The second stop of my Nashville cigar lounge tour was Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars located on Church Street, just a 3 min walk outside of what is known as Printers Alley in downtown Nashville, TN – a bustling bar and club scene in the city.
History of Blend Bar with Davdidoff Cigars
Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars is the brain child of Corey Johnston and his two business partners, Kim Arbuckle and Mark Holden. The original Blend Bar was opened in Indianapolis in 2013 and has since expanded into 3 more cities throughout the United States, including the Nashville location. The other two are located in downtown Pittsburgh and the Woodlands suburb outside of Houston. Many moons ago, Corey was a representative for Davidoff Cigars so making the transition to opening and owning luxurious cigar lounges was an easy transition.
Although the lounges carry the Davidoff name, the company does not own an interest in the lounges. Corey and his team cut an agreement with Davidoff to licence the name and create humidors that resemble the walk-in humidors of ‘Davidoff of Geneva Since 1911’ retail stores. The agreement provides Blend Bar with access to exclusive Davidoff cigars along with a cross marketing strategy. Corey notes that Blend Bar is the only licensed Davidoff cigar bar in the world.
Though I did not get to meet Corey himself, he was quoted in a 2018 Tobacco Business article as stating:
“The biggest part of our success has been our ability to create an environment and experience where both men and women feel comfortable, whether they smoke or not. That’s why we invest in the ventilation system. That’s what makes it unique.
You see a group of people come in, and maybe only a couple of them are cigar smokers, but the others are comfortable too because the ventilation system keeps their clothes from smelling and prevents them from being overwhelmed by smoke. The food and the drinks we offer add to the experience.
Yes, we still have a cigar focus, but we really try to make it comfortable for nonsmokers with our selection of bourbons, wines and other spirits. It keeps our business consistent, and it’s expanded our market of potential customers so that we don’t have the peaks and valleys of normal cigar retail. Every day is good for us business-wise.”
https://tobaccobusiness.com/blend-bar-davidoff-cigars/
The Blend Bar Experience
We entered Blend Bar on a Tuesday evening and was greeted by the beautiful Alex Lyons, the store manager. Alex used to work at the Indy store and has since transferred to Nashville. She told me this current location has been operational for 3 years and tonight, like every Tuesday night, was live Jazz night, which is something I can appreciate. The 3 piece band was set up in the front corner of the lounge, filling the room with smooth notes throughout the night. Alex explained they have other events throughout the month featuring cigar brands and even spirits. She noted there will be a big Dalmore event in September.
The lounge is impeccably clean with multiple seating areas apportioned with comfortable high back leather chairs, hi-top tables, ample ashtrays, and wall art including a photo of the Nashville area from a over century ago. The Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars also offers a light food menu including Tapas, Cheese Platters, and small Sandwiches. The ventilation was spot on with barley a note of cigar smoke in the lounge. This is definitely a place you could take a non-cigar friend to and enjoy an hour or so before or after hitting the music venues in town.
The Humidor
Alex took us to the humidor which is located behind the bar and encased in glass. The humidor is well stocked with plenty of Davidoff products along with a wall of Fuente cigars, other popular blends both big and small brands, and of course, Crowned Heads cigars. As noted they have some rare and hard to find Davidoff Products. An attendant will help you choose a cigar that meets your needs.
There are also special Davidoff Blend Bar cigars that are exclusive to the establishment.
The Bar
After selecting our cigars, the next stop was the bar. Like all things “Blend”, the bar is stunningly beautiful with a solid marble top and is well stocked with some of the best Scotch, Bourbons, Rye, and Rum to add to your cigar experience. They have over 50 different selections of bourbons to entice your palate and as Alex explained, they don’t skimp on the pour. This is not a one finger pour house, Blend Bar prides itself in 3 ounce pours – so kick back and enjoy your cigar and spirit.
Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars also features a special ‘Blend Bar’ espresso and chocolate, vodka martini that is just amazing. Alex told me it is one of the best sellers and is far better than a Red Bull and Vodka. After tasting it, Miguel, my son Dominic, and I wholeheartedly agreed.
Ultra Exclusive Members Boardroom
The last stop on our tour of Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars was the exclusive ‘Members Only’ boardroom. To get there you take an elevator to the second floor and enter a wood paneled room with high back leather seats. It is a quiet retreat from the din of the bar downstairs, but you can watch the action from a one way mirrored window that looks out over the downstairs lounge.
Sitting in this area certainly is exclusive. Though there is no bar in the boardroom, they do have some bottles of whiskey that are free to members to pour from. If you want desire something else, that will be easily accommodated. The staff will check in on you every now and then should you require anything. There is also a private rest room which is spotlessly clean.
Membership is ultra exclusive and requires a lifetime membership. The fee was not disclosed but I understand it is way up there in price. In fact it is so exclusive that there are currently only four members. Of course members can bring up whoever they choose. Members also get first dibs on any new limited product that the lounge brings in.
In the same Tobacco Business Article I referenced earlier. Corey is quoted as saying:
“Whether our customers are regular cigar smokers, occasional smokers or even nonsmokers they all want one thing—an experience that shows them they’re important to us. You’ve got to show the customer that you appreciate their business because that’s how you build a brand.”
https://tobaccobusiness.com/blend-bar-davidoff-cigars/
I believe Corey and his team have hit that mark.
Contact and Hours of Operation
Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars – Nashville is located at 506 Church Street Nashville, TN 37219
They can be contacted at:
- Phone (615) 730-9641
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLENDBarCigarNash/
- Website: http://www.blendbarcigar.com/nashville/
Hours of Operation
- Monday through Saturday: 12 PM. to 12 AM
- Sunday: 4 PM to 12 AM
In Closing
In closing, I would like to thank Alex Lyons for her generous hospitality and note that she is a most gracious host and knowledgeable manager of Blend Bar. I also want to thank Miguel Schoedel from Crowned Heads for taking the time on a Tuesday night to show my son and I around the Nashville cigar scene. Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars is truly a spectacular establishment that caters to the discerning palate whether you are new to cigars or an experienced enthusiast. The staff was friendly as were the patrons we met. So if you are in the Nashville area and happen to be hopping around Printers Alley, make your way over to Blend Bar with Davidoff Cigars and check them out. I assure you will not be disappointed.