Maxwell’s Cigar Bar Opens in Downtown Woodstock

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Harvey Burkin, the owner of Maxwell’s Cigar Bar in downtown Woodstock, and I just had to ask the question that I’m sure he’s going to have to answer for years to come. “If you’re Harvey, then who’s Maxwell?” The story he told next nearly broke my heart.

A Cigar, A Glass of Wine, and a Loyal Friend

For years, Harvey had a ritual. He would come home from work, choose a cigar, pour himself a glass of wine or a martini, and put on some jazz on the stereo. Then his dog and best friend Maxwell would follow him outside and sit beneath the stars until Harvey’s cigar was finished. This remained their evening tradition until Maxwell passed away when he was seven years old. When Harvey’s dream of opening a cigar bar was finally realized, it seemed only natural to dedicate its name to the loyal companion who’d never left his side through so many nights, so many cigars.

Maxwell’s Puts the “Men” in Amenities

Contractors were still putting the finishing touches on Maxwell’s at press time, but Harvey was kind enough to show me around what will become the future hangout for Woodstock’s cigar connoisseurs. Besides building a two hundred square-foot walk-in humidor, Maxwell’s has also installed a wine bar stocked with plenty of full-bodied favorites to compliment the flavors of the tobacco. Perfecting the true man-cave experience, they have included plenty of leather chairs and couches, a domino table, and a big screen television installed over the bar for sporting events. And for those regulars who don’t have personal humidors at home, Harvey is happy to provide personalized, humidified lockers to store your purchases.

About Jennifer Carter

Jennifer Carter has written 17 posts.

Jennifer is a freelance writer and photographer who is passionate about discovering and sharing her great finds in the Cherokee County community, as well as the I-575 "Gateway Corridor." A veteran of the United States Air Force and a graduate of the University of Georgia, Jennifer has lived in Germany, Italy, and Iceland before settling with her husband and son in Woodstock. More of her photography can be found at jwanderlust.com.

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