Celebrate New York Cigar Culture — Ash Hole New York, East Coast Chapter | President Rich “Coop” Cooper
Celebrate New York: President Rich “Coop” Cooper
From Sunday dinners and that first whiff of cigar aroma to leading a resilient chapter that shows up for the city—this is the Ash Hole New York story.
Origin Story: From Sunday Sauce to the Cigar World
“Every Sunday we’d go to my grandparents’ house. Grandma at the stove making sauce, grandpa on the back porch with music, a glass of wine, and a cigar. Years later, I walked into a bar and that familiar aroma hit me—that’s when my journey into the cigar world started.” — Rich “Coop” Cooper
Coop’s vibe in one line: family first, loyalty always, resilient forever.
Service & Solidarity: What NY Does for the City
The New York Chapter doesn’t just gather—they give. The crew has rallied support for:
- Families of 9/11 victims
- Battered women’s foundations
- Members in crisis—raising $3,000+ to help a brother fight cancer
These drives aren’t outliers—they’re the rhythm. The chapter’s culture is built on showing up and following through.
A Moment That Stuck: The 9/11 Patch Launch
“When we launched the 9/11 patch, the support that came through from the entire club worldwide was amazing. To this day, people still ask if there will be another.” — Coop
Coop’s Pairing & Go-To Sticks
Pairing: A pour of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7—Tennessee charcoal mellow meets New York tempo.
- JFR Lunatic
- CAO Flathead
- Asylum 13
Chapter soundtrack: “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour.
NY Chapter In Motion
Come Through: What Newcomers Experience
Ball-busting, jokes, and real respect. First-timers leave feeling like they’ve found something bigger than themselves—and they’re right.
