DrBob
06-09-2015, 05:52 PM
I travel a fair amount for business, and find that I smoke way more on the road than at home. At home I am in the 2-3 a week category, but on a business trip or vacation I can ramp that up to one or more a day. On a 4 day golf outing with friends I smoked 14 in 5 days!
So whats a road warrior cigar smoker to do:
1) Hit up the local BM if at all possible. Never been to a BM where people weren't friendly, and most will have an associated bar or byob policy if you want a nip of something with your cigar. This is also a great way to try cigars before buying a fiver or more online.
2) Bring your own. I have a wide assortment of travel cases for any length of trip. I like to use a 4 count Blackops case that will hold hold robusto's and belicoso's, though you may need to snip the torpedo first. Its compact and can easily be carried in a carry-on, or by hand when you head out for the evening smoke.
3) Most nicer hotels will have some sort of decent outside smoking area usually on a patio, but if none is available you can also find venues that are primarily a bar, but allow/sells a few cigars and don't mind you smoking your own if your buying the booze. Some of these places have amazing whiskey selections and are worth a visit anyways like Delaney's in Denver, or WSKY in Oklahoma City. Some are hidden gems, like The Bull and the Bear tavern in Houston, you can smoke on the patio, but have to buy cigars at the SPEC's in the same strip mall.
4) Come prepared. I have a cutter, with a keyring punch attached to it that I keep in my carry-on. I also keep a bic lighter, in case I don't want to check luggage, but if you are checking bags, get a colibri lighter case and you can bring your favorite torch. Also you can put mini liquor bottles in your liquids bag for TSA, which can make your road cigar that much nicer.
5) Or not! Most places that will sell a cigar worth smoking will cut it for you and supply a source of fire. I was recently suprised when I went to Chama Gaucha in Houston for a business dinner, after a fine meal the waiter came by with a humidor loaded with Liga's, Fuente Hemingways, Padron anniversaries, and other mid-higher end cigars. We retired to the patio, smoked our cigars, and the waiter came by with a rolling liquor bar. Quite civilized.
6) Do a little research, there are a number of "where to smoke" apps like Cigar Boss that will show you places nearby. Google is also your friend and with a bit of pre-planning you can position your hotel near a place you might smoke a cigar if chances arise.
7) Don't be afraid to discuss your hobby. Once your business associates realize you smoke cigars, those who also enjoy will take your visit as an excuse to take you out for an evening.
Share your road warrior tips! It has certainly made my many absences from home more bearable and I have met a number of very interesting people, cigar bloggers, and other fellow smokers along the way...
So whats a road warrior cigar smoker to do:
1) Hit up the local BM if at all possible. Never been to a BM where people weren't friendly, and most will have an associated bar or byob policy if you want a nip of something with your cigar. This is also a great way to try cigars before buying a fiver or more online.
2) Bring your own. I have a wide assortment of travel cases for any length of trip. I like to use a 4 count Blackops case that will hold hold robusto's and belicoso's, though you may need to snip the torpedo first. Its compact and can easily be carried in a carry-on, or by hand when you head out for the evening smoke.
3) Most nicer hotels will have some sort of decent outside smoking area usually on a patio, but if none is available you can also find venues that are primarily a bar, but allow/sells a few cigars and don't mind you smoking your own if your buying the booze. Some of these places have amazing whiskey selections and are worth a visit anyways like Delaney's in Denver, or WSKY in Oklahoma City. Some are hidden gems, like The Bull and the Bear tavern in Houston, you can smoke on the patio, but have to buy cigars at the SPEC's in the same strip mall.
4) Come prepared. I have a cutter, with a keyring punch attached to it that I keep in my carry-on. I also keep a bic lighter, in case I don't want to check luggage, but if you are checking bags, get a colibri lighter case and you can bring your favorite torch. Also you can put mini liquor bottles in your liquids bag for TSA, which can make your road cigar that much nicer.
5) Or not! Most places that will sell a cigar worth smoking will cut it for you and supply a source of fire. I was recently suprised when I went to Chama Gaucha in Houston for a business dinner, after a fine meal the waiter came by with a humidor loaded with Liga's, Fuente Hemingways, Padron anniversaries, and other mid-higher end cigars. We retired to the patio, smoked our cigars, and the waiter came by with a rolling liquor bar. Quite civilized.
6) Do a little research, there are a number of "where to smoke" apps like Cigar Boss that will show you places nearby. Google is also your friend and with a bit of pre-planning you can position your hotel near a place you might smoke a cigar if chances arise.
7) Don't be afraid to discuss your hobby. Once your business associates realize you smoke cigars, those who also enjoy will take your visit as an excuse to take you out for an evening.
Share your road warrior tips! It has certainly made my many absences from home more bearable and I have met a number of very interesting people, cigar bloggers, and other fellow smokers along the way...