Don’t Start Your Audible Membership Without Getting Two Free Books!

Cigars are a newer hobby for me. I found myself randomly walking the streets of New York with coworkers way back in January of this year and we stopped of at The Carnegie Club. Think dark acedemia with cigars and cocktails. I was immediately struck by the culture. By the way the men around me dove deep into the menu and meticulously chose the right stick. Then, paired it with the right drink. Next thing I knew, I was sitting on the deck of a Windstar cruise smoking a cigar and staring at the French coastline. I found myself on safari and spending every night smoking a cigar and staring at Kilamanjaro.

Here is the truth though, I didn’t know a damn thing about cigars, so I reached out and got some help. Here are the best flavored cigars I tried in 2026 that were recommended to me.

There are certain things every guy should know. How to make a decent drink. How to cook at least one impressive meal. How to change a tire. How to close with style. And somewhere on that list should be an appreciation for film noir.

Even if you’ve never watched one, you already know what film noir looks like.

Welcome to the inaugural Cigar Lounge Spotlight at The Manual, where every Friday I’ll aim to bring you some of the best cigar lounges in the country. Yours truly travels a lot for a living, and during that time, I’ve ensconced myself in local cigar lounges in the cities I visit when the opportunity arises. While many of my dispatches here will include cigar lounges I’ve visited during my time as a longtime sportswriter — and in my current capacity as a travel and lifestyle writer —  this space will also feature lounges I’d love to visit one day, perhaps on my next trip.

Such is the case with The Flama Cabana at Havana Cabana Key West Hotel in Key West, Florida. There’s no better way to kick off this series than with a cigar lounge in the Southernmost Point of the United States, a mere 90 miles from cigar heaven, Cuba.