I started The BS Lounge to continue doing what I love, which is writing about cigars. In a previous role, I spent a lot of time writing about cigars making affiliate money for a company that didn’t really have the same values as me. No one there saw what I saw, and frankly, they considered it a means to an end. When that opportunity went away I was not ready to give up two of my greatest passions. But none of that really explains the name or where it comes from.
What does BS Lounge mean?
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Originally, the name was for another venture but due to unique circumstances, I kept the name here. BS could essentially mean several things. My name is Briley Sean, which nicely caps off the BS in the name. It could also be BS-ing or having a great conversation over cigars.
Why call it a lounge?
In a conversation with Mike Gehm from Lovely Cigars he referred to cigars and tobacco as a “great equalizer” bringing everyone together over exceptional experiences. That’s probably one of the best descriptions I’ve ever heard for the cigar community. The proverbial cigar lounge is a place where people from all walks of life can gather, socialize, and enjoy unique experiences — all for the love of the leaf.
So, while this isn’t a site dedicated to a physical lounge I’d like it to be like one, virtually. I want to create a resource for cigar lovers like me. Mostly, I just want a place to be able to share my work, that’s controlled by someone with as much passion for the craft as I have.
What’s the plan?
To stay away from greed. Don’t get me wrong I eventually plan to use affiliate links and work with cigar manufacturers and brands for exclusive coverage. When that happens there will always be transparency. In the past, I’ve had to cover what was right for business. I don’t want to do that here. I want the content to be genuine and candid.
My reviews, when they go live will focus on helping you find cigars you like rather than doling out scores. My features will include creative coverage like the Visting La Aurora series. Similar coverage was possible elsewhere but I was always being steered away from editorial content.
Feel free to comment, send suggestions my way, or reach out via social. I enjoy sharing my own cigar journey and that’s precisely what I want to do here. I’d also love to cover smaller brands that aren’t as well-known in the industry. From accessory and small craft brands to cigar makers the world over — it’s all on the table.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
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