UK Cigar Scene Magazine May Issue 5 | Page 32

Focus on Scotland Cigar Friendly Locations Inverarity One to One Inverarity One to One first opened its doors in 2008 selling wine, whisky and cigars to the people of Glasgow and beyond. Nestled in a basement on Bath Street, away from the main shopping district, they are very much a hidden gem. If you manage to find your way to the tiny Aladdin’s cave, be prepared to spend some time browsing through the 1400 products which includes a choice of 120 hand-made cigars in a beautiful bespoke walk-in humidor. The shop is run by Pete Stewart and Andy Bell, two bearded aficionados who are passionate about everything they sell. Nothing is listed in the shop until one or both of them has tried and approved the product, whether it is a Viognier from Clarksburg, California, a gin from the wee distillery down the road, or a new Honduran cigar. In fact, you’ll often see the two of them standing outside the shop lighting up a potential contender before discussing its merits under a cloud of blue smoke. Forty of the cigars in the humidor are Havanas, with the remaining eighty hailing from the new world. This is no accident, as Pete and Andy feel that the balance between the quality and the price of the Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars at the moment is unbeatable. The range is carefully chosen to include something for everyone, with a variety of sizes in every flavour category. The boys are also happy to recommend the ideal cigar for novices and seasoned smokers alike. 31 Two of the most recent acquisitions are the Nica Puro Diamond Rough Cut by Alec Bradley, and the La Flor Dominicana 20th Anniversary Limited Edition which is presented in a very stylish ceramic beer stein. These are both very substantial smokes for under £20, and Pete suggests sitting in comfy chair with a good book and a very large rum while you enjoy them. For those occasions when only a Cuban will do, the humidor is always very well stocked with a selection of all the big names including Montecristo, Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta. You’ll also find some of the more unusual brands such as Quai d’Orsay and Cuaba. Indeed, if your favourite is not on the shelf, it can be ordered in immediately. Inverarity One to One is located at 185a Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HU The shop is open 10-6 Monday to Friday, and 10-4 on Saturdays (closed Sundays). Telephone 0141 221 5121 www.inverarity121.com