Established in 1972, Buffalo Tobacco Traders is one of Grand Rapids favorite places to find a good cigar. They were voted "Best Tobacconist in West Michigan" 1995-2006 by On-The-Town Magazine, and for good reason, though I am not quite certain why they aren't still at the top of that category. Unless it was because they won the “Lifetime Best Tobacconist in West Michigan" award and that took them out of the running.
They have a huge selection of pipes and pipe tobacco, and the store has four true walk-in cigar humidors. Not just the stand up kind the size of a refrigerator, but entire rooms full to the top with cigars. And not the cheap, nasty smelling ones you might find at a local gas station either.
The good ones.
Brands you know and love like CAO, Cohiba and Padilla. So many different brands I couldn't remember them all to put down here in print. But if you have a favorite that isn't a custom one off or a house-brand of someone else, it is probably at Buffalo Tobacco. Most of the brands in the store are available as singles, so if you have ever wanted to try one of the premiums and compare it to that cheap dog leg you picked up down at the bait shop, here is your chance.
If you are like me, you like a cigar with some body, but the wife doesn't care much for that “cigar smell”. That's ok though, since I found a cigar she actually lets me smoke around her at BTT. You need to go in and have a look at the Drew Estate Blondies. They are a rich, flavorful little powerhouse cigar that the wife actually likes. That was a well spent 3 bucks! And their buy 3 get 1 free deal on most cigars only makes it a bonus.
Just a couple of things to be aware of when you go in; you are going to want to spend some time there wandering, smelling and looking. And the big one, you are always going to meet characters in there. Be ready for that. By characters, I mean those interesting, sometimes rather opinionated folk, you only thought existed on old detective movies. From the owner to the customers, characters abound. It isn't a bad thing though, for me personally, it is part of the charm. For those of you who are more sensitive to such things, just be ready.
An aside here for a moment. If you are looking for a cigar to hollow out and make a “blunt” steer clear. The owner has no tolerance for such things and is quite willing to tell you so.
And for the militant anti-smoker; This ain't your place, sorry. There are some other interesting little boutiques in the area though, so while your smoking friends go in to Buffalo Tobacco, have a visit and enjoy the interesting little shops near by. You will probably be there a while.
Buffalo Tobacco Traders has a website, but it can sometimes be cranky and take a bit to load:
http://www.buffalotobaccotraders.com/
They are located at 952 E. Fulton Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone 616-451-8090
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