About us

The Garrison was born from a passion that started more than 18 years ago, when founder John McLaughlin was first introduced to cigars. What began as a simple way to slow down, connect with friends, and enjoy a great smoke eventually grew into a lifelong appreciation for the craft, culture, and community surrounding cigars.

In 2021, John began reviewing cigars online, sharing his thoughts, palate, and perspective with a growing audience of fellow enthusiasts. As his knowledge deepened and his involvement in the cigar world expanded, so did the vision: to create something that brought people together around premium cigars in a way that felt approachable, memorable, and genuine.

That vision became The Garrison — a cigar experience built on hospitality, quality, and the belief that the best moments are often shared over a great cigar.

What makes us different?

At The Garrison, cigars are not just an add-on — they are the experience.

With more than 18 years of cigar knowledge and a background in cigar reviews and media, we bring a level of guidance that goes far beyond simply handing someone a cigar. Our goal is to create an experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and tailored — almost like a sommelier approach, but for cigars. Whether a guest is brand new to cigars or already knows what they enjoy, we help them find the right cigar for the moment, their palate, and the occasion.

We also believe the selection matters. We do not show up with the same small handful of standard cigars at every event. We continually invest in premium offerings from respected legacy brands as well as exciting boutique makers, giving guests a curated selection that feels fresh, elevated, and memorable.

Just as important, we understand that presentation matters. Our clients put tremendous care into creating beautiful events, and our trailer was designed to complement that atmosphere — not distract from it. Every detail, from the look of the setup to the quality of the cigars and the way guests are served, is intentional.

At the heart of it all is a simple goal: to give your guests a cigar experience that feels refined, welcoming, and unforgettable.