US: Briarville Tobacconist Cultivates Cigar Scene

Source from:  messenger-inquirer 10/19/2018

Cigar aficionado's and people just curious about the craft are making their way to Briarville, but they don’t have far to travel.

Taking its name from the wood that is typically crafted into the finest pipes, Briarville Tobacconist is the growing cigar and pipe tobacco selection at White Lightning Liquors on West Parrish Avenue, but it is also a labor of love for Bryan Dant to bring the joy of a fine smoke to Owensboro.

Dant, owner of White Lightning Liquors, said he wanted to bring a cigar lounge to Owensboro before his shop opened in January 2017, but the environment wasn’t quite right.

“We wanted to have our own shop from the get-go, but I don’t think everyone is on board yet,” Dant said. “We at least get to hang out with our friends once a month to enjoy a stick, and it's starting to catch on.”

Dant began a kind of cigar sampling event that met at the Campbell Club each month, but the group has transformed into something new since the historic social club in downtown Owensboro closed its doors.

Thanks to a partnership with Ben Skiadas, Dant brings the Briarville Tobacconist banner to The Lure restaurant on the fourth Thursday of every month where participants are treated to a special menu with curated cigars between each course.

He said new faces have continued to appear at the monthly meetings, and the cigar scene in town will probably grow to support a place where people can enjoy cigars and rent humidor space.

Until a lounge comes to Owensboro, Dant said cigar smokers will have to endure colder weather on the patio, but November's meeting should be comfortable with the addition of propane heaters.

Dant said trying the best cigars available isn’t the cheapest hobby, but a refreshing occasional smoke doesn’t have to be expensive.

“I will say there are some overpriced sticks because they have a fancy name, and underpriced ones that are beautiful daily smokers,” Dant said.

Dant’s current favorite is an $8 Nica Rustica from Drew Estate. He said his projects and building up the store has kept him busy, but he still has time to enjoy one or two a day.

The store’s humidor now features about 27 boxes, and a small table with pipe tobacco and accessories.  Enditem