FORT MILL, SC — The landscape of Main Street is getting a sophisticated upgrade. Charterhouse Cigar & Barrel has officially opened its doors at 237 Main Street, bringing a premium tobacco experience to downtown Fort Mill, with a high-end whiskey component close on its heels.
Located in the spaces formerly occupied by the Puckerbutt Pepper Company and Tavern on Main, the new establishment from owners Carl Manco and Cody King aims to fill a gap in the local market.
“We are trying to provide the area something new and different, a place to unwind while taking a step back in time,” said King.
A Look Inside: House Blends & Premium Selection
The cigar shop is designed to cater to both seasoned aficionados and those new to the hobby. The layout includes a full-length walk-in humidor featuring a wide array of selections.
Pricing is designed to accommodate every budget, ranging from less than $10 for a “house blend” to over $50 for a luxury cigar. However, King notes that the shop focuses heavily on value, with the majority of the inventory priced under $20.
A highlight of the humidor is Charterhouse’s exclusive line of house blends, crafted to offer distinct flavor profiles:
- The Natural: A Dominican Puro with a natural wrapper, offering a light and sweet profile with subtle notes of vanilla and coconut.
- The Habano: A medium-bodied cigar with a rich flavor profile, featuring notes of toasted almonds, leather, and undertones of light molasses.
- The Maduro: A full-flavored, medium-bodied delight resulting from double fermentation, delivering tastes of semi-sweet chocolate and sea salt caramel.
- The Barber Pole: A unique 50/50 blend of Natural and Habano wrappers that enhances cinnamon and nutmeg flavors—described by the owners as reminiscent of “banana bread in the fall.”
On the other side of the shop, customers will find essential accessories, including cutters, lighters, cases, humidors, and Boveda humidity control pouches.
Coming Soon: The “Barrel” Speakeasy
While the cigar retail side is open, the “Barrel” cocktail lounge next door is in the final stages of development. The venue will lean heavily into the look and feel of a Kentucky rickhouse and speakeasy.
While the outside may look old and worn, the inside is being transformed by a massive overhaul. Extensive renovations peeled back layers of plaster to reveal the building’s original aged brick, while the removal of drop ceilings opened up the space, creating an industrial atmosphere complete with exposed beams and ductwork.
The bar is expected to open in the coming weeks. When the lounge officially opens, guests can look forward to a menu of small bites paired with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive selection of spirits, eventually boasting hundreds of different bottles. (Stay tuned for a follow-up article dedicated exclusively to the cocktail lounge opening).
Beyond the Shop: VIP Experiences
Charterhouse is taking the lifestyle experience beyond Main Street. The business now offers “Sip Happens” VIP trips to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. These 3-day, 2-night excursions take guests directly to the source, touring distilleries and immersing them in the culture of fine bourbon.
Locally, they are launching the “Charterhouse Founders Club” to celebrate the opening. Limited to just 100 packs at $299, the offer includes a travel humidor, 20 premium cigars (including ultra-rare editions), a personalized nameplate, exclusive swag, and invitations to 12 Founders-only tastings.
Hours of Operation
Charterhouse Cigar & Barrel is currently open 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily, and is closed on Mondays.
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