I remember watching old movies, where the barbershop was the center of the community. Where you could go, get a cut and shave, and shoot the shit with everyone. That's the feeling I get at the local shop in Skokie. My routine usually consists of walking into Cigar King and picking out my smoke for my stay, cutting it and lighting it up. Then for the next two hours or so, chat it up with whoever walks in or the guys behind the counter.
Anything is up for discussion; politics, current events, the economy, movies...This particular Friday was an interesting one. Ladies handbags was the topic, and how in this economy how small boutiques cannot charge $400 for a purse when no one knows the designer.
My buddies and I walked into a cigar shop in Vegas off the strip. The owner gave us a room in the back to watch the Sweet 16 games, pizza recommendations (as we were from Chicago and good pizza in Vegas is like trying to find an authentic Gucci purse in Chinatown) and just chilled with us for a bit to fill us in the new cigar tax and how it affects small businesses like his. He gave us 15% off boxes and gave me some great cigar recommendations. Among them were the Siglo No. X Belicosos and La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero 700s.
That is where I'm the most comfortable and would likely spend my money. At a place that no matter where you're from, they treat you like one of the guys.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Throughout the Years
Who knew that over the years smoking would grow on me? I would say that what once started as a "fad" or the "cool thing to do" turned into one of my most enjoyable hobbies. You see, what people don't understand is that for most of us cigar smokers, we don't smoke just to smoke...it's the experience. Whether it be a Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 torpedo with coffee and Baileys, a La Gloria Cubana churchill and Yuengling (which happens to be my favorite beer) or Torano Signature robusto and Johnny Walker Black, it has always been about the ride for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the smoke, but there's something more to it.
Now living in the midwest limits the ability to enjoy some fine cigars in the winter. As my parents weren't fans of the cigar smoke...and neither is my wife, standing out in the cold when the temperature is -4 degrees and the Chicago wind is whippin' around like it usually does, is not the most enjoyable things I have done. Don't get me wrong, I have suffered through these times, it's just not as often in the frigid months. My brother bought me a propane heater one year for Christmas, and I have yet to move it over to my house, but that has been useful. Although, sometimes the wind is just too much. You Chicagoins know what I mean, as it is that time of year.
I'll part with this. I was at one of my favorite cigar shops around Chicago the other day, Cigar King. It was morning, and I had a taste for something lite. So I looked around for a bit and the Edge Lite by Rocky Patel caught my eye (mind you it's 9 in the morning). I've had the Edge before (with a Guinness of course) but I thought, "Edge Lite, that could be good!" Boy did this floor me. It had a taaaaaaad more kick than I thought for a morning smoke, which would usually consist of a Casa Torano or something in that range. Other than the fact that it kicked my butt in the AM, a good smoke none the less :)
Now living in the midwest limits the ability to enjoy some fine cigars in the winter. As my parents weren't fans of the cigar smoke...and neither is my wife, standing out in the cold when the temperature is -4 degrees and the Chicago wind is whippin' around like it usually does, is not the most enjoyable things I have done. Don't get me wrong, I have suffered through these times, it's just not as often in the frigid months. My brother bought me a propane heater one year for Christmas, and I have yet to move it over to my house, but that has been useful. Although, sometimes the wind is just too much. You Chicagoins know what I mean, as it is that time of year.
I'll part with this. I was at one of my favorite cigar shops around Chicago the other day, Cigar King. It was morning, and I had a taste for something lite. So I looked around for a bit and the Edge Lite by Rocky Patel caught my eye (mind you it's 9 in the morning). I've had the Edge before (with a Guinness of course) but I thought, "Edge Lite, that could be good!" Boy did this floor me. It had a taaaaaaad more kick than I thought for a morning smoke, which would usually consist of a Casa Torano or something in that range. Other than the fact that it kicked my butt in the AM, a good smoke none the less :)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I Remember ....
About 13 years ago for whatever reason I became hooked on cigars. I remember watching my uncle light up a Romeo y Juileta (RyJ). The aroma drew me in and even now I can sit in a cigar shop and just enjoy the fragrance. There was this cigar shop in Skokie's Village Crossing where I bought my first cigar. Now don't laugh ... and I'm guessing that I'm not the only one who started on flavored cigars, but being new, I thought I'd ease my way in. I bought one cherry and one rum flavored cigar. That said I cannot remember what they tasted like, I'm sure not very tasty. Never the less, this was the beginning of the end for me.
My first legitimate smoke was a Punch Rare Corojo DC. And the first box purchase was the Arturo Fuente Spanish Lonsdale :)
My first legitimate smoke was a Punch Rare Corojo DC. And the first box purchase was the Arturo Fuente Spanish Lonsdale :)
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