Located four blocks west of The Momentary on 6th street, Bobby and Johnna Duncan opened The Cigar District, with its rooftop lounge and premium retail store, for cigar enthusiasts and the cigar curious alike. For the Duncans, each hand-rolled cigar tells a story about family traditions and cultural craftsmanship worth experiencing in the same way we soak in the romance of a moody cocktail lounge or honor generational legacies while touring a vineyard.
According to Bobby, most tobacco used in cigar making is sourced from farms in Central America: The Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Benefiting from a similar climate, many of these farms originate from seeds and knowledge that fled Cuba during the leadership of Fidel Castro, after the US Trade Embargo.
The Cigar District
200 SE 6th Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
Dominican Republic
Soil and climate affect cigar products as much as any plant-derived specialty. The Duncans explain that cigars originating from the Dominican Republic are light and smooth, often described as “creamy”. A Davidoff cigar, for example, pairs well with an espresso. “All the elements that go into making a great cigar, they're the best at,” Bobby says. The Cigar District is the appointed merchant for Davidoff in NWA.
Costa Rica
Another exclusive product to The Cigar District in NWA are ATABEY’s Costa Rican cigars. “They’re exported to Spain, where the cigars are put through a series of humidors - each with a different type of cedar - for years after they’re rolled.” These ultra-premium cigars are ideal for special occasions and pair well with bourbon.
Nicaragua
“Probably the most popular cigars in the U.S., the tobacco is grown in Nicaragua,” says Johnna. “I find Nicaraguan tobacco to be very peppery.” With a spice-forward profile, Nicaraguan cigars, like Espinosa, Johnna says, should pair nicely with a Cabernet or even a Dr. Pepper. The Cigar District offers a range of Espinosa Cigars, a brand founded by Cuban-born Erik Espinosa.
Honduras
Where Nicaraguan cigars lean spicy, the Duncans describe Honduran cigars as more earthy. Folks interested in a full-bodied cigar experience might enjoy brands like Oscar Valladares, available at The Cigar District.