I'm a newbie to this world myself. Haven't found a lounge yet. Almost thought of starting one, though I'd need to hire a pro. Because there's none too close to me. My drive would be a ways, lol. So, I'm iffy about eventually getting into one. But, no where better to learn more about them than a lounge.
@@DragonZXDragsteryou should start one. It doesn’t have to be big. Or complex. It can be a 10 person lounge. Just your own personal project that you invite others into. You do have to get the right permits for a smoking indoors a commercial business and to sell the cigars as well, but there are so many resources for learning how to design and build it. Make your plans and have a contractor make it a reality. It can be pricy to do up proper air filtration.. so investors from local tobacconists could be good. Thoughts
With "Do not judge anybody" comes another point: "don't feel or act as if you're beeing judged". I've seen guys smoke a 10 dollar cigar, drink a simple coffee and drive away with a 500k Ferrari afterwards. Smoke what you like, behave naturally, you're helping everybody else relaxing.
Agree but as someone else said, "read the room". When its regulars sitting around, making a customer feel awkward. Too many lounges do this. The staff at the very least need to not be D bags. People nowadays are way too tribal. Cigar lounges should not be a part of that low brow mentality.
Having a Cigar myself and taking in this video made me feel like I was in the room with you gentlemen. Thanks for sharing your stories and I had a chuckle or two.
Biggest take away is " Read the Room " . When in Rome live as a Roman. I would trust you two guys advice on almost anything , well maybe except at the socks store 😅😅
Storytelling at its finest! I always love hearing the experiences at local lounges and the humor that goes with them. Keep it going fellas, it’s good to listen while enjoying my favorite smoke. Thanks
I’ve always assumed this was the decent and accepted thing, but last time I was told I could only smoke the cigar that had been purchased there, which was a new one? (No.6 cavendish in London) It was annoying as I’d taken a nice cigar from home that I’d been saving/looking forward to and had been going there since the first week they opened.
Another great video guys! One piece of etiquette I’d add is that if you’re shopping don’t pick up a cigar that isn’t in cellophane and then put it up against your nose and then put it back. Nobody wants that. Buy it and then, when it’s yours, rub it up against your nostrils all you want. But not before. (By the way, I’m enjoying an Old Henry Pure Breed that I ordered off your site after watching your video on it. My local store is fantastic, but that’s one they just don’t carry)
Well said, we've highlighted that before in our video "Cigar 101: Cigar Shop Etiquette". If you enjoyed this video you would probably enjoy that one if you wanted to check it out 👊 Thank you for your support, glad you enjoyed the Old Henry!
Man, I have made the rookie mistake of not respecting the Lounge by bringing my own stick, granted they did not have the la aroma de Cuba pasion that I packed, but I should have still contributed with a purchase. Mad respect for the Lounge, I returned, bought a stick and was not met with any hostility. It's incredible the service and love that you experience at a good Lounge. I know better now, and ofcourse I do better. Thanks for the video. Lesson learned....
Amazing video as always. Been on a watching marathon lately! Would love to see you guys compare flavour by cuts. Same cigar using 3 types of cuts (straight, punch, v-cut) and explain the different flavours. Always curious to know if there's an actually difference between cigar cuts (different exposure on heat).
The Cigar Realm off 95, near Ashland VA, is a great "chill" spot after visiting sick relative. Some places in N VA outside DC charge $25 purchase min. for lounge...Wow!👏Wow!👏 Takin' shoes off😮Wow!!
Man I really love these videos. I live in VA, truly have a take a ride up to Philly one weekend. I purchase 95% of my cigars from Holt's so it would nice to see the shop in person.
I have been to many cigar lounges worldwide, and I agree with what you say. If I bring my own cigar, I will always buy a drink at least from the lounge. Support your local lounge.
You two crack me up! This video was great. Even at home on the back patio or neighbor's garage bar, I always give erveryone a hard time about putting cellophane in the ashtray! A major cigar pet peave of mine. Glad to hear it's really bad etiquette! I'll definitely pass it on to by cigar-smoking friends!
It's really sad that there are leaf brothers/sisters out there that need videos like this. But that being said this was an excellent presentation of the do's and don'ts of etiquette. Once again Sir's you hit it out the park.... Thanks fellas.
This video will help out many people specially Beginners. Appreciate you guys mentioning about "No need to lick the cigar cap" before cutting it, I see many people preaching to lick the cap, I find that unnecessary, just humidify the cigar correctly and all is good. Will also like to add if some people stop putting the cigar foot in the nostrils to smell it, I find it inappropriate to do in the lounge. Also avoid wearing strong cologne if possible.
very good advise, thank you, and that's some funny sh*t lol thank you for sharing. Hopefully some day we can make it up there and have a stick with you fellas.
another splendid video, damn i enjoy em way 2 much :D almost forgot, is there any kind of dress code regarding cigar shop n lounge?? im tempted to visit one in a few days and i just wanted to know if i should like dress up a tiny bit to not look weird in there?
If you’re starting from scratch all you need is a cutter, lighter, and humidor. If you want to smoke inside you might get yourself an air purifier as well
Holts online store and service is the BEST (I’m in no way affiliated). Really outstanding service and quality. My only go to now- so my patio is now my lounge… (till winter). Kudos to you and your fine staff ! --Oh and great video as always :)
Great vid, guys! 👏 Agree with you on everything except talking on the phone though) If you're being too loud - for sure, but if you're having conversation on the average volume level of the lounge - should be no problem 🙌 I personally like to cough off couple of questions while having a cigar 😂
First and foremost, I do enjoy your videos appreciate the content. I find your videos to be informative and in the true spirt of helping others fully enjoy their cigar experience . In regards to the content of this video I totally agree in patronizing the cigar lounge where you are going to enjoy the selection of cigars, atmosphere and the amenities of the lounge. What are your thoughts about the new trend in the cigar lounge where you can go in and purchase your cigars....but, if you want to enjoy the lounge, there is a monthly membership fee or even perhaps a daily fee. I have been experiencing this trend and have encountered membership fees to be $150 to $200 per month or $20 per visit. I hope I am not too off topic but I thought I would have others weigh in.
The establishment has a right to have their own rules & protocol. If you find value in it then indulge. If not find another lounge or store. Like anything else in life you have choices. Enjoy!
What about smoking one of your own cigars that can not be purchased at that lounge. For example I’m working out of town and bring cigars from the house with me. I’ll go to the local lounge here on Saturdays and support the lounge by buying and smoking a couple there. But I love some certain cigars that this place does not sale.
I'm new to the cigar world. I have tattoos and a long beard. What you guys are discussing sounds like common courtesy and common sense. Not everybody gets that. Good video. 👍
Even though i bring sticks i want to smoke in a lounge i always buy at least 2 cigars there. Great tips in this video , the one thing i absolutely dont like and no one shoud do is talk on phones in the lounge...that is very rude to the other people who come to relax and enjoy their cigars , be considerate and step outside to talk...no one wants to listen to business or personal BS.
question...... about blowing smoke, and waving the smoke out of my face, or directing my smoke...... when you are in a lounge, sitting around others, whats the best way to handle it?
As long as you’re not deliberately blowing your smoke towards somebody you’ll be fine. No need to overthink it 👍 you can also blow the smoke straight up towards the ceiling which can help get it out of the way
I usually just blow as straight up in the air as I can and that is when I am outside .. so the smoke doesn't bother my wife . I would think with all the air filters in the store that blowing up above everyone would be good .. get it towards the air filters . People are there to smoke cigars so they know to expect smoke.
I dont even put footbands or secondary bands or celloohane in my own ashtray at home.. let alone a public lounge. People need to recognize that cogar smoking is a fukk sensory experience and aesthetics matter.
A Cigar lounge "manager" wouldn't let me bring my own cigars even though I bought cigars and accessories from them. There should be Lounge owner Etiquette as well, don't be a D to your customers.
Yeah, i agree, a lounge near me treated me pretty bad as well, i kinda felt like they didn't like my kind around there. Haven't been back since. Damn Shane too they're the only shop near me that carries my favorite stick.
Going to Vegas next week and I decided I'm going into a cigar lounge for the first time to have a cigar. Perfect timing for me with this video. I'm still nervous about it though lol.
I have never had a desire to sit in a lounge . I would feel akward at the ones i know of .. you are aitting right next to (almost in) the retail area . I like to sit in my back deck or if the weather is bad then in my garage . Those always sound better than sitting in the lounge .
Hallo, really appreciate your advices. Wich cigar would you recomend for the first time smoking a cigar, the Davidoff signature 2000 or the Griffins no. 500?
I would love it if you were a guest on the Are You Garbage? podcast. It's a great comedy pod done by a couple of good Philly comics, Kippy and Foley. I know it's a lomg shot, but I am crossing my fingers 🤞
Not having been to a lounge yet, would I expect cutters, lighters, glue to be provided? In other words can I walk in empty handed, buy a couple of sticks, and be good to go?
Most shops will provide a cutter and matches for their customers. Some, like ours, will even have a communal lighter that patrons are welcome to use. Depends where you go!
I just turned 21 and the first thing I did was go to a cigar lounge and bought 3 cigars. I didn’t know what to wear into a place like that so I just wore sweatpants and a hoodie… I immediately knew I wasn’t wearing the right clothes based off of the looks the guys in the lounge were giving me😂. I walked passed them and starting choosing my cigars and it turns out, I chose 3 cigars (ranging from 15-50 dollars per cigar) and all 3 of them turned out to be too strong for me at the moment. I talked to the owner of the lounge about how to smoke a cigar because I never have before and he acted like it was a chore to explain it to me. What a first experience that was.
When it comes to stuff in the ashtray, if it doesn’t burn and become ash hits the name, it shouldn’t be in there. I agree all the way around what you say.
I was on a cruse and a man forgot his cigars and container thing . I searched all over the ship but couldn't find him. It's 2 years later and I'm enjoying my first cigar , leather red
Loved it, another thing that drives me crazy is when you have a single lady go in a lounge and the guys becomes morons and don’t let her enjoy her cigar. She is there for the same reason you are, to unwind relax and reboot before going back to reality. Not to get hit on or gawked at. Most of the time you lost that customer and it’s a shame.
Hello Maz, I pay an annual fee for my cigar lounge. I do buy from the shop but I also buy feom holts. Is it bad form to bring my holt bought cigars since I pay a membership fee?
What if you asked for three different cigars and they don’t have any of them… One of which you just got there at the shop two weeks ago. Should you be able to smoke a cigar that you brought with you if they are not coming through and act like they don’t know what they’re doing?
Great content as always. Ok...I get the respect and support the lounge by buying a stick when you go. But, if I'm not blessed with a space to smoke at home, where do I smoke the cigars I buy online from Holts if I have to buy a cigar every time I go to a lounge? There has to be a blending of both right? Cigar lounge owners know that the online cigar business is huge right? Fortunately, I'm able to smoke outside/garage at home. I even invested in a "winter lounge" by getting a tent and heater during the Michigan winters. Yeah, I know I got it bad, judge all you want lol. I don't go to lounges that won't let me smoke my own. I've already spent enough bread on the 200 cigars that I have at home, and to be honest my cigars were probably considerably less than the in store price (the Padrons maybe not so much but I gotta have em lol). I will buy a cigar from the lounge but not every time. So, I smoke my own when I do go to a lounge. BUT...I'll buy a couple drinks or order some food while I'm there. I also tip the staff, even if I don't buy anything. I bring my own sticks, punch/cutter, torch and repair kit. So, the staff really doesn't have to worry about making sure I'm able to smoke my cigars by cutting them or lighting them. On the rare occasion I may have them top off my torch, but I usually do that at home too. I just want to know where do the lines begin to blur between lounge etiquette/respect and those of us who buy their own but really enjoy the atmosphere and comradery of a lounge.
It just progressively got worse haha shoes, talking loud, stamping out your cigar, choking someone out, fragrance cologne haha 🤣 Side note: I noticed guitar in the background I’d be interested to see if either of them could play!
Had a guy walk in the local lounge and was talking with the owner about a new vape store and trying to promote it… then proceeds to take a giant rip on his vape… right before he exhales…. The lounge owner was like… you can’t vape in here it’s against our license… you better swallow. 😂
Yup its a tough tough business. You would think if a B&M shop just priced their goods like a cigarpage that they would easily make up for it with patrons but it just isn't a popular enough hobby to cover the overhead and make a profit with such limited foot traffic
@@tyrejones246 it isn't unfortunately.....but I don't blame them....I'd rather pay a cutting fee and have a nice place to enjoy my cigars with like minded aficionados. Than seeing all the B&M shops dissapear 🤷🏽♂️
@tombogaert1015 same. Maybe the way these lounges should go is to have a much smaller humidor with a focus on more popular sticks but then focus heavily on the atmosphere and features of the lounge and bar itself. I've been to too many cigar shops where the lounge is just 10 leather recliners in a square with some small tvs around.
@@tyrejones246 yep. And try to appeal to women too. So the Mrs won't make a deal of it, if you want to go to the lounge again 😂🤣 if she'd like to come with, it could make a fun date night too. Make it more about the lounge and atmosphere, cocktails,drinks....you have to nowadays, just a square room with leather chairs and sports on the TV's isn't gonna cut it anymore.
Ive been to cigar lounges across the country. Most are run by people who are not inherently "people persons" and create a culture of one subculture or another. I can talk cars, motorcycles, women, gym, cigars, food, any type of small talk. I cant do dirty looks. I would want to be a cigar loumge rat like i used to be a gym rat, but ill stick to buying cigars online and enjoying my front porch nowadays.
Have you experienced dirty looks for being a stranger in a lounge? I’ve only gone to lounges in resorts across the world, and always have found good company and welcoming staff.
Learned something new on your last point about tamping out your cigar. Man I've been doing that, mainly at home, for 20yrs. Had no idea how uncouth it was. Gonna train myself to stop doing it. Oh, another cigar lounge faux pas, which my newbie cigar smoker self was guilty of a few times. Please, please don't talk about how you smoked a Cuban once, have a "guy" who gets you Cubans, got one on a cruise, in Mexico, whatever. We really don't care, and really, really don't want to break your balls and tell you it was fake and probably a really sh*tty stick.
Wish we had a cigar lounge here in the European city I live in. It is nice to try the cigar that I like I have just purchased. Back in the states the few shops I frequented did not have a lounge so basically I went home and the next chance I could get to the part of town where the shop was located and purchase a bunch more. Here in the EU you can find plenty of Cubans BUT I question their authenticity. It’s been known that there are many knock offs being sold to many shops that have no idea as to how to determine a fake from the real cigars. Sometimes there are shops who specialize in ripping off tourists with fake products. Is it OK to use your personal cutter in the lounge? OK ! I have an ash try for cigars, pipes and cigarettes. Each one HAS a specific use based on its design. When I light up with a fine cigar or my water pipe I like to have an hour of undisturbed to enjoy my smoke. Now this has resulted in less time to smoke so the smokes just wait for a perfect time to be smoked. Keep the humidor humid. Another need is a fine Bourbon or Scotch to sip on as I enjoy a fine smoke. Do you have a link to that alcohol lamp air freshener?
So if you are looking down at someone's "cheap cigar" while smoking a $20 plus stick, why not buy that person the cigar you were smoking to enjoy next? Not to put down the cigar they were smoking but being generous is a good thing and I think it helps to keep this wonderful world of cigars alive. They wont forget it and some day they might do the same. Also, I'm not saying all cheap cigars are trash by any means so don't take that the wrong way. Try and get the most enjoyment out of whatever cigar you're smoking.
