Gary LeVine shows off the walk-in humidor, which maintains a consistent 70-degree temperature with 70 percent humidity.

Lake County has a new destination for cigar aficionados.

Those seeking company to share their love of fine cigars can head to 119 N. Genesee St. in Waukegan. A Cuban Experience is the latest entry in the city’s trendy theatre district, giving the downtown an economic lift.

“It’s Lake County’s largest cigar lounge,” said Gary LeVine of Waukegan, director of marketing.

“We are proud to be a part of Waukegan’s growth.”

What began among a group of Waukegan Harbor boaters who casually formed a social smoking group became incorporated as a business in June of 2015.

The leaves Carbonell can roll include tobacco from Nicaragua (darker for strength), Brazil (for flavor) and the Dominican Republic (for the burn of the cigar).

“It’s just a bunch of guys getting along,” said LeVine, a partner.

Opened in a soft July launch, A Cuban Experience’s team of owners developed 6,000 of the 18,000 square feet of storefront space. Many brands of cigars are carried here plus fine butane lighters and other circuses.

“It’s good from end to end,” said patron James Hausler of Beach Park, a landscape business owner who spent over an hour savoring his cigar experience.

Original maple floors have been refinished in dark hues. Exposed brickwork plus detailed ceilings nod to the history of the building. Artwork is part of the color.

“My first cigar, I rolled it when I was 13,” Carbonell said.

Pub seating sends a message that this is a cushy place for the cigar community. There’s no hooka or vaping here. Cigarettes are also not sold. Either is alcohol.

Men and women come to enjoy board games or a book while savoring a cigar. Drop-ins are welcome.

“It’s a destination,” LeVine said. “People will drive to come here.

“It’s very relaxing.

Seven business partners took occupancy of the location last Jan. 1.

“As soon as I light up a cigar, I’m in chill mode,” LeVine said.

“It’s camaraderie.”

The walk-in humidor maintains a consistent 70-degree temperature with 70 percent humidity.

Some of the finished cigars tolled by Carbonell.

“If you get too much humidity, you get mold,” LeVine said. “And not enough humidity, your cigars dry out.”

Plans are being discussed for lockers where frequent customers can store belongings. Classes are planned in cigar rolling. Amenities include special events and live music.

The president of A Cuban Experience is Luis Carbonell of Zion, a Cuban who became a United States citizen in 2000. His hands roll cigars near the storefront window for all to watch.

“My first cigar, I rolled it when I was 13,” Carbonell said, who rolled one for himself when the then-teen was asked to roll a cigar for his grandmother.

Fast forward to 2016, and the leaves Carbonell can roll include tobacco from Nicaragua (darker for strength), Brazil (for flavor) and the Dominican Republic (for the burn of the cigar).

One goal is to sell private label A Cuban Experience cigars.

“I just love cigars, I love talking about them,” Carbonell said.

“I’m very proud of my culture.

“I would love to share that culture with everybody,” Carbonell said.

A Cuban Experience is located in Waukegan at 119 N. Genesee St. Visit https://www.facebook.com/A-Cuban-Experience-515523395296988/ and http://www.acubanexperience.com.

— Smokin’:  Cigar lounge opening adds to Waukegan’s growth —