Casa Fuente

Review

If your Las Vegas trip includes shopping, surely one of your stops will be at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. It's a shopper's dream with stores like Fendi, Gucci, Burberry and Roberto Cavalli.

But let's face it, most men that step inside the Forum Shops are usually toting bags for their significant others, bored out of their mind and hoping to find something -- anything -- that will pique their interest. That place, guys, is Casa Fuente.

Casa Fuente is not only the first licensed store from the Arturo Fuente cigar brand in the United States, but also home to one of the best mojitos this side of the United States-Cuba embargo. And if a hand-wrapped cigar and classic drink aren't enough to lure you away from the excitement of an all-day shopping trip (you can turn your man card in at the door), the sultry servers should provide ample enticement.

Arturo Fuente cigars are some of the most respected in the industry. The walk-in humidor features two sections: your average, yet still high-grade Fuente cigars and the rarest-of-the-rare Fuentes including the Forbidden Collection. Now, if you're like us, when something has the name forbidden on it we want it even more.

The Forbidden Collection is usually the only time you will ever see these cigars without going to the Dominican Republic, the home of Arturo Fuente, and are limited to two per person, per day.

Of course, you don't have to be a cigar die-hard fan to find your flavor here. The highly-educated staff will help pair you with the perfect cigar.

Just outside of the humidor is a bar that looks like it was transported straight out of old Havana, filled with dark brown woods and rich reds.

The liquor selection is just as impressive as the crop of cigars. In addition to the bar staples, there's also what they call the "Black List," which is a selection of ultra-premium liquors that are usually a one-time buy. Those can include Louis XVIII and most recently a bottle of Glenfiddich 50-Year Single Malt.

You can savor your freshly cut cigar on the outside patio (the only spot you can smoke inside the Forum Shops) while sipping on that classic mojito we mentioned earlier. If a mojito isn't what you're looking for, Casa Fuente has a huge list of specialty drinks that are all worth trying.

Casa Fuente isn't just for men either. You'll find that most of the staff here are women, who have no problem helping you find the perfect cigar then pull up a chair and smoke right next to you.

Now, if that doesn't beat shopping then maybe Casa Fuente isn't for you. But please excuse us while we enjoy this cigar break.

-- Review by Justin Lawson