Arizona Cigar Guide
Discover the finest cigar shops, lounges, and tobacco stores across Arizona. Your complete guide to premium cigars in the Grand Canyon State.
About Arizona's Cigar Scene
Arizona has developed a vibrant and growing cigar culture, particularly in metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Scottsdale. The state's warm, dry climate creates ideal conditions for storing and enjoying premium cigars year-round. With over 250 dedicated cigar shops and lounges across the state, Arizona offers cigar enthusiasts a diverse range of experiences, from upscale lounges with full-service bars to traditional tobacco shops with walk-in humidors. The desert state has become a haven for cigar aficionados seeking quality products and comfortable environments to enjoy their passion.
Cigar Culture in Arizona
While Arizona doesn't share the deep historical ties to cigar production found in states like Florida, it has developed its own unique cigar culture over the past few decades. The growth of Arizona's cigar scene coincided with the cigar boom of the 1990s, when premium cigar consumption surged nationwide. The state's favorable climate, growing population, and tourism industry created perfect conditions for cigar businesses to flourish. Today, Arizona is home to several notable cigar retailers and lounges that have built reputations for exceptional selection and service. The state's cigar community continues to grow, with regular events and gatherings that bring enthusiasts together to celebrate their shared passion.
Popular Cigar Cities in Arizona
Top-Rated Cigar Shops in Arizona
Cigar Events in Arizona
Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest
Date: March 22-23, 2024
Location: The Phoenician, Scottsdale, AZ
Cigar Aficionado's premier event combining premium cigars and fine spirits, featuring tastings, seminars, and opportunities to meet industry leaders.
Arizona Cigar Festival
Date: October 5, 2024
Location: Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale, AZ
Annual gathering showcasing cigars from top manufacturers, with food, drinks, and entertainment in a luxurious resort setting.
Phoenix Cigar Club Monthly Meetup
Date: First Thursday of every month
Location: Various locations across Phoenix, AZ
Regular social gathering for cigar enthusiasts to network, share recommendations, and enjoy premium cigars in a relaxed atmosphere.
Arizona Tobacco Laws
- Arizona's Smoke-Free Arizona Act prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places and workplaces, but exempts retail tobacco stores that generate at least 51% of their revenue from tobacco products.
- To qualify for the retail tobacco store exemption, the establishment must not allow minors to enter and must have a separate ventilation system if located in a multi-tenant building.
- The legal age to purchase tobacco products in Arizona is 21, in compliance with federal law.
- Some municipalities in Arizona have enacted stricter smoking regulations than the state law, so local ordinances should be consulted.
- Cigar bars and lounges may operate if they meet the retail tobacco store exemption requirements and maintain proper ventilation systems.
Fun Facts About Arizona's Cigar Culture
- Arizona's dry climate creates excellent natural conditions for cigar storage, requiring less humidity control than more humid states.
- Scottsdale is often referred to as the 'Beverly Hills of the Desert' and features some of the most luxurious cigar lounges in the Southwest.
- Several professional athletes and celebrities who reside in Arizona are known cigar enthusiasts and frequent local shops and lounges.
- The annual Big Smoke event in Scottsdale is one of the most prestigious cigar gatherings in the western United States.
- Some Arizona cigar lounges have embraced the state's Native American heritage by featuring special cigar blends that incorporate local design elements and themes.
- Arizona's cigar scene benefits from 'snowbirds' (winter visitors) who bring cigar traditions from other regions during the cooler months.
Regional Cigar Highlights
Phoenix & Scottsdale
The Phoenix metropolitan area, including upscale Scottsdale, is the epicenter of Arizona's cigar culture. Here you'll find luxurious cigar lounges with full-service bars, expert staff, and extensive selections of premium cigars. Many establishments cater to high-end clientele, offering membership options with private humidor lockers and exclusive events. The area hosts several major cigar events annually, drawing enthusiasts from across the Southwest.
View Phoenix Cigar ShopsTucson & Southern Arizona
Tucson offers a more relaxed cigar scene compared to Phoenix, with a mix of traditional tobacco shops and newer cigar lounges. The university town brings a diverse clientele to its cigar establishments, creating a vibrant community of enthusiasts. Southern Arizona's proximity to the Mexican border influences its cigar culture, with some shops featuring unique selections and cross-border influences in their offerings and atmosphere.
View Tucson Cigar ShopsFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best cigar shops in Arizona?
Based on customer reviews and ratings, some of the top-rated cigar shops in Arizona include . These shops offer excellent selection, knowledgeable staff, and great ambiance.
How does Arizona's climate affect cigar storage?
Arizona's dry desert climate actually creates favorable conditions for cigar storage in some ways. While humidors are still necessary, they don't need to work as hard to remove excess humidity as they might in more tropical locations. However, the extreme heat in summer months means temperature control is crucial, as cigars should ideally be stored around 70°F. Many serious collectors in Arizona use temperature-controlled cabinets or dedicated cigar refrigerators.
Are there cigar-friendly patios or outdoor spaces in Arizona?
Yes, many Arizona cigar lounges and shops feature outdoor patios or smoking areas that take advantage of the state's pleasant weather, particularly during the fall, winter, and spring months. These outdoor spaces often include comfortable seating, shade structures, and sometimes misting systems for the warmer months. Some restaurants and bars also offer cigar-friendly patios, though it's always best to call ahead and confirm their current smoking policies.
What is the best time to visit Arizona for cigar events?
The most comfortable seasons for enjoying cigars outdoors in Arizona are fall (October-November), winter (December-February), and spring (March-April), when temperatures are mild and pleasant. Many major cigar events are scheduled during these months, including the Big Smoke in Scottsdale (typically in March) and various manufacturer events. Summer months (May-September) can be extremely hot, though indoor cigar lounges are well air-conditioned.
Explore Arizona's Cigar Shops Today
Discover the perfect cigar shop for your needs. Browse our comprehensive directory of Arizona cigar retailers, read reviews, and find your next favorite smoke.
View All Arizona Cigar Shops