An Afternoon at Xhale Lounge in the Fishtown Section of Philly

I’m finally about over the illness that gripped me over the last week and my wife wanted to do some research at a library in center city, so I decided to pay a visit to a shop I had read about some time ago in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Xhale Lounge. I don’t think I’ve ever been to this part of town before but I needed a cigar adventure so here am! It also presents me with an opportunity to smoke a few cigars inside after my hiatus as well as try writing my Sunday post “In the field” on my tablet. We’ll see how the later works out.

The walk-in humidor here is reasonably large for a little storefronts the city. There’s a nice selection of both the usual suspects and some boutique selections. I spyed some Room 101 San Andreas coronas and grabbed a couple of those, and the Arturo Fuente Short Story Maduro looked like something I had to finally try. My last selection was admittedly a bit cliche, but I had to try the Flor de los Antillas since it recently received acclaim. Like I need to buy more cigars. It’s a full house in the lounge, which occupies the front of the shop, so I took a seat on a stool in the window under the large TV which is displaying the game. I’m safe as long as people don’t throw things at the screen, but the clientele seems nice enough.

This Room 101 S.A. is hitting the spot. Being the first cigar I’ve really been able to enjoy in a week, it’s bold and loaded with the dark and dirty flavors I love. It’s burning perfectly except that I’m having to relight it now and then due to my writing as a smoke. I suspect a Short Story will be next, although I can’t count out the Flor de los Antillas as it looks pretty tasty.

I’m going to cut this short and try to not be the weird stranger sitting in the corner typing on a tablet. This is a nice little shop, well appointed and reasonably priced with a friendly clientele. If you find yourself wondering the Fishtown neighborhood in Philadelphia, stop in for a smoke. You’ll be able to find something you like, and a welcoming place to smoke.

Until the next time,

CigarCraig