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Each month, one
of our "Phantom Smokers" will visit a shop as a typical
customer and report their findings here. The ratings will be
on a scale of 1 to 5 smoke rings, with five being the best and of
course 1 being the worst.
Note: We WILL NOT slander a shop or location. All we will
print is the truth based on the "Phantom Smoker's"
experience. If you, as a shop owner, feel that you were
wrongfully represented here, please contact the editor at admin@ne-smokeout.com.
Castro's
Back Room (2 out of 5
smoke rings)
182 Main Street
Nashua NH 03060
http://www.castros.com
Castros Back Room has 2
locations and I chose to visit the Nashua location first. Located in
downtown Nashua, parking was a problem and I did have to make a
couple of trips around the block before I found a space to park. I
arrived at the door 5 minutes after the posted opening time, but it
was good 10 minute wait before the doors finally opened. Upon
walking into the shop, it was hard to miss the unmistakable smell of
urine. It was enough to make me want to turn and leave, but I wanted
to give this store a fair chance.
I found this store to be a
study in contradictions. The shop itself is best described as
"grungy". A deep coat of dust covered the memorabilia
strewn walls, shelves and ancient display window, while duct tape
holds together a portion of the ceiling. Cleanliness does seem to be
a priority to the Castro's crew. Playboy magazines were strewn
around the store and there were empty boxed (cardboard and cigar
boxes) piled high in the corner.
A small smoking area is
situated across from the sales counter, populated by a rather "clubbish"
crowd - not at all interested in engaging in conversation with a
stranger. A group of cigar lockers can also be found, adjacent to
the smoking area. Soft drinks are available from a nearby cooler.
Here is where the
"ambiance" ends and the contradiction begins.
The walk-in humidor is well
stocked and reasonably priced, although a bit over humidified
(82%rh). All major brands can be found in good supply and in good
condition. I spied a box of
Arturo Fuente Between the Lines. A customer asked about purchasing a
few, but they were quickly spirited away.
The young salesperson was
quite knowledgeable and helpful (one of the few things this shop has
going for it). He didn't attempt to sell higher priced cigars to
your seemingly naïve Phantom Smoker, but rather tried to assess my
tastes and provide me with a proper smoke. When I inquired about the
missing box of BTL's, he was happy to sell me two sticks at the fair
price of $16.00 each.
What can I say? I certainly
wouldn't recommend this as a place to smoke, the clientele and
atmosphere are abysmal. However, in a pinch, one can probably find a
good cigar at a fair (but not 100% suggested retail) price.
This Phantom Smoker gives the
shop a two out of five smoke rings.
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