I hope everyone’s week is off to a good start.
A lot of people out there have been excited for this week to start in anticipation of the 2017 IPCPR convention and trade show in Las Vegas Nevada. Just in case you don’t know, IPCPR stands for the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association.
The IPCPR is the largest and most active trade association that represents and assists retail tobacconists. It’s made up of members from retail stores throughout the world selling tobacco products and accessories as well as manufacturers, distributors and service providers.
At the annual event, attendees get a chance to see, taste and smell the latest product releases, learn better business practices, as well as get updates on FDA Rules and network with industry leaders.
This convention draws a fairly large crowd. So expect Vegas to have an above average number of fellow cigar enthusiasts for the next 4 days. You’ll need to be an IPCPR member to actually get onto the convention floor, but it’s still a great time to be in Vegas.
Many of the big names at the convention take the time to get out and hit the local lounges and take in all Vegas has to offer. So if you’re in the area, there’s actually a decent chance you just might run into someone you’ve read about in the latest issue of Cigar Aficionado magazine.
Vegas has TONS of great shops and lounges, there’s no doubt about that. You could probably spend a week or more visiting different places and still not see them all.
But here are four places I’d recommend you check out first:
Montecristo Cigar Bar
Located within Caesar’s Palace, this place is super popular, upscale and has a rather swanky feel. They offer all the premium cigars and drinks you’d expect to see at a place with such a prime location.
As with many of the places on the strip, it’s a bit on the pricey side but worth the experience in my opinion.
Casa Fuente
Also on the strip, they’re located on the north side of Caesar’s, near the Mirage Shop.
Just like Montecristo, this is a popular, upscale spot but has a bit more of that classic cigar lounge feel. Expect to pay strip prices here also, but once again, the experience makes it worth paying a visit to.
Davidoff of Geneva
If you’ve ever been to a Davidoff of Geneva lounge, you’re familiar with the ultra-luxe feel they have become known for. This location is in the Wynn, just up the street from Casa Fuente and doesn’t disappoint.
Just like their other locations, the inventory is heavily stocked with Davidoff products along with a smaller assortment of premium brands. Which, depending on your taste can be a very good thing.
While the Vegas strip experience is certainly one of a kind, sometimes it’s nice to get away for a bit and live at little slower pace. So if you’re looking for a great spot a bit off the beaten path, check out:
En Fuego Cigars.
While not really a small place at all, En Fuego delivers that small, laid back vibe you’d find in cities that aren’t exactly Vegas. They sell custom blends of imported tobacco and have a great lounge complete with plush leather furniture.
Customer service at En Fuego is definitely on point and the staff does a great job of making everyone that visits feel like a local.
All of my recommendations are based on personal experience or from people that have recently visited each place. So if you happen to visit one of the places I mentioned or any other spot in Vegas I’d love to hear about it so I can pass the good word.
Good Luck in Vegas!