Jerry's Cigars provides escape for hobbyists

Have you ever wished to have something to help you relax? Something that can help you grow closer to your friends and meet new people? Something less destructive than drugs or cigarettes? If you answered yes to any of these, you could be a closeted cigar connoisseur and it could be time for you to do something about it.

One of the most well known places to sit back and enjoy a cigar with friends, strangers and even yourself is Jerry’s Cigar Shop, located at 2810 Sharer Road, Suite 2. Currently owned by Peter Bond, the shop boasts the widest cigar selection in Tallahassee, free Wifi, water and coffee and is the only traditional cigar lounge in town.

“When a guy walks into our store without a cigar he always leaves with one, if he comes in without a friend he always leaves with one,” said Bond. “There’s never strangers in this place. We’ll put on some light jazz in the background, the guys come in and the awkwardness makes them talk and find things they have in common. I enjoy having eight to twelve guys in here having a good time. I’ve seen so many friendships that have come from coming into this cigar shop. That’s what makes this different from cigarettes is that it’s not a habit it’s a hobby.”

Cigars are a great way to meet new people that you might not have met otherwise and open yourself up to conversations you might not have had.

“(Cigar) smoking is more of a conversation starter,” said senior Professional Sales major Gabriel Gonzales, “You smoke a cigar and conversation just flows and it’s just an easy thing to just relax and talk about things that are bothering you and things that you’re thankful for in your life. I smoke just because it’s a great way to get to know your brother and make friends.”

It’s always good to every once in awhile slow down and enjoy the company you are with, especially in the midst of the fast paced life of college studies and work. For enthusiasts, cigar smoking provides that escape.

“The goal of smoking a cigar is to sit down, slow down and relax. When you sit down with a cigar you can’t just smoke it quick and go, you have to sit down and you’re going to be spending 45 minutes to an hour and a half just sitting there. In conversation no one can really dominate or else their cigar will go out and if their cigar goes out they have to stop and re-light which makes them shut up and pay attention. So it creates this kind of nice relaxed atmosphere where you can just talk about things,” said Bond.

If you’re looking to get started in cigar smoking, Jerry’s offers a wide selection of over 650 different brands and has some rather knowledgeable staff. FSU Cigar Society has a Facebook group and holds monthly events for students.

Bond also has some good advice for beginners.

“Start mild and work your way up, never smoke the same cigar two times in a row and enjoy in moderation,” said Bond.

“The difference between a $30 cigar and a $10 cigar is $20. Price does not equal quality. Enjoy the time with your friends and savor it. Use it as a moment of relaxation. It’s about sitting down, taking time, and enjoying friendships, common interests, and conversation.”

Cigar smoking has brought many a men together. It was what Winston Churchill was doing when he was winning WWII and what Alfred Hitchcock frequented when he was writing The Birds. It might not be for everybody, but for some it is much more than just a hobby.

Resource:http://www.fsunews.com/story/life/2016/03/21/jerrys-cigars-provides-escape-hobbyists/82072656/