The Traveling Cigar: Cigar and Cigar Store Reviews

House of Cigar Columbus OH

2011-10-28T22:34:00.002-04:00

So here I am in the midwest Mecca of Cigar Stores. Its truly a paradise but the question comes to mind - what is it about cigars that is such a draw for me and for millions around the world. Could it just be the claming effect that nicotine has on people that they dont even realize? Can't be that simple - can it?

Cigar International Lounge

2010-10-01T13:22:00.002-04:00

Stopped by the new Cigar International Lounge on route 22. Its an awesome building. You get the usual discounted stick there but the lounge is great. There is a side room lounge area and then a main lounge towards the back of the Store..Smoke are organized by maker... They have a wide variety of 5 Vegas and Drew Estate stuff and a bunch of new Deisels... Don't get me wrong they have great deals - check out the 5+ packs in the racks as you enter the Store!! I recently got a 5 pack of Alec Bradley Prensado Robustos for $12. Check it out...

2010-02-28T19:09:00.001-05:00

Quick tasting notes on the road- smoked an Alec Bradley "Trilogy" Native Cameroon-smooth-sweet-full bodied that won't knock you out, a great draw, and a GREAT PRICE-$5.35

Barristers Cigars, Union, NJ

2010-01-30T12:05:00.004-05:00

Traveled to Central New Jersey this past week. I found Barristers Cigars in Union, NJ. It is located right off Rt 22 West about two blocks past the Famous Union Diner. The Store is in a small strip mall on the right side. The Store is a little hidden in that it doesn't face 22 so you will have to make right into strip and go a few store front down.

I actually emailed the owner listed on the website David Mallow (david@barristercigars.net) and asked about the hours because they are not listed on the website. He quickly responded back that the hours were amazingly 11a- 11p. For the traveling cigar this was perfect!! Find a cigar store to smoke in has become tough and then to find one that's open so late was a blessing..

The layout of the place was pretty interesting in that he has an area set up in the front of the store with a type of cigar display. It had alot of actual cigars laid out with various details about them. The cigars were obviously dried out and a little battered but still worth checking out. Check out the website to see what it looks - http://www.barristercigars.net/

There was a wireless internet and two long tables that you could sit at along with coach area. There is a big TV with good sound as well. Towards the back of the store along the wall they had some lockers with two additional leather type chairs. There was a small kitchen in the back and a small fridge. I asked if I could buy a soda and they don't offer drinks but there was a gas station right next store so I bought a few Arizona teas and they allowed me to keep them in the fridge.

There were a few guys in the store doing work and just watching some TV. They didn't know me as I had never been in the Store but were friendly and as they each left that night made sure to say to me "have a good night." This may seem like no big deal but part of the smoking experience is the camaraderie you get or don't get the detracts from or enhances the experience.

The humidor was in the back of the store and was a decent size. There wasn't what you call a very large assortment of cigars but they had enough to suite me just fine. Alot of "Rocky Patel's for sure. They also did have a good selection of Tatuaje cigars including new Black and Red Tubes!! at approx $14/ea.

It was a very good place to do some work and smoke some really good cigars. I stayed there until about 10:50p. Thanks again Mr Mallow!!

Trinidad Robusto T

2010-01-19T17:51:00.006-05:00

In Toronto today and decided to pick up the Cuban - Trinidad Robusto T

Where:
Celebrity - House of Cigars
Oakville, Ontario
$28 CAN (68% Canadian Tax!!)

Prelight Smell:
A mild "barnyard" smell that was not pungent
Strong hints of mint and ligher notes of citrus

Construction:
Golden brown wrapper
The foot had a crack in the wrapper so I asked and got a discount but it did not impact the smoke
A few bumps on the side and a few veins but overall it is really well made

Overall Comments
Leaves a nice taste in your mouth as you smoke it
The mint and citrus that I smelled before I lit seems to mixing together with each draw to make a very flavorful smoke

This cigar was almost to sweet to smoke. Maybe it was the amount of nicotine but I just about got sick with this one. Can't be the nic I smoke full bodies like they are going out of style!!!

The Perfect Morning Cigar

2010-01-18T10:28:00.003-05:00

Lately I have really been enjoying the Camacho 10th Anniversary Corojo. Super smooth, flavorful - not "papery" draw is excellent and is constructed perfectly..