Big Smoke Travels

Category: Destinations

  • The Dismal River Club – World Class Golf & Cigars

    The Dismal River Club – World Class Golf & Cigars

    The Dismal River Club is one of the best golf resort experiences in the U.S. It rivals Scottland – it is links style golf which is more than geographically interesting in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. And, the Club is cigar friendly! The two golf courses, one by Doak, the other by Nicklaus, wind through the land with minimal dirt being moved, they ebb and flow in harmony with the hills. The lodging, food and activities like the full shooting and hunting range add to the premium experience. The only time cigar smoking is prohibited on the course is when the conditions are extremely dry and there is a fire danger alert.

    The Nicklaus course plays really big at the Dismal River Club.

    There are two outlets for cigars on property, the pro shop and the Buffalo Bill Pub. The pro shop sells cigars in the humi-smart tubes, which simply means they will take jostling in the golf bag or luggage if you don’t smoke them immediately. Top brands, individually sealed. The Pub has a traditional humidor if you run out while enjoying the evening on the patio after golf.

    One of the cigar collections at the Dismal River Club.

    Maybe the best area to for a cigar and a post-golf beverage is the large patio with an amazing fire pit. Just a few paces off the pub and main dining room, this is THE gathering place for stories, friendly banter and just relaxing in the cool Nebraska evenings. And, when they get the fireworks going, it is even more magical as the show happens right over number 18 on the Doak course down valley.

    A good cigar, your golf friends and a Nebraska night lit by fireworks!
  • Cigaragua Amsterdam

    Cigaragua Amsterdam

    The most unique smoking experience in the Netherlands in Amsterdam is Cigaragua. Located conveniently adjacent to the Museum District, an ideal spot to stock up and smoke at the same time while the others in your party contemplate Van Gogh.

    Cigaragua is strictly Nicaraguan cigars, and for good reason. According to Onno, shop manager the process in Nicaragua is controlled from start to finish, producing consistently good cigars. When they compared production and quality, Cigaragua opted for cigars only produced in Nicaragua. Another reason for this was they felt the rollers were paid by good cigars, not just production.

    Onno was able to take his passion for cigars into work. Cigars were his hobby as he worked in the electronic instrument business. After meeting the owner, Sasha, he came on board to work in the Museum District shop. Chances are you are not going to hit all 19 museums in the area, so why not have a stick and need new friends while the rest of the crew takes in history?

    Shop owner Onno, pictured with a few of his favorite cigars

    Cigaragua consists of a large selection of accessories on the first level, with a relatively large humidor on the half level up. A diverse collection of cigars, and many Nicaraguan brands you have never heard of as they aren’t the big boys of distribution, yet excellent quality. Many European shops just don’t have a large selection, yet Cigaragua is entirely the opposite.

    Talk with Onno for more than a minute, and you are immediately in the heart of cigars as a lifestyle while in Amsterdam. Their smoking lounge, complete with an assortment of beverages is the ideal location to meet fellow enthusiasts and discuss the world and cigars in an unhurried environment.

    You can visit Cigaragua’s website here

  • The B Ocean Mermaid Show in Ft. Lauderdale

    The B Ocean Mermaid Show in Ft. Lauderdale

    OK, you are going on a cruise, and in Ft. Lauderdale the day before you sale. For a real treat in every respect, head to the Wreck Bar at the B Ocean Resort. First consideraton is the B Ocean is more friendly to cigar smokers than just about any other place you can visit or stay.

    During the 50’s the Wreck was a hangout for legends like Monroe and DiMagio. Keeping that same nautical feel, they added a pool for mermaid and mermen shows which run the fin from family friendly to starting a family.

    In short, there is no bad seat in the house, and the food and drinks are as good as the shows. While your new aqua friends swim, dart and amaze, then nothing like the Seafood Tower and a Mai Tai.

    If day time food is your direction, then Mermaids and Mimosas on the weekend give you a very different entertainment/food/beverage trifecta!

    Note: Crusing is gaining steam and you will need a place to stay and something to do before your trip!

  • Cigars & Rum on Nevis: Caribbean Connection

    Cigars & Rum on Nevis: Caribbean Connection

    In the world of cigars, pairing the right cigar with the right beverage is a step up from just a good stick. In the Caribbean, there might be one cigar shop on each island.

    An easy to find sign directs you to L & L in Nevis

    On Nevis, Mark Theron has established a well-curated cigar shop and pioneered a unique spiced rum. If you can stop at L & L Rum Shop, you get a pairing you will simply find nowhere else, period.

    Mark Theron and Geraldine Davis, store manager enjoy one of their sticks                                                                                                                                                      .

    The rum side operation has the most extensive selection in the Caribbean. The star of the beverage show is their own Clifton Estate Rum

    The largest selection of Rums in the Caribbean

    Often, spiced rums just have too much spice and a tang that you are not accustomed to, so the palate gives a big NAY. Their spiced rum has an incredible balance and even appeals to those generally not fans of spiced rum. This has a bit of orange rather than vanilla, a welcomed change from the standard spice addition. You can purchase there duty-free, and shipments have started in select areas to the United States.

    Award-winning Clifton Estate Rum might be the best thing you can pack in your suitcase

    On the cigar side, the shop has an outstanding selection of cigars from many countries. When traveling, difficult to bring enough, and this is an excellent establishment to stock up during your trip. And since Mark makes the award-winning rum, he has stocked his humidor with smokes that go well with the drink. Medium to just above medium body seems to be the best for pairing with the rum. This would include the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990, and The Edge, also by RP. If a Cuban cigar is of interest, the Hoyo de Monterrey Robusto Petit Coronas are a good match.

  • Luxury In Paradise

    Luxury In Paradise

    The Best Luxury Hotel on Oahu

    When you think of Hawaii, you think of beaches, surf and Luaus. Well, you have to stay somewhere, and why not a luxury hotel that serves as the perfect springboard for all you activities.

    The Trump Hotel Waikiki is definitely the best luxury hotel on the island, as evidenced by five years running winning the Forbe’s travel award. No easy feat when you have to measure up in just about every area to immense scrutiny and tests.

    The hotel is on one end of the Waikiki strip, and adjacent to the Ft. Henry Museum, park and of course Waikiki beach. While smoking is frowned upon in Hawaii, there are numerous places close to the hotel where you can puff away.

    The magic of the hotel is first the location, and a close second is the amazing rooms. Each room either features a kitchenette or full kitchen, and more than ample seating areas. The bathrooms are 6-star with a huge vanity area and a walk in shower that could probably be a car wash.

    The amenities include a first rate fitness center and spa, both small but mighty in finish and offerings. The featured restaurant is Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine, a clever combination of craft cocktail bar, sushi house and Asian fusion restaurant. It is the home of the Worlds’ Best Mai Tai, so a great place to hang out before or after dinner.

    If you care to light up that stick while golfing, the Trump Resort has amazing connects to almost all the courses on the island. No, you can’t puff away in the hotel, but the concierge is adept at passing on those secret locations.

  • Cigar Pairing Dinner at Shotgun Willies

    Cigar Pairing Dinner at Shotgun Willies

    Shotgun Willies in Denver at first glance doesn’t seem like the ideal location for a cigar pairing dinner. But after you arrive, you see a private humidor and liquor storage area for members, and you know you are in the right place.

    The Cigar Pairing Dinner is the invention of Padre Ruiz, who is also the Cigar & Bar Manager. Being at Shotgun’s for 13 years, and seeing the increasing interest in cigars and pairings, both personally and professionally, Padre put the plan into action.

    The cigar pairing dinners occur every two months, and combines food, cigars and beverages. You don’t have to be a SW locker/humidor member to attend. Each dinner features a premium cigar manufacturer with their latest cigars and on-the-spot specials. Food is carefully crafted by Dirt $quad Kitchen with four to five courses, depending upon the evening. The food theme matches the beverage theme.

    For this event, the French courses were paired with Hennessy Cognac, progressing from Hennessy Black to XO and finishing with Paradis Imperial.  The empanada with orange-cranberry relish was carefully matched with Hennessy VSOP, while the steak au poivre was accented by Hennessy XO.  All events combine food selections and the best beverage companions for the ultimate experience.

    Cigars were in prominent focus with the attendance of Hamlet Parades, master craftsman and roller for Rocky Patel. Hamlet cigars were featured as the latest creation from Hamlet himself. His expertise was started by being born and raised in Havana, and spending 23 years in cigars before joining Rocky Patel four years ago. The Hamlet 25th Year, crafted in Nicaragua, is medium-bodied cigar combining a Ecuadoran Habano wrapper with a cedary note, a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder, and Nicaraguan & Honduran fillers.Quite a testament to the expertise of Hamlet and his passion for cigar perfection. For additional questions and insight into specific cigars, local rep Crystal LaTour also aided in spreading the word on new Rocky Patel products.

    This is a limited seated event, right inside the show club. Tickets are $150 per person for the event, and with only 30 seats, tend to fill quickly upon announcement of the line up. Email for more information and your ticket to this special event if you are in the Denver area.

  • Las Vegas Cigar Lounges

    Las Vegas Cigar Lounges

    Las Vegas is one of the best places to smoke a cigar. And even though there are now restrictions in most restaurants and some bars, you can still smoke on the casino floor and in most outdoor public places. A bevy of unique cigar shops & lounges continues to do well in Las Vegas. Just like the diversity of visitors and attractions, there is a cigar shop that appeals to just about every cigar smoker.

    En Fuegos might be the most comfortable lounge with no rules, come and smoke your cigar. EF focuses on more boutique blends. Michael Abdoulah, the proprietor, wanted a shop and bar that fit the way he liked to smoke cigars. For example, they brought in the Leaf Cigar by Oscar. It looks rough as it is wrapped in a tobacco leaf. However, he found that after looking at it, then trying it, his customers were fans. Warped is a good, small cigar company that is representative of the brands EF stocks. No alcohol here, but at the Henderson location, alcohol is allowed. Also, they have their own En Fuego house blend, thanks to a manufacturing and import license, so they roll their own on site.

    If you want something a little off the strip, with a bit more local flavor, then the CigarBox is a real locals’ cigar lounge. Just west of the Strip on Dean Martin behind Caesar’s, this is easy to get to, and you definitely come down a notch from the bustle level of the Las Vegas Blvd. The Cigar Box added a bar, which serves a variety of craft beer, wine, coffee/espresso, and soda. While there is an open area for all to converse, they also have a conference room that can be used for meetings and small events. Like their sister operation, Casa Fuente, they feature a wide cigar selection and not exclusive to Arturo Fuente cigars, with everything from moderately priced sticks to boutique smokes.

    The Havana Cigar Lounge, while only open for seven months, has made an impact on the cigar scene due to the vision of Michael Alexander. Lots to like about this establishment as it is classic comfort – nice chairs, a 120-inch television, big pictures and relaxed atmosphere that says stay a while. The humidor has a variety of well known balanced with some things you haven’t likely heard about. Some of the boutique brands include the Santos De Miami Extreme Boxed Pressed, La Rosa De San Diego in Maduro, Habano, and Connecticut, and Bariay 1492 toro. Just soda, tea, and bottled water, but ample libations and the food is just around the corner. Since it is a mile from the strip, easy to get to and haul some sticks back to the casino.

    La Casa in Summerlin is a high-end lounge that features an incredible spirits collection combined with nightly entertainment. This is the perfect marriage of a nightclub with a cigar bar. This operation is located in Tivoli Village, so shopping and dining are all within an easy walk. The proximity makes for a great evening out of dining, and then cigars combined with liquid and musical libations. Dance contests also occur with regularity. When the weather is a little better, their two outdoor patio areas are perfect cigar/drink settings.

    Casa Fuente is one of the premier cigar lounges on the Strip. Open for over 11 years, CF is a mix of bar, cigar lounge, outdoor-type smoking, and humidor. While others are shopping at the Forum Shops, get your stogie on with a premium beverage. CF is home to Arturo Fuente brand cigars and sports two other exclusive cigar lines in the large humidor. CF has arguably the premier selection of mojitos in the area, and CF boasts over 100 whiskeys on the spirits list.

    If you want part social scene and part cigar opportunity, the Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Bar is more like an upscale lounge that also happens to be in the cigar business. An extensive open-air patio section with heaters beckons private parties and corporate groups in this location in the Fashion Show Mall. They have an education series designed to make females comfortable with the cigar experience. Also, the bar area has a nifty floor to ceiling ventilation system, so the non-smoker does not get overwhelmed. The bar pours craft drinks and specialties from top to bottom, with over 400 products. From the Oro Blanco on down, the humidor is small but mighty in luxury cigar offerings.

    The cigar business seems to attract exciting characters, and Paul Vato, a former actor, and writer is now the cigar baron of downtown. Vato Cigars is a like LV cigars used to be when Sinatra and Martin were puffing. VG is a modestly sized shop within a Fremont Street casino with personal service. The smoking lounge is next door inside Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brew. Paul does some unique events, such as the cigar crawl where you get six premium cigars, drink specials and a look inside the cigar history of Las Vegas. Despite the size, Vato has a good selection of premium cigars and also rolls his own. Last but literally lengthy is the “All In” cigar, 18 inches long and sure to keep you puffing for more than three hours.

  • Your 96 Proof Denver Tour

    Your 96 Proof Denver Tour

    Ten years ago, there was one craft distillery in Denver. By the end of 2018, there will be over 105 craft distilleries giving the mountain west a rich new history of vodka, gin, rum, agave derivatives, and whiskey. And with 348 beer breweries in the state, most of which are in the Denver-Boulder corridor, that is a lot of decision making to wet that whistle

    These operations are spread from Colorado Springs to Boulder, in nooks and crannies best described as on the border of residential and light business/industrial. So you are just not going to drive around and find them.

    Unlike any other place in the U.S., there is a tour that blends your particular cultural and historical interest with these libation purveyors. Centennial Specialty Tours letsyou hop on the comfy shuttle bus and make your way through specific distilleries, breweries and even history, comedy and music. Moreover, of course, you can consume and sample while leaving the driving to the tour operator.

    Rick Tyson, a former tour leader for distilleries and breweries, came up with the idea. You might say, he is the man with a driving plan. In a few short years, Tyson has turned this into a menu of historical and beverage options that power pack your time with a 90-proof experience. A former Air Force Security Officer, Tyson lead tours for a variety of distilleries and cultural destinations in and around Denver for over eight years. Tyson notes, “I loved giving tours almost as much as I liked to imbibe, and if I could ever bring the two together, the dream job would finally be at hand.”

    Like any better idea, Centennial Specialty Tours was formed as the catchall for different tours that combine sights, history, and liquid libation. Tyson offers walking and chauffeured tours in the Denver metro area. Guests learn about the distilling and
    brewing process and enjoy craft spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine. Denver has much history, so these tours have options with live music, mountain vistas, and even a little dabbling into the city’s haunted past. Nothing might go better with a ghost story thana little throat warmer. As the business has grown, Tyson’s tours are now predominantly corporate or personal interest specialty itineraries as the interest request of the customer. The set options are still there, however tailoring to the wants of the participants has proven the popularity ticket.

    Tours leave from various locations, with a popular one starting on the east end of Downtown at Mile High Spirits, and then meandering to three other stops. Some of the notable distilleries include Downslope, State 38 and Rising Sun. The drive to the next location is just the right amount of time to let the ingestion of the last libations settle before rounds two, three and four.

    While focused on distillery tours, Tyson is adding brewery tours and even adding in artisan coffee stops along the way to keep the participants awake. Their first tour was the Whiskey and History Tour, and still most popular. Tyson notes “more companies are using these tours as team building excursions and perks.” For the cigar lovers in the group, there will soon be an option to stop at the Robusto Room for a stogie and scotch pairing.