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Winter 97/98
Volume III
Issue 1
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Washington
D.C.
a cigar Smoker's Tour
by Robert Frankel
Photos by John-Francis Bourke
Washington, D.C. is a spectacular city with parks splayed throughout, and our nation's premier monuments and Museums are arranged so that you can see many of the highlights on a day trip. Take a few days and you're bound to be awed by this rich agglomeration of national treasures. Many of the monuments and the scenic Mall are located outside; perfect places to enjoy a cigar in the fresh air.
A stroll downtown on any warm afternoon reveals numerous people enjoying a fine smoke. It's simple to find a park or outdoor cafe, then light up, take it all in, and relax. The publicity surrounding the city's problems with crime seem to be largely exaggerated by the press. I have lived here since 1981 and never known a tourist - knock on wood - to be the victim of any crime.
Washington's separation from Maryland and Virginia went into full swing when Congress authorized George Washington to move the capital from Philadelphia on December 1, 1800 From a swampy port with an initial Population of 14,103 people grew a city 609,900 strong, as of the 1990 census. The result is a vibrant city with a rich panoply of folks from all cultures living and working together in the exemplification of the term "melting pot." This has allowed the author to become friendly with a number of "embassy types," in their consulates, one can enjoy a Cuban cigar in perhaps the only legal environment in this country!
The following information is a summary of Chicago's Cigar Scene from SMOKE's original article. For the full text of this article, see the Fall '97 issue of SMOKE magazine - available at a tobacconist near you.
Name:
GEORGETOWN TOBACCO
The wooden fixtures and old fashioned, apothecary- style cabinetry give this store a vibe unlike any other - truly a must-see. Owner David Berkebile is known coast to coast and is a respected in the industry for his success and knowledge both as a retailer and mail-order business operator. While it is easy enough to find an affordable smoke at this store, the mind-boggling assortment of premium cigars and accessories might give one pause about leaving the plastic at home. A partial listing of fully stocked super-premiums includes Davidoff, Paul Garmirian, Griffin, Avo, Butera, Bahia - you get the picture. Also of note -this is the store where Paul Garmirian launched his line of cigars. Georgetown has the largest selection of cigars from Hendrik KeIner's factories I've ever seen; this alone can make it worth the trip. The store is just minutes from anywhere you may find yourself in Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, or the western/central-western areas of Northwest Washington. Georgetown also has a great store out at the Tyson's Corner Center.
Name:
W. CURTIS DRAPER
Draper's location draws a huge clientele from the K Street and Federal corridors and walk-in business from patrons who are doing business further downtown. Far and away the oldest and most historic tobacconist in Washington, and the one with the most evenly balanced selection of cigars, pipes, and accessories, Duke stocks all the most popular brands and usually has a few of those that you won't find anywhere else. Employees here are patient, unhurried, and willing to educate you, and will only sell you something if you indicate genuine interest. Therefore, if you can get to Draper's, go. You will meet one of the handful of gentlemen tobacconists left in the industry, and that's reason enough.
Name:
J. B. SIMS FINE TOBACCOS
Bart Sims has created an old-world tobacconist shop, complete with wingback chairs in which to enjoy your smokes, and a sumptuous upstairs private club with leather smoking furniture and state of the art filtration system. This store is increasingly popular with the young and old, and people can easily find a good stick at any price, from $1 to $25. The shop currently carries about 140 brands of cigars, and is stepping up its pipe selection to carry a number of name brands. Bethesda is right on the Metro line and 15 minutes from D.C., so stop by and ask Bart or one of his merry men for something to enjoy inside or outside on his patio. J.B. Sims also has locations in Gaithersburg, MD and Sterling, VA.
Name:
JR TOBACCO COMPANY
Located smack in the middle of the downtown area, just above K Street on I 7th Street, JR Tobacco Co. carries at least 150 brands, many at discount prices. The store is basically a giant humidor whose selection echoes that of their famous catalog. You can usually buy some decent singles here, though the store is geared towards boxes and bundles. JR is close by and a great source for a discount purchase. It's not a full-service store in the manner of Draper or Georgetown, but definitely has its niche.
Continued on next page...
For the full text of this article, see the current issue of SMOKE magazine -
available at a tobacconist near you.