Cigar connoisseurs will thrill to the elegantly appointed, walk-in humidor, stacked to the ceiling with stogies.
As a cigar boutique rather than a typical cigar shop, during its first year in business, Titan Cigar Shoppe & Lounge has remained independent of the two major cigar manufacturers so there's more variety in their inventory.

Titan Cigar will celebrate the first anniversary of its grand opening from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, 2534 Chapel Lake Drive in Gambrills. The event will be held with Titan's uniquely classy flair.

The soiree will feature samples of Tommy Bahama's ultra premium rums and mojitos. Miami Cigars will be featured, and Titan is flying in Nicaraguan cigar rollers.

To a cigar novice, the wide selection at Titan is intimidating. No matter, Titan Cigar has you covered, as customers can quickly expand their cigar education at Titan.

Founder Dave Williams, and General Manager Ezra Countiss are happy to discuss the ratings and qualities of cigars with clients. They can point out the differences in cigar wrappers, binders and fillers, as well as variances in draw, taste, burn, appearance and smell - which are considered in a cigar's rating.

"This is my first time here and I made friends right away," said Cynthia Robinson, who, with a couple of friends, came to the shop from Clinton. "Friendly and helpful are important because I am a cigar novice," she said.

"Ezra is a wonderful host," said Mike Sweeney of Crofton, a client who comes in on a regular basis. "He can guide you through the whole selection process."

Titan stocks many of Cigar Aficionado magazine's top rated cigars, said Mr. Williams. Cigar prices range from $5 to $50.

Titan's separate smokers' lounge is a Maryland anomaly because it's an exception to the new statewide smoking ban.

The lounge and walk-in humidor are trimmed in carved Spanish cedar and cabinets are made of mahogany.

There are leather stools and clients can watch the game on a plasma screen while enjoying a cigar.

Despite the smoking lounge, the Titan store's state-of-the-art humidifying and ventilation system leave the store smelling only faintly of tobacco and Spanish cedar, rather than cigar smoke.

The German humidifying system is hooked into the plumbing and the water is cleaned by reverse osmosis.

Joe Gilmore of Bowie has been a client right from start. He keeps a locker for his own collection of highly rated cigars. "I like the privacy," Mr. Gilmore said of the smoking lounge. "My wife does not like cigar smoke in our home."

Mr. Williams said many wives e-mail him, thanking him for the store being open.

The lounge is a getaway for Marlboro resident Jimmie Jennings. "It's like a man cave, a secret society."

In addition to the bounty of cigars, Titan offers high-end spirits for sipping with your smoke. The only cigar shop in Maryland with a liquor license, Titan's clients can get whiskeys and bourbons, or make a selection from Titan's top shelf, tantalizing connoisseurs with selections such as Johnny Walker Blue Label King Edition, or the Talisker 25-year-old single malt scotch whiskey.

Titan Cigar hosts regular events that pair certain cigars with fine spirits to enhance the pleasure of both indulgences. Representatives from cigar and spirits manufacturers join clients on Titan's patio to highlight their wares.

"The events are really nice," Mr. Jennings said. "You get a chance to try all the different tastes and years. There will be 50 or 60 people here."

Camacho cigar representative Joe Holtman said "Titan Cigar is a trend-breaking cigar shop. … Nobody in the Mid-Atlantic does what Dave does with the pairings."

For the anniversary celebration Saturday, the shop's neighbor, the Four Seasons Grille, will provide light fare for the event along with The Original Steakhouse. Raffles and prizes will include humidors, Tommy Bahama apparel, and gifts from Robert Andrew Salon, and the Wineaux Shop. Eastern Performance Cycle will display its custom motorcycles.

"We will go out to the street," Mr. Williams said, anticipating a large crowd for the anniversary celebration.

For details about the event, or to peruse the cigar and spirits menus, visit www.titancigar.com.