The Wall Street Humidor

WALL STREET HUMIDOR HOSTS GRAND RE-OPENING

Welcomes Cigar Enthusiasts After Major Renovation New York, NY - Wednesday, November 7, 2011 – Owner/ Proprietor Richard Hu today announced a Grand Re-Opening celebration this Friday, November 11th. The occasion marks the official return of the renowned cigar shop/smoking lounge on Warren Street in Lower Manhattan, just steps west of Broadway and City Hall.

The Wall Street Humidor has been completely remodeled. It now features an astounding two-floor humidor, skylights, and new, and smoking lounge areas. New flat-screen HD televisions and there music systems are distributed throughout the space. Humidified rental lockers will be available for cigar storage and aging. The centerpiece of the new WSH is the downstairs members lounge. It features beautiful hardwood floors, area rugs, exposed brick walls, a mixture of brand new seating areas, subtle lighting from, antiques, and even a baby grand piano. It is perhaps the most elegant smoking area in Manhattan. This lounge will also be available for private parties.
Hu decided earlier this year to renovate and expand the 15-year-old establishment. He saw opportunity in making the Wall Street Humidor a more welcoming place, even though he has a devoted and loyal clientele. “So many cigar stores have closed in New York City, and the simple pleasure of smoking and meeting up with other has become increasingly difficult for so many.

Between New York City’s smoking laws and the recent recession, cigar stores have become an endangered species,” said Hu. So, to both reward his following and attract new clients, he went all out in renovating the store. Richard Hu opened the Wall Street Humidor in 1996 after a lengthy and successful career in international finance. During his years of business travel, he gained a great appreciation of cigars, their culture and the many fine hours of contemplation, conversation and companionship emporiums around the world provide for devotees. Richard is known around town as a knowledgeable connoisseur of cigars and has run the shop with a sense of hospitality which its regulars acknowledge is akin to a second home. Hu said: “After being in so many fine cigar bars and clubs over the years, I wanted to re-create my store and really brand it to my own taste. The reaction to it during our previews has been over-whelmingly positive. My clientele was so supportive during the renovation, stopping by to check on the construction and to chat with me. I’m thrilled by the loyalty and the excitement they’ve shown from the beginning of the process.” On a recent pre-opening evening, over a dozen patrons were in the shop enjoying a wide range of cigars. One customer was playing guitar and softly singing with two others, a few watching a baseball playoff game, others were reading, while the remainder engaged in the favorite Wall Street Humidor pastime: great smokes with great conversation, with Mr. Hu joining in. This Friday’s event is open to both long-time and first-time patrons and will include food, refreshment, entertainment and of course, one of the finest collections of cigars in New York City. Mr. Hu will be happy to host you and recommend cigars for the palettes of new and old smoker alike.

About the Wall Street Humidor:
The completely remodeled Wall Street Humidor is at 18 Warren Street in Lower Manhattan, NY. Located steps from City Hall, it hosts a cross-section of cigars smokers from all walks of life Owner/Proprietor Richard Hu has hosted the City’s cigar aficionados for over 15 years, offering over 70 types of cigars along with a selection of fine humidors, cutters and other cigar accessories. Brands include: Padron, Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Comacho, Aurora, Don Pepin, Alec Bradley, Carrillo and (coming soon) Tatuaje.

The Wall Street Humidor has new, extended hours: Monday through Saturday from 12noon until 9pm.
Media Contact for The Wall Street Humidor: Bob Samuel (bobsamuel@mac.com) 917.969.9301

Cohiba Edicion Limitada 2003

Enjoying these during the 3 days of vacation down in Mexico. The Cohiba Double Coronas was a powerhouse in the beginning of aged sherry, nuts, and high spices... then it falls short, rock bottom, because it's a fake... a 7 years aged with golden ash heart (see pic below). But I am still thankful to this generous gift from my friend as a birthday gift. Anything tastes better down by the Caribbean. The 06 Monte 2 was solid as usual, specially with 4 years on it's belt. I've been rewarding myself with a Monte Piramide every year for the past 6 yrs, buying a new one on my birthday to replace one. Quite a good learning experience.


Also picked up a new habit of venturing to a liquor which could pair well with the smoke. I'd found 2 these year, a tequila and a Kentucky bourbon. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 years. this treat is from a good tea friend who understands my passion for the leaves (tea & cigar). The inviting color of rich cherry copper and the big nose of coffee, cinnamon, aged port, oak and sweet wood infused me. With a good awakening from it's high proof, the youth and vigor from the middle notes did hold me back to reality. Perfect balance with a Partagas Serie P No 2.

Tequila Gran Centenario Anejo

I never dreamt of paring 100% blue agave tequila with habanos, until a stay at the Secrets, Riviera Maya, this past weekend for a birthday get-away. Thanks to my lovely wife for the special treat. There, we had a tequila tasting event.

Although there are a few (3-7 years aged) selections which could easily top this Gran Centenario, the oak/sherry woody aroma with the sweet tobacco finish really pared well with both my '06 Monte No. 2 and a Partagas Piramide. The only upsetting experience was purchasing this bottle at the resort, which they said is on promotion at $60 per bottle. Later we found the same bottle at the airport for $29.... Hack... what a sucker... or a sipper?

Bolivar Royal Coronas 1999

The last one from a box of 25. This Royal Coronas is one of the easier Robusto sizes, in flavor and readiness. Could be consumed within a year of aging or will slowly develop that peppery profile to a more smoother exotic woody / aged nutmeg character in 10 years of time. Easy to draw, with smooth creamy cool full smoke, very balanced and charming. A finger burner indeed.

Germain-Robin Fine Alambic Brandy

A very generous gift from Will and David, who understand my passion in cigar. Terrific pair made in Heaven! Great nose of grapes, sandalwood, honey nectar and bright vanilla. Smooth but with vigor and youth showing through. Nothing like a much too over refined single malt or VSOP, this California style Armagnac has great personality and old world charm. Reminds me of a bygone Armenian Shustov's Cognac character.


Paring with a '97 Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux. The exotic complex woody aftertaste balanced nicely with the bright floral liquor... what could be better? Thank you again Will for such a wonderful choice.

H. Upmann Magnum 48 2009 Limited Edition

My First Upmann Mag. this year from a cabinet of 25. Do I love it? Too soon to judge, plus the first one I picked-up was plugged.... I would at least give another 2 to 3 sticks before saying anything decisive. These sticks are packed solid. I want to know how many blends are in it and there ages? I am guess 4-5 different grades?

Coffee and raw coco beans overwhelm most of my palate. Spices of pepper and cinnamon at the mid-sec. Cool, refreshing and soothing smoke. Sadly it was too harsh and difficult to draw at the end.... just my luck.

Diplomaticos No. 2. 2009

A 2009 box of 25. Beautiful classic rustic Cuban aroma, oily with blooms on the wrapper. Construction is less than ideal comparing to a Monte 2, but still an amazing smoke if I could hold it at least 2 more years to develop?

Smoked it cold, around 39F. Amazing floral notes, aloeswood, creamy buttery and chocolate on the palate, still vigor and stubborn. For some reason, the 2009 are much stronger and fuller than the previous years.... Could be a good sign of a come back? Finally.