A cigar shop and lounge is now open, bringing premium smokes to Plant City.
The simple act of clipping the end of a full-bodied cigar and enjoying a leisurely smoke has become much easier to accomplish thanks to the opening of a premium cigar shop on Collins Street.
Adam Beale has been a cigar aficionado for decades. His passion led him on a journey of investment and discovery and now he’s bringing his wealth of knowledge to the residents of Plant City.
“I’ve been smoking cigars for years, decades really, I’ve always liked it,” Beale said. “I love a good, quality cigar and a lounge, a relaxing, high class place to smoke it.”
Adam’s Premium Cigars officially opened on Dec. 17 and it already is cultivating loyal followers. Beale said the lounge is catered entirely to its clients. When you walk in you could be surrounded by soothing piano jazz or the evening’s primetime game. Whatever you prefer, Beale is here to provide.
The ambiance screams comfort with its soft leather chairs and padded barstools. There’s enough chairs to fit approximately 20 guests comfortably and Beale has lighters and cutters available for the perfect experience. Despite the fact that there are dozens of elaborate ash trays around the venue there is only a faint scent of smoke in the air.
The smoke eaters Beale installed ensures the venue is comfortable for everyone who pops in. He said he hopes it will be a place couples or friends come to spend a few hours leisurely relaxing, a place they all enjoy even if they don’t all smoke.
Beale’s wife is a Plant City native and when he moved to the area he quickly fell in love with the small town lifestyle. Unfortunately, he had to drive to Brandon, Lakeland or Tampa for a cigar lounge and often even further for unique sticks. He met others who voiced the same frustrations and after touring around the state for several years he finally felt he had the know-how to help bridge the gap for his community.
“I looked for a longtime to find the right spot,” Beale said. “I wanted to be in downtown, to be invested in the community, not on the outskirts. I wanted this to be a place that Plant City folk come to, not just those who are passing through town. This is a first class establishment. I’m not doing hookah or vapes. Just premium cigars and tobacco.”
His humidor offers everything from a $4 stick to a $40 wrap. There’s something for everybody and his years of mastering the business have helped him develop unique tricks to helping steer clients toward the cigar of their dreams. There’s no one “good cigar,” Beale said. It’s entirely dependent on individual taste.
Cigars can be compared to alcohol. Some consumers prefer lighter beverages — think of your gins, vodkas and tequila —while others are partial to the darker drinks — whiskey, scotch, stout beers. The same is true for tobacco. Most can be gauged by the lightness or darkness of the wrap. The location of the plants inside also affect taste.
His go-to is a Padron Serie 1926 No 1. Though he enjoys many unique sticks, nothing is quite as exquisite in his mind as that found within the Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. His collection is diverse and his humidor can hold more than 500 faces, but Beale intentionally left room so his clientele could dictate what their local shop offers.
“I want people to be able to come in here and pick their favorite cigars,” Beale said. “This is their lounge, they have a major say in what’s offered. If someone asks me for a stick I don’t have I’ll write it down. If I get four or five people asking for it I’ll order it so it’s in stock.”
Avid customers will want to consider investing in a membership at the lounge. The cost is $200 a year and comes with a designated locker as well as 10 percent off purchases. He also offers discounts to first responders and military with ID.
Being active in the community is a major premise of Beale’s shop. He said he hopes soon Adam’s Premium Cigars will be the go-to location for local fundraisers and one-of-a-kind events. Once the momentum gets rolling at his shop he plans to have different cigar manufacturers come in for exclusive events and to even offer “Free Breakfast Saturdays” where customers can enjoy a nice meal on the house while enjoying their high-end cigars.
Beale said the plan is to stay connected via social media with the public and within the next three months he intends to hold a grand opening for the shop. While most questions can easily be answered online, he said the best way to get a feel for the lounge is to stop in and take the time to have a chat.
“I just like the atmosphere that comes with the community, I like the people,” Beale said. “It’s really a lifestyle. Those who enjoy cigars, they bring with them such a laid-back atmosphere. I’m really honored to be able to bring this to town. I know others share my passion and this is a high-class establishment. You can find things here you won’t find anywhere nearby.”
If you go
Adam’s Premium Cigars
Where: 402 S. Collins St.
Hours: Monday through Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to close.
For more information: Visit Adams Premium Cigar social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
