Rokin 96
1012 KZ Amsterdam
020-623-7494
www.hajenius.com
Walking in the rain of Amsterdam can be a bit tiring or you may be feeling quite victorious for not being run over the the bicyclists (who seem to believe that they totally own the roads). When that time comes and you want to have a good cigar, I recommend Hajenius; they not only have an excellent selection of Cuban brands (if you are heading to London, pick up your Cubans here as they are much less expensive than in London), and a great exhibit of beautiful humidors and accessories, but they also have their own brand which features Sumatra tobacco harking back to colonial times (they were founded in 1826)
They have been in the beautiful art deco building since before the First World War and it can make you immediately feel that you are in a different time and place. They also have a very comfortable lounge where you can have a cigar, read the paper, perhaps strike up a conversation with another seeking shelter and enjoy a cup of coffee or even Port (sorry, no hard liquors). The chairs are comfortable and after the rush of the streets, you do feel yourself coming back down to earth.
Unfortunately they do not ship outside of the Netherlands so if you like their house brand, you better take some with you. On this trip (February), I was fortunate enough to visit the store when they have a special house blend which is only available once a year. Their house blend has a different taste from a Cuban or what is available in the U.S.
Their hours are short, normally from 9:30-6 and shorter on the week ends. Sorry, no stopping in for a nice smoke after dinner.
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