PUFF AND SAVOR

Tobacconist Kathy Zurinsky is always on hand to assist with your cigar selection and make recommendations based on your personal preferences. PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY ZURINSKY.

The Vault unites cigar lovers

By Kyley Jolna

Everything old is made new again, or so we’ve been told.

And, by all accounts, it’s true. Take, for example, the last few years, which have seen a reemergence of cigars and popular cigar lounges appearing in cities across the country—and even Idaho. In July, Idaho reduced the cigar tax to a flat rate of fifty cents, reducing the cost at a time when everything else was increasing in price.

In this community, the cigar is a common denominator that starts conversations and builds friendships.

“No two cigars are the same—there are different countries, different profiles,” explained Kathy Zurinsky, the tobacconist at The Vault Cigar Lounge in Eagle. Originally from the Northeast, she describes her experiences with cigars “really [taking] off when [she] came to Idaho.”

The Vault, which also has a location in Meridian, has found success in Eagle where owner CJ Cacioppo’s vision of cigars and cocktails together has come to fruition. The building has a full bar as well as a state-of-theart humidor and ventilation exhaust system that frequently refreshes the air, helping to eliminate the smoke smell for a more enjoyable experience.

Zurinsky works closely with Jeff Martinez, the GM and tobacconist at the Meridian location—she describes him as “an encyclopedia of [cigar] knowledge.” Together, they curate the Eagle location’s humidor of 150 facings with a well thought out assortment of fine cigars from top blenders throughout the world. The availability regularly changes with new and limited releases.

Although each location has its own unique atmosphere, Zurinsky and Martinez combine their expertise, guest feedback and requests, and availability to curate an outstanding selection that includes Davidoff cigars—they’re one of only two cigar lounges in the area chosen to do so. Their knowledge is also what helps them guide guests toward the right cigar for them.

“It’s about asking [the customer] the right questions,” Zurinsky explained. “It’s about educating them and taking them on the cigar journey from a new to a seasoned smoker.”

As for herself, Zurinsky isn’t committed to one single cigar. Though she has her go-to selections, she often picks based on her mood.

“Smoking the same cigar would be like having the same meal every day,” she said.

The Vault hopes to bring people together and to find something for everyone. Or a lot of things—their club membership includes a personal locker system where members can store their favorite rare liquor and cigar finds.

“At the end of the day it’s really not about cigars, it’s about the people who come in [to The Vault] as strangers and leave as friends…the common denominator is cigars, but it opens up a whole world [for people] to get to know one another,” Zurinsky said.