Nat Sherman is one of those stops a cigar smoker just has to make when they visit New York City. If you’ve been in Manhattan, the chances are good that you’ve paid 42nd Street Nat Sherman Townhouse a visit. But if you’ve never been, the name is probably still familiar, conjuring up vague sepia-toned images of early 20th century New York. Or maybe a set on the popular show, Mad Men. Either way, I had never been, and made a point of stopping by when I was in town.
The interior of Nat Sherman is pretty remarkable. Its rich wood interior is beautiful, relaxing and efficient. It’s everything you’d expect from a classy, big city cigar shop with history and a focus on customer service. I could go on, discussing the many features of the establishment, but Michael Herklots, Nat Sherman’s Executive Director of Retail and Brand Development far more qualified for the task. He was kind enough to give me the full tour on camera.
The video runs about 25 minutes, and it’s well worth watching. It covers all three floors of the shop, the Townhouse, and the history of Nat Sherman as you might expect, but features some other interesting tidbits:
- The new sizes of the Timeless Nicaraguan.
- Nat Sherman’s collection of pre-embargo Cuban Cigars.
- The Townhouse’s connection to My Fair Lady.
- Spiff Wednesday.
- Joel Sherman’s drum set.
- The Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz.
- The answer to which came first, Nat Sherman cigars or cigarettes.
- The first brand of cigar Nat Sherman sold. (Spoiler: It wasn’t called “Nat Sherman”.)
- The inspiration for the band on the Herrera Esteli.
- A smoking elevator in New York City.
Enjoy!
Michael Herklots referenced a few videos during the tour that more thoroughly explore the pre-embargo Cuban cigars seen in the Johnson Club Room. The videos were created by Ajay Patel from La Casa Del Habano, London and they do a pretty thorough job of documenting these rare items. If you’re interested, you can watch them here:
Partagas Cabinet Selection 400
Bolivar Packs and the Partagas Salesman’s Sample Case
Thanks again to Michael Herklots, Pat Felitti and the staff of Nat Sherman for being so accommodating.
very nice! does that place have a elevator?
Yes. A smoking elevator.
Awesome review, Awesome video, I am now a man on a mission to visit Nat Sherman New York!!!!
Thanks for this review. Keep up the awesome job!
Awesome space and great video Brian thanks for doing that I always love seeing videos of B&M. Michael really classes up the place as well. Thanks again
Brian,
This video was great. In the back of my mind I always envisioned Nat Sherman as an up-tight, high roller, Manhattan shop. A place where I wouldn’t feel comfortable. After watching the video, I’d love to visit and spend some time hanging out.
I love the letters and photos they have on display. I find the historic aspect of the shop especially appealing.
Great video, looks like an awesome shop. The Nat Sherman Timeless #2 is a great smoke.
THANKS FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO. BRIAN, IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU AND YOUR WIFE WITH US. WALT AND ANYONE ELSE- IT WOULD BE OUR PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU WITH THE SAME OPEN ARMS… OUR (TOWN)HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE. PAT FELITTI, OUR STORE DIRECTOR, AND OUR KILLER TEAM OF CERTIFIED RETAIL TOBACCONISTS ARE HERE FOR YOU. VISIT. CALL. EMAIL. TWEET. WE MIGHT BE OLD… BUT WE’RE STILL HIP!
-HERKLOTS
my caps lock key is broken but i’m just as excited as herklots…
great job brian and thank you herklots! i’ve been to nyc so many times for work but have never made it to nat sherman (you guys close to early) but i’ll definitely put it on the agenda for next time.
Thanks Brian, that was very cool, enjoyed it, very interesting.
Great tour, Brian. Very impressive, but do they have an authentic Manastery?
There is only one Manastery, and duplicating it would be impossible. That being said, the Nat Sherman people have created an incredible smoking environment. I can’t imagine anyone would be disappointed.
I would imagine the Vomitorium would be particularly difficult to replicate, especially with all the gold fittings. Ah, well, one can dream….
Brian – Great content! I love Stogie Review for the unique content and spin you guys bring us.
What a wonderful taste of smoking history. It is nice to learn about the Nat Sherman heritage and the new cigars they are creating. Great job Brian. It was apparent that you were in heaven……
Wow! I’m really intrigued by the old Cubans with the tips.
Do you think we will ever see new premium cigars with “tips”? And
what was the reason for the tip?