Where we may be...maybe: A three-hour tour

Last year's event was a two-hour tour and that wasn't nearly long enough to chat with everyone you know and love (or want to know and love) and eat delicious foods and smoke one of the many amazing cigars you received.

 

So this year, a three hour tour...

 

 

 I'll be part of "and the rest," so as to remain incognito.  I probably won't be wearing gingham--although I am technically a professor, so there's that...

 

Anyway, join us (maybe) and a ton of cool kids (definitely) on Boston Harbor for the Massachusetts Tobacco Retailers Association (MTRA) cigar cruise. In addition to being a super fun event (if you remember to take your Dramamine), you're also helping raise money for some serious legislation ass-kicking.*



 

Even if we wind up not going, you definitely should! It will still be fun even if we aren't there!

Don't forget to pack and bring your entire wardrobe like Thurston Howell III and his lovely wife Lovey.

Get your tickets here:
The Owl Shop (This was not named after Will, no matter what he tells you.)
416 Main St Worcester - (508)-753-0423

Cigar Room II (Hi Karin!)
378 Walnut Street Ext. Agawam- (413) 285-8078

Old Firehouse (Hi John!)
116 Rock St, Fall River - (508) 678-2185

 L. J Peretti
2 1/2 Park Sq, Boston - (617) 482-0218

Watch City Cigar
497 Worcester Rd, Framingham - (508) 628-0112

Cigar and Lounge
56 Dexter Ave, Watertown - (617) 393-1645

Brennan's Smoke Shop (Hi Geoff!)
909 N Main St Brockton - (508) 897-0777
1 Broadway Taunton - (508) 823-5773
6 Broad St Bridgewater - (508) 697-9990
1510 Route 44 , Raynham - (508) 828-5773
24 Main St Plymouth - (508) 746-5711
308 Brockton Av, Abington - (781) 871-4388

Premium 70/70 Cigars (Hi Nolan!)
875 State Rd, Westport - (508) 677-0333

 Red Lion Smoke Shop
93 Washington St, Salem - (978) 745-2050

Harrington Wine and Liquors
10 Summer St, Chelmsford- (978) 256-2711

Victory Bar and Cigar
56 Shrewsbury St, Worcester (508) 756- 4747


*There's probably a more politically correct way to say this, but I don't want to.

Where we will be: We're very social.

Well, one of us is very social.  The other one, meh, not so much.*

 

Hey, let's spend a summer Saturday night on a parking lot roof!

AND it's going to be a social, which harkens back to days of yore and generally prefixed by "church."

Generally, I'd be looking for excuses or even pulling the MS card--only used in extreme emergencies of not wanting to do something.

HOWEVER!

Throw in a couple of caballeros, a shit-ton of cigars, and adult beverages--plus fire pit!--and I'm willing to overlook any and all excuses, real or imagined.

So on Saturday, August 1, if you're looking for us, we'll be on the Mohegan Sun Riverview Garage rooftop from 7:00-10:00.

"You'll have a chance to mingle with representatives from 20 different cigar brands,** and take one of each of their cigars home with you - or enjoy one on the roof while listening to live music around one of the fire pit lounges."

As if that weren't awesome enough, the Shiny Lapel Trio will be doing the entertaining.

Join us! I'll introduce you to the caballeros!



*You already know Valentino is the former and I am the latter, but in case you're new, there you go.

**This made us LOL, since we are friends with most of them.

Where we'll be: Barnstorming...er, BarnSmokering

First of all, I can NOT get the name of this correct, so if you would all start calling this event the Barnstormer, I'd really appreciate it. K? Thanx.

 

 

So one day, while we hung at Twins Smoke Shop, an email popped up, announcing these Drew Estate tickets going on sale. Well, this isn't my first rodeo, or barn raising, or cigar event, whatever, and I knew immediate action was needed. No--required. I didn't ask Valentino if he wanted to go and sent a text to Caballero #2 but didn't wait for his response. I just bought the damn tickets, which sold out in no time.

 

So we'll be here, the three caballeros and me, hanging with the Drew Estate folk. (Apparently there will be 300+ other folks here at the barnstormer too. What? Dammit. Barn Smoker.)

 

If you didn't know, "[b]arnstormers were pilots who flew throughout the country selling airplane rides and performing stunts; Charles Lindbergh first began flying in this capacity." [source]

An actual barnstormer:
A Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" in flight over Central Ontario c. 1918
[source]

While we won't be getting plane rides, we will be getting:

• (1) Liga Privada "A"
• (1) Liga Privada Ratzilla
• (1) Liga Privada Velvet Rat
• (1) Liga Privada No. 9
• (1) Liga Privada T52
• (1) Nica Rustica “El Brujito”
• (1) Undercrown Belicoso
• (1) ACID Toast

Apparently, the sampler pack also includes "custom Barn Smoker swag, Drew Estate matches, and more goodies."

 

Plus! A BBQ dinner! Beverages!

 

And a portion of ticket sales will be donated to Cigars For Warriors, so that's an added bonus for everyone!
 

Visit the Cigars for Warriors webpage!

Where we will be: Hint--Alec Bradley is involved*

Q: What’s black and white and…a smokin’ good time (and not just because we'll be there)?

A: The Alec Bradley Black and White event at Habanos Cigar Lounge on Thursday, June 18, from 6:00-11:00 p.m.

We’re going to make this as clear as possible—no gray areas!

Join Alec Bradley’s New England Regional Territory Manager and our SuperFriend Drinnan Thornton at Habanos Cigar Lounge as he showcases some of the company’s best cigars.

This is also an opportunity to find the perfect Alec Bradley smoke for you. We're already in love with the Black Market, Nica Puro, and Coyol, among others, so definitely try those. Oh jeez. You're going to need to get there super early in order to try all these cigars. Or...I guess you could purchase some also... That would work! Or both! Yes! Try AND buy! That's for sure what we'll be doing!

As an aside, we finally came across the Coyol petit lancero the other day and may or may not have purchased a few. That skinny mofo is ass-kicking awesome, made with a Honduran wrapper, and the binder and filler coming from Nicaragua and Honduras, albeit from a variety of regions. When I went to get the cigar for photoshoot time, wherein I hope the result's not too blurry, this little bastard was making off with it.

Last AB petit lancero in the humidor, little buddy.
Not a chance you're leaving the humidified box with it.
Not. A. Chance.

The petit lancero's small ring size brings smoke's focus to the binder rather than the filler. So even though you're smoking an already-favorite, the experience will be much different--and magically delicious. If that size isn't available at the Habanos event, be sure to ask Drinnan where to lay your mitts (or wings) on some, because as much as we like you, we're not giving you ours.

Drinnan's fabulous and he'll help match what you like to an Alec Bradley product similar in strength and blend. Or even better, try something completely different than you’re used to—it could become your new favorite!

At the Habanos event on the 18th, we're going to get 40% off all Alec Bradley box purchases! Know what? We'll put in a good word for you and let you have the discount as well! (We know a guy who can help you out.)

During the event, we're to dress in black and white (or black or white would work too, I guess) and we've earned a raffle ticket! Just for getting dressed! Talk about incentive! We're definitely going to get dressed for this shin-dig! Guaranteed, Valentino will be decked out in black and white. I may or may not--depends on whether I feel like conforming. Although a raffle ticket...

Photo by me.
I know! Shocking! It's pretty good!

What’s the raffle for? Apparently, tons and tons of prizes! (Tons as figured by an English major, not a metric ton.) At this nanosecond, we have no idea what the prizes could be, although we suspect Valentino will be a favorite to win. Yes, he's one of those guys, who wins tons and tons of stuff! Actual tons of stuff, as calculated by people who know how to do math.)

[source]

In case you didn't know, the makers of the much-loved Black Market cigar (get it?), Alec Bradley is a world-class boutique producer synonymous with quality and accessibility and focused on one goal: to give the cigar smoker an unforgettable experience. We guarantee you’ll long-remember the joy the Alec Bradley cigars bring you--especially if you smoke them with us, as we are completely fab!

Got it? Because from here, it’s as clear as black and white.

One of my all-time fave pics:
(L to R) Drinnan, Caballero #2, our hero

Since you have your calendar out, and you're probably looking for other opportunities to spend with us, make a note of these upcoming Habanos events. (We'll let you know about other events too, as soon as our schedule is solidified.):


July 9: My Father Cigars

  July 23: Oliva dinner 

 August 6: Miami Cigar Company



*But neither Alec nor Bradley. Just the cigar company. You know Alec and Bradley are the names of Alec Bradley company owner Alan Rubin's boys, right? Now you know!

Where we will be: LFD (I like the way that rhymes)

This Friday, May 29 at 6:00p.m.,* we'll be heading over to hang with our pals at Broadway Cigars in Providence, RI for a La Flor Dominicana (LFD) shindig.

LFD Guru John Gallogly will certainly have some awesome deals and swag...because he always does! (As I write this, I am wearing my LFD t-shirt from another event where we accidentally purchased a bunch of cigars. By ACCIDENT!) Here's a recap from the last LFD at Broadway.

Also, he is a master of the selfie--or selfie and Penny:

One of the few pics you'll ever see of me on here.

And the folks at Broadway are kings in the land of raffles, so make sure you stick around for that as well!

[source]

AND! Rumor has it, there will be some delicious eats from Roma on Federal Hill. (But probably no dessert. There's never any dessert at cigar events, never mind delicious dessert. Boys are dumb.**)

So, we can expect to see you there?

Okay, fine. Yes, Will will be there as well. I just searched for a photo of John and the little owl...and can't find one. That must be remedied quickly! In the meantime, please enjoy this pic of John with Valentino!

*Here's where Valentino and I continuously battle: I say this is a suggestion; he hates hates hates being late for anything. If we're ever late, assume it's my fault; I probably got distracted by a piece of glitter. Or hated my hair.

**Which is why I usually have Ring Dings or other delicious snacks in my bag. If you ask nicely...

Where we'll be: Habanos will show you some Cuban love—and some Mi Amor from La Aroma de Cuba

Qué bolá? You probably won’t have a chance to travel to Cuba any time soon, even though it’s now legal. But! You’re in luck, because your friends at Ashton are bringing a bit of Cuba to Habanos Cigar Lounge.

On Thursday, April 23, 6-10 pm, Ashton Sales Representative Jon Murphy will host the La Aroma de Cuba Grand Tasting and Celebration. (Ashton is the parent company of La Aroma de Cuba cigars.)

 

 

Don your Panama hat and guayabera or playero shirt and join us. And if you’re dressed in all your Cuban-finery (which, luckily, is also incredibly comfortable), you could win a fabulous prize.

Guests will receive a Mi Amor and a Mi Amor Reserva cigar, which will allow you to fall in love with them, if you haven't already. We encourage you to apply the $10 event ticket cost to any Ashton Cigars purchase.  Luckily, you can then take advantage of the following discounts during the event:

•   Buy 4 and receive an additional cigar.

•   Buy 10  and receive a 3-pack of cigars + a La Aroma De Cuba Lighter.

•   Buy a box (at a 20% discount) and receive a 3-pack of cigars a La Aroma de Cuba lighter, and t-shirt.

Stop by Habanos Cigar Lounge, 1438 Newport Avenue in Pawtucket to secure passage into this Cuban celebration. Event tickets are expected to sell out, so reserve your spot as soon as possible!

"We are profiling two exquisite blends from our La Aroma de Cuba portfolio, Mi Amor and Mi Amor Reserva," said Murphy. "Both are handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua by the masterful, Jose 'Pepin' Garcia." At the event, "We will highlight the remarkable nuances present in each cigar and savor their exceptional distinctions; results achieved only through Pepin Garcia’s decades of expertise in aging, fermenting and blending the finest tobaccos to a pinnacle standard."

About the cigars:

The La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor features:

Strength:Medium to Full

Wrapper: San Andres Maduro

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Tasting Notes: Crisp Spices, Rich Cocoa, Creamy Almonds & Sweet Espresso

 

 The La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Reserva features:

Strength: Full

Wrapper: San Andres Oscuro

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Tasting Notes: Peppery Caramel, Hickory, Dark Chocolate & Succulent Spices

 

From the Ashton website: “An old Cuban brand from the late 1800s, La Aroma de Cuba was abandoned and off the market for more than 100 years.  In 2002, courtesy of Ashton, La Aroma de Cuba is reborn into the modern era of cigars.  The original artwork was recovered and salvaged to preserve the brand's rich history and vintage Cuban motif.”

Come early and have a bite to eat; check out our menu here. This full menu is available starting at 5:00 p.m, with limited selections available before then.

For more information about Habanos, and to check out upcoming events, please visit our website at http://www.habanosri.com/  or call 401-729-5620.

 

 

Where we'll be: 12 Reasons Why you should come to this event (apologies to Jay Asher for bastardizing his title.*)

On Friday, April 10, at 6:30!

 

Meet Jim Robinson!

 

At Broadway Cigars!

(obviously, we're very excited!)

 

Jim with our hero

Reasons you should go:

1. We'll be there. Obviously, you don't need another reason, but if you're being stubborn, here are some more:

2. Delicious food from Roma, on Federal Hill!

3. Two for one specials! 

4. Raffle for $500 worth of cigars and humidor!

5. Did we mention we'll be there?

6. Other cool people will be there! You want to meet and hang with Bobby and John and the folks who hang at Broadway Cigars.



Photo stolen shamelessly from the Broadway Cigars Facebook page.
Mr. Cool and the Gang

 

7. From our experience, any Island Jim event--or any event at Broadway Cigars--is always a good time.

8. Will the Travelling Owl will be there. (P.S. Please go like his Facebook page so he'll shut the eff up about us not promoting his "awesomeness" enough. Thank you.)
 

Jim and Will go waaaay back. Obvs they're BFFs.

9. You get to meet Jim Robinson, Mr. Island Jim himself. Trust us--you will love him. (And that's IF Will isn't bogarting all Jim's time. Will can be an asshole, as we all know.)

10. If you haven't had a Leaf by Oscar or an Island Jim cigar, this is your chance to swoon and meet their maker, simultaneously.

 

11. Foods. Yummy, yummy foods.

12. We'll be there.

*If you have not read 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, you should. And you should do it soon.  I can't believe you've gone this long without reading it! Or at least listen to it!

CLE: Yeah, you know we (will be there) <--I was going for the rhyme rather than clarity

First, we're sorry about the wonky font. Is it fixable? Probably. Will we fix it? Probably not.

Usually, we have to travel to meet new friends from the cigar world. (See Jim Robinson, Luis Falto.) Well this time, we have home field advantage (which means we don't have to drive far) because our pal Lauren Ferraro, CLE regional sales manager (Hi Lauren!) is bringing Tom Lazuka, owner of Asylum Cigars, to Habanos Cigar Lounge .

Home, sweet home.

You know and love the Asylum Cigars, including Asylum, Asylum 13, Schizo, and the Ogre. Now you’ll get to meet their maker!

The man himself [source]

Lazuka and Christian Eiroa, the dynamic co-founding duo, use a “take no prisoners” approach, providing a variety of taste profiles, featuring Nicaraguan tobacco, at approachable prices for a broad cigar audience.

Lazuka and Eiroa are proud that Asylum Cigars will “provide customers a diversity of new experiences. Lazuka noted. ‘By partnering with Christian Eiroa and his company...we have a platform that gives us the ability to create full-body, high-palate-impact to truly flavorful medium bodied cigars and our formats range from 44 x 4 to 70 x 7, all rolled with the finest available Nicaragua tobacco reserves,’” according to the Asylum website.

Obvs we are in need of an Asylum event.
These are all we had in the humidor!

 

Eiroa, former owner of Camacho, is also responsible for the Eiroa blend, which will be featured at this event.  The Eiroa is an “authentic Honduran corojo (which Christian is known for),” according to Ferraro.

You'll get to meet these in person too! [source]

 

We'll tell you lots more things after the event happens!  And in case you want to join us* and say "Hello!" or buy us drinks or woo us with French fries, Habanos is located at 1438 Newport Ave. in Pawtucket, RI.

 

 

*How to recognize us: Valentino looks as Italian as his name sounds and is super duper friendly, so he'll probably be milling about. I'll be the socially awkward one at the bar, nose buried in a laptop or iPad.

 

Where we'll be: It's all an Illusione

Actually, for realz.  On Monday, March 9, (yes, in 2015--although funny story: Yesterday I wrote the year as 2012. Last week, I put a due date as 10/3. I'm obviously having time/space continuum issues.*)

Dammit. I hate when my sentences get side-tracked.  

On Monday, March 9, we'll be at the Mr. J's Havana cigar dinner at Millonzi's in West Warwick, RI. The featured cigar? Illusione!

 

Illusione Rep Edgar Deckmange will be on hand to chat about...well, probably anything, now that I think about it.

You should come. I guarantee a few things:

1. The food will be fab.
2. The company will be even better.**
3. You will get a couple of cigars--and they'll make you super happy. (Not sure which ones, though.)
4. You will not regret going.***
5. You will not get to meet Will, because he'll be on a Caribbean cruise.

Will is here.

Want to know more? Read this interview from Cigar Insider with Dion Giolito. "The company, which is only a few years old [in 2008], was founded by Dion Giolito. According its website, the idea behind Illusione is to recreate the flavor of Nicaraguan cigars from the period before the Sandinistas took over in 1979. Illusiones are a Nicuraguan puro made in Honduras." 

And if you've learned nothing so far, you must have caught that Valentino is a number one fan of Nicaraguan cigars.

Okay, not this bad...

I see a box of Illusiones in our future...

*Star Trek reference in honor or the late, great Leonard Nimoy.

**And I'm not even talking about our hero and myself.

***And if you do, I will buy you a pony.****

****This I do not guarantee.