Smoke gets in your eyes: elitism is alive and well

Does anything say "anachronism" and "elitism" more than a gushing press release about an exclusive cigar club opening in a leading casino?

And in Monaco, no less. 

The Cigar Club project, led by Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, is about to open its doors and aims to be "one of the world’s finest clubs for cigar aficionados". 

The Monte Carlo Cigar Club will be ready to welcome its first members from May 28, offering them "an ultra-exclusive experience in the heart of the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo". 

"Created in partnership with Dominique London, a leading company in the business of luxury cigars and spirits, the Monte Carlo Cigar Club fully aligns with the Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s strategy to enhance its offer of high-end luxury in the Principality of Monaco." 

It sounds absolutely dreadful. And the press release just drones on. 

"Since its creation in 1863, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has continuously developed this grand Art de Vivre that has built its reputation abroad. 

"From gaming to hospitality, including gastronomy and entertainment, Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has always known how to enrich its offerings, and the Group still demonstrates it, under its new Governance, with the creation of the Monte Carlo Cigar Club."

On offer will be cigars from Cuba, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Peru. 

There will, of course, be cigar sommeliers to suggest the best drink/cigar pairings to members. 

Albert Manzone, deputy chief executive officer of Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Me, has plenty more elitism to offer. 

“This new place reinforces, as desired by our chairman and chief executive officer, Stéphane Valeri, an ever-more exclusive Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer experience, developed around the Grand Art de Vivre. 

"We had to offer, in this club, the best that the world of cigars can offer." 

Image: Monte Carlo Cigar Club @Moinard Bétaille Agency