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Fri, February 17, 2006
Leaf of leisure
Taste is just a small part of the joy of cigars
It's not just proud dads, swank bachelors and old fogies smoking
stogies these days.
More women than ever have taken up the habit, says a local cigar
merchant.
"They like the sophistication. It makes them feel a little richer
and more mature," says Arif Charania, owner of More Than Cigars at
9610 118 Ave.
He has also noted a growing interest in cigar culture and, more
specifically, the art of cigar rolling.
While connoisseurs don't roll their own cigars like some
cigarette smokers do, they are often fascinated by the process.
Before Christmas, Charania hosted a demonstration for clients in
his shop.
"Our Nicaraguan manufacturers will send rollers to their key
customers," he says.
"A lot of people like to see how cigars are rolled. It is quite
interesting to watch."
He is planning another event for later this year.
At another Edmonton cigar shop, La Tienda, 8426 109 St.,
customers can book group seminars on how to make cigars. The shop
also hosts cigar-catered dinners and golf tournaments.
American cigar distributor CF Dominicana has noted 70% of those
taking part in the the growing trend of cigar catering in the U.S.
are women.
"Both men and women smoke cigars because they like the taste, but
women appreciate the added fact that it's a craft," says company
president Dennis Briganti, who is trying to expand into Canada.
At catered parties he provides authentic cigar rollers from the
Dominican Republic and a cadre of female servers, who float the room
serving the cigars.
The scene is reminiscent of Prohibition speakeasies, Briganti
says, and "the pleasant visual adds the perfect touch of class and
beauty."
The company has already worked events in Vancouver, most notably
a 600-guest party hosted by the Suzuki Motor Corp.
"We flew a roller out for that event," says Briganti.
Several U.S. celebs hire cigar caterers for their A-list events.
New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza recently had cigar rollers at
his wedding.
CF Dominicana has catered Sex and the City and The Sopranos cast
parties, and this week will be rolling cigars at a charity ball
hosted by former NBA superstar Magic Johnston.
Briganti charges $975 US to bring in a cigar roller and servers
for two hours at any event.
Charania says cigars, like single malt scotch and port wine, are
best enjoyed with friends.
"It's not about nursing an addiction. It's more about enjoying
the taste and refining your palate."
"You and I could smoke the same cigar, and I could find it nutty
and you could find it buttery.
"It's a very subjective thing."
The cigars he sells range from $1 for cigarillos to $52.90 for a
Cohiba sublime 2004 limited edition cigar.
They're not exactly healthy, says Charania.
"But at least you're not inhaling the additives and preservatives
in cigarettes. Cigars are all natural."
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