Studio 16 Cigar Lounge in Athens Alabama
- May 16
- 5 min read
Updated: May 21
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
About Studio 16 Cigar Lounge
Website: https://studio16cigars.com/
Address: 112 N Marion St, Athens, Alabama 35611
Phone Number: 256-444-0566
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
✨ A Night Out, Exactly as Planned: Studio 16 in Downtown Athens ✨
Some evenings are built with intention—good friends, good food, and a destination that promises to round out the night just right. This was one of those evenings.
After dinner at Li’l Mazzara’s with our bougie‑adventure‑guides, Dean and Stacie Della Pella, we were already riding that perfect North Alabama night‑out energy. They’ve been our unofficial ambassadors into the finer side of Huntsville and Athens—restaurants with linen napkins, cocktails with ingredients we can’t pronounce, and experiences that always feel a little elevated.
So when they suggested we continue the night at Studio 16 Cigar Lounge in Downtown Athens—knowing we’ve been easing deeper into our cigar journey—it wasn’t a spontaneous detour. It was the planned second act of a great night out, and we were all in.
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
🔥 His Take — Jeff’s Corner of the Lounge
Before we even stepped inside Studio 16, the night announced itself.
As we walked past the patio seating out front, someone called out a loud, good‑natured “Waaaar Eagle!” from across the tables. Naturally, a “Roll Tide!” came flying right back from another corner.
All because I was wearing my Auburn pullover — the same one I proudly wear because I graduated from Auburn University. And because this is Alabama, where that is enough to start a conversation, a rivalry, or a lifelong friendship.
If you ever move here, you’ll learn quickly: “What side do you choose?” No context. No explanation. Just pick Auburn or Alabama, and congratulations—you’ve now joined a generational feud older than sweet tea.
Once inside, the owner, Steve, welcomed us like we were regulars who’d just missed a week. Warm handshake, easy smile, and the kind of energy that tells you he’s seen every type of cigar smoker walk through that door and enjoys them all.
We headed straight to the humidor, and tonight’s pick was an easy one: Deadwood Sweet Jane by Drew Estate.
We settled into the back lounge, and from the first cold draw, the cigar was already talking. Sweet notes of chocolate and coffee, a little cinnamon, a touch of earthiness and leather. On the lips, it left that signature sugary kiss Sweet Jane is known for. Flavor‑wise, it sat in that mild‑to‑medium pocket—enough sweetness to keep things interesting, enough body to remind you it’s still a Drew Estate creation.
While the cigars warmed up, so did the conversation. We laughed, swapped stories, and enjoyed the kind of easy camaraderie that only happens with friends who feel like family. I stuck to water since I was driving, but honestly, the vibe didn’t need anything extra.
When we finally wrapped up and headed out, the send‑off was just as spirited as the welcome—another round of “War Eagle!” and “Roll Tide!” echoing behind us as we stepped into the Athens night.
A perfect ending to a perfectly planned night.
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
💋 Her Take — Nancy Fae’s Corner of the Lounge
Walking into Studio 16 felt like stepping into a well‑kept secret—warm lighting, deep couches to the left, and a large walk‑in humidor greeting you from the right. The whole space stretched long like a bowling alley, guiding you past the bar, past clusters of cozy seating, and finally into the back smoking lounge where the real magic happens.
The Della Pella's introduced us to Steve, the owner, though we’d met him before. He was just as kind and welcoming as we remembered—one of those people who makes you feel like you’ve been part of the lounge family for years.
Inside the humidor, Serena helped us browse. My mind was racing with possibilities—so many cigars, so many directions to go. In the end, I followed Jeff’s lead and chose the Deadwood Sweet Jane by Drew Estate. We actually have two resting in our humidor at home, but we hadn’t smoked them yet. Trying them “in the wild,” in a real lounge setting, felt like the perfect moment.
From the cold draw, I was hooked. The aroma was chocolate and tobacco—rich, sweet, comforting. The tip tasted syrupy and sweet before lighting, like a little preview of dessert.
First third: Medium body and strength, with a sweet profile that stayed consistent. Second third: Still medium, but the sweetness softened a bit, letting the tobacco shine through. Final third: A touch harsher, but still enjoyable. If it hadn’t been late, I would’ve smoked it right down to the nub.
I paired it with a cocktail called the Island Whisper—a blend of Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Disaronno, cranberry, orange, and pineapple juices. Sweet Jane and Island Whisper together? Surprisingly balanced. Sweet on sweet, but not competing—more like dancing.
Before we left, we had the chance to meet Steve’s wife, Monica. She was just as warm, friendly, and welcoming as he was—the kind of person who instantly puts you at ease. Together, they make the perfect pair to host a lounge like this: gracious, genuine, and clearly passionate about creating a space where people feel at home.
While we smoked and sipped, we laughed with the Della Pellas, swapping stories and soaking in the easy comfort of good company. Time always slips away too quickly on nights like this, and before long, it was time to hug our friends goodbye and promise to plan the next adventure.
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
🥃 Smoke Signals & Sweet Goodbyes — Our Joint Wrap‑Up
Studio 16 Cigar Lounge wasn’t a spontaneous stop—it was exactly where the night was meant to go. From starting with dinner at Li’l Mazzara’s, to our stroll through Athens’ Mayberry‑esque streets, and finally settling into the lounge for cigars and conversation, the whole evening felt like a snapshot of what good friendship should be: easy, warm, and just indulgent enough.
Dean and Stacie have a way of turning an ordinary night into a curated experience, and this stop was no exception. A welcoming lounge, great cigars, and the kind of lingering joy that follows you all the way home.
We left with smoky clothes, full spirits, and the shared understanding that nights like this don’t happen often—but when they do, they’re exactly what His, Hers & The Good Life is all about.
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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