The word aficionado is often equated with cigars. Those who know their cigars … well … they know their cigars. A few words of encouragement here: Don’t be intimidated. Don’t be intimidated by those who know them, and don’t be intimidated if you don’t know them but find yourself curious. Cigars can be enjoyed by almost everyone.

At Nemacolin, The Hardy Room is a fabulous night spot to get to know cigars. Whether you’re marking a special occasion, consider yourself an aficionado, or find yourself wanting to try something new, The Hardy Room and The Cigar Shop next door are the perfect spots to take it all in.

Like bourbons, scotches, and other whiskies, every cigar has a story. There’s a lot that goes into that story, and it’s far more than whether it’s from a particular country. There’s the soil for the tobacco, the tobacco itself, the wrapper leaf, the roller, the purveyor, and so much more for the budding aficionado to explore.

But like many who stop by The Hardy Room for the ambience, art, or an engagement with friends, the story of the night is about sitting with people you care about and savoring the vices of a beverage and some great conversation. Connoisseurs and novices are welcome to come in to sip, savor, and smoke. With an extensive menu of swills and cigars, your perfect pairing awaits.

Q:  Please share an overview of the variety of cigars available for purchase at Nemacolin.

A: We have 55 different offerings in The Cigar Shop, ranging from infused standards like the Acid Blondie to rare and hard-to-find cigars such as Partagas cigars from 1972. Prices range from $14 to $5000, and our team is here to help anyone find their perfect cigar.

Q: If a cigar is strong or mild, what does that mean?

A: A mild cigar has less-intense flavors and affects the body much less than a strong cigar, which typically has rich, full-bodied flavors. In general, the lighter the wrapper leaf is, the lighter the flavor will usually be, often containing hints of cream, floral, or citrus. Whereas darker cigars have had longer sun exposure and fermentation times which often imparts the flavors of coffee, chocolate, wood, or leather may be a part of the profile.

Q: You mentioned body. Can you explain the differences in the body of a cigar in regard to its strength?

A: Simply put, while the terms body and strength are often used interchangeably, strength tends to refer to nicotine content while body refers to smoke density and the flavors on the palate. Stronger or darker cigars tend to have higher levels of nicotine due to the type of leaves used. Other factors include the soil the tobacco is grown in and the way the tobacco is picked and fermented.

Q: Can you explain how binders, tobacco, and wrapper leaves all contribute to the quality, flavor, and strength of a cigar?

A: Wrappers contribute a large portion of flavor with the cigar and tend to use the highest quality leaves. We often focus on the nationality and seed of the leaf (which usually differs from the tobacco inside) to generalize the expected flavor profile. The binder is the backbone of the cigar as it holds the filler in place and contributes to the overall structure of the cigar. The filler is where we get the strength. Tobacconists will use blends of different portions of the tobacco plant to affect the burn time and strength of the cigar.

Q: Is there a best cigar for beginners interested in exploring taste and aroma?

A: For a good beginner cigar, I usually recommend the Macanudo Vintage 2006 for its strong notes of cedar, and the Avo Uvezian Robusto for its creamy, peppery, and somewhat nutty flavors.

Q: How does choosing a cigar feel similar to choosing a wine or bourbon?

A: Cigars are similar to wine and bourbon in terms of what we look for in choosing a product. The three questions I ask are:

1. What do I like?
2. What am I feeling?
3. What’s the occasion?

If you’re doing a cocktail hour before dinner, I would choose a light cigar, just as someone might choose an aperitif wine like a sauvignon blanc. To close out an evening, people often have a wine or bourbon they prefer, and that could influence their preferred cigar, too. We can help you select a cigar that will make you happy.

Q: How does choosing a cigar differ from choosing a wine or bourbon?

A: Cigars are different primarily in that the time commitment is based on the length and thickness of the cigar as well as the cut. Longer and thicker cigars tend to burn for a while, so picking a cigar to fit the timing of the occasion is necessary. The cut influences the timing of the cigar as well. Straight cuts tend to burn faster than V-cuts and punch cuts which draw the breath and the smoke through a cigar in a different manner.

Q: What else would you like guests to know about choosing a cigar from The Cigar Shop or enjoying cigars in The Hardy Room at Nemacolin?

A: We are dedicated to helping you find the right cigar for your time in The Hardy Room. We’re also here to help you with choosing a gift, taking a box or selection of cigars home with you, or with storing your private collection of cigars in one of our humidors. When you need assistance or have questions about cigars or beverages, our team is more than happy to help.

The Hardy Room and The Cigar Shop are located just beyond the lobby of The Chateau. The room is open for quiet reading or relaxation during the morning and afternoon and during the evenings and late-night for bar service and cigar selection.

For more information, connect with our team at 724.329.6188 during evening hours. The Cigar Shop can be reached afternoons and evenings at 724.329.6185. For any questions about your upcoming stay, a Resort Reservations Specialist is happy to assist you at 724.780.2156.