The Ariston: Nashville’s Elegant Cigar Retreat
While visits to Nashville are usually synonymous with cowboy boots, cover bands and cold beer, there’s much more to Music City than the chaos of Broadway. Just a few blocks away sits a swanky cigar bar tucked between a collection of high-rises. The Ariston offers a refined respite from boot-stomping revelers.
Co-owners Paul Pearse and Alex Howard started from a vision to elevate the cigar lounge experience—the name arises from aristos, Greek for “the best.” The goal was simple: create an environment both sophisticated and welcoming, where cigar enthusiasts, newcomers and nonsmokers alike could kick back with a craft cocktail or good coffee in hand.
“We’re in the happiness business,” Pearse says, referencing their passion for helping guests perfectly pair cigars and cocktails. “We like to enhance the experience and develop flavors. Everybody wins.”
Just off a bustling city street, a step inside the Ariston is a stark contrast. It is elegant, moody and sophisticated, with comfortable leather seating, dim lighting and a state-of-the-art ventilation system. Approachability doesn’t stop at atmosphere, though. The curated collection of cigars range anywhere from entry-level to high-end in an effort to appease all preferences.
“We operate with a high attention to detail, trying to focus on Southern luxury,” Pearse adds. “We aim to be approachable, not pretentious.”
While the lounge is a space curated for everyone, the shelves and humidors are stocked to impress even the most experienced connoisseur. The Ariston is one of the few Davidoff-appointed merchants in town with a wide selection from the brand. Plus, you can find options from brands such as Arturo Fuente, Avo, Crowned Heads, Drew Estate, God of Fire, Montecristo, Padrón and Plasencia.
In addition to the main lounge with its cigar cellar and full-service bar, the Ariston also houses a private second-story lounge for small gatherings of up to 15 guests.
In between puffs, sip a tropical Pink Cadillac made with reposado, coconut, raspberry and lime, or opt for a classic Old Fashioned made with eight-year-aged George Dickel. Wine and beer are also offered, as well as rotating drink-and-cigar pairing recommendations. On the menu at this writing? An Espresso Martini paired with a Davidoff Signature No. 2.
Drink pairing is part of the Ariston’s allure, thanks to the owners’ background in cocktail bars. While you’ll see monthly pairing recommendations, the team will create tailored recommendations.
“Our basic pairing philosophy is to match intensity levels and contrast flavor profiles,” Pearse says. “The higher the proof, the bolder the cigar I’m going to pair it with. We try to teach contrasting flavors to bring more balance.”
For Pearse, he mixes things up based on his cigar of choice: if he’s smoking something new, he’ll stick with a tried-and-true wine or cocktail to allow the cigar to sing.
“Light the cigar first, then introduce the booze to see how the flavor changes,” he says. “Once that alcohol and flavor hits, it’s going to move around that flavor profile drastically.”
Even in a state renowned for whiskey, he recommends red wine as a good companion, as well as rum and Tequila. With whiskey, he points to cask finishes as a great option for adding additional flavors.
Guests can round out their experience with light bites. The Ariston dishes up charcuterie and cheeses, croquetas, desserts and an Italian Siberian Sturgeon caviar plate.
“When it comes to the cigar bar community, I always say there’s nothing else like it,” Pearse proclaims. “The mindset people are in when they’re in a smoking circle is unlike any other. It’s great networking, and a great culture.”
The Ariston
508 Church St.
Nashville, TN 37219
https://www.thearistonbar.com/
(615) 730-9641
Hours:
Open seven days a week, noon to midnight
