For the man who has everything, a Davidoff gift pack or a travel humidor would make the perfect gift.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
For the man who has everything, a Davidoff gift pack or a travel humidor would make the perfect gift. And wouldn’t a prized 50th Anniversary Padrón cigar be the ultimate stocking stuffer? Doc James Cigar Lounge in Mamaroneck is the gift that keeps on giving.
Not only is it the sole merchant of Davidoff Cigars in Westchester, it offers exclusive boutique cigars, as well as the best premium brands, competitively priced from $3.50 to $75. Owner Josh DeSiena noted, “I’ve gone to a lot of cigar shops. What sets us apart is our knowledgeable staff and the fact that this is by far the best environment in which to enjoy your cigar.”
Indeed, Josh has created a special sanctuary with the old world charm of a country club and the relaxed ambience of a man cave. He opened the doors at 133 E. Prospect Avenue two years ago after moving from Boston Post Road, where he owned a shop for five years.
“I always loved this building, its character,” said Josh, who spent three months renovating. “Cigars, like Smoking Hub, just fit here. It’s rustic, warm, and inviting.”
The owner took great pains to maintain the integrity of what was a horse barn in the 1800s. He refurbished original windows and open rafters, and utilized reclaimed wood. He restored the walk-in humidor’s 170-year-old original plank flooring meticulously.
In addition to the retail space, there’s a cigar bar that serves espresso and a lounge with leather club chairs. An authentic barn door opens out to a fenced in, spacious patio, open to all customers in the warmer months and available for private parties. “I wanted to create a mood with different nooks and crannies, where people can feel they can socialize or be by themselves,” said Josh, who had a lot of help from his father Joe.
In 1993, Joe and Josh’s brother Adam bought the original Harold “Doc” James cigar shop in Shrub Oak, where the DeSienas grew up. During the cigar boom of the 1990s, the 300- square-foot store evolved into the 2,000-square-foot Doc James Cigars and Golf it is today. Josh worked there, forged relationships with cigar reps, and eventually followed in his father and brother’s footsteps.
“I always wanted my own business and I had the inside track through my brother,” he said. “I am fortunate to have been a Davidoff-appointed merchant since day one in Mamaroneck,” he said.
The DeSienas have gone on to produce their own private label cigars with Rocky Patel who sponsors the Doc James Cigar Lounge. Their unique 312 DeSiena Cigar was rated “92” by SMOKE magazine.
“We had a lot of say in the blend of Nicaraguan and Columbian tobacco. It’s earthy with hints of chocolate. It starts off with spice, mellows, and has a silky finish,” said Josh.
The lounge attracts customers from all over the County and as far as the Middle East. As part of Cigars for Warriors, which disperses premium cigars to American service men and women in combat zones, Doc James cigars made their way to soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.
“One soldier stopped in to thank us,” recalled Josh. “It goes to show you, we have to keep sending donations.”
The cigar aficionado treats cigars like gourmet foods and his customers like pampered guests. Anyone can walk in, buy a cigar, and enjoy a smoke in one of Doc James’ comfortable rooms. The shop’s 115 members also have access to private cigar lockers, discount prices, complimentary bottle storage, and access to a private upstairs lounge. A membership, of which there are a couple of options, makes a great holiday gift, too.
For ongoing special events, call 630-7333 or visit www.docjames2.com and Facebook/DocJamesCigarLounge. Hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10-10, Thursday – Saturday, 10-11, and Sunday 10-9.
