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New Prohibition-era cocktail & cigar lounge opening first NC location in Durham Renee Umsted - Thu, February 12, 2026 at 6:52 AM Red Phone Booth, a new speakeasy opening in Durham, serves craft cocktails and rare spirits. Courtesy of Red Phone Booth A new, private speakeasy offering craft cocktails and cigars will open soon in Durham. Red Phone Booth, named for the restored London-style booth that marks the entrance to the club, will make its North Carolina debut in downtown Durham. The approximately 4,100-square-foot location will be owned by local dentists Ralph Mensah and Michael Thomas. It is expected to open in June, joining existing Red Phone Booth locations across Atlanta, Nashville, the Dallas area and Miami. Another is opening soon in Tampa. Durham’s new Red Phone Booth cocktail and cigar lounge will feature dark leather seating, fireplaces and a private room. Courtesy of Red Phone Booth Mensah visited a Red Phone Booth in Nashville several years ago and wanted to bring that experience to Durham, The News & Observer previously reported. He thought that the combination of craft cocktails, a cigar lounge and Italian food served under one roof was a unique experience that would do well in the Triangle, Mensah told The N&O in a call. “This will be the premier speakeasy in the Triangle,” Mensah said. Select members at Red Phone Booth get access to a humidified cigar locker with a personalized, engraved nameplate. Courtesy of Red Phone Booth Upon entering the Prohibition-era-inspired lounge via the phone booth, guests will find vintage decor, custom Italian leather seating, fireplaces, a honey onyx bar, and hand-painted ceilings and art by Christian Waggoner. Red Phone Booth prides itself on its “world-class service,” a concept that provides a luxury nightlife experience. Red Phone Booth spirits & cigars Red Phone Booth will offer a curated selection of more than 200 cigars, with inventory rotating. Courtesy of Red Phone Booth Its beverage menu is expansive. Red Phone Booth will offer more than 400 premium spirits, including rare bourbon, whiskey, tequila and Japanese whisky. Careful attention is paid to cocktails. Juices are freshly squeezed. Garnishes are made to order. Tinctures and bitters are prepared in house. A double-reverse osmosis purification process is used to make ice. Guests can also snack on Italian-inspired small plates and Neapolitan pizzas, designed to share. Neapolitan-style pizza and other Italian-inspired dishes are on the menu at Red Phone Booth. Courtesy of Red Phone Booth Red Phone Booth offers a continually rotating inventory of more than 200 cigars, stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled, walk-in humidor. Needlepoint bipolar ionization technology creates a cleaner, safer lounge environment that circulates fresh air into the space. “With Durham’s creative energy, walkable downtown and culture of innovation, it’s the perfect home for Red Phone Booth,” Red Phone Booth founder Stephen de Haan said in a news release. “The city’s mix of universities, technology and vibrant nightlife provides the ideal backdrop for our immersive Prohibition-era experience.” Red Phone Booth membership Inside Red Phone Booth, guests should expect vintage decor, hand-painted ceilings and fine art. Courtesy of Red Phone Booth Memberships are now on sale for the Durham location, at 125 Orange St. A membership, which is not required to visit, offers priority entry at all Red Phone Booth locations, sofa reservations, special pricing on cigars and invitations to special member tastings and events. There are several options available, for individuals and groups, starting at $400 per year. The most expensive option, a Corporate Membership, provides membership for six people and costs $4,000 annually. Red Phone Booth is now hiring for the Durham location. Between 20 and 40 people are expected to be hired, Mensah said. Durham’s Red Phone Booth will offer guests hundreds of spirits, craft cocktails and a walk-in cigar humidor. Courtesy of Red Phone Booth Source: https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article314659870.html

My friend and I have again stopped getting daily listings by e-mail, just like it happened when the site was launched. And yes, the setting is enabled in the notification settings.

New cigar shop and bar opens in downtown Louisville. What to expect Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal - Thu, February 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM When Jack and Sandra Cowley got married at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society in June 2024, with a live Cuban band in tow, the newlyweds didn't yet know they'd be opening a business next door. “It was meant to be,” Jack Cowley told the Courier Journal. The new business in downtown Louisville, called Havana Jack’s Cigar Factory, represents a little bit of each part of the couple. Sandra Cowley is from Havana, Cuba. And her husband, a Louisville native, has a passion for cigars. “She puts the Havana in Havana Jack,” Jack Cowley said. Havana Jack's Cigar Factory, a cigar shop and bar, opened in early 2026 at 201 E Main St. A grand opening is set for Feb. 14. - Amanda Hancock, Courier Journal While his wife owns her own business and is behind the scenes in the cigar operation, you’ll likely be greeted by Jack Cowley when walking into Havana Jack’s Cigar Factory, 201 East Main St., which opened next door to a location of Ehrler's Ice Cream in early 2026. A grand opening is planned for Feb. 14. Donning a panama hat with four playing cards and a leaf of tobacco poking from the brim, owner Jack Cowley said this place, serving as a cigar factory, cigar shop and full bar, has been years in the making. He first got the idea as a salesperson for the Horton Fruit Company, a local fruit and vegetable production company that employs a lot of Cuban people, according to Cowley. By befriending his coworkers and meeting his wife, Cowley’s appreciation grew for Louisville’s rising Cuban population. So did his curiosity for cigars. Havana Jack's Cigar Factory, a cigar shop and bar, opened in early 2026 at 201 E Main St. A grand opening is set for Feb. 14. - Amanda Hancock, Courier Journal “There is no cigar factory in all of Kentucky where they're producing hand-rolled premium cigars,” Jack Cowley said. “But we have all this talent in the Cuban community.” He crafted a plan to open Havana Jack’s Cigar Factory, where a custom line of cigars are hand-rolled and available for sale. It helped that, in March 2025, Louisville Metro Council voted to allow people to smoke inside cigar bars. “It’s almost kind of like when you go to a brewery and you can sit at the bar and you watch them brewing beer while you're drinking the beer,” Jack Cowley said. “It's ... hypnotizing to watch them roll cigars.” Inside Havana Jack’s walk-in humidor, you’ll find four different cigars, each corresponding to a playing card. That includes the Jack of Hearts, a Candela cigar featuring Kentucky-grown tobacco and a green wrapper sourced from Ecuador. “That’s most people's favorite,” Jack Cowley said, adding he expects to introduce more cigar options in the future. Havana Jack's Cigar Factory, a cigar shop and bar, opened in early 2026 at 201 E Main St. A grand opening is set for Feb. 14. - Amanda Hancock, Courier Journal Havana Jack’s is also outfitted with a piano area, where the duo will host live music, and a card table, complete with “Dogs Playing Poker”-inspired artwork on the walls. The bar menu includes cocktails such as a mojito, multiple types of daiquiris, an espresso martini and a milk punch, made with bourbon, whole milk, simple syrup, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. The menu also has a page of pairings, suggesting what type of drink might go well with each cigar. For example, the Jack of Diamonds, a Connecticut-style of cigar, pairs well with pilsners, rum, gin, light beers, white wines, sparkling wines, coffee, and soft-spirit cocktails “that support the light creamy notes and won’t compete with the cigar," according to the menu. And, as a sign that Jack Cowley expects to see plenty of tourists at Havana Jack’s, a mint julep is also available year-round. He calls the cigar shop a “natural addition” to Whiskey Row and an attraction for locals aside tourists, especially as the 152nd Kentucky Derby approaches on May 2. “We have horse racing, we have bourbon, and now we're going to have our own hand-rolled cigars right here on Whiskey Row,” Jack Cowley said. “To me, it’s kind of like the Holy Trinity.” Source: https://eu.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/spirits/2026/02/12/havana-jacks-cigar-factory-bar-downtown-louisville-location-opening/88219358007/

Proposal would let qualifying cigar bars allow indoor smoking while serving alcohol by Skylar Talla l- Mon, February 16, 2026 at 8:25 PM Proposal would let qualifying cigar bars allow indoor smoking while serving alcohol Senators are green lighting a proposal that would exempt cigar bars from Iowa's Smokefree Air Act. The proposal would allow establishments to serve alcohol to customers while they smoke a premium cigar inside. Current law prohibits smoking in most indoor public spaces and workplaces across Iowa. Under the proposal, a cigar bar would have to meet a number of requirements in order to be exempt. That includes generating at least 50% of their revenue in cigar sales and not allowing anyone under 21 to enter their business. "You heard it before, we can pair a nice cigar with a nice scotch or a cocktail after dinner," Chris Hay, a Des Moines resident, said. "This may sound odd. I grew up with parents who smoke cigarettes. Don't like them, but I sure do enjoy a nice cigar. I think that the state's missing out on some revenue from the small business aspect. I am a small business owner, and then, as well as the tax revenue." Most opponents of the bill argued Iowa already has higher cancer rates than most states and fear this would only worsen the problem. Source: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/proposal-would-let-qualifying-cigar-bars-allow-indoor-smoking-while-serving-alcohol

Yes, I know what your thinking..."Another Year of the Horse release?" Yes, another Year of the Horse release! Rocky Patel Year of the Horse Announced February 16, 2026 - Charlie Minato Tomorrow, Feb. 17, is Chinese New Year, the start of the Year of the Horse. Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc. is the latest company to announce a Year of the Horse-themed cigar. It’s a 7 x 48 box-pressed Churchill that uses a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua. Each Rocky Patel Year of the Horse has an MSRP of $35 per cigar and production is limited to 6,000 boxes of 10 cigars. “The profile reveals layered notes of sweet spice, earth, espresso, caramel, and white chocolate, culminating in a rich, composed finish,” according to the company in a press release. This is the third consecutive year that Rocky Patel has released a cigar of the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Unlike the company’s Year of the Dragon and Snake releases, there will not be a different version for international markets. The Year of the Horse is expected to ship following the 2026 PCA Convention & Trade Show, which takes place April 18-20 in New Orleans. Baccarat, Davidoff, Elie Bleu, Habanos S.A., JRE Tobacco Co., La Galera, Maya Selva, Oliva, Plasencia, Quality Importers Trading Co., S.T. Dupont, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, Valacari, VegaFina and Villiger have announced Year of the Horse-themed products. Chinese New Year, which will start the Year of the Horse, takes place on Feb. 17, 2026. Source: https://halfwheel.com/rocky-patel-year-of-the-horse-announced/462485/

Massive Tobacco Tax Hike Proposed in West Virginia February 16, 2026 - Charlie Minato Currently, compared to the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, West Virginia’s tax on cigars is decidedly middle of the pack. However, a new bill would make it one of the highest in the nation. H.B. 5631 has been proposed and would significantly increase the state’s taxes on tobacco and nicotine products. For cigars and other tobacco products excluding cigarettes, the tax rate would increase from 12 percent of the wholesale price to 51 percent of the wholesale price. halfwheel estimates that a cigar with an MSRP of $9.50 likely pays around 57 cents in state excise taxes, meaning, using industry standard margins, a consumer should expect to pay $10.07 before sales tax. If H.B. 5631 were to become law, that same cigar would pay $2.42 in taxes, meaning the price would jump to $11.92 before sales tax. The more expensive the cigar, the more impacted the cigar will be. West Virginia’s tax rate of 12 percent, uncapped, is the 26th highest in the nation. If H.B. 5631 were to pass, it would be the 8th highest in the nation, in between California and Hawaii. In addition, the bill would increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes from $1.20 to $2.70. Unfortunately, the bill also dramatically increases the taxes paid by e-cigarettes and vaping products, which might make the bill more likely to pass than if it focused solely on combustible tobacco products. The bill was introduced by six Republican delegates. Currently, it has no other co-sponsors. Source: https://halfwheel.com/massive-tobacco-tax-hike-proposed-in-west-virginia/462501/

How do the characteristics of the Montecristo Number 2 change from: 5 months - 5 years - 10 years - 15 years+ - At 5 months I find an average Montecristo No.2 is not delineated enough to appreciate the complexities it has the opportunity to offer. By that I mean that, in general, that quintessential cocoa/coffee flavour is too dominant and the other flavours, by contrast, too recessive. - At 5 years, an average Montecristo No.2 will be much more balanced in its flavours. You should be able to discern some cocoa (or chocolate), coffee, nut, even some leather. - At 10 years, The Montecristo No.2 here will now see its nuttiness and leather become more dominant and those cocoa/coffee flavours recede. Still, at this point, the cigar should have plenty of life in it and be quite enjoyable to smoke if it has come from a reputable box already. - At 15+ years, the cocoa/chocolate/coffee may still be evident, but now that leather note will dominate. I would opine that even at this stage a solid Montecristo No.2 will still be good to smoke as Habanos cigars have more life to them, in my opinion, than the average cigar enthusiast gives them credit for. If you could define the greatest flavour change in a Montecristo Number 2 as it ages, what would it be and perhaps, what period is that change most discernible? - The greatest flavour change lies at that point when your well-known cocoa/coffee flavours are no longer as dominant as any nutty/leather flavours that start to come more to the fore. If you have a strong creamy texture in your Montecristo No.2 at this stage, then you are truly laughing, as they say colloquially. Where is your personal ageing sweet spot for a Montecristo Number 2? - Personally, I like them well-balanced in their flavours, so anywhere between 5 to 8 years of age is ideal for me. Having said that, if I have a young box smoking well, I wouldn't hesitate to some them along the way. For those that have experienced 15+ years Montecristo 2: are they generally "Tremendous" or "Tired" - I must admit that I've not had too many at this age; however, I would state "neither' in answer to this question. I think it would be somewhere in between these two extremities.

Not much to add here. I'd say be aware that sometimes a name is just a name when it comes to cigars. Different years, different factories, different leaves and let's say two D4s are gonna be widely different cigars so don't just write off any cigar for good.

I feel that it has been said, thus far, and therefore I don't have much to add that hasn't been already reiterated. Perhaps like @riderpride hinted, one's palate changes over time and thus it's important not to 'write off' a cigar, a vitola or a marca you don't like at the beginning of your cigar journey or presently. You may just change your mind later!

I never knew smoking too fast can change the flavor. How important the wrapper is to the overall flavor of the cigar and why an even burn is important. How a cigar is 98% tobacco and all this s**t we talk about is the other 2%. "Cream, toast, wood, spice, baking spice, pepper spice, etc etc etc". If you're talking Cubans you have to talk about quality control and what a reasonable expectations would be for how many consistent cigars you may get in a box vs how many duds and what makes a dud a dud.

I buy to smoke. My cigars are lucky to make it to 3 years.

Welcome to FoH!

Congratulations John. Well done!

That video is just so realistic...it's incredible! I agree, jobs will go sadly.

Beautiful looking cigar, rarely do BBF’s look that great!!! I hope it smoked as great as it looks.

When I think back to the single best lesson I’ve learned, it’s that the phrases “good cigar” and “bad cigar” both usually should be followed by “for me.” Sure, there are the table stakes of proper construction and using unadulterated tobacco, but everything else is personal preference and there is no right or wrong. I love Davidoff; many don’t. I dislike the D4; many think that makes me insane. Neither party is wrong in either scenario. The other thing is that, almost always, a good cigar shared with a friend will taste better than a great cigar smoked alone.

I just watched this episode last night. Hilarious!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome!

Welcome to FOH!

Just curious Shawn, when did you go to Cuba and what was your experience?

I would have run through a wall to have Brodeur in the crease for my team. This was also the moment Joe's character was born. Cheers!

I knew this but I’ve heard from plenty of my friends and strangers who didn’t…but the humidor isn’t a magic box. Just because you put some sticks in last night, it doesn’t mean that today they’re now at equilibrium. Depending on how wet or dry they were to begin with, the TEMP AND RH in the box, and humidor stability (and a few other things I won’t get into), they can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to acclimate. It doesn’t happen in a matter of hours. So yeah, the concept of resting and acclimating is a big one I think a lot of people can use help with. Also, I think a lot of draw issues with Cubans are storage related. Or should I say, I think poor construction / QA is real, but it’s also become a boogeyman and improper storage just slides by as an afterthought.