Cigarticles

For the Love of Cigars in Tulsa

 
Tim Jackson has two hobbies: smoking and drinking. “I’m serious,” he stressed over the laughter of those around him. He sees neither as a vice. Nor does his wife, Ashley. For although they both love the taste, texture and aroma of cigars, especially with a fine bourbon in hand, rarely do they partake more than once a month. And when they splurge, the happy Tulsa couple heads down to Makers Cigar and Piano Lounge in Oklahoma City to light up a fat one and sip whiskey, enjoying the smoke, the sounds and the discussions – something they do about three or four times a year, making a weekend of it. “It’s just the perfect smoking bar,” said Ashley. “It’s in an old warehouse in Bricktown, high ceilings, wood beams, gigantic fireplace, big leather couches.
 
 
 
 
It’s neat!” The whole scenario highlights a unique aspect of Jackson Technical, the nine-year-old computer consultant business in downtown Tulsa. In this health-conscious age that shuns all things tobacco, almost everyone on the youthful, eight-member staff loves to kick back with a smoldering stogie or pipe in hand, although seldom more than once a month. “It’s a lot like wine tasting,” said software developer Jason Holden. As if proving the point, only Holden maintains a supply of home cigars. But since comfortable smokers’ retreats remain few and far between due to tougher business environmental regulations, they usually practice their hobby at places like the Cigar Box at Jenks’ RiverWalk Crossing. “They actually have a lounge in the back to relax,” said Tim Jackson. Catching them in the act at Tulsa’s Petroleum Club’s special smoking room, their pleasure’s unmistakable. But they often struggled to explain it. “Oh, just because … no special reason,” said receptionist Donna Laughlin, an occasional smoker of “shorties” for about 10 years. “I guess that it’s relaxing,” said Jackson, savoring the wisps on his tongue. But he readily admitted the atmosphere played a huge role in the experience, from the rich woods and leathers of many lounges to the frequent backgrounds of fine jazz or big bands.
 
 
 
“There’s something kind of relaxing about the ritual of it all,” agreed his wife, who picked up the hobby seven years ago. “I suspect some of that might be environmental because usually most bars that you go to are dark places, with big cozy furniture. The atmosphere’s very relaxing, generally.” That drew her husband to the endurance factor. “You’re just committed to something for an hour,” he said of his passion. That, said programmer Jon Beeler, reflects the staying power of a good cigar. Since extinguishing a stogie lowers its savorability, he said the best – if not the only – way to enjoy the finely wrapped tobacco is to smoke it straight through, which takes time. Robert Hidde, an occasional customer of Jackson Technical, considered anything else a waste. “Look at that,” he said in disgust, examining an emptied table at the Petroleum Club. “To light up a new cigar and then just leave it there.” In this era of instant messaging, wireless access and electronic scheduling, firing up a cigar demands an old-fashioned approach to life – forced relaxation amidst luxurious accommodations, often surrounded by like-minded individuals. The resulting conversation and camaraderie, Jackson decided, truly makes the experience worthwhile. Holden agreed. “Of course it’s the camaraderie,” said Beeler, as if it could be nothing else. But with the camaraderie, there’s another savory element. Because the smoke accentuates the talents of the tongue, Beeler said cigars seem to lend themselves to sensory accessorizing, either with liquor or meals. “Smoke a cigar 30 minutes, then eat chocolate,” said Beeler. “The chocolate is improved by the cigar.” Sweet drinks or desserts, on the other hand, tend to taste bitter with a cigar. That said, the choices get as individual as the tobacco. To quench his thirst, the Jacksons prefer bourbon. Tim often goes for Gentleman Jack or Jack Daniel’s. Beeler accepts almost any brand of scotch. “Cigar smokers probably prefer whiskey to vodka,” he reflected. As for tobacco choices, when celebrating Tim Jackson chooses to light up with the “very smooth” Ashton ESG, which can retail for $25. Otherwise he’ll stick with a $10 cigar, based on ratings in Cigar Aficionado magazine. Ashley goes for the Arturo Fuente Short Story. “It’s a very petite cigar and it doesn’t take very long to smoke,” she said. “It’s only 6 to 7 bucks, so if you don’t finish it, it doesn’t hurt you.” The Ayo brand stands as Beeler’s favorite smoke, ranging from $8 to $12 apiece. For his collection of 15 or more pipes, he often picks G.L. Pease tobacco. Holden refuses to pin himself down. Savoring all the different flavors and fumes, studying them for moisture and brittleness, he makes a point to test different brands whenever possible. “I usually try to pick something I’ve never tried before,” he said. Beeler, who the Jacksons credited for introducing them to cigars, noted one more appealing factor to the stogie – that of prop. Like Groucho Marx or George Burns, he sees continued value of a leafy staff clenched between one’s fingers, either as a pointer or meditative tool. “I liked the way I’d seen it portrayed in certain movies,” agreed Holden, explaining why he first picked up a cigar. “I thought it looked cool. Once I tried it, I enjoyed it for other aspects.” Hidde flared his broad smile at that. “You have to remember what Freud said,” he stated. “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.”
 
Beeler remains the only member of Jackson’s staff who lights up more than once a week. To him, the act represents not just enjoyment, but part of his living experience. “It’s almost like a blanket to a kid,” he said. “It’s a distraction and a comfort.” “I can’t,” countered Jackson of regular smoking. “I can only do it relaxing.” For his part, Beeler can’t see himself driving all the way to Makers just to light up. “Driving to Oklahoma City just for the purpose of smoking cigars may sound like romantic fun, but it really means you’re going to be spending the night in Oklahoma City,” he said. “It’s not worth it.”

(c) 2008 Dolan Media, all Rights Reserved.