Ian Floranza is the man to know when it comes to enjoying cigars in Las Vegas. Not only does he serve as general manager for the Strip’s newest cigar hot spot, Eight Lounge at Resorts World, the Michigan native has nearly two decades of experience in the cigar industry.
In the early ’00s, while trying to launch a career in film production, Floranza’s side hustle was working retail at Davidoff of Geneva inside Mandalay Bay to earn money; he ended up working for Davidoff for 17 years.
“I worked every aspect in that company and learned a great deal of knowledge,” he says. “I worked my way from sales to manager of the stores and worked at every location in Vegas—I even opened up the one at Fashion Show. Cigars—it’s a great, fun industry. As the saying goes, ‘You never work a day in your life if you love what you do.’”
Last year, it was time for Floranza to make a change (still sticking with the cigar industry, though). He joined Eight Lounge while it was being constructed. Today, he helps run the cigar bar and lounge frequented by celebs including Luke Bryan, Darren Waller, Michael Jordan and A-Rod. “Eight Lounge is my baby,” says Floranza. “It’s an upscale lounge to get together with friends and enjoy the amenities of a cigar bar and create memories.” Eight also has star amenities, like a humidor packed with cigars for purchase, and a huge patio for hanging out. “And our filtration is the best in the nation,” he says. “Once every four minutes, it brings fresh new air, no circulation.”
Guests can spot Floranza throughout the evening, walking around the lounge, helping guests pick cigars and pair cocktails, and talking shop. “Dealing with people always has, always will be, my favorite part,” he says. “The common bond between two people in the cigar industry is that cigar, and they can just start a conversation from there.”
Libation: Smoked Macallan Old-Fashioned
Let Floranza guide you through the experience by helping you pair a cigar with one of Eight Lounge’s specialty cocktails. One popular pairing is the Smoked Macallan Old-Fashioned paired with the El Septimo Bomba Orange cigar. The cocktail is a blend of Macallan Double Cask 12 Year, demerara syrup, Angostura aromatic and Angostura orange bitters and smoked with cherrywood or applewood. The Costa Rican cigar has dark, woodsy tones and pairs perfectly with the Old-Fashioned.
Benefit: Brezza, the Italian restaurant next door, makes light bites especially for Eight Lounge.
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