When I get excited about something, I seek to share it. I think many of us are like this. Whether it’s a song, a book, a film, or even way of thinking – when we become interested in something, we tend to want to share that enthusiasm with others. Cigars are no different. In fact, it’s possible that I’ve been more eager to share the joys of cigars than anything else I’ve found myself fascinated by. If I had to point to a reason for this, it’s probably that cigars seem like something easily shared.
In reality, it can be somewhat stressful helping someone discover their own preferences. Not stuck in traffic stressful, but nobody wants a friend or coworkers earliest cigar experiences to be forgettable or, worse yet, negative. It’s a fun position to be in to be able to help someone find the perfect cigar for the moment, but it isn’t always easy.
As an example, I’ve got a group of friends coming to visit at the end of the year, and they’re excited to try cigars. We’ve all known each other for almost 20 years and even with that level of familiarity I’m still somewhat unsure of what cigar each should begin with.
Enter Privada Spirits – the club’s newest effort to expand the community and educate new enthusiasts – billed as “a simple answer to the most dynamic question in spirits and cigars.” That question: What cigar should I have with this? Even experienced smokers will have fun with the new offerings, but they’re an ideal fit for someone just learning about everything it takes for a cigar to become a cigar.
Just introduced, the new product line offers premium cigars intended to be paired with Bourbon, Scotch, Cognac, Tequila, and Rum. Preventing the need for your favorite shop to have to spend additional money on a humidor – and maintaining it – each cigar comes sealed in its own single-serving, foil-lined bag. The humidification lasts at least 6 months, so these aren’t something that has to be used right away.
Each cigar in the line includes brief tasting notes as well as information regarding the origin of the tobacco used in the blend. During the experience, the tasting notes help newer enthusiasts know what to look for. After, the information can help them continue continue on their cigar journey – now they can walk into their local B&M and share those notes and that country of origin and get help learning how to create their own unique experiences.
Rather than taking the Drew Estate route and putting their cigars next to the candy at 7/11, Privada’s plan is for these pairing cigars to be offered in stores where spirits are sold and where, as a result, nobody under drinking/smoking age has access. To that end, Privada wants your help determining your favorite places to buy your favorite spirits. Since these cigars could be someone’s very first impression of the craft, the mission is to partner with the best shops to keep the experience consistent no matter where in the country you are. This kind of thing is exactly what I’d look for when my friends visit, and there are probably a lot of us breathing a little sigh of relief knowing that this is an option next time someone shows an interest in trying cigars.
If you’d like to recommend a shop for consideration, Privada asks that you email Clark Thornton at [email protected]. There is a site up at PrivadaSpirits.com, but I’m unsure if the contact form is live or not – so for the time being emailing Clark is the best way to submit.
For more information and to get a better understanding of Privada Spirits, check out the video that just dropped introducing everyone to the new offerings:
Are you looking forward to having these options available at your favorite spirits spot? Is this something you’d keep around for when someone wants to enjoy a cigar but doesn’t have much experience? I’d love to know what you think in the comments below!