Quite often in dining, the final compliment to the meal is a cigar. As far as the latest trends go, consumers are becoming more interested and knowledgeable about individual producers as well as where the tobacco is sourced from. Cigars harken back to the ‘good old days’, of glamour and classic Hollywood style beauty and fame.
A cigar lounge is an establishment that caters to patrons who smoke cigars. Usually filled with likeminded individuals who want to unwind, relax, network and simply enjoy smoking their favourite brand. For many who visit cigar lounges, it is a golden opportunity to learn more about cigars, sample different varieties and to purchase new favourites. Here are a few tips to consider when visiting your first cigar lounge.
Types of Lounges
There are four distinct types of cigar lounges typically found in North America and Europe, with two categories that each of the types then fit into.
- Member Only Lounges
These are the high-end lounges that only permit entry to registered members and their vouched for visiting guests. The lounge might simply be an establishment that charges a nominal fee to access or it could be a lounge owned by a private members club or country club. Either way, these lounges are a home-away-from-home for their members, and visitors should pay extra care and attention to the rules in an effort to ensure that the members don’t get offended by their behaviour.
- Public Lounges
These are authentic cigar lounges where their overall purpose is for patrons to enjoy a fine cigar, and socialise with other guests. This type of lounge is open to the general public, but will probably have its fair share of regulars. If you are new to a public lounge, it is always best to treat yourself and act like a visitor or guest until you have been accepted as a regular.
- Cigar Shops with Lounges
This is a very common type of lounge found in North America. It is primarily a tobacconist, where their primary role is to sell cigars and perhaps other smoking related paraphernalia. They will then have a smoking lounge that is available for their customers to use, sometimes requiring a pre-booked space, but often open for use anytime.
- Establishments with Lounges
This type of lounge isn’t exclusively intended for use as a cigar lounge, but it is usually instead a bar, restaurant or nightclub that has a specific designated smoking section for cigars, or in some cases, all forms of tobacco.
Subtypes
Regardless of the type of lounge that you visit, they all typically fall into one of two categories.
- Sports Lounges
This is a very popular style of cigar lounge, and acts as more of a bar or social club. Often they will show sporting events on large television screens, they are rarely quiet and are typically frequented by a younger clientele looking for a good time with other young men and women who enjoy cigars. Often they will feature classic pub style menus and live music.
- Library Lounges
This is quiet, reflective style bar similar to a piano lounge where customers come to relax and unwind in a serene and peaceful environment. Typically, there will be soft music, a variety of newspapers and magazines and a fully stocked bar. This is not a party atmosphere, it is a place to relax and de-stress.
Dress Code
For the most part, the dress code is dependent on the type of lounge that you plan to visit. Some private member lounges require a jacket and tie, whereas some sports lounges only require the minimum of shoes and a t-shirt. A standard rule of thumb to follow when visiting a lounge is to dress up rather than down. A pair of trousers, a sports jacket and a golf shirt is usually acceptable at virtually any establishment.
Buying vs Bringing
A hot topic of contention with cigar lounges is whether or not it is appropriate to bring your own cigars if the lounge sells them. This is a tricky subject when visiting a tobacconist as obviously their primary functionality is the sale of cigars. They simply offer a place to allow you to smoke, with the intent being that you will be smoking one of their cigars.
However, if you wish to smoke your own cigars, it is respectful and good etiquette to ask first, as many tobacconists will understand that you will want to enjoy a perfectly aged cigar from your own collection.
In conclusion, for the most part, the rules are self-explanatory – treat others with respect. Treat the lounge with due care and respect, and in return you’ll have a brilliant cigar lounge experience.
