Posted by Cigar Boss on
June 3, 2008
Tobacco Tin - El Paso, TX
Tobacco Tin is located in El Paso, Texas located snuggly in the “westside” across from Sunland Park Mall.
Pricing of cigars is always an important factor for any shop – and this shop was some what unique in their pricing practices that I feel I must dwell upon. Let me start by saying Tobacco Tin had quite a selection of cigars, especially in comparison to the other cigar store Kern Place Cigars which is located just a few miles away.
The large selection and the pricing practices lead me confused: Acid cigars were priced higher ($4.25) than the Oliva G ($3.99). They were selling “cigar bundles” – that I think I remember getting at the last Big Smoke event from Cusano. However the bundle was cheaper than just buying a single Cusano stick; this was a good thing for me yet very odd.
Opus X was priced gouged more than I had ever seen at any shop averaging about $40.00 a stick. I said AVERAGE because regardless of the size, let me say this again: regardless of the size, it sat around the same price. This upset me.
Tobacco Tin did not have any visitors in the shop and only one worker. The worker was very nice and friendly to acknowledge me the second I stepped in. However he then proceeded to go into the humidor, pull up a stool in the middle, and watch me like a hawk. Again I am not happy.
I felt pressured. I felt rushed. I think he had even convinced me that I was going to steal something by looking over my shoulder every time I picked up a stick with my back turned to him. This forced me to hastily choose a stick, pay, and walk right out of the store. Thanks Tobacco Tin!
On Another Note: Some of the cigars in Tobacco Tin were over humidified. So if you go in there to purchase some sticks please remember that you may not be able to smoke them right away.
Tobacco Tin
745 S Mesa Hills Dr.
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 584-0945
Posted by Cigar Boss on
June 1, 2008
Kern Place Cigars - El Paso, TX
Kern Place Cigars is perfectly located on the famous Cincinnati street of El Paso, Texas. Kern Place it self is a small, yet cozy set up that can only be expected within the limited space available on Cincinnati Ave.
Kern Place Cigars had very reasonable prices on their sticks. Of the two cigar shops I took the time to visit, and various other “smoking” shops that sold cigars – Kern Place held its own. Everything had the standard markup you would come to expect from the major brands.
Upon entering the shop there was only one person working (not more would be needed for the space) and I was the only visitor inside (again a good thing for the space). The person working was a lovely young lady who was attentive and willing to help had I any questions.
The shop does not contain much of an atmosphere. It’s more of the location that you go in to buy your cigars and continue on the the neighboring bars (many to choose from). In a way – I kind of liked that ability. I was literally at the heart of the city, smoking a cigar, and had the ability to walk 20 ft to get another had I wanted it.
I had only two small issues: First: The cigars were over humidified. Finally, there were more empty boxes on the shelves, then cigar boxes with actual cigars in them. After asking multiple times if they had any in the back the friendly worker finally said
“Everything we have is on the shelf.”
Which really meant that I was limited at the specific time I visited.
Overall: A cool place to visit for a quick stop. The prices are fair and the selection might be few. It’s conveniently located by all the bars in the city; its more intended for the quick stop then the social gathering.
Kern Place Cigars
(915) 838-6767
216 Cincinnati Ave
El Paso, TX 79902
Visit the Kern Place Cigars website.
