About Us

Ten years ago, the venerable meeting place for cigar aficionados The Uptown Cigar Company, a retailer of premium handmade cigars, permanently shuttered leaving scores of patrons with no place to congregate for fellowship while puffing away on their favorite cigar in the shop’s well-appointed lounge.

But not for long. Several patrons came up with the idea to rent commercial space and created Kingston’s first and only private cigar club and lounge. The idea became a reality in 2012 and today has over 50 members.

“We wanted a place where like-minded people could go to enjoy their friends, smoke a cigar, and do so whenever they want. The club is open 24 hours a day year-round,” said Joseph Ingarra, a founding club member, adding, “Unlike cigarette smoking, cigar smoking is a lifestyle. Depending on the size, a cigar sitting could last from one to two hours and it’s tough to socialize during the winter months.” 

The 1,200 square foot, two-room lounge, is equipped three big screen TVs, over a dozen leather chairs, wifi access, a desk for those who want to do a little business, and a well-stocked refrigerator. 

Created as a not-for-profit social club, members also have a philanthropic component, donating annually to local veterans’ organizations and active military personnel. The funds raised for veterans’ causes come largely from three annual cigar dinners. 

“Our membership consists of active and retired police officers and firemen, tradesmen, and professionals in law, advertising, healthcare, and numerous other professions,” said Martin Diano, who just completed his first year as a member. “I relocated Saugerties from Arizona, where outdoor smoking is common. This past winter, being my first, there was no way possible I could nor would sit outside in 10-degree temperature for an hour or longer.”

Reprinted from the Kingston Wire - 2023

President, Board & Trustees

Brian Galvin, President

Joe Ingarra, 1st. Vice President

Fran Humphrey, 2nd Vice President

David Bonne Towns, Secretary

Todd Van Etten, Treasurer

Benny Benincasa, Trustee

Brian DeBenedictius, Trustee