Casual Smoking: Bolivar Cofradia by Lost & Found, Oscuro Toro

Philip Smokescreens- It was a busy morning, my legs are like linguinis. I went for one of our economical smokes, that’s how the experience started. Sometimes you just want to smoke a dependable, unique cigar and chill for a moment.

The Rocky Lounge at Havana Phil’s provides an oasis for people passing through, I relaxed on the sofa that always brings back memories of where we’ve been, those memories of the old store and my father are evident here. The photos that line the walls in our Rocky Lounge take me back to great events, visits, trips and, of course, NC State.

This room is a homage to the Rocky Patel, regular fellas everywhere and the original guests from our first store on North Battleground. Smoking the Bolivar Confradia by Lost and Found was just what the doctor ordered after a busy morning. The sofa and NC State pillows are just what my back wanted. The Davidoff Lounge offers more and is a showcase of where we’re going, but the Rocky Lounge will always be here and in our hearts.

The cigar did a great job in providing a smooth, yet full-body smoke in this maduro oscuro toro—which was aged 5-8 years and is available in a robusto size and another blend as well. One-time limited edition and economy don’t usually go together, but we’re dealing with a Caldwell collaboration. Robert Caldwell (Caldwell Cigars) and Justin Andrews (Scandinavian Tobacco) really put thought into this blend, combining quality USA Connecticut Broadleaf, Ecuadorian Sumatra and Dominican Habano leaves. What makes this limited cigar release so unique is that it was the result of a curated search of premium cigar factories for limited, aged and rare tobaccos that never sold. I don’t usually get into the flavor aspects of my smokes, but I can taste the dark chocolate with this stick.

Cigar Profile

• Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf

• Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra

• Filler: Dominican Habano

• Sizes: Toro (6x54) and Robusto (5x54)

• Strength: Full-Bodied

4th Annual Havana Phil Memorial Golf Event & Awards Party

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We are excited to announce the 4th annual, Phil Segal III, Memorial Golf Tournament and Fundraiser, which is being held at Bryan Park Golf Course.

This is a popular event, and the field always fills up fast, so we are now accepting requests for foursomes and sponsors. The entry fee for a foursome is $600, and that includes a round of golf and admittance to the awards party and auction. Sponsor packages are listed below. 

The money raised this year will support Debbie’s Dream.  DDF is the only organization that offers free education, support, and mentoring to stomach cancer patients, families, and caregivers. 

DDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF seeks as its goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality. 

We ask you to ensure the success of our event by generously becoming a sponsor, sponsor a hole, or donating a raffle item. 

If you have any questions about entry fees or sponsorships, please call Pam Cook, at 336-416-4831 or email pcookk@aol.com.

See below for Information about sponsorship levels…

2022 Phil Segal Memorial GOLF TOURNAMENT

Diamond Sponsor- Pairings Party 

$5,000 each includes:

• 6 entries into Golf Classic

• 12 invitations to Awards Party and Auctions

• Corporate signage on golf course and events

• Special recognition at sponsored event

“Wolfpack” Sponsor, Luncheon

$3,500 each includes:

• 3 entries into Golf Classic

• 6 invitations to Awards Party and Auctions

• Corporate signage on golf course and events

“Panther” Sponsor-Live and Silent Auction

$2,000 each includes:

• 3 entries into Golf Classic

• 6 invitations to Awards Party and Auctions

• Corporate signage on golf course and events

Foursome:

• $600: Each player is admitted to Awards Party and Auction

• $150 each includes: one ticket to the Awards Party and Auction

Driving Range Sponsor (1 available), Putting Green Sponsor (1 available), Long Drive Sponsor (2 available), Closest to the Pin Sponsor (1 available) Tee or Green Sponsor (36 available) Signage only

$300.00 each 

8am | Registration 

9 AM | Shotgun Start 

Modified Best Ball Format

7pm | Awards Party, Silent & Live Auctions, & Raffle Announcement @ Havana Phil’s

The ticket price for non-golfers will be announced at a later date.

Business Casual Attire -must be over 21 years old

Photo: Bryan Park Golf Course, Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Davidoff Holiday Party 2021: Thursday, December 9th @ 6:30PM

It’s That Special Time of the Year Again…

This Thursday at 6:30pm, we will be hosting a Davidoff Holiday Party! 

We will be joined by Gabriel Urrutia, Brand Ambassador, Professor, Wine, Beer & Spirits Educator that work closely with Davidoff Cigars. Experiencing his hand crafted cocktails and pairing them with the perfect Davidoff Cigar. 

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Live Music with Eli Fribush

 Catered by KAU

 Davidoff Cigar at the Door

 Fresh Pizza Bar on the Patio with Pepper Segal

Rum Tasting with Rosalie Ramdass

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Cocktail Attire Required

This is a public event, open for anyone over the age of 21.

An EPIC Montecristo Event: Friday, November 12th at 7pm

Philip Smokescreens- We will be hosting Jaxx Guevarra, of Montecristo Cigars, on Friday, November 12th beginning at 7pm. We will be featuring the brand new, limited edition Montecristo Epic 12.

There will be magnificent raffle items for this event and gifts with purchase.

• Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a liquor tasting with live music.

• Tickets are $25

• proper attire is required.

Davidoff Lounge Members: There will be an exclusive member's only tasting before the event opens to the public from 6pm-7pm with Remy Martin's, John Deberry. There is limited seating for this exclusive tasting, please email me at phil@havanaphils.com to reserve your seat.

Cigar Profile

Another EPIC smoke brought to us by Montecristo, this special edition cigar is hot now with our customers and is a smooth, medium-bodied cigar that’s enjoyable from start-to-finish.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE EPIC! I smoked it this afternoon while taking in the perfect weather after yesterday’s storms. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, and contains a special blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco. The name comes from the year of that crop, 2012.

The Montecristo Epic Vintage “12” comes in boxes of 10, packaged nicely. Each box includes a certificate signed by a group of rollers from Tabacalera de Garcia factory in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It comes in two sizes, a 6 x 52 Toro and a 6 x 50 No. 2 Torpedo.

• Origin: Dominican Republic, Tabacalera de García

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

• Binder: Dominican Republic

• Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

• Length: 6 Inches

• Ring Gauge: 52

A Late Hour in London: Davidoff Event on September 23rd

Philip Smokescreens- Join us at Havana Phil’s on Thursday, September 23rd at 6pm for another unique event hosted by us in a special collaboration with Davidoff of Geneva. The Winston Churchill Collection is a member favorite and this event is building excitement among our team as we plan it.

Jonathon Bryan, Sales manager of Davidoff will be hosting a Late Hour in London at Havana Phil's! Tickets will be $30 for non-members & $20 for Davidoff Lounge members. 

Exclusive Gifts with purchase, Cigar at the door, Food catered by KAU, Liqour tasting with Rosalie, Live Music, access to the private lounge for the night and much more! 

Cigar Profile

A great experience that pairs very well with Whisky, this full-bodied smoke comes in Churchill, Robusto and Toro sizes. The Late Hour is a blend honoring the great Sir Winston Churchill at night, when according to history— it’s said he was at his most creative.

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

• Binder: Mexico

• Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua

Manly Cup: Havana Phil's the Winners!

Philip Smokescreens- The Havana Phil’s squad won their third Manly Cup championship.

The top tier Men’s league ice hockey in Greensboro, North Carolina.

It was a long, hard fought season for the team. Last night was a grueling battle. Our MVP was Goalie, Matt Roy. He was stung by a yellow jacket earlier that morning and played through the injury looking like Mr. balloon hand.

With a boisterous crowd of over 8 people in the stands, the team came through in the third period with a tenacious defensive effort and held the high scoring Stingrays to only 4 goals.

We are the champions.

Special Event: Lobster Dogs and Live Music on the Patio!

Philip Smokescreens- Join us on the Montecristo Patio for some excellent food by Greensboro’s Lobster Dogs Food Truck, smooth live music by Maia Kamil_Jimmy Washington, drinks and cigars with your friend’s at Havana Phil’s.

Forever summer at Phil’s on September 7th 4-8pm.

Limited Release: The Room 101 12th Anniversary Cigar

Philip Smokescreens- It has arrived! The Room 101 12th Anniversary Cigar limited release by Matt Booth is smokin’ and packs a punch!

Comprised of a dark brown maduro wrapper and grown with the sweet touch of Aj Fernandez, this limited release is made at the Aj Fernandez factory in Estelí, of 100% Nicaraguan tobacco. The Room 101 12th ANNV comes in one size, a 6 x 52 toro— which is full of rich flavors and is the strongest anniversary smoke to date. @itsboofybaby it’s magnificent!

Only 1,001 boxes (20 cigars per box) were produced. Get these cigars while they last at Havana Phil’s.

ALSO, did you know the retail store at Havana Phil’s is now open on Sundays from 1-6pm. Stop by on Sunday to stock up for the week, or to have a smoke with Coach Kent.

Retail Store at Havana Phil's is Now Open Sundays, 1-6pm

Philip Smokescreens- Starting this week, the retail store at Havana Phil’s will now be open on Sundays from 1-6pm.

Stop by on Sunday to stock up for the week, or to have a smoke with Coach Kent! 

Good Times at the Davidoff Lounge, with our Signature Smokes

Philip Smokescreens- If you're a member you know, our lounge is nice. It's a lot of work to maintain and grow and we're happy to see our people enjoy it. The Davidoff lounge is one-of-a-kind and the only Davidoff Lounge in North Carolina. Planning it's build was a ton of work for and the dream of my father, Phil Segal III. Having initially opened his business in the northern section of Battleground, Phil had his eyes set on the landmark Anton's cellar for his next move. Anton's had historical value and a good skeleton for his rebuild and design plans. With the guidance and hard work of great architects and local builders, his dream became a reality in 2016 when he moved into this building.

The lounge is a comfort zone for people of all walks of life. On a normal day lawyers hang out alongside construction workers, business people drink and smoke with graduate students and teachers; the list goes on. Phil's has become an ideal third-place for many, especially during this unprecedented time. I'm proud to smoke with members and guests, and look forward to a bright future as we grow. While membership is hard to come by, due to it's popularity, we do offer day passes based on availability. In addition, the lounge is opened up to all guests during most of our special events. For those that are just passing through, we also have a cozy indoor space, the Rocky Patel Robusto Room, and the Montecristo Patio, open to all guests, where we serve cocktails till 7pm.

While in the building many of our customers go with the smoke of their liking, I cannot help but to remind all our readers of the very special family brands we have to offer at Havana Phil's. If you like tradition, trust in our ability to create excellent blends with legendary partners in the industry, then you should give the CIGALiii, blended by Phil Segal and manufactured by Rocky Patel and the new CGALIV manufactured in the Plasencia Factory.

Here are the profiles for both:

CIGALiii

• Nicaraguan Filler

• Honduran Broadleaf Wrapper

• Medium Plus

• Made in the Tavicusa Factory in Nicaragua, by Rocky Patel

• Available in Robusto, Toro and Churchill Sizes

CigalIV

• Nicraguan Filler

• Ligero Wrapper

• Full body

• Made in the Placencia Factory in Nicaragua

• Available in Robusto or Toro Sizes

Patio Event: Join us for Taco Tuesday on July 20th!

Philip Smokescreens- Join us this coming Tuesday, on the Montecristo Patio, from 5pm-8pm to enjoy the Big Cheese Tacos & Cocktails by Shelbi. 

Davidoff Lounge Members, we will be hosting Brian Reynolds of American Premium Beverage for an exclusive wine tasting in the Private Lounge! 

Dr. Humidor: How to Season a Humidor using Boveda Packs

Dr. Humidor- Seasoning your cigar humidor is the first step in protecting your cigars.  No one should ever smoke a dry cigar, unless they’re stuck in the woods or the apocalypse comes! Proper humidification of cigars is important to keep cigars from becoming too dry and losing oils that are essential to aging. 

Spanish cedar is the most common type of wood used in humidors as a liner, though it’s not actually cedar; but a hardwood. Using actual cedar in a humidor is poisionous. Spanish cedar is the best lining for humidors and can also be used to light cigars. The cigars maintain a faint wood scent and live well inside of these treasure boxes.

Since the wood absorbes the moisture, it’s important to prepare the humidor for use before putting in your sticks. If properly seasoned, the wood won’t take valuable moisture or oils away from your cigars.

If you’re a regular cigar smoker, or are planning on becoming one, a humidor is a great investment! You can build your collection and keep your cigars fresh. Note that while Spanish cedar humidors are the tradition, we also love the clear plastic humidors by Boveda! For seasoning the humidors that need it, we prefer using the Boveda packs, which work best for for small-to-standard sized humidors. If you have a specialty box or have questions on how to season your humidor contact us at (336) 288-4484! Otherwise, here is a brief tutorial on how to prep your humidor, provided by Boveda:

Before you add cigars to it, every wooden humidor needs to be seasoned to:

• Prevent the wood from robbing your cigar’s essential moisture. (Seasoning raises the wood’s moisture level so it’ll be in equilibrium with your cigars.)

• Create a better seal for the lid, which keeps moisture from escaping.

How many Boveda to use:

• Use (1) Boveda Size 60 for every 25 TOTAL cigars your humidor can hold. Example: For a 100-cigar capacity humidor, use four (4) Size 60 Boveda at once.

How to season a wooden cigar humidor with Boveda:  

1. Remove your cigars from your humidor and move them into a closed Tupperware® container, cooler or a Humidor Bag with 69% Boveda.

2. Place the 84% Boveda seasoning pack(s) inside your empty wooden humidor.

3. Close the lid and don’t open the humidor for 14 days—no matter what your hygrometer readings are. (The wait is worth it. Trust us.)

4. After 14 days, open your humidor, remove the Boveda seasoning pack(s) and discard them—they aren’t reusable.

5. Move your cigars into your well-seasoned humidor and add new Boveda packs in your desired RH—65%, 69%, 72% or 75%. This handy chart will help you choose the right RH for you.

2021 Havana Phil Memorial Tournament, Video Overview

Philip Smokescreens- Take a look at this very nice video overview of our 2021 Havana Phil Memorial Tournament, filmed by @Afuenfuen 🔥🌬️

Thank you again to everyone who participated! If you missed it this year, you won't want to miss next years. All Proceeds from the Golf Tournament were donated to Debbie's Dream- Stomach Cancer Research Foundation.

"Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality."

In the Lounge: The Crux du Connoisseur

Philip Smokescreens- The Crux du Connoisseur was first introduced in 2015, and now has recently been relaunched. I gave this fresh stogie a try while relaxing in our Davidoff Lounge. The box is beautiful and cigars well constructed, as one would expect from Crux. The blend is the same and I’m happy to report that it didn’t disappoint. The cigars come in many sizes, are made using habano wrapper hailing from Nicaragua, a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Honduras.

I just got back to the lounge this evening after having enjoyed a tasty grilled meal of limited sockeye salmon at my house, the lounge was lively and drinks were pouring. I perched up at the bar, ordered a glass of Malbec and selected the traditional lancero (#1) as my first smoke from this selection.

I took the first puff, with no expectations or pre-judgements. Growing up in the industry I learned fast that pre-conceived notions can ruin the smoking experience. There’s nothing worse than a judgmental cigar smoker with a narrow-mind. That being said, we all know of the quality brands and have our expectations due to price. This cigar is fairly-priced and the quality construction observed while opening my first box was matched by a smooth and even start to a memorable smoke.

Crux is an amazing brand, and the du Connoisseur paired perfectly with my earlier meal and the hearty glass of wine I was enjoying as I smoked.

Lanceros are not meant to be smoked fast! I enjoyed the puffs in slow-motion, sipping from my glass in pure comfort. About 15 minutes in the flavor really started to flow. There’s something about lanceros and summer. The blend is just right, Honduras and Nicaragua, Habano wrapper, no wonder this line is being relaunched. The branding is great but content is what guides my over all experience, like with all cigars. You could take off the label and think you’re smoking a $30 stick.

I’ll definitely be going back to this cigar and trying the other sizes as we have them available. Another win from Crux!

Porch Smoke: La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull

Felipe Cruz- When you think of smoking a cigar, this is what you’re imagining. The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull and Salomon Unico bring forth feelings of success and accomplishment behind every draw. These highly demanded cigars touched down, last week at Havana Phil’s Cigar Company.

With a Dominican binder and filler the Bull is wrapped in Ecuadorian corojo, and from start to finish it smokes beautifully. So beautifully, that we sold out in less than a week. The Salomon Unico is going strong at Havana’s, with a couple boxes left.

My experience with this cigar was like no other. Wrapped in LFD’s signature band in a figurado shape, this Unico unique to every other had a light beige color to it with three stripes at the foot, two of them a red-ish brown color with a green one in between. What caught my eye about about this one, was the hand cut leaf, laid vertically on the cigar. Truly a work of art that showcases LFD’s capabilities. Each of these Unica’s have a unique design.

I woke up this morning, to a brisk air that seemed to accent every puff. I sat by my porch railing with a cup of coffee, smoking this limited piece of artwork. Listening to the sounds of the city of Greensboro and birds overhead, that seemingly disappeared the further I got into the smoke. The anticipation for this cigar was met beautifully from light to finish. With it’s Dominican binder, filler, and assorted wrapper it was full of lavish, smooth flavor that reminded me of the excitement of my very first cigar.

The Salomon Unica was such a treat and somewhat of a shame that it is such a rare find.

On the Patio: Partagas Limited Reserve Decade

ShadeGrown Fitzy- One of the most memorable cigar experiences I have had at Havana Phil’s started today, by walking into our outdoor Montecristo patio. Shaded by the over-hanging roof, I sat in our outdoor-style patio furniture, which was beyond comfortable. What could top that?— Only having Latin music playing over head at the perfect volume to be able to listen to the music, while being able to carry conversations.

A pleasant breeze kept the patio feeling refreshing while I smoked, and conversations sparked with ease. We all have one thing in common, that we all love the experience of smoking a cigar, can connect and build good friendships off of that, which I did. My 40 minute vacation was wonderful, full of laughter, great conversations, a remarkable cigar and a wonderful smoking environment.

The cigar I selected for today was the Partagas Limited Reserve Decade. My review of the cigar began with the cigar band, their artistic approach on the band gives the cigar a timeless look.

The basics of the Limited Reserve Decade consist of a Cameroon wrapper, Mexican binder and a Dominican and Mexican filler on their Lonsdale cigar. While lighting the cigar, it had a beautiful aroma that filled the air.

While most Lonsdale cigars have a troubling time initially trying to get good pull, the Limited Reserve Decade was smooth and proved why it is a superior Lonsdale. My favorite is the unique experience that every cigar offers, the Limited Reserve Decade specifically had a concentration of flavors running through the cigar, over all it was a great cigar topped with an even better a place to smoke!

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Father’s Day 2021 Special Gift Bundle

FATHER’S DAY IS COMING…

This year we’re offering an exquisite, special Havana Phil’s Father’s Day gift bundle. Available only while supplies last!

Drop-in or fill-out the form below to pre-order your special gift for dad. These are limited, so contact or come see us soon!

THE HAVANA PHIL’S 2021 FATHER’S DAY GIFT BUNDLE

Includes (1 of each):

• Wine Boygle- A Full-Bodied Red Blend by Havana Phil’s and Gia Distillery.

• CGALIII Cigar- Medium-Plus Flavor Profile, Blended by Rocky Patel and the Late Phil Segal III.

• CGALIV Cigar- Full-Bodied Flavor Profile, Ligero Wrapper, Blended by Plasencia and Philip Segal IV.

• Room 101 Farce Habano Lonsdale Cigar- Medium-Bodied Flavor Profile with a Bit of Spice.

• Rocky Patel Gran Reserve Robusto Cigar- Rated #1 in 2018, Medium-Plus Flavor Profile.

• Crux Epicure Maduro Robusto Cigar- Medium-Bodied Flavor Profile, Rich, Subtle and Sweet.

• Havana Phil’s Double-Guillotine Cigar Cutter and Matches.

All of this for only $64

Request a Call-Back for Advance Purchase:

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Phil Segal III Memorial Weekend (June 10th)

Check out this special report by WFMY News 2, which provides additional valuable details on this very special event.

Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality.

The 3rd annual Philip Segal III, Memorial Golf tournament and fundraiser will take place on Thursday, June 10 at Grandover Resort and Spa. 

“Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID, so we are thrilled to be holding this year’s tournament at Grandover, and looking forward to a large field of golfers,” said Philip Segal IV.  “It will be a fun day for everyone, but it’s also an opportunity for us to raise lots of money for local charities.”  

• The tournament starts at 8:30am. 

• Entry fee for a foursome is $600. 

• Sponsorships range from $150 to $2,500. 

• All sponsorships include golf, meals, prizes, after party, and more. 

Anyone interested in registering a foursome, or sponsoring a hole, please contact Pam Cook at pcookk@aol.com, or call 336-416-4831. We will be holding an event at Havana Phil's After the tournament with a auction and we are currently looking for sponsors and donations to benefit local Charities! More details to follow. Pam Cook is prepared to answer all of your questions.  

Following the Golf Tournament at 7pm, we will be hosting a gathering at Havana Phil's with Live music, live auction, food trucks, valet service and deals on cigars. In order to attend the party you must have played or sponsor in the tournament. 

Matt Booth, Owner of Room 101 cigars will be joining us. Along with Nish Patel, of Rocky Patel cigars and we will have many deals throughout the night! 

Exciting News for Havana Phil's Cigar Company!

Happy Thursday! 

First, I wanted to thank everyone for their support during these difficult times!

I am thrilled to announce that Havana Phil's will be launching a podcast next Friday, Behind the Smokescreen. Philip Segal IV will be the host, along with Shana Leigh as the Co-Host. 

• The Pod will be available on all platforms, video and audio. The easiest way to stay up to date is to subscribe to our youtube channel- Havana Phil's Youtube Channel 

• We will send out more links, once we publish next Friday. 

• We will be featuring many different celebrities from across the Cigar industry, liquor industry and many others.

• If you have any topics that you would like to hear about please feel free to email me at phil@havanaphils.com 

• We will be covering everything from cigars, running a small business, libations, pairings, photography and just life in general! 

Stay up-to-date on all of our latest news by following Havana Phil's Instagram * Havana Phil's Facebook * Havana Phil's Twitter * Havana Phil's Linkedin * Havana Phil's Youtube

Davidoff Virtual Cigar Tasting on May 13th!

We hope everyone is doing well!

• The deal is, if you spend $60 on Davidoff Cigars you get the three cigars for free! 

• If you spend $120 on Davidoff cigars you get Hour glass/ashtray set AND three cigars

• If you spend $250 you get the Whiskey glasses AND the three cigars. 

If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to reach out: phil@havanaphils.com 

Best, 

Havana Phil's Team