Traditional cigar lounges carry an air of mythology. The dark wooden accents, leather upholstery and suited men conversing quietly as clouds of smoke drift out add to the intrigue. It’s a scene frozen in time, preserved behind a layer of ritual and exclusivity.
At Eight Cigar Lounge inside Resorts World, that image is dispersed.
The atmosphere is polished without feeling precious—more modern than mythologized. It’s a relaxed space tailored to tobacco and spirits but also conversation. Regulars mingle with first-timers, and curious newcomers can leave with a deeper appreciation for what goes into a good cigar.
According to general manager Ian Floranza, that accessibility is intentional. Through events such as vinyl listening nights and Cigar 101 classes, Eight Lounge has built an environment that welcomes anyone interested in indulging and learning about the craft. So how does one light up?
“The first thing you need is a blade, and the traditional blade that they have for cutting tobacco is called a chaveta,” says Floranza.
From there, the process unfolds with patience and precision. Tobacco leaves are selected for three distinct roles. The filler forms the core, the binder holds everything together, and the wrapper provides much of the cigar’s character.
“The wrapper gives the cigar about 85 to 95 percent of its flavor,” he says.
The filler is bunched and compacted, then wrapped with the binder before being placed into a mold for several hours. Once the shape is set, the wrapper is applied and the cigar is capped or finished with a twisted pigtail. Then comes the hardest part: waiting.
Floranza explains that aging can take anywhere from four to seven years. During that time, the tobacco develops harmony and balance. And proper storage matters, too. Cigars should rest at 70 percent humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally inside a Spanish cedar humidor.
But of course, not everyone has years to spare.
Eight Cigar Lounge
For those ready to light up immediately, Eight Lounge’s walk-in humidor offers a range of options from brands including Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Drew Estate, Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo and Cohiba.
An evening at the lounge often starts with a drink. Once a guest settles on a whiskey, bourbon or cocktail, the staff can guide them toward a cigar that fits the moment. A bourbon carrying notes of vanilla and oak might find company in a cigar with touches of leather and sweet cream. A fruit-forward cocktail may call for something bright and citrus-driven.
Whether you handcraft your blend at home or seek the expertise of the pros, the centuries-old tradition of savoring tobacco remains a profoundly rich and ritualistic experience.
EIGHT CIGAR LOUNGE Resorts World, 702-676-7405, eightloungelv.com. Daily, noon-2 a.m.
How to light up like a pro
Set aside plenty of time. “It’s going to last forever so it’s a commitment once you light it,” says marketing representative Angel Gonzales. Depending on the cigar, a smoking session can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half.
Don’t inhale cigar smoke into your lungs. Instead, draw the smoke into your mouth and focus on the flavor and aroma before exhaling.
Take your time lighting it. Before taking your first puff, “toast” the foot of the cigar by holding it at a slight angle and rotating it slowly over the flame to get an even burn.
Hold it however feels comfortable. Unlike the mafia bosses in the movies who hold their cigars with a classic thumb and forefinger pinch, you can actually hold a cigar however it feels comfortable to you.
Rotate as you smoke. Giving the cigar about a quarter turn every few puffs can help maintain an even burn and prevent one side from burning faster than the other.
Avoid squeezing the cigar. Holding it too tightly can damage the wrapper and affect airflow.
Don’t clench the cigar with your teeth. Biting down on the cap can unravel the wrapper and make for a less enjoyable smoking experience.
Smoke slowly. Frequent puffing can cause a cigar to burn too hot, which can alter its flavor and create a harsher smoking experience.
Let it go out naturally. You don’t have to suffocate the cherry to put out a cigar as you might do with a cigarette. If you leave it alone, it’ll go out within a couple of minutes.
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