For my cigar-smoking friends
May. 10th, 2008 01:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
holzman_tweedFinding a good place to buy and smoke cigars can be a challenge in New York City. There's places like J&R, which are sort of the Costco of cigar shops: you go there because the prices are good, but the selection is what they happened to get a good price on. If your taste tends towards the midrange of flavor complexity, or towards medium-full body at best, that can be a good way to go. There's places like Nat Sherman, where you're in luck if you like the house brand, but selection beyond that is very limited. There's places like the Havana Room, where if you're reading this you likely have too few zeros in the bank to get in the door, let alone shop.
And then there's the Renaissance Cigar Emporium in Harlem. Located at 1825 Madison (between 118 & 119 St.), you walk into a sizable lounge. Your choices for seating range from stools to ornate leather chairs and overstuffed leather sofas. There's coffee on hand, and the crowd is a very friendly and diverse one. John, the store's owner, is a consummate host and as knowledgeable about his business as any tobacconist I've spoken to in any cigar room from New York to Jackson -- and more than several.
The cigar selection is smaller than some I've seen, but geared towards the higher end of quality without breaking the bank. I saw prices ranging from as little as $5 a stick to as high as $14-and-change for the 6x60 Camacho Triple Maduro. Cut the crap out of the competition's lineup, and I think he's actually got more to offer than I've seen at J&R, and if it's a cigar you wouldn't smoke, does it really matter how many varieties of it a shop offers? The flavor range is suited to fit any taste, mild to... well, I did say he's got the Triple Maduro in. There's also a house brand, but they were out when I visited -- I can only see this as a good sign and something to look forward to when I return.
If your taste runs towards something out of your own humidor rather than his, that's OK to: a sign on the wall announces a $10.00 cutting, lighting, and corkage fee. As I noted, it's an attractive and relaxing environment, even with two TVs and several conversations. Amenities such as chess boards, readin material, and private lockers for lease are also on hand. The regulars are welcoming of newcomers, and come in from as far as New Jersey for access to this space. It's also a refreshing experience to sit in a cigar lounge and not be surrounded by Republicans.
If you're reading my blog, you're probably aware of issues around gentrification and want to be part of the solution rather than the problem. No fears with RCE: Founders Johnny Drake and Harold Span are local. From their "About Us" page:Renaissance will further contribute to Harlem's rebirth of social style, comfort and history. Its appeal is intended to be broad-based, for neighborhood smokers as well any downtown executive looking to unwind or network with colleagues.
For my money, they deliver. If you smoke, I look forward to seeing you there.
And then there's the Renaissance Cigar Emporium in Harlem. Located at 1825 Madison (between 118 & 119 St.), you walk into a sizable lounge. Your choices for seating range from stools to ornate leather chairs and overstuffed leather sofas. There's coffee on hand, and the crowd is a very friendly and diverse one. John, the store's owner, is a consummate host and as knowledgeable about his business as any tobacconist I've spoken to in any cigar room from New York to Jackson -- and more than several.
The cigar selection is smaller than some I've seen, but geared towards the higher end of quality without breaking the bank. I saw prices ranging from as little as $5 a stick to as high as $14-and-change for the 6x60 Camacho Triple Maduro. Cut the crap out of the competition's lineup, and I think he's actually got more to offer than I've seen at J&R, and if it's a cigar you wouldn't smoke, does it really matter how many varieties of it a shop offers? The flavor range is suited to fit any taste, mild to... well, I did say he's got the Triple Maduro in. There's also a house brand, but they were out when I visited -- I can only see this as a good sign and something to look forward to when I return.
If your taste runs towards something out of your own humidor rather than his, that's OK to: a sign on the wall announces a $10.00 cutting, lighting, and corkage fee. As I noted, it's an attractive and relaxing environment, even with two TVs and several conversations. Amenities such as chess boards, readin material, and private lockers for lease are also on hand. The regulars are welcoming of newcomers, and come in from as far as New Jersey for access to this space. It's also a refreshing experience to sit in a cigar lounge and not be surrounded by Republicans.
If you're reading my blog, you're probably aware of issues around gentrification and want to be part of the solution rather than the problem. No fears with RCE: Founders Johnny Drake and Harold Span are local. From their "About Us" page:Renaissance will further contribute to Harlem's rebirth of social style, comfort and history. Its appeal is intended to be broad-based, for neighborhood smokers as well any downtown executive looking to unwind or network with colleagues.
For my money, they deliver. If you smoke, I look forward to seeing you there.