This. Good advice
Cigar etiquette question
- Thread starter Mr.Draned
- Start date
I'll chime in. All the lounges that I frequent I'm seen as a "regular" I almost always bring in a stick or two to smoke. Sometimes they're from the lounge, sometimes they aren't. But I almost always buy something when I'm there to take back home and put in the humidor. The guys who work at the lounges know this and understand that I might be in a certain mood for something, but as long as I'm giving them business and making them more money than I cost them, it's a net positive and they're happy. When in doubt, have the conversation. They'll appreciate your candor and remember you.
Bottom line: Happy B&M employees=You get to keep smoking there
Bottom line: Happy B&M employees=You get to keep smoking there
same here, i usually buy at least one stick and smoke something i pulled out the humidor.
Even if you do intend on buying, but smoking something you already had, it's up to the individual b&m like most have said. I think Up in smoke, a shop over here, doesn't allow it unless you're a member with a locker
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
So I finally had the chance to ask the owner about smoking a previously bought cigar. I put it politely "Do you mind if I smoke this cigar here today that was purchased Saturday?" He laughed a friendly laugh, asked for a receipt, then told me "Of course you can, quit being crazy. But hey, I do appreciate the courtesy." Easy enough, Padron 3000 was lit and enjoyed.
Even better? He got some La Jugada samples from a rep earlier in the morning and he handed them out to the 4 of us who were hanging in the shop.
Real good morning!
Even better? He got some La Jugada samples from a rep earlier in the morning and he handed them out to the 4 of us who were hanging in the shop.
Real good morning!
When I was a regular at one of my local B&M's, what I always did was buy 2 cigars of whatever choice I decided that night. Figured I'd buy one from them, take the other home. He does have a sign that only cigars purchased in the shop can be enjoyed in the lounge. Which is ok. Because I'd bring the ones back that I purchased from the shop and just smoked them at a different time. And of course, just checking before I smoked it. I didn't want to ruin my reputation.
In a new B&M that opened up, I have a locker now with a friend of mine. And we have a few small bottles of whiskey, scotch and bourbon in it as well as some sticks. I always buy some from them when I go in and either smoke them or leave them in the locker. I do bring a few from home too and keep them there as well. If I have a few extra bucks on me, I always try to purchase one regardless.
In a new B&M that opened up, I have a locker now with a friend of mine. And we have a few small bottles of whiskey, scotch and bourbon in it as well as some sticks. I always buy some from them when I go in and either smoke them or leave them in the locker. I do bring a few from home too and keep them there as well. If I have a few extra bucks on me, I always try to purchase one regardless.
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
I should see how much a locker costs at my local B&M. Seems like it would be pretty convenient!
For a locker at my local B&M, it was $425 for the year. Yes, I cringed a little bit. But with the locker, we get 10% off accessories and I believe a box purchase mix and match throughout the year as much as we'd like. And split between the 2 of us with a shiny name plaque. LOL.
Of course, we get the humidified storage for our smokes and accessories too so we don't have to lug it back and forth every time we get to go. Although, I do that now with my cigar journal. I never know if I'll be there or a friend's house etc. So it come's with me.
It was explained to me all too clearly once when I brought a previously purchased (from them) cigar with me to the B&M...."What do you NOT have to bring to the beach?" to which I replied, sand, water, sunshine.....oooooh! So now my B&M's code name is "the beach" whenever I tell my wife where' I'll be on a Friday night. I was a noob when it happened, and I'm pretty sure it wouldn't make any difference now since I've been there so much....be considerate, these guys have a lot of $$ invested to make their shops run, selling cigars is their livelihood. Unless you have a locker, I would buy something every time you went there, even if you smoke something else you brought from home.
What I usually do, I'll smoke what I have in my locker which has a few cigars I've purchased from them, but then if it's something new that I enjoyed, I'll pick one or two up to bring home with me. I'll try to support the local B&M as much as I can. And even help by bringing a few friends down to have a drink and cigar with me.
Honestly, if a shop had a problem with me bringing something from home to smoke, I wouldn't be a customer anymore(I wouldn't argue or be mad, it would just be the last time I go to the shop). They should be well aware that cigar smokers have their preference to RH and resting/aging. That being said, I'll be damned if I or anyone I know ever go into a shop to smoke and don't either buy something or gift something to the owner...it's a privilege to use their lounge and you should show your gratitude by supporting them. Also for the love of god, clean up after yourself. Don't leave a mess like you're a 13 year old at a bowling alley.
Saw someone leave an empty bottle of macallan and their plastic cups as well. Pissed me off to no end. They at least left a tip for the hostess. But still I clean up after myself and make sure my area's clean before I leave the lounge.
Mr.Draned
The Grey Rooster
All good points gents!
I definitely buy something each time now, even if I don't smoke it, because I do feel it's good to support the business.
Just got back from a real fun party tonight, Drew Estate, at the B&M. Great home cooked Italian food, beverages, and of course some nice cigars.
Smoked 2 there and came home with 4. Great Friday night!
I definitely buy something each time now, even if I don't smoke it, because I do feel it's good to support the business.
Just got back from a real fun party tonight, Drew Estate, at the B&M. Great home cooked Italian food, beverages, and of course some nice cigars.
Smoked 2 there and came home with 4. Great Friday night!
I just joined a lounge a few months ago. Cost me $450 and came with a locker. I have no problem bringing my own cigars (the lounge doesn't carry Fuente, Tatuaje, or Crowned Heads). I also make it a point to buy at least a couple boxes a year from the owner and singles at least a few times a month.
The way I look at it is this: there aren't many shops left and places to relax and smoke a cigar. I want to make sure the owner can be successful so that I can keep enjoying the place. Keep that in mind and I think you'll both end up happy.
The way I look at it is this: there aren't many shops left and places to relax and smoke a cigar. I want to make sure the owner can be successful so that I can keep enjoying the place. Keep that in mind and I think you'll both end up happy.