For many, smoking is a solitary activity. That’s how I feel about the experience, and although, sometimes I will smoke with friends, my brother-in-law, or visit a local shop, most of my cigar time is me time. I’ll often head outside to my back patio, put on some good tunes, watch a movie or show, and light up the cigar of the evening — always with a sweet beverage, of course.
But not everyone has the privilege of community. By that, I mean, there are some who don’t have friends or family that smoke and don’t know many people who do. Maybe you don’t want that solitary experience and want to join some brothers or sisters of the leaf? I get it. So, it makes sense the next question would be how to find or meet people to enjoy cigars with? I have a few ideas on that, let’s discuss.
Cigar lounges especially are an excellent hot spot to engage with fellow cigar smokers. Everyone there is either already smoking or planning to at some point. Maybe they brought a few cigars of their own, or maybe they’re purchasing everything in the lounge. Either way, they are in there to smoke and enjoy themselves.
Now, that doesn’t mean that every single person you see in a lounge or cigar shop is approachable. Some of those folks might still want to smoke in peace. But I’m willing to bet most would be okay with discussing cigars and rubbing elbows with fellow cigar enthusiasts. Strike up a conversation. Ask what cigar they’re smoking, what their favorite labels or brands are, and maybe even where they come from. There’s no harm in trying. If they don’t want to be social, they’ll let you know.
Check out a cigar club
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
There are both local and remote cigar clubs, the latter of which you can join via social media networks, online communities and so forth. Local clubs usually meet up in your area to either smoke, trade cigars, or discuss the industry. Both options are great opportunities for meeting new people who love cigars as much as you.
Some of those clubs do have requirements, but it’s nothing crazy. Typically, it’s about being localized and being able to participate in events, gatherings, and beyond. By simply participating, you’ll meet a lot of new people, friends, and cigar lovers.
X, formerly known as Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, all of these social networks have cigar-related communities you can join. You might not meet up with a lot of those people in person, they’re usually spread out across the country and sometimes even the globe, but you can still have some great conversations. Better yet, some of those communities have virtual events or v-herfs, where they meet up on camera and smoke and chat.
I’ve participated in a few v-herfs myself, including brand-organized events — like a virtual tasting with La Aurora — and they’re always a lot of fun. It’s a unique experience for sure, but it’s also a fantastic way to make some connections in the cigar community or the industry overall. There are a lot of communities like this centered on a particular brand. For example, the Aganorsa Acolytes page and community are perfect for anyone who enjoys Aganorsa Leaf cigars. You may also gain access to exclusive deals, merchandise and events.
This is also an excellent way to try new cigars, because the community — me, included — is always shipping new sticks to others to share our love of the leaf. We love when we can share our favorite hobby, nay, lifestyle with others.
Attend some cigar events
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
This one is a no-brainer, but you can attend local cigar events to meet like-minded people. Sometimes, they’re hosted by lounges or clubs, other times they’re actual brand-organized events like Big Smoke or the Tampa Cigar Bash, which I have a lot of fun at every year.
I’ve been to several events and every time I meet new people from varying places. Just last year, at the Tampa Cigar Bash, I met a group of guys from Wisconsin, Iowa, New York, and a few other states. The point is, you’ll get to spend some time with people that enjoy smoking and collecting cigars and they’re from all walks of life, which is phenomenal. The cigar community is as diverse as the cigars themselves.
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: Valiant Made / Unsplash
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
