Shop: Three J’s Cigar Emporium (one of two locations)

Location: Davie, Florida.
The shop is in a strip mall on Griffin Road, just West of University Drive.




Wooden Indian: No. But they did have an Excalibur suit of Armor.



Atmosphere: John has run this shop along with his partners for many, many years. To me, he is the epitome of the old-school hometown shopkeeper. He knows his business and he knows his customers. The shop, like many others, is a walk-in with a counter and a register. I happened to stop in on delivery day. It looked like Christmas with boxes and packaging everywhere.




Service: John knows which end of the perfecto to light. He is also willing to share that knowledge with you if you ask. He has no idea why Gurkhas unravel. … He said he doesn’t try to compete with online retailers on price, but suggests that having a seasoned, experienced guide at your service far outweighs the cost difference when you’re looking for something in particular. John’s daughter, who sometimes steps in to cover a shift, is equally knowledgeable and pleasant. Plus, she is really cute. This is one of those shops in which you just feel at home.


Walk-in: The entire store is humidified. It’s not perfect, but it keeps the stock in good condition. There is fairly high turn-over, as evidenced by the multiple weekly shipment arrivals.


Cigars: The newest creations are always up front. This is one of the first shops in the area to receive new products and they are often chosen to host cigar introduction tour stops. You will find all the popular brands and a deep inventory. I noticed a respectable selection of top shelf labels like Davidoff, Opus, and Crown Max. Prices are average for the area. Check out the Oliva V storage on the top of the display wall:





More:





Additional offerings: There a few basic boxes and cutters available. They can keep you going if you misplace a tool or lighter, but it clearly is not a point of emphasis.




Additional amenities: There is a small, comfortable chair by the door. I think it’s more for Al, the afternoon guy. You can watch television, but again, I think it’s a convenience for the staff while they’re working.

Special Notes: Three J’s hosts multiple cigar night events during the cooler months (November through April.) I have attended a couple and, believe me, they are packed. The last one was sponsored by Rocky Patel. They have a band, food, and the obligatory cigar specials. These are great events for local cigar guys and gals. They’re working the schedule to see if they can get Carlito Fuente to stop by in November ’09. If I go this season, I’ll be sure to post photos.

Summary: John is a cigar pro who knows his industry. If you’re local and haven’t discovered this store, you owe it to yourself to get acquainted. You should definitely plan on hitting their cigar night festivities. Those who visit the area and need to restock their travel humidor will find this shop to be a good choice.


Disclaimer and Full Disclosure:
Do not smoke. It is bad for you. I have the utmost respect for our Native American brothers. They never wear metallic armor. Ice cream is good. I have no financial interest or ownership interest in any cigar shop, store, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, packager, shipper, stevedore, roller, farmer, harvester, or tobacco farm land lease holder, nor do I receive any other benefit, explicit or implied, from the inclusion of or review of any establishment herein named, referred to, or otherwise described. I do watch the Big Bang Theory on CBS. I think Wooden Indians are cool.