Cigar aficionado sets up shop in Libby

The success of a shop in Libby devoted to cigars may be risky business, but for Jim Hayes it is the natural outcome after 20 years as a cigar aficionado. 

For two years, Hayes toyed with the idea of converting the front office of his existing business into a cigar shop and with the help of his office manager, Kerry Cottingham, The Perfect Assh was born.

Cottingham said the shop began as a result of a Christmas present she purchased for Hayes.

“I got him the Monte Cristo Operation Hope for Christmas because he wanted to open a cigar shop for so many years,” Cottingham said. “Sure enough, that present was the start of it all. I feel like I have had the opportunity to help him open up his dream.” 

After smoking cigars from Kansas City, Milwaukee and a few other places, Hayes developed his own idea of a ‘good’ cigar through trial and error. Along with his personal expertise, Hayes inquired several inventory suggestions from experienced tobacco suppliers, resulting in his inventory of 100 different cigars from two of the biggest tobacco wholesalers in the U.S.

“It’s a very interesting industry,” Hayes said. “People’s tastes are all different when it comes to cigars. I am trying to figure out what tastes people in Libby have.”

Hayes considers himself a cigar connoisseur as he has several cigar magazines in his shop and knows much of the detailed history behind tobacco use and how it has evolved.

“Cigars are starting to be like wine,” Hayes said. “They are described in the same way as wine, as far at the flavors. They even have ratings, 100 being the highest rating a cigar can achieve.”

In attempt to meet the tobacco needs of locals, Hayes said he orders cigars for individuals if they are not in the current inventory. Another service offered by Hayes is an opportunity to store purchased boxes of cigars in the humidor to retain the moisture.

Perhaps one of the most unique features of The Perfect Assh is the hand-built humidor made from Mahagoney, juniper and cedar wood. Hayes said the humidor runs at a constant 70 degrees with 70 percent humidity to retain the moisture in the tobacco.

Hayes said his shop has been successful since opening the doors three months ago. 

“We have had a few people and I think we are doing pretty good,” Hayes said. “If that changes, I will smoke up the inventory myself.”

Although Hayes considers his business to be a success, his journey for improvement is far from over. Hayes and Cottingham have been studying tobacco in preparation of an exam that will take their tobacco certification to the next level.

“Once you get that lisence, you are considered to be more qualified than your average smoke shop person,” Hayes said.

Although the shop is open to the public, Hayes said difficulties with inventory shipments have caused a delay in the arrival of several products. Available products include: tobacco pipes, lighters of several varieties, cigar cutters, pipe tobacco, ash trays and cigar travel flasks. Other products that will become available in the future include: cigar boxes, hookahs, hookah tobacco and several other cigar accessories. Hayes anticipates the shop will be fully equipped by Hot August Nights.

Brad Wright, one of Hayes’s employees, said Hayes has provided a relaxed working atmosphere for years.  

“Jim is a good ole’ Montana boy who never stops working,” Wright said. “I think this cigar shop is great and I know he will make it.” 

The Perfect Assh is located on 306 Mineral Avenue and hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on week days. The shop is also open on weekends; however, hours currently vary depending on business traffic.