I've heard that once a man reaches a certain age, he must choose to get really interested in either…read moreWorld War 2 history or smoked meats. (For the record, I like to smoke meat. Yes, I know: That's what she said!) I would like to add a third option: puffing on high quality tobacco. This is clearly an activity for men, like myself, of a certain age.
You have two main options in the world of high quality tobaccos: pipes or cigars. You could choose both, but most rarely do. Each requires a different vibe, as well as skill set (yes, I said skill). Wanting to follow in the steps of my amazingly wonderful, late Grandaddy, I first attempted a pipe. I enjoyed it. I still own my pipes. But the skill (yes, skill!) required to smoke a pipe is a steep learning curve: types of tobacco, how to pack the pipe, the correct airflow, how to "sip" the smoke, proper breathing, keeping the correct temperature to prevent tongue bite (read: literally burning your tongue from smoke) and on and on. It's fun, but I ain't got time for that! I like to sit and chill and relax, usually in my hot tub, and pipes require a lot of babysitting.
So, after some time, I chose to course correct towards cigars. Fortunately, my first real interaction with higher quality cigars was at Maduro on Main in downtown Fortville. This is a beautiful shop dripping with charisma and charm. First off, I was pleasantly surprised when I walked through the door that you aren't hit in the face with the smell of tobacco. A popular pipe shop I visited had old men right inside the front door lighting up. You smelled like smoke when you left that shop. It was off putting. But Maduro is clean as a whistle, well-lit, and smells pleasant. They do offer a smoking room, but it is in the back behind closed doors and some magical force field that keeps everything at bay. The walk-in, humidity-controlled room smells lovely of fresh tobacco. Cigars range in size, price and rarity. Maduro offers many great options to please any experience level, from the novice to the expert.
The owner knows his stuff and is a wealth of knowledge. He is clearly smoking what he's selling! He has given me great advice on multiple occasions. I also love that he hand picks cigars for his own variety packs. These packs are great because they feature 4-5 cigars that vary in tobacco type, binder and wrapping so you can find the cigar you enjoy.
The shop also sells some well-curated clothing, such as smoking jackets and hats. These smoking jackets, by the way, are straight fire! I love seeing the vintage paraphernalia around the store. And I believe veterans get a discount. Overall, this is exactly what you are looking for in a specialty shop like this. I look forward to returning soon and picking up a few stogies for the hot tub.
Smoke 'em if you got 'em!