Cigar Shop

Arriving next week for a stay in Orient Village. It’s been a few years since we been to St Martin and I was wondering if there is a cigar shop that sells premium cigars. I think there was a shop near one of the casinos close to the airport. Is it still there?

I buy mine from Friendly Duty Free on front street in philipsburg. Great selection and pricing.

Premium cigars? Hmmm. Well, I'm familiar with the one on front street in Philipsburg. It's called Cigar Emporium. It's real close to the hotel that we sometimes stay at in Philipsburg -- Holland House. I think that's the place Scubaman is referring to above. There is a place on Maho on Rhine Road, but a can't remember where it's located. The place that is well known for 'real' cuban cigars is actually in Marigot, but I've never been there. It's called La Casa del Habano and it's actually a cuban cigar franchise store. But, I would only travel thru Marigot during the day time hours.

So, you want "premium" cigars? Do you want real premium cigars or do you want fake premium cigars? There are plenty of fakes around the island, so be very careful. The Cigar Emporium, as mentioned above, is reliable and a full-time tobacconist. My advice is to avoid patronizing outfits that sell cigars as a sideline.

I do not know of any cigar store near a casino close to the airport and I have been buying cigars on the island since 1995. There is a relatively new store in Maho across from the drug store and also La Casa del Habano in Marigot. These three all have a wide selection of Cubans and cigars from other countries, as well. Formerly, there was a wonderful little shop in the Marina Port Royale in Marigot, but the owner passed away shortly before Hurricane Irma and the shop is now occupied by a clothing store.

Your best bet for quality cigars, properly stored, is from a full-time specialized tobacconist. There is a newsstand on Avenue des Plages, opposite Orient Village, that sells cigars, but only if you are desperate. The closest store to Orient is in Marigot.

I know nothing about cigars but wanted to mention this in case folks are unaware. DAS Cigars originated on SXM and are hand-rolled. The founder, Andi Siegers, lives on island. I think he has a shop in the cruise complex and also sold at the airport pre-IRMA. He also has a relationship with OBBR although I'm not exactly sure what it is; perhaps attends owner receptions? Anyway, just mentioning it in the interest of full disclosure.

https://www.caribjournal.com/2019/01/18/the-best-cigar-shop-in-st-martin/

I smoke the avo syncro nicaragua--I usually bring my own from home. IMHO it's better than any cuban I've enjoyed except for the time I visited a tobacco farm in Cuba--those cigars were incredible.

No Sammy. That is not the shop I mentioned. I buy mine from Friendly Duty Free as I stated in my post. Cigar Emporium has a nice selection but higher prices.

The place in Maho across from the pharmacy is called SXM Cigars.

DAS cigars are available all over the island and are very popular here. You will see their humidor set up on many bars. However, they are not Cuban cigars. Tobacco leaves from Dominican Republic and wrappers from Connecticut, hand rolled on island. Locally owned and operated.

Owner is the same one that had the Maya Gift Shop cigar section in Marigot across from marketplace. Walkin humidor, good selection.

I'm lucky that DAS are sold here in Michigan. Although, I'd much rather smoke them in SXM. Truth is that I don't think I could have a bad cigar, if I'm smoking it in SXM.

The three I buy are Montecito 2, cohiba robusto and RJ short wide churchill.

My daily is a Nicaragua made in the Brickhouse factory. Good value and very consistent. I haven’t had many good Cubans either. My only favorite is the Cohiba Habana Madura No 5. Thanks for the reply.

I’ll have to try one.

I've also seen DAS cigars for sale in Select Wine Cellar in Cole Bay. (Orange Grove shopping center)

The best place to buy REAL Cuban Cigars in St Martin is La Casa Del Habano. Go see Carole--she is the owner and will take good care of you. She is located in Marigot. Hours vary based on the season, but she has a great variety of all Cuban brands.

I have also smoked Andi's DAS cigars--very nice smokes as well. As others have indicated, they are available in different places throughout the island. I don't have enough info to tell you exactly where to buy them, but very nice smokes too.

Good luck-enjoy

I agree the best cigar shop in the island is La Casa Del Habano. Carole does an excellent job and all of her cigars are REAL. She has a nice relaxing atmosphere so no high pressure sales. She has all of the Cuban brands and is a pleasure to talk to. She is in Marigot. She is on the other side of Tropicana (street side) at the Marina.

We have been visiting her establishment for many years.

Enjoy.

Is she still there past Irma?

Met Andi at Club Orient yesterday. They sell DAS at The Perch. Not a bad smoke.

SXM Cigars also has a store at Sunset Beach Bar. You are also allowed to smoke them in the bar.

Unless outside I would nt like that and I'm a cigar smoker too.

Yes, Carole is still there post-Irma....La Casa Del Habano is alive and well and selling the best Cuban cigars on the island!