Building Community, Celebrating Expertise: Meet Ruby Cannoli & the Birth of Ladies of Ash Night

How one woman's 12-year journey is creating a new tradition at New England's only Diamond Crown Lounge

There's something special about gathering with people who share your passion. Whether it's wine enthusiasts at a tasting, coffee lovers at a cupping session, or bourbon aficionados exploring new releases, dedicated events create space for deeper connection, focused education, and genuine community building.

At Ash Cigar Lounge, we're launching a new monthly tradition that does exactly this for cigar enthusiasts: Ladies of Ash Night, debuting October 21st and hosted by someone whose expertise, warmth, and genuine love for the cigar community make her the perfect guide: Ruby Cannoli.

If you haven't met Dina Park-Matsas yet, known throughout the cigar community as Ruby Cannoli, you're about to discover why she's become such a respected voice in the industry and beloved figure in our lounge.

From Hobby to Calling: The Ruby Cannoli Story

Twelve years ago, Dina discovered cigars the way many people do: through curiosity, a social occasion, and that first intriguing experience that makes you wonder what you've been missing. But unlike casual enthusiasts who enjoy an occasional smoke, Dina dove deep. She studied. She tasted. She learned. She asked questions. And somewhere along the way, a hobby transformed into something more profound, a lifestyle, a career, and ultimately, a mission.

Her journey began at United Cigars in Hudson, New Hampshire, where she developed the foundation of her expertise. But Ruby didn't just want to know about cigars; she wanted to understand them at every level. She pursued education relentlessly, building knowledge about wrapper varieties, fermentation processes, flavor profiles, and the art of pairing tobacco with spirits. She learned not just what makes a great cigar, but why, and how to communicate that knowledge in ways that empower rather than intimidate.

Ruby's commitment to education and accessibility drew the attention of industry insiders. She became a cigar reviewer for "The Cigar Authority" podcast, which is broadcast live from Studio 21 in Salem, New Hampshire. Additionally, she previously co-hosted "The Ash Heels" podcast from the same studio, creating engaging content that explores various aspects of cigar culture. Ruby earned a position on the Tasting Panel for Cigar Journal, one of the industry's most respected publications. She is also a member of Cigar Rights of America, advocating for legislative issues that impact the cigar community. Furthermore, she serves as an ambassador for Micallef Cigars, representing a premium brand that values expertise and authenticity.

Why Ladies of Ash Night Matters

Women represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in premium cigar culture. Industry reports consistently show increasing female participation at cigar events, growing memberships in cigar clubs, and rising interest in education and pairing experiences. This growth enriches the entire community, bringing fresh perspectives to pairing discussions, different approaches to appreciation and analysis, and valuable diversity of experience.

Ladies of Ash Night celebrates this growth by creating a dedicated space for focused education, community connection, and shared enthusiasm. It's an opportunity to gather with fellow enthusiasts, dive deep into specific topics with Ruby's expert guidance, and build relationships within the cigar community.

At Ash Cigar Lounge, our commitment to warm hospitality and inclusive community extends to every customer. Ladies of Ash Night takes that commitment further by offering focused attention, tailored education, and dedicated time for community building among women who share this passion.

While welcoming everyone who wants to be part of the celebration.

This benefits the entire community. When we create opportunities for connection and education, we strengthen every aspect of our lounge culture. We build deeper knowledge among our members. We foster meaningful relationships that extend beyond single visits. We create an environment where shared passion elevates everyone's experience.

Men are absolutely welcome at Ladies of Ash Night because celebrating women in the cigar community and building inclusive spaces aren't mutually exclusive goals. The special perks go to the ladies (those first 12 premium lighter and cutter sets, for instance), but the education, the atmosphere, and the refined indulgence we're known for? That's for everyone who walks through our doors.

What to Expect: Your Evening at Ladies of Ash Night

The inaugural Ladies of Ash Night happens Tuesday, October 21st, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Ash Cigar Lounge in Kingston, New Hampshire. Here's what awaits:

For the Early Arrivals

The first twelve ladies through the door receive premium lighter and cutter sets—professional-grade tools that represent our investment in growing the cigar community. These aren't plastic promotional items; they're quality instruments you'll use for years. Consider it our way of saying: welcome, we're glad you're here, and we want you to have everything you need to fully enjoy this experience.

Cut & Light Masterclass

Ruby will demonstrate and explain the fundamental techniques every cigar enthusiast should know. You'll learn about different cutting methods (straight cut, V-cut, punch) and when to use each. She'll show you how to achieve the perfect draw and avoid common mistakes that can ruin an otherwise excellent cigar. Most importantly, she'll explain why these techniques matter—the science and art behind what might seem like simple actions.

This isn't a lecture. It's interactive, question-encouraged, hands-on learning where experimentation is part of the process. Ruby will work with you individually if needed, ensuring everyone leaves confident in their ability to properly prepare any cigar.

Curated Education for Every Level

Throughout the evening, Ruby will share insights tailored to the group's interests and experience levels. Topics might include:

• Understanding wrapper varieties and their impact on flavor

• How to identify quality construction and recognize excellent cigars

• Reading flavor profiles and developing your palate

• Pairing cigars with spirits, coffee, or other beverages

• Proper storage and humidor maintenance

• Navigating cigar selection and making informed purchases

• Finding your personal preferences and building your collection

The beauty of Ruby's approach: she makes complex topics accessible and engaging, and she celebrates curiosity at every level. Every question deserves a thoughtful answer.

The Famous Espresso Martini Experience

Our signature espresso martini has earned its reputation for good reason. Rich, smooth, expertly balanced, it's the perfect complement to an evening of cigar exploration. Our bartenders will be crafting these beauties throughout the night, and Ruby can explain why coffee-forward cocktails pair so beautifully with certain tobacco profiles. This isn't just about drinking; it's about understanding how flavors interact and enhance each other.

Raffles, Prizes & Community Connection

Throughout the evening, we'll hold raffles with prizes ranging from cigar accessories to lounge credits to exclusive products from our humidor. But the real highlight is less tangible: the conversations you'll have, the connections you'll make, and the sense of community you'll experience among people who share your enthusiasm and curiosity.

The Ash Cigar Lounge Atmosphere

All of this unfolds in New England's only Diamond Crown Lounge, a designation that ensures every cigar in our humidor meets the highest quality standards. Our comfortable seating, expert tobacconists, full bar, and carefully curated ambiance create the epitome of refined indulgence. Whether you spend two hours or just one, you'll understand why we say we're not just selling cigars, we're creating memories and community.

Who Should Attend (Hint: Probably You)

If you're cigar-curious...This is a perfect introduction. Ruby specializes in creating confident first experiences and making education engaging and accessible. You'll leave understanding the basics, knowing what to look for, and feeling excited to continue exploring. Every question is welcome, and everyone starts exactly where you are now.

If you're an experienced aficionado...You'll appreciate Ruby's depth of knowledge, the opportunity to discuss cigars with someone on the Cigar Journal Tasting Panel, and the chance to connect with other passionate enthusiasts. Plus, engaging with different experience levels and perspectives often deepens your own appreciation and understanding.

If you're somewhere in between...Perfect. Most of us are. You've enjoyed enough cigars to know this is a passion worth pursuing, and you want to deepen your knowledge and connect with the community. You're looking to refine your palate, expand your understanding, and share experiences with like-minded people. Ladies of Ash Night was designed for exactly this.

If you're male and appreciate the growing diversity in cigar culture... Come celebrate with us. Learn alongside everyone else. Enjoy the atmosphere and education. The "Ladies of Ash" name indicates our focus and where special perks go, but warm hospitality knows no boundaries. Your presence in support of this initiative strengthens the community we're all building together.

Looking Forward: Building Something Lasting

October 21st isn't just an event, it's the beginning of a new tradition. Ladies of Ash Night will become a monthly gathering at our lounge, each iteration bringing new themes, topics, and opportunities for education and connection. Maybe one month focuses on bourbon pairings, another on understanding different tobacco-growing regions, another on building your home humidor, or another featuring guest speakers from the industry.

But the format and focus will always center on the same core principles Ruby embodies: education that inspires, expertise shared generously, community built authentically, and sophistication that welcomes rather than excludes.

This aligns perfectly with Ash Cigar Lounge's broader mission. As New England's only Diamond Crown Lounge, we've always balanced premium quality with genuine accessibility. We maintain the highest standards, every cigar rated 90+, while creating an environment where newcomers and seasoned collectors equally feel valued. We curate exceptional experiences while building a diverse, welcoming community. Ladies of Ash Night extends that commitment with focused intention.

Your Invitation

Tuesday, October 21st, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Ash Cigar Lounge in Kingston, New Hampshire.

Come discover why Ruby Cannoli has built a reputation as both an expert and an enthusiast, a teacher and a community builder, someone who's earned every credential while maintaining a genuine passion for sharing this culture with others.

Experience education that inspires and empowers.

Join a community that celebrates curiosity and values authenticity.

The first twelve ladies through the door get premium tools for their journey. Everyone who attends gets something more valuable: knowledge, connection, and community.

This isn't just about cigars. It's about celebrating shared passion. It's about building community. It's about creating space where expertise is shared, friendships are formed, and every visit becomes a memory worth savoring.

Ladies of Ash Night. Hosted by Ruby Cannoli. New England's only Diamond Crown Lounge.

Let's create something extraordinary together.

Ash Cigar Lounge is located at 92A Route 125 in Kingston, New Hampshire. For more information about Ladies of Ash Night, upcoming events, or our VIP membership program, visit our website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook