“Where to smoke?” by Smoking Moses
Dear Aldo, we always wanted to start a blog series about some of the most desirable lounges in the world. As you are a dear friend, expert, and passionado living in Italy we had to start this series with you, also because it is really difficult to find places to smoke in Italy and especially in one of the touristic hot spots: Venice.
So, if we may ask: What are your favorite spots to enjoy a cigar?
First of all we have to consider if the cigar is to be enjoyed alone or with friends.
When smoking alone my favorite spot is sitting in front of my cigar shop, next to one the most beautiful channels of my wonderful city, Canale di Cannaregio. That’s where I can find peace of mind. I'm able to leave all the world behind and lose myself in the beauty of that unique moment.
When enjoying a cigar together with my friends, of course, I could choose the same spot, but usually I prefer a different setting.
My first choice is our beautiful lounge, the Venice Cigar Club Smoking Lounge. This is the hidden paradise of my Venice Cigar Club, where all members can meet and enjoy a cigar together, whenever they want. We started the entire project from scratch, se we could design it to perfectly fit our requirements.
The second spot would be one of the hidden garden of the most beautiful Venetian hotels. One garden in particular was also the summer location for our weekly Club meeting, before we built our Smoking Lounge. The hotel I’m talking about is Hotel Moresco.
I also like smoking in Danieli terrace, in front of Bacino San Marco. I can guarantee you, this location is by far one of the most spectacular places in the world.
Well, all in all, for me it's easy... Venice offers lots of places and gardens where everyone can sit and relax, enjoying a cigar. What a fantastic city.
“Danieli terrace, in front of Bacino San Marco: this location is by far one of the most spectacular places in the world.”
Please describe the moments and memories you have with these particular places?
Sometimes I also smoke cigars because they help me focusing on my daily issues. That's the reason why the spot in front of my shop is so important for me.
Years ago for example, just before the famous high tide of 186cm, I was tired and afraid, and really needed to get my head straight. I stopped and I sat down with a cigar, to properly understand what was happening. Believe me or not, it helped a lot!
What was so special about the location or situation?
When I think about Venice Cigar Club Smoking Lounge, I always remember all the happy moments we spent there, all the events, the laughs, the educational moments, but also all the effort and the sweat of all the members and friends who helped to bring it to life.
That lounge is the symbol of what a cigar club quintessentially is: we are a family, and in a family everyone does his best to help to reach the final goal.
Which cigar was the perfect accompaniment for that time and place?
I have lot of "perfect cigars"... of course it depends on the moment and the situation.
When I am alone, and I can focus on my cigar, I really enjoy medium to strong Nicaraguan ones, super complex but balanced.
When smoking with other people, I’d probably choose something milder, because I can not give to the cigar all the attention it deserves. I don’t want to risk missing some of the aromas or flavors.
Where would you like to enjoy a cigar, but haven’t had the opportunity yet?
That’s a damn good question... and the answer is easy: walking through the tobacco fields in Nicaragua or in Dominican Republic, preferable together with friends, carefully listening to the explanations of the manufacturers and growers.
