Twitter
Advertisement

Deluxe Dens

Nikhil Merchant along with experts show you how to create your very own cigar den—a coveted place, to which you can disappear for a bit of refined R&R

Latest News
article-main
All images by
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

There’s no dearth of lifestyle indulgences for those with a taste for fast cars, designer mansions, or food, wine and spirits sourced from the best kitchens and cellars of the world. Another must-have extravagance next on the list should be a cigar den. Three years ago, I co-founded the Bombay Cigar Aficionados Club—a private club, which had a member-only policy, limited to cigar-smoking enthusiasts in Mumbai. It was a word-of-mouth gathering at one of the members’ homes—restricted to houses with an open terrace or a spare room. 


While home bars and spas are common in newer luxury city high-rises, now you can convert a room in your home into a dedicated private cigar den with the right ambience to relax. Create your cigar den
Shweta Kaushik, with a Master’s degree in Design from Domus Academy in Italy, was one of the club’s earlier members. She provides a basic framework of what a traditional, functional cigar den should be like. “Design your cigar haven with wooden panels and flooring, comfortable leather sofas, whiskey decanters, brass lamps and side tables. The focus should be on comfort, texture and a warm but powerful vibe,” she shares.


Ventilate Right

The most important thing is to take care of the exhaust and to ensure fresh air comes in. “Hidden ductable exhaust systems are fitted into the false ceiling to suck out the thick smoky air and bring in fresh air from the outside. Another important element is an air purifier—the charcoal in the filter purifies and deodorizes the air,” adds Shweta.


Cedar wood is a predominant material in humidors and the room can replicate the look by using cedar wood panelling on most of the walls. The wood not only has a positive effect on the flavor of the cigar, but also regulates the humidity and temperature of the room—all important aspects in cigar storage and use. You may use tan hues for the upholstery, while leather is a favourable material. Wood panelling can be spruced up with hints of brass on the edges and grooves, while dark blue and black can be used to accentuate the non-wood parts.


Light it up

“Lights should be installed with a dimmer so that the lighting can be controlled—bright when prepping your cigar-smoking session and dimmed to a light glow when you settle down to enjoy the smoke,” says Shweta. “Spotlights to highlight walls or decor, and dark lampshades with a brass finish add to the ambiance.”


Accessorize wise

Once you’ve taken care of the technical aspects, you can move on to completing the space with interesting accessories such as vintage gramophones, iPhone docks, maps for the walls and crystal decanters. Make sure you stock up on cognac, heavy red wines, liqueurs, snifters, cigar cutters, lighters and long ashtrays. Remember, minimalism is key.


Stock up on cigars

With your shell ready, the room becomes an oyster for all things cigar. Fill up those humidors with some of the best cigars in the world, starting with Gurkha (An NRI-owned brand) for an expensive long-drawn indulgence, Rocky Patel’s—a more relatable and popular brand (their vintage 1992 is a must have) and Armenteros (from the house of WD & HO Wills, an ITC brand), who have easy light rollers for a quick indulgence. Others include Alec Bradley, Cohiba, Arturo Fuente, Montecristo and Partagás amongst a hundred other brands from The Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Cuba and America.
Cigars have long been a connoisseur’s luxury indulgence and have been associated with high-powered individuals. Interestingly, cigar smoking has not been restricted to the male sex—the Bombay Cigar Aficionados Club had 50% women as members.


So, set up a space where you can put your feet up, crack open that 100-year-old cognac bottle and puff away the hustle and bustle that the city subjects you throughout the day. 

​Nikhil Merchant nonchalantly cooks and writes his way around the world

 

City Inspirations
Four Seasons, Mumbai has a cigar and spirit lounge in their members-only private club on the top level. They help guests choose the right kind of cigar, provide tasting notes and guide patrons with information on humidifiers, types of cigars and how to smoke them. 
The Cigar Lounge at St Regis in Mumbai stocks Montecristo (Nos 2, 3 and 4), Partagás (from Havana) and Romeo y Julieta.
 

 

 

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement