Category: | Cigar Shop |
Address: | 19186 Blanco Rd #101, San Antonio, TX 78258, USA |
Phone: | +1 210-888-2933 |
Site: | cigarpointe.com |
Rating: | 4.4 |
Working: | 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–7PM Closed |
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Richard Vickery
The Cigar Pointe is a small to medium cigar store located outside Loop 1604 and Blanco. The store itself is nice and well kept, and especially clean. It doesn’t have a sleazy feel to it that some cigar stores have, which is a definite plus. Their humidor itself is about average size for a cigar store, not super small and not expansive, and has a decent selection. Some staples of the cigar industry are available (Alec Bradley, Drew Estates) and some that are missing (CAO for instance). No super high end cigars and no garbage cigars that are machine produced; average cost $6 - $10. Their supply is usually well stocked, which is a good sign, a tall tell sign of a poorly kept store is a humidor that is barely stocked and empty boxes being kept on the shelves. This is a small locally owned business, and far from the only one in San Antonio, the closet cigar store to this one (Cigar Warehouse) is 2.6 miles away, so it is far from the only one in their town, or in their area. I am a big fan of cigars; my current collection has about 300 cigars in total. While it is easier and more cost effective to purchase cigars on-line, I make an earnest attempts to purchase once in a while from local cigar business to show my support and to try a new stick or two. I was going to Cigar Pointe about once every couple of months, but that is going to end now. Gabe had a recent promotion to purchase a shirt promoting his business; I went ahead and got one to show my support. When I went to his store his mother and father were working and were as nice as could be. After grabbing a couple of sticks I asked for some cigar juice (called Propylene Glycol Solution), they didn’t know what it was and told me that they didn’t carry it. I found that odd as most all cigar stores I have been at sell this cigar type product. After posting this on social media exact quote “What kind of cigar store doesnt sell cigar juice?” And walking away, I was bombarded with hostile brow beating questions from Gabe and received a private message that read: “I dont appreciate questioning my store just because I dont have "cigar juice" sorry we sell out of things.” I honestly don’t care if he appreciates it or not, it was feedback, and the impression I got from his parents was that they didn’t sell a product that a majority of cigar aficionados use in their humidor. He later wrote publically: “Sorry I try and concentrate on cigars. I also sell xikar products which has a product called PG Solution, also Boveda packs for humidification .” Here he does say that he sells it which means that there is a communication problem or that they were simply out, which wasn’t what I was told. I also find it ironic that he says he tries to concentrate on cigars, when he is currently promoting shirts. Now I have been in a lot of cigar shops where the owner is rude, unfriendly, etc. This is usually a byproduct of being the only game in town or being in business for a long time. Cigar Pointe doesn’t have either of those, so I chalk this behavior up as lack of customer relations. I won’t tell you not to go to this cigar store, but I will warn you that anything other than glowing, you are going to not be received very well. For me, I won’t be going back, there are plenty of local cigar stores in San Antonio, but I do wish the store the best of luck, and improved customer relations. Update from 16 Feb 2014 I didnt see the stores response until now, I havent been back, and I am not planning on it in the future. I work entirely too hard for my money, and there are more than enough places in the city that are more than happy to treat me with respect to bother, but the shirt does make a great conversation piece when I wear it. I do take solace in the fact that I wasnt the only one that had to endure the sons attitude when not showering him with praise.
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A Private User
I was looking for a shop where I could enjoy a smoke, fire up the laptop, and get some work done. Cigar Pointe was the place to go! They have a great selection of cigars-everything from the big name brands, down to the boutiques. There is a full line of Xikar accessories as well. The shop does have a full fridge of drinks for sale, and they are very open about their Bring Your own Beer policy. The lounge, while on the smaller side, has great ventilation and very comfortable chairs. From leather easy chairs, to plush leather swivel chairs around the leather topped poker table (see a leather theme here? I did, and I loved it) The walk in humidor has digital hygrometers in various spots around the room, and I couldnt have been more impressed with being able to tell EXACTLY how the cigars are stored. This humidor is also large enough for several customers to be in their, without stepping on each others toes. One of the owners, Gabe, was already in the humidor chatting with another customer when I arrived, and was very helpful with making sure I knew assistance was there if I needed it. Before I went to sit down for my smoke, Gabe had decide to come sit in the lounge as well. They also offer lockers that come with a store discount.
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Brent Kelso
The selection looked impressive but I was not familiar with a lot of the selection. After doing multiple laps around the Humidor I finally went to the front to interrupt the owners conversation with his buddy. I noticed a wall plaque for Kentucky Fired and I asked if he had any. Reply was god I hope not but let me look. Really then why have the wall plaque and Im sorry what I like isnt up to standards. I then asked about the Blind Mans Bluff as Ive heard mixed reviews on them. The answer was if they werent good I wouldnt have them. Bought a couple of Rocky Patel and left. My apologies for attempting to be a customer and having a question. I went to this B&M on friends reviews but wont be back. As the owner stated in previous reply to a review option 2 shop somewhere else. I will chose option 2 and also spread the word to my BOTL that they should do the same.
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J.J. Valdez
My first time ever smoking a cigar was at Cigar Pointe. Walking in, I had no idea where to start, but the owner was there and took the time to show me the way. He put effort into explaining how cigars are made, and pointed out some of the more popular brands to me. He even took the time to show and explain how to properly light, as well as some cigar lingo. Since then, I have returned multiple times, and have always received much help in being pointed toward new and quality cigars. Recommendations were almost always enjoyable, never once did they try to sell me on more expensive cigars. I even received free cigars several times when he wanted feedback on a new brand, or if a cigar I purchased happened to be a bad build. Overall, the experience I have had with this shop has been excellent, and I shall continue to make my cigar purchases here in the future.