In Part 2 of our September 2025 Newsletter, we’re diving deeper into the art of cigar tasting, spotlighting our fearless leader Twila Maddox, and giving you a peek inside our sister lounge in Durant.
Meet Our Leader – Twila Maddox, CCST
Twila Maddox has been the driving force behind Red River Cigars & Lounge’s growth and success. With nearly 12 years of dedicated service, she helped transform the company from a single smoke shop into a thriving business with eight locations across Denison, TX, Durant, OK, and Ardmore, OK.
Her vision and determination were instrumental in expanding into the cigar lounge business, resulting in the Red River Cigars & Lounges in Durant and Ardmore. Beyond business growth, Twila’s passion lies in uplifting her team, fostering both professional and personal development. Despite a busy schedule, she became a
Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST), enriching the company with her expertise and sharing her knowledge across all levels.
Her leadership, vision, and dedication continue to inspire us every day.
Enhancing Your Cigar Tasting Experience
1. Pre-Light Aroma – Setting the Stage
Before lighting your cigar, take a moment to appreciate its aroma. Hold the unlit cigar under your nose and inhale gently (after purchase, of course). Notice common scents like cedar, leather, earth, or spice. These aromas often hint at the flavors you’ll encounter. This ritual helps you slow down and sets the tone for mindful enjoyment.
2. Cold Draw – Sensing Flavors Before the Flame
After cutting, try a cold draw by gently pulling air through the cigar without lighting it. Pay attention to early flavors—sweetness, pepper, nuttiness. The cold draw can reveal hidden notes and set expectations for the smoking experience ahead.
3. Retrohaling – Unlocking Hidden Nuances
Retrohaling involves exhaling smoke gently through your nose to detect new flavor layers.
How to Retrohale:
- Take a slow puff and hold the smoke in your mouth.
- Open your mouth slightly and push smoke toward your nasal passages.
- Exhale gently through your nose and notice new flavors and aromas.
This technique helps reveal complexities you might miss otherwise.
4. Slow Puffing – Savor Each Moment
Take your time. Gentle, spaced-out puffs keep the burn cooler, preserve flavor, and prevent harshness. Slow puffing also gives your palate time to reset, making each note stand out more clearly.
5. Avoiding Palate Fatigue
A tired palate can dull flavor perception. To stay fresh:
- Rest between cigars
- Drink water
- Eat mild foods to cleanse your palate
- Avoid smoking too many cigars in a row
This keeps your senses sharp and your cigar experience more enjoyable.
Red River Cigars & Lounge Durant Location
Here’s a peek inside our sister lounge in Durant, OK. Remember, your membership benefits can also be used at this location!
