Cigar is something outside Cuba, maybe let's even add central and south america to the mix you associate with middle aged men with jolly good bellies, who have hair so thin it could be used as a surgical tool and have a fat checkbook. At least it used to be that way as men let themselves go past 30, nowadays even at 60 men are expected to have abs, whereas back in the old days at 60 just having teeth was perfectly enough.
So by all accounts there ought to be no reason for me to be in a cigar store, as I lack all aforementioned requirements but I stumbled upon this store and had to go in as the display looked marvelous, and the interior even lovelier. The chess piece, the leather chair, the ambiance really is perfect to drink an Old fashioned, listen to some good vibes and smoke a really good cigar while playing chess with an old chap.
And that is testament to good taste, as it makes the store very accessible, as most cigar stores I've come across look like one might only enter them in a bespoke Gieves&Hawkes suit, but not this place folks, for this joint (heh) has a Marley statue.
The store owner was incredibly helpful, friendly and observant. They seem to have a good selection of cigars, Cuban and Turkish (which are apparently made in Canakkale and very cheap at 12,5TL) and also every tool you might need to protect your precious cigars.
So 5 stars, Che deserves it. If you ever wanted to try cigars and see what the fuss is about, why men of a certain age seem to be so fond of them, this is the place to come and find out about it. read more