A-1 International Cigars & Pipes

Doesn’t look like they exist any more. Couldn’t find, phone number dead, August 2014.

I love going to A-​1 and enjoying a cigar with the other patrons. I brought some friends down and they loved it. I brought my 18 year old son, wife and mother and father inlaw today and it was such a great environment for us. Unfortunately I just found out that they are closing soon. I love them and will miss them.

I stopped in here to check out the selection of sticks while visiting from the States. The manager, Chico, is a super nice guy. He was very hospitable and offered up a few suggestions based on other brands that I like. He helped me pick out a couple winners and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. I will definitely stop by again when I am in Calgary.

I walk by this place several times a week during my noon hour «quest for food.» Most times, my pace slows for a moment, as the smell of fine cigars is wafting through the doors.
Now, I’ve been known to burn a rope now and then when the occasion warrants, so the aroma is pleasant to me.
Today, rather than pausing, I decided to check the shop out. Perhaps find something to pair up with a nice single malt for the weekend.
It turns out, this place was completely not what I was expecting. But in a good way.
Now, the shop had the things I WAS anticipating: a walk in humidor fully stocked, various accessories like higher end cutters, personal humidors, etc.
But what was completely unusual was the smoke hanging in the air — people had been lighting up in here — and what looked like an empty brandy bottle behind the counter.
That… and a room off the back with a «Members Only» sign above the entrance.
This area, complete with TV, fireplace, and wood paneled walls, looks pretty much like what I’d imagine a «den» should be, if you were retiring to one for a smoke.
Around the table were bottles of scotch awaiting the next club member… interesting! I guess some guys hit this place during the day, rather than Starbucks. And indeed, some guy was just chilling in there, having a Cuban for lunch.
In the end I didn’t buy anything, and I have no idea what the «membership» costs, but the place was definitely unique.
I’ll likely be back, next time I have something remotely worth celebrating, for a Cohiba of my own.
⁷⁄₃₀