In this latest episode of The Cigar Guys Podcast, Alex Gonzalez, Zachary Nikollaj, and Jared Burrows discuss their recommendations for the top cigar lounges locally, nationally, and worldwide.
1. Experiences of Cigar Lounge
Florida’s Local Favorites:
- Corona Cigar Lounge, Tampa: Recommended for social gatherings, this is a very lively atmosphere close to the Hard Rock Casino.
- Celery City Cigars: A blend of signature cocktails and a laid-back vibe.
- Cigarz on the Avenue: Less fancy, more laid-back, perfect to chill on an evening.
National Favorites:
- Outlaw Cigars of Kansas: Large venue with a bar, live music, and a brewery atmosphere.
- Churchills (Colorado): Upscale hotel with classic leather-chair ambiance.
- Don Christo’s Cigar Lounge (Michigan): Upscale steak house, complete bar, huge humidor.
International Favorites:
- James J. Fox (London): High-end cigar lounge selling Cuban cigars; service is exemplary.
- La Casa de Habano (Global): Immense selection of Cuban cigars, highly reliable.
- No. 6 Cavendish: This is a luxury space offering the best selection of Cuban cigars.
- Cigar Lounge Criteria
- Ambiance: The lounges range from upscale and business-friendly to casual and laid-back. Also preferred are darker wood aesthetics with a cozy, traditional cigar lounge atmosphere.
- Service: Lounges with the best service—from lighting cigars to special drink recommendations and customer experiences—are truly the best.
- Challenges of the Cigar Industry
- European Market Trends: The scarce supply of Cuban cigars has opened the door to opportunities for the New World cigar brands. Resistance from the traditional European smokers who find New World cigars too strong.
- Cultural Preferences: The Cuban cigars are known for their smooth flavor against the more robust profiles of New World cigars.
Recommendation and Tips
- For Beginners: Start with lounges that provide a wide selection along with knowledgeable staff.
- Traveler Tip: Research your destination for cigar lounges to ask about any ‘insider’ information.
- Bring Your Own: If the lounge charges exorbitant prices for cigars, like the Soho Cigar Lounge in NYC, bring your own and meet the purchase minimum with drinks or food.
Takeaway
This episode of The Cigar Guys Podcast provides an entertaining review of cigar culture, focusing on ambiance, service, and stand-out cigar lounges in the U.S. and internationally. The relaxed style makes it fun to listen to for both the enthusiast and the newcomer.
159. Cigar Media Truths: Fred Rewey Talks Lists, Honesty & Influence | The Cigar Guys Podcast – The Cigar Guys Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheCigarGuysIn this episode of The Cigar Guys Podcast, we sit down with Fred Rewey from Cigar Press Magazine and host of the podcast Not A Cigar Show, for an honest and much-needed conversation about the state of cigar media today.This episode goes beyond the typical cigar show format as we critically examine top 25 cigar lists, media credibility, and the difficult balance between industry relationships and journalistic integrity.We discuss:• Whether top cigar lists still matter — and how they can mislead smokers• Can cigar media stay honest while maintaining industry relationships?• Are cigar journalists still journalists — or mostly hosts and entertainers now?• Should cigar media challenge brands and the industry more often?• The pressure, responsibility, and evolution of modern cigar coverageThis conversation is thoughtful, candid, and occasionally uncomfortable — exactly how meaningful cigar media discussions should be. If you care about transparency, credibility, and the future of cigar journalism, this episode delivers real insight.👉 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more in-depth cigar conversations, industry discussions, and cigar show–level debates that actually matter.🎙 The Cigar Guys PodcastHosts: Alex Gonzalez, Mark Nikollaj, Zachary Nikollaj, and Jared Burrows📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @thecigarguys🔥 Special thanks to Fred Rewey, Cigar Press Magazine, and Not A Cigar Show.——————————Sponsored by Sans Pareil Cigars: https://sanspareilcigar.com/Tip Jar: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G8A8MU7Y3V9W8Text or Call us: https://app.minnect.com/expert/TheCigarGuysCigar providers, accessories, and more content:https://thecigarguys.com/socialsOur Cigar Brand: https://1102cigars.comCigar Guys Merch: https://cigarguys.shopOur Cigar Book: https://amazon.com/Cigar-Guys-Ultimate-Guide-Smoking/dp/B0C7DXRCCRCollaboration/Sponsorship Inquiries: info@thecigarguys.comMain Website: https://thecigarguys.comFollow us on social media:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecigarguysTwitter: https://twitter.com/thecigarguys Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecigarguysFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realcigarguysFeaturing guest appearances of people that are involved in the cigar industry.#Cigars #CigarPodcast #CigarGuys #CigarShow #CigarReviews
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