Bahrain

[ChanceSchmerr]

Looks like there is an excellent chance I will be in Bahrain for a few days next week. Never been, can anyone shed some light on where to go for Cigars, what has the better selection and prices (Airport DF, or LCDH), and where one might find some great Single Malt Scotch?

I'd like to meet up with FOH'ers while there, but I have few details on my schedule while in town, and it may not be possible to get out at all, but happy to do so if possible! I'll be bringing some cigars with me as always, so I'm not looking to Mooch either LOL!! I just really like meeting fellow FOH brothers in my travels, if I can!

Thanks for any help/experiences/advice, fellas!

[Smallclub]

There is a LCDH in a shopping mall known as "Seef Mall". It's a small shop, not comparable with what one finds in Dubai or Beyrouth…

[finecigar]

At "seef mall" the prices are very high (on certain smokes) but they do offer a variety of smokes. I bought a box of behike 54 there which were at over $700. But I got a few bolivar no. 2 tubed singles (one of my favorite go to smokes) at a very modest $10-12 per stick. At the time the Bahraini Dinar was worth nearly 4 US dollars. I think today though the rate is better. Check out some of the upscale hotels on the beach as some have walk in humidors. (i cant remember which ones though). If you look on the habanos website you can find some photo galleries of some great events that Bahrain offers for cigar enthusiasts. I went to one at one of their premiere hotel and it was fabulous. Bahrain is not as good as Dubai or Abu dabi or some other middle eastern spots for Cubans. But Bahrain is a small beautiful little gem that has ALOT of luxury. Also a decent amount of issues at the moment. Be careful in some districts because the riots have been increasing.

[finecigar]

At "seef mall" the prices are very high (on certain smokes) but they do offer a variety of smokes. I bought a box of behike 54 there which were at over $700. But I got a few bolivar no. 2 tubed singles (one of my favorite go to smokes) at a very modest $10-12 per stick. At the time the Bahraini Dinar was worth nearly 4 US dollars. I think today though the rate is better. Check out some of the upscale hotels on the beach as some have walk in humidors. (i cant remember which ones though). If you look on the habanos website you can find some photo galleries of some great events that Bahrain offers for cigar enthusiasts. I went to one at one of their premiere hotel and it was fabulous. Bahrain is not as good as Dubai or Abu dabi or some other middle eastern spots for Cubans. But Bahrain is a small beautiful little gem that has ALOT of luxury. Also a decent amount of issues at the moment. Be careful in some districts because the riots have been increasing.

[finecigar]

Also, alcohol is not illegal there however it is frowned upon in some areas.

[ChanceSchmerr]

Thanks for the Tips, man! Any idea of the Duty-Free Store in the Airport? Good/Bad?

Looks like I might have most of a day to myself at least while there now - anyone in Bahrain free to join me for a cigar next week?

[finecigar]

I never purchased from the airport because I prefer the Dubai one. I am not even quite sure if the airport has cigars. If it does, I would be doubtful that they are even of authentic/ decent quality. That's airport is one of the strangest quirky airports I've ever been too. There are random cars being on display and lots of retro colors and also a lot of mass confusion with flighs. Kind of an unstable airport from my experience. Customer service is not the best.

Wish I was there to join you for a smoke but I won't be back there for a few years. Enjoy your short stay there! It's a beautiful country with such a strong culture that is incomparable to places like Dubai or Abu dahbi or those more "las Vegas" feel of destinations, Bahrain is more real and authentic of the middle eastern ways. Well in most parts.

[Nino]

Wish I could help you out, Chris, but my last BAH flights are too long ago.

As finecigar mentioned, it's indeed very different to other ME places, I remember it as being very relaxed, but guess it has changed.

Enjoy it, be safe and maybe we can share a cigar after your trip ....

[Chaki]

The duty free cigar shop at the airport is fine but, of course, cannot be compared to Dubai or Beirut. The LCDH downtown is ok too but nothing great.

Do go to Trader Vic's at the Ritz Carlton. They have a small selection of cigars that you can smoke there and there is a good band of lovely ladies playing Cuban music. Have a safe trip!

[neilbrace]

very humid . and dont worry where to go you can run the whole counrty in about 60 min walking and 7 min by bicycle.

[almudawi]

Hi guys,

A native of Bahrain here.

The airport has a good cigar humidor better than the ones I've seen on my travels to europe. I agree incomparable to the one in Dubai but still all the brands are available and a lot of niche brands too.

The LCDH has the best kept humidor in the island (dont bother buying from Tobacco Road). All the cigars here are authintic unless you are buying from shops at Juffair (american base staff are an obvious target - RyJs for 3 bucks a steal.. eh?)

Also, the cigar shop at the ritz has a lot of hidden gems. But you need to know the shop keeper. Give me a shout and I'll be more than happy to put a good word in for you

We have a couple of great lounges. One at the Ritz and one at the world trade center. The later is the hipper one of the 2.

In terms of political situation; its all blown out of proportion. But I'll leave it to yourself to judge.

PS. I have PMed you my contact details.. feel free to contact me if you need anything bro. Also, if you fancy going out for a herf I'll be more than happy to come down and meet up with you.

[ChanceSchmerr]

Thanks for the Tips!!! I am PM'ing back now