evil purposes…ok,ok, I’m sorry.  His name is Bruce, and he opened Churchills on Cherry about two and a half years ago.  He run’s it with his son Nick, and a really cool staff.  Bruce has a moving and storage company (Ciceros) with many of his customers being US military.  He’s traveled the country, and during that time he visited lot’s of different cigar-bars, taking mental notes, collecting ideas, talking to owners, in his mind, building Churchills on Cherry.  Taking the best of what he saw and learned, what worked and what didn’t, food and beverage, comfort, ventilation, etc.  This is one of those times when you actually see what happens when vision meets execution, where planning is even handed and you get to witness someone’s master piece unfold.  Hanging out with Bruce on the back deck, meeting some of his friends, and watching how his customers showed him reverence and respect, makes it easy to see why this place is working.

I know it’s not ATL…it’s Macon, I know Hartsfield Jackson airport ain’t that close, but the people I met were friendly and sincere, Bruce, and his staff were welcoming and attentive, and “god dammit” I’ going back.  There, I said it.

So my friends, thanks for checking out the blog, and get your ass down to Churchills on Cherry.

As always, find your favorite spot, sit back, light up, and stay smoky my brothers and sisters of the leaf.

For more culture coverage, explore our cigar lifestyle blog

There are tobacconist’s, aficionado’s, shop owners, cigar reps, and the like.  People who pretend to be in the know, and flat-out  wanna be cigar ballers (if this is you bite me)…and then there’s Sanj.  Sanj Patel is a fucking tobacco Jedi, he’s forgotten more about the leaf than most of us can ever hope to attain, it’s just that simple.  He’s respected and known throughout the industry by many of the top cigar dogs both domestically and internationally.  This business is what he’s poured his energy into for the majority of his time on this planet.  I recently had the pleasure of spending a Saturday with him and his crew…it was enlightening, colorful, and needless to say impressive.

Sanj’s shop is located in Bloomfield, New Jersey, 419 Broad St to be exact, he’s owned and been at this location for 33 years and four remodel’s (all the work done by him by the way), a fixture in the neighborhood.  To become a member takes a lot more than your hard earned dollars.  What the hell do I mean ?  well check this out, if you’re not recommended by a current member, you can just take your wide ass and money (you know who you are) some place else.  Sanj is hell-bent on maintaining a certain type of membership, honesty and integrity fucking matter, being rude to female members is the kinda bullshit that will get you messed-up.  If this seems extreme to you…good, lames are not welcome :-).  Listen, members have 24 hour access using their key-fob to gain entry, along with a locker and special pricing on inventory, you might even run into a celebrity every now and then as they have been known to frequent his establishment.  They’re open 6 day’s a week, Monday through Saturday, he reserves Sunday for god and family.

You can find many of the well known cigar brands to purchase at this cigar location: Davidoff, E.P Carrillo, Fuente, etc, but in my humble opinion the real juicy stuff, are the cigars that carry his name, SP1014’s (Sanj Patel, October 14th, his dob), different sizes and flavor profiles are available.  There is for example the SP1014 Red, created by Sanj and master blender Chico Rivas of the Dominican Republic.  The site where you can purchase these beauties (shouldismokethis.com)

describes the blend as a Dominican Corojo puro…all of these cigars are draw-tested and weighed for the optimal smoking experience, Sanj will tell you that all cigars are supposed to be made this way.  Unfortunately everyone didn’t get that memo.  There is the SP1014 Silver, Black, Love N Passion, and even more.  No shame in this BOTL’s game (brother of the leaf).

If you spend anytime with Sanj, you’ll soon realize that relationships are very important to him, many of the cigar shops and businesses in the tri-state area have his thumbprint and or influence all over them.  He’s helped, trained, supported, and even supplied many of these establishments with product, molding their cigar sensibilities with a customer forward focus, no bullshit.  Also, don’t think you can just run into any smoke shop and grab his cigars…yes, they’re pretty damn exclusive, you can find them in maybe 50 shops, why you might ask (I did) , because your cigar and customer values need to be in line with his, and if you don’t like it he could give a rat’s ass, not one flying fuck, and if you persist you might even get called a “Cee U Next Tuesday”.  He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, an acquired taste but loved by his crew for being original and genuine.

To say that he’s had an interesting life would be an understatement, a one time professional race car driver, a husband and father, a dutiful son, his father’s ring is proudly displayed on his finger while wearing a charm of his mother’s around his neck.  He dabble’s in the mixing and creation of fragrances, and prides himself on being sensitive and aware of different spices.  He’s created and collaborated on cigars for many celebrities, no name dropping but believe me, the list is impressive. Art and style have a place in his life along with some spicy language, if you’re thin-skinned, easily offended by 4-letter words, don’t want the truth sometimes tossed your way like a water ballon you need not apply (beat it kid).  Mother-fucked in one breath, but willing to buy you dinner everyday of the week…the mussels and red sauce were OTC (that’s off the chain for you sheltered people), just trying to paint this picture for you.

Something that most people probably don’t know about Mr. Patel, is that he holds charity work in high esteem.  He gives throughout the year without hesitation, donates about 1200 cigars a year to fundraisers, participates in the funding of education in other parts of the world, even advocates for the homeless at his local McDonalds to be allowed to sit and eat (up yours Burger King).

Look, my day with Sanj Patel, was very different than what I might have imagined, I originally thought we’ed sit around the shop, I’d ask questions for a few hours, see some shop regulars, head back to my hotel and eventually back to Hotlanta (Atlanta dumb-asses) , but I got much more than that.  I attended two events with him and crew (shout-out to Inno, Dimples, and crew), where he donated cigars and proceeds to different charities, met some of the cast members from the Soprano’s that happened to be friends with Sanj, and was treated like one of the family.  I was given different cigars to try and some cigar knowledge tidbits along the way.

As I stated earlier, Sanj isn’t afraid to express his opinion, values, politics, what you may have fucked-up…all on the table.  If you have a genuine interest in cigars and have questions, it’s not out of the ordinary for him to spend an hour or more with a perfect stranger imparting some tobacco wisdom.  If you read this blog you’ll notice that I generally don’t hawk cigars; but I think you’ll find something you like in the SP1014 line (buy some cigars you cheap prick), consistent quality isn’t common.

As usual, it’s been a blast sharing this read with you…grab one of your favorite sticks, maybe a preferred libation and a comfortable location, this one’s for you.

 

Stay smoky my friends !

 

Winter is here and ready to suck all of the cigar codling humidity right out of your tougher than nails, fancy-ass humidor.  Can’t you just hear the greedy laughs from the lip balm boys, ready to make a killing off your crusty winter lips (filthy animals !), dry as a bone…”yeah baby, yeah!”  If you’re not careful, that steady 70% humidity reading you keep bragging about to all your friends will drop faster than your ample beer-belly.

 

You can really do some serious damage to your precious sticks by ignoring that box….dry cracked un-cooperative cigars will take over your humidor if you’re not careful.  So here’s some nuggets of wisdom for you to chew on.

RULE #1: GET IN AND GET OUT

This aint your old dusty-ass lint collecting clothes dryer, or your sisters decrepit easy bake oven .  Like your father used to yell “hey, stop lettin all my damn heat out”, you get the picture. The less time you rummage around, the less humidity escapes your humidor.  By spending as little time as possible with the lid open, your humidifying device and Spanish cedar lining of your humidor aren’t going to dry out as fast as they would.

RULE #2: RECHARGE

Make sure you recharge your humidification devices regularly. It is common knowledge that you should check your humidification device at least every 2 months to see if you should recharge it or not. If it seems dry, add distilled water to your humidification device, and voilà, you’re set for another few months. Foam humidifiers need to be recharged about every 2-3 months while crystal humidifiers need maintenance every 6 months or longer. If you notice your device isn’t holding humidity as long as it used to, perhaps it’s time to consider a replacement humidifier.

But if you’re in the same sinking ship I left myself in this winter by NOT following my own rule, you’re going to need a little assistance. I got my humidor to the point where the Spanish cedar expelled all the humidity it once retained. Now my humidor is as dry as the Gobi Desert. The solution: I recharged with two Boveda seasoning packs. If you take this route, remember that these packs are 83% humidity and are meant to season an empty humidor. Because I’m not taking my cigars out, I’m introducing the second pack 2 days after the first pack. This way the humidity is introduced gradually to rehydrate my cigars and the Spanish cedar lining. Soon enough, I’ll be in working order.

RULE #3: CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT

Basically, you need to ensure the seal on your humidor is tight as can be. Again, the lack of humidity during the winter is devastating, so even the tiniest breach can rip out humidity like that old less than clingy bandaid you’ve been sporting. Once the humidity starts to leave your humidor, the wood contracts a little bit and the seal is compromised.

 

Proper humidor care and taking preventative measures to keep your large investment of cigars safe is key during the winter months. Without knowing how to properly maintain your cigars during a radical shift in the atmosphere, you put each stogie you stash at risk of being destroyed or irreparably dried out. Make sure you follow my 3 easy rules this winter season.  Remember…”the north never forgets”, so keep it humid campers, and find that special place to smoke that special stick.

 

The almighty TSA, says Yes !

 

Hey  aficionados, the holiday travel season has unleashed it’s razor sharp talons and planted them right in our collective ass’s…like it does every year.  The time to decide which friends or relatives you plan on visiting during this festive period has arrived.  First class or coach, cashing-in the miles or whipping out the plastic; “Great Caesars Ghost!”, I can’t believe it’s actually here.

 

The wonderful time you’ll spend with loved ones, the delicious food and drink, cider and eggnog, gut-busting portions, ugly sweaters and toxic fruit cakes…oh what a time to be alive !  The question that matter’s most for folks like us is, CAN WE STUFF OUR CARRY-ON’S WITH CIGARS DAMMIT !!

 

And the verdict is unequivocally YES !  You can put them in your carry-on or your checked luggage…who’s got it better than us (no-effin body !); but here’s a tip campers, your special favorite powerful torches that could double as a MiG welder, do not, i repeat, do not include them in your carry-on because the TSA storm troopers will scold you, stare at you like a disappointed parent and confiscate it like a kilo of pure Peruvian…I share this from personal experience; like Paulie in Goodfella’s says “just don’t do it”.

 

The official TSA blurb (Flying with tobacco)

The Transportation Security Administration places no restrictions on tobacco, which means that you can bring tobacco products with you in your checked luggage as well as your carry-on bag. That includes cigarettes as well as cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco and other types of smokeless tobacco. Needless to say, if you try to light one up on the plane, you’ll be in some pretty hot water. But it’s totally fine to have cigarettes in your luggage or on your person.

In case you had any doubts.

So boys and girls, ladies and gents, dames y caballeros…I hope you found these tidbits timely and informative, to you and yours I wish a pleasant, safe and happy cigar smoking holiday season…and the rest of you muppets can kiss my entire A#; ok sorry about that; what’s wrong with me it’s the holidays…lol

 

So as I often suggest, find that comfortable chair in a quiet spot and enjoy that special cigar.