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Wow that looks like a great place to stop in for a smoke!

I really can’t wait until I’m able finally to visit Australia. It and the people just seem like the absolute best.

Cool. Take your time

@Hoosh I'll hop on in 10 mins

I’m in… Give me a minute though, I just got home…🙂

Foxy, Hamlet and I have arrived in Limassol for the second half of our trip. Kuwait was indeed brilliant, and I will fill you in on the shenanigans over the coming days. Best cigar on our trip? Well, we have had plenty be it NC and CC. Foxy and I call It the 2024 Punch Punch. We have smoked limited editions and Regionals a plenty but the simple Punch Punch was better than them all. We have been blown away. We have finished tonight wondering about the value of specialties. Would love your thoughts? Have a cracking day! 24:24 kicks off at the following AEST times — check your local time so you don’t miss out Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 10:30 AM Friday: 8:30 AM A few quick reminders to keep things running smoothly If you order late Friday or over the weekend, Di will get back to you Monday. No stress. Please email [email protected] — no PMs. Include your full name and forum handle, State and Country in every email. Emails missing key info or order details will be deleted. If you’re new, or your details have changed since your last order, please let Di know. Other bits to note Once your order is confirmed, please settle up promptly. If you’re unsure or can’t commit, best to hold off. Orders under $100 USD will have a $25 USD shipping fee. Emails missing your name, handle, Country and State won’t be acknowledged. H Upmann Magnum Finite (25’s) – LE 2024 53 × 130mm (5⅛″) Robusto PTE MAY 25 Mostly The cigar comes in a new vitola for the H. Upmann portfolio, a Robusto format measuring 130 mm in length with a 53 ring gauge (21 mm in diameter). This generous size offers a refined smoking experience lasting 45 to 60 minutes. In appearance, the cigar boasts a light brown wrapper with a smooth and slightly oily texture. When smoked, it delivers a balanced, medium-bodied profile, combining delicate flavors with a complex aroma that evolves gradually throughout the tasting. Notes of refinement and subtle strength make it particularly appealing to aficionados who appreciate both elegance and depth. Box $ 1975 USD *Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Hoyo de Monterrey Destinos Humidor (20's) 49 × 145mm (5¾″) Grand Corona TSA NOV 24 Mostly Hoyo de Monterrey has long been synonymous with refinement and exceptional craftsmanship in the world of Cuban cigars. With the release of the Hoyo de Monterrey 20 Destinos, the brand pays homage to the intricate journey of tobacco from seed to smoke. This limited-edition offering is a true collector's item, designed for aficionados who appreciate the fine nuances of Cuban cigar-making tradition. As a special edition, only a small number of boxes have been produced, making this cigar not only a fine smoking experience but also a rare collector's item for true connoisseurs. The 20 Destinos stays true to Hoyo de Monterrey's signature mild-to-medium strength, perfect for smokers who prefer a more delicate and balanced experience. Box of 20 $ 1354 USD *Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Limited Edition Sampler 2 sticks of each of the following H Upmann Magnum Finite LE 2024 Ramon Allones Absolute LE 2024 4 Stick Sampler $ 295 USD *Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Combination Tin Selection (5’s) One of each of the Punch Triunfos ,Hoyo De Monterrey Souvenir De Luxe and H Upmann Regalias PLUS WOODEN STAND 3 Tins of 5 Deal $ 250 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Bolivar Corona Junior (25’s) 42 × 110 mm (4⅜″) Minutos UBL DIC 24 * Mostly Clearance The intensity of an 898/BBF/Mag46 in a minuto format. Dark roasted coffee, rye bread/pumpernickel, medium full bodied. Box $ 301 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members Half Box (12) $ 180 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Cuaba Divinos (25’s) 43 × 101 mm (4″) Petit Perfecto BRM MAY 25 *Mostly Clearance Pure Peanut butter bombs. You guys are loving them! Box $ 271 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted** H. Upmann Connoisseur Number 2 (25’s) 51 × 134 mm (5¼″) Robusto BRT JUL 25 Mostly Clearance I smoke a lot of these as they are in my wheelhouse. Punch Punch meets Connie 1 meets Juan Lopez 2. Rich sponge cake and custard profile. Has become a regular treat. Box $ 570 USD Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members Quarter Box (6) $ 172 USD Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted*** H. Upmann Magnum 50 (10’s) ALL SOLD 50 × 160 mm (6¼″) Double Robusto SPM JUL 25 Mostly Clearance They have been smoking beautifully for some time. Upmann takes a walk on the slightly sweeter side of life hear playing with the creams, biscuits and stonefruits (nectarine etal). One of those cigars that you need to smoke a little slower to really delve in and connect with its core. Gorgeous. Box $ 294 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted*** H. Upmann Magnum 54 (10’s) 54 × 120 mm (4¾″) Robusto OEG DIC 24* *Mostly Clearance I think we have the cheapest Upmann Magnum 54’s in the world. Either we have mispriced them or PCC has. You shouldn’t care either way. I was saying on FOH zoom yesterday that my 2023 Upmann 54’s are as close to the Upmann 2 flavour profile as I can find. There is no greater compliment I could give. Love them in 10’s! There are plenty of fans and for good reason. Cream, cake, shortbread, mezzo espresso, burnt sugar nuances, starts mid bodied (but be prepared), smooth. Perfect coffee and/or fortified companion. Box $ 236 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Hoyo De Monterrey Elegantes LCDH (10’s) ALL SOLD 47 × 158mm (6¼″) Perfecto SUL MAY 25 Mostly Clearance Flowers, cream, cedar note, clove, light -medium bodied in the main. Box $ 270 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure De Luxe (10’s) 52 × 115mm (4½″) Petit Robusto BRM JUL 25* Mostly Clearance One for the Chocophiles. If you enjoy brownies with a dash of cream then that is what you are getting. If you are into your earth/leather/savoury spices then run a hundred miles. Box $ 263 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure Especial (10’s) ALL SOLD 50 × 141 mm (5½″) Robusto Extra OSE JUN 25* Mostly Clearance Kaleidoscope of flavour. Highly complex exploring the array of sweet spices, cream, toasted tobacco, coffee bean. Box $ 262 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** La Flor De Cano Elegidos (10's) 127 mm x 50 mm Lirios BAO NOV 24 Clearance Good Cuban cigar hit at the right price. Typical La Flor De Cano floral profile with maybe a touch of fruitiness. These are short filler. Don’t expect the world and you won’t be disappointed. The box costs more than the cigars. They really have zero idea. Box $ 125 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Montecristo Media Corona (25’s) 44 × 90 mm (3½″) Half Corona BRM DIC 24* Mostly Clearance Rich in cocoa and cream ….all that is good about Montecristo! Cream cocoa and coffee wonders. If you love an excellent Monte Petiti Edmundo then you should be purchasing one of these. What you have here is a mini Petit Edmundo. All cocoa and coffee that hits the ground running and holds onto your taste buds until the very end. Excellent cigar when you only have 30 minutes or so. Great with a coffee on a Sunday morning. Box $ 335 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Montecristo Petit Edmundo (10’s) 52 × 110 mm (4⅜″) Petit Robusto OEG DIC 24 *Mostly Clearance The Monte Petit Edmundo is all about the interplay of dark and milk chocolate. What I think most people enjoy is that it is a touch fuller than the Monte 2 and Monte Edmundo. It does everything this vitola should do and that is deliver big marque defining flavours from the first to the last draw. Box $ 202 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted*** Montecristo Petit Number 2 (10's) 52 × 120 mm (4¾″) Petit Pyramid RSG ABR 25 *Mostly Clearance Mini Monte 2. I assume for people who buy ponies. 😉 Box $ 217 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted ** Partagas Mille Fleurs (25’s) 42 × 129 mm (5⅛″) Petit Corona UAR JUN 24 *Mostly Clearance Straight Partagas taste in a mid bodied profile. Cuba does this type of cigar very very well. Consistent, inexpensive, delivers. Box $ 234 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Partagas Serie D Number 4 (10’s) 50 × 124 mm (4⅞″) Robusto URT OCT 24 * Mostly Clearance Smoking as well as they ever have. Medium bodied, just over-toasted sourdough, Nutella, touch of cream intermingled with a smidge of sweet paprika. Box $ 229 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted ** Por Larranaga Petit Corona (50 cabs) 42 × 129 mm (5⅛″) Petite Corona BRM MAR 25 * Mostly* Clearance Workhorse in my humidor. Huge respect for this cigar be they young or aged. The PLPC is a cigar that is almost universally loved. These are top of the tree. One of the great caramel powerhouses when aged 5 years+ Powerful when young. Sweet elegance when aged. You can have them both ways. 50 Cab $ 577 USD Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members Quarter Box (12) $ 174 USD Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted * Punch 48 LCDH (10’s) ALL SOLD 48 × 140mm (5½″) Hermoso Number 3 BRM JUN 25 *Mostly Clearance They hit a winner with the Punch 48 and it deserves every success. Peanut bombs. To me , peanut in a cigar = Cuaba Distinguidos, Punch 898, Punch Short de Punch and Punch 48. Punch spice, toasted tobacco, nuts, elements of cocoa build. Touch of brioche, black coffee. Box $ 300 USD* Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Punch Punch Tubos (10’s) 46 × 143 mm (5⅝″) Corona Gorda BRM MAR 25 *Mostly Clearance The MOFOH Spada Gorda run the Punch Punch close …but the 22/23 Punch Punch are exceptional . I can’t give them any higher accolade There is a cream undercurrent fleshed out with clove, stout, sweet and savoury spice. It tilts and turns in its flavour delivery. Complex, rich and lush. Box of 10 $ 264 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Punch Short de Punch (10’s) 50 × 120 mm (4¾″) Petit Robusto BRM ABR 25 *Mostly Clearance They just taste great. I hit them up regularly and they seldom ever disappoint. Great addition and the fact that they are in 10’s is a bonus. I would love to see them in 50 cabs as well…… but that is a dream 😊 Rich. Over Medium for me. Spice, savoury spice with a gorgeous honeyed nut underlay. It works on all levels! Box $ 198 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Quai d’Orsay No 50 (10’s) ALL SOLD 50 × 110 mm (4⅜″) Petit Robusto UBL JUL 25* Mostly Clearance Just bloody enjoyable cigars. Sponge cake dipped in milk coffee. Honey. So me citrus. Mid to just under mid bodied. Rich flavour. Box $ 173 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdale (10's) 48 × 127 mm (5″) Hemosos Number 4 RSG JUN 25 *Mostly Clearance Box $ 145 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Ramon Allones No 3 10’s (10’s) ALL SOLD 52 × 138 mm (5⅜″) Robusto Extra URT JUL 25 Mostly Clearance With the Ramón Allones Allones No.3, Habanos is now again expanding the standard range of this popular brand, which last only included three formats. Box $ 255 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Romeo y Julieta Belvederes (25’s) 39 × 125 mm (4⅞″) Short Panetela PTE JUN 24 Mostly* Clearance More than a yard cigar. Cuba does this style of cigar so well. Light medium body, milk coffee core with a berry lilt. Box $ 197 USD Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Romeo y Julieta Cazadores (25’s) 43 × 162 mm (6⅜″) Lonsdale PGM MAR 25 *Mostly Clearance Damn tasty! What you have in the Cazadores is a full favoured Lonsdale that performs time after time. Full bodied, full flavoured, leather, cedar, edges of sweeter cherry jam. Dry box them for the best result. Keep them in the foil for sure, but if smoking them young, dry box for a day or two. Box $ 492 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Romeo y Julieta Cedros De Luxe Number 2 (25’s) 42 × 142 mm (5⅝″) Corona ETA JUL 24 Mostly* Clearance Cedar, cream and Turkish delight/rosewater in a mid to just under mid profile. Box $ 477 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs (25’s) 42 × 129 mm (5⅛″) Petit Corona SPM MAY 24 Mostly Clearance They are medium full, dark coffee and toasted tobacco with just a hint of dried fruits. Mille Fleur of this standard don’t come up often. Box $ 237 USD Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill (10’s) ALL SOLD 50 × 124 mm (4⅞″) Robusto UEM JUL 25* Mostly Clearance The taste is confectionary. In the Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill, it takes the best aspect of the exhibicion number 4 (anise, rosewater, cherry) and turbocharges the choc aspect. …. Morello cherries, peanut / oat biscuit, toasted tobacco. Box $ 226 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Trinidad Media Luna (12’s) 50 × 115 mm (4½″) Petit Robusto SRM MAY 25 Mostly* Clearance True Trinidad DNA from beginning to end. They are gorgeous! Coffee, cream, biscuit, cocoa. Box $ 408 USD Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted * Trinidad Topes (12’s) ALL SOLD 56 × 125 mm (4⅞″) Robusto Gordo TSA AGO 25 Mostly Clearance Shortbread, touch of ginger bread spice, crushed charred sugar cane. Floats on either side of medium body. Trinidad DNA to its core. Box $ 609 USD* Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Vegueros Centrogordos (16’s) 54 × 100mm (3⅞″) Petit Robusto SRM MAY 23 Mostly Box $ 215 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members ***when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted ** Cohiba Club 20’s (100's) Cigarillo 22 × 96mm (3¾″) Grow up people . 5 packs of 20 =100 sticks $ 159 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members **when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Montecristo Club 20’s (100's) Cigarillo 22 × 96 mm (3¾″) 5 packs of 20 =100 sticks $ 148 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members **when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** Romeo y Julieta Club 20’s (100's) Cigarillo 22 × 96 mm (3¾″) 5 packs of 20 =100 sticks $ 148 USD * Additional 10% Tariff Surcharge for US members **when placing your order this week, please state your full name, forum handle, country and state. Emails without those details in full will not be acknowledged and deleted *** BOLIVAR GOLD MEDAL 10’S BOX CODE – LSO JUL 07 $1490 USD Fabrica5 - December Cigar in Focus 7-Day Sale! Fat Fundy Bundles (25) CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW! Normally USD$285* now USD$228* Sale ends midnight Dec 8th (ET) or when stock is exhausted. Simply add to cart and the 20% discount will auto-apply. HANDY HINT: Use this deal separately or in conjunction with our Bundles Saver deal and stock up on your other favourite lines at discounted prices at the same time! *Retail and Sale prices are approximate only and may be subject to a slight variance due to AUD/USD exchange rate. Discount cannot combine with other codes or promotional discounts. Normally (outside of the week before Christmas), the process for orders placed each week from the 24/24 sales is as follows, the stock is ordered from the warehouse the following Monday and once received shipping will commence that week. All clients will be notified by the logistics department when their order has been shipped and tracking details will be provided. If per chance there are delays with shipping we ask clients please to bear in mind our staff in logistics are doing their best to ship all orders placed the previous as swiftly as they can. If you order on a Saturday/Sunday there may be a few days extra delay (as it falls into the following weeks cycle). Similarly, if you order on a Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri then they go out the following week 99% of the time. Public holidays can occasionally throw a spanner in the works. If you have multiple orders, then they will be scheduled but the team will correspond with you. Do not contact Diana unless there has been a significant delay outside of the above. · This selection will be up for 24 hours. First in first served as quantities are limited.

Anybody interested in meeting up in the FOH Discord Lounge tonight at 8pm est?

Cuaba Tradicionales. For that quick hit.

Almost without exception, if your surname's a "Mc" or Mac" of any kind then you'll be called Macca by someone here. It's law. I can remember how weird it was to first hear Americans refer to it as Mickey D's.

We had the aluminum Mc Donald's ashtrays that we would make into weed pipes in high school.

Corona de Lonsdale with some Pin Drop 10

I love that Aussies call McDonald’s “Macca’s.” Learned that from one of my best buds, who’s from Melbourne (and therefore insisted I become a Richmond Tigers fan) and use it, myself, now.

Nice haul!

That it's very artistic, Banos. You got in early. Well done.

Swear it wasn’t me and Mr Beaver, and I betcha thunk it were too. 😘 CB

The Macca's Ashtray. Glory days.

AF has always come across as disappointing to me, only had like 3-4 though. Gonna try a few more lol.

Any update on habanos bank accounts being frozen or not?

What you trying to say about my photo!?!

Among all the great natural and candid photos last month, there was also a smattering of those that were touching a more artistic note, etc. And so we figured there's scope for a little more encouragement to get creative with this comp, if that floats your boat! Hence... *** DECEMBER BONUS PRIZE ADDITION*** Best Photo of the Month, whether it be artistic, great setting, stunning smoke/ash, funny, whatever, will win a Bundle of Sovereign Suns!! (Bonus Prize Photos judged by the FOH expert panel - Steve, Di & Lisa ) This addition is designed so all photos will still be in the running for both prizes, but adding some extra incentive for those wanting to put a bit more flair and creativity into it. Keep 'em rolling in!

🤢🤢🤢🤮

Yes, I know...there are cheaper ashtray options out there! (John) Elie Bleu Updating Obsidian Ashtray Models December 3, 2025 - Charlie Minato This month, Elie Bleu is introducing updated versions of its Obsidian ashtrays, which will replace the company’s existing models. The new versions are being sold as the Obsidian Vakar Collection. Like the outgoing models, the ashtrays are made from a single piece of obsidian, which is carved and polished by hand. The obsidian, which is volcanic glass that cools and becomes stone, comes from Mount Ararat, a volcano located in Turkey. Elie Bleu says the obsidian is 4 million years old. Four of the models are replacing existing models. These ashtrays are priced the same as the items they are replacing. In most cases, the basic layouts are the same, but the shapes have changed slightly. Like with the outgoing versions, they are offered in black or brown. Each is priced the same as the model they replace: Elie Bleu Obsidian Vakar Ashtray 1 Cigar — €696 ($810) Elie Bleu Obsidian Vakar Ashtray 2 Cigars — €696 ($810) Elie Bleu Obsidian Vakar Ashtray 3 Cigars — €942 ($1,100) Elie Bleu Obsidian Vakar Ashtray 4 Cigars — €1,156 ($1,350) In addition, there are two new models. The Elie Bleu Obsidian Vakar Ashtray Tobacco Leaf is designed to hold one cigar. There’s also the Elie Bleu Obsidian Vakar Ashtray Horse Head Ashtray, which can hold up to three cigars. Both of these models are priced at €1,298 ($1,515). Vakar is a combination of va, which means fire, and kar, which means stone. Elie Bleu says it will continue to sell the previous models until it runs out of inventory of each SKU, some of which are already sold out. Of note, all of the USD pricing is rounded converted pricing. If Rëyns International, Elie Bleu’s American distributor, chooses to sell these items in the U.S., it’s possible that the American MSRPs will be different. Source: https://halfwheel.com/elie-bleu-updating-obsidian-ashtray-models/457850/

Jake’s Cigar Bar, Lexington, Kentucky Dec 2, 2025 - By Larry Olmsted Photos/Jake's Cigar Bar There’s a photo on the wall at Jake’s Cigar Bar showing the Mayor of Nicholasville presenting a key to the city to Jake and his wife Autumn. It’s unusual décor for a cigar bar, but then again, a lot of things about Jake’s are out of the box. The reason for the mayor’s praise is because this is one of the world’s few cigar bars that has become a tourist destination in its own right, a place people make a pilgrimage to. This is especially true when the University of Kentucky football or basketball games are on, when the thoroughbreds are running at nearby Keeneland, an iconic racetrack, or when the world-renowned horse sales happen at the track. It has become a tradition for new racehorse owners to come here to celebrate their acquisition. Jake is a professional chef who loves cigars, and he and his wife were high school sweethearts. After stints in restaurant kitchens they decided to open their own place in 2010. Ironically, there is no food here, but they welcome guests to order in. Jake’s was an instant hit and soon outgrew its space, so the couple acquired the lot for the current suburban location and built a bespoke temple to cigars and whisky, which opened in 2019. The cavernous space has thick beams supporting an exposed ceiling soaring four stories above the barroom floor, and a massive ventilation system that can turn over the entire interior atmosphere in 11 minutes. There’s a second level loft for private events with its own bar overlooking the main floor. A large outdoor seating area of couches is set beneath a pergola with spinning ceiling fans, alongside a green court space for bocce, cornhole and putting. In a small strip mall across a parking lot is a retail shop called Jake’s Market, which has its own humidor (with longer opening hours), a large array of cutters, lighters and travel humidors, plus local craft foods and souvenirs. Inside and out, Jake’s holds several hundred people, and it is open 363 days, closing only for Thanksgiving and Christmas. From the moment you enter it is a well-planned, curated ode to the passions of the owners. Enter Jake’s Cigar Bar and you’ll get the aroma of Spanish cedar from the entryway vestibule—this place smells like a humidor as you walk in. A bottle of Bourbon and a Jake’s private label cigar were buried under the threshold for good luck at groundbreaking. There is a cigar quote from Winston Churchill on the entry wall, and Jake named his own son Winston out of adoration for the great British statesman. Inside the layout is simple, a long walk-in humidor running the entire right side of the space, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, about the width of a three-car garage. It is designed so no sun ever hits it, to protect the cigars inside. Most of the space is given over to an eclectic mix of leather and fabric couches and overstuffed chairs, with old Bourbon barrels as end tables, low coffee tables, and the occasional chess set. The vibe is roadhouse meets living room, the kind of place where you might see a local smoking, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Hanging over the couches is a huge, custom moving sculptural chandelier of thin carved wood strips, an homage to tobacco drying. On one wall there’s a portrait of Jake’s first dog, Gordo, smoking a cigar and drinking a Martini. The back wall is one long bar—about 20 stools long—with six-tiered display shelving behind and a rolling metal ladder to access higher levels. “When we first opened, a local paper did an article about us and I boasted that we had more than 30 different whiskies. Now we have over a thousand.” In addition to a deep list of local Kentucky whiskies, including more than 50 private cask bottlings since they opened, they also have an impressive array of Tequilas and wines. More than almost any cigar bar you will come across, Jake’s has a huge customer base among women, almost half and half, and the couple has always emphasized a product selection catering to all their clients. They are especially famous for their painstakingly crafted Smoked Old Fashioned, a fiery show, and make their own tobacco bitters in house. They bring in containers of the same Kentucky limestone branch water local Bourbon is famous for and serve oversized cubes, carved by hand. The entire floor of Jake’s is reclaimed old wood from a Jim Beam rick house. The most famous American distillers, such as Wild Turkey’s Jimmy Russell, the “Buddha of Bourbon,” and Jim Beam’s Fred Noe have been known to stop into Jake’s, now an ingrained part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail culture. Jake says his personal favorites are Fuente and Davidoff, and the shop carries about 500 varieties of cigars, including the Cohiba Weller collection for whisky pairings. The priciest is the Davidoff Royal Release ($150), you can buy an Arturo Fuente Rare Pink for $55 and there are plenty of offerings in the twenties or less, such as Diamond Crown ($21-$25), Ashton VSG ($21) and CAO Brasilia ($17). There’s also a private label, rolled by Jesus Fuego in Nicaragua. All of the bartenders are cross trained in not only mixology but cigars, so they can help and are very eager with advice. Inside the humidor there are signs with employee picks of the week by different staffers, just like at an independent bookstore. “If someone comes in and doesn’t smoke much, we are not going to recommend a triple maduro. We don’t care if you smoke a light cigar, we want you to be happy and feel good the next day and come back. I don’t know how many people have had their first cigar here.” And they keep coming back. Jake’s Cigar Bar 100 Langley Drive Nicholasville, KY 40356 (859) 273-0351 https://www.jakescigarbar.com/ Monday-Sunday: 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. Source: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/jake-s-cigar-bar-lexington-ky

I've had a few of the Rare Pinks and they've all been disappointing to me. They have that unique overpowering flavor I find in a lot of AF special lines, I affectionately refer to as "spicy soggy driftwood". I have like 20 more across all the vitolas, I'm gonna give them another shot in a few years to see if anything has changed.