Saturday, April 27, 2013

Believe the Hype! New 'Big Delicious' cigar by Room 101 Delivers Bigggg!

I had the distinct pleasure last night of attending the release party for the new creation by the hands of two of our industry's true pioneers Matt Booth (aka Swanky White) of Room 101 Cigars and Abe 'Ming' Dababneh (aka Big Delicious) owner of The Smoke Inn.



I give Abe all the credit for being a successful retailer in a time when most retailers are struggling to keep up with performance of prior years, let alone grow and prosper.  In this 'internet' age with many cigar sales going to the biggest discounter, Abe has managed to provide a smoking experience, that keeps customers coming back.

It's this type of dedication that I'm sure led Abe to partner with none other than Matt Booth to create a cigar that I believe is perfect for the mature cigar smoker that likes to get put on his ass every now and then!  First off, Matt Booth is a creative genius, artist, jewelry designer and if you ask me, looks a little like Robert Downey Jr. in Ironman.  It seems that whatever Matt puts his hands on, the outcome is pretty special.



This Big Delicious cigar is no exception.  I picked up a few sticks last night at the release party, and waited until the Knicks game got underway to spark it up.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Factory: Tabacos Rancho Jamastran
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Habano 2000
Binder: Honduran Corojo Seco
Filler: Brazil, Domincan Republic Ligero, Honduran Corojo & Nicaragua.



It has that unfinished tip that makes it appear like some of the tobacco is falling out.  Not sure the story behind this style, not even sure if you're supposed to just light it that way, or trim that off to be honest - I flicked some of it off with my finger, then gave it a good cut and went to work!

This cigar had what I look for in a good smoke right away.  The draw was easy, and a lot of smoke came out the other end.  Enough smoke sometimes to make your eyes water (happy tears!).  There was a good amount of spicy flavor and earthy components to let you know that you were smoking something special, and by the looks of it, was going to last a long time.



I got through the first 2/3rds and thought I was doing pretty good, enjoying the flavors, and having a good time. Then on the last third the cigar really slowed down.  I didn't have to fight with it to draw, it just forced you to take your time with it.  I did give it a slightly bigger cut (started with a v-cut), and then boom, it came right back to life and finished off like a champ.

It actually left me reeling a little bit, which hasn't happened in a while.  I guess I was so excited to smoke this for the first time, that I may have puffed a little faster and deeper than this cigar warrants.  It's all good, a little dizzy from a good cigar is worth it every time!

Another micro-blend success from the man that is continuing the cigar journey like not other!  Great job to Abe, Matt Booth, and everyone involved in bringing this stick to life.  Big D is in the house!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

The Smoke Inn 'Continuing the Cigar Journey Like No Other!

I moved to Boynton Beach from New York 8 years ago.  When I moved I realized there were some compromises I was going to have to make when I left the Big City behind.  One that I was sure of was not being able to visit all of the great cigar bars and cigar shops the tri-state area had to offer - but boy was I wrong!

Let me introduce you to Abe 'Ming' Dababneh owner of The Smoke Inn, and a sneak peek into his newest store (number 11 so far) and his new headquarters in Boynton Beach, Florida - just a few blocks from where I live!!!!



Abe is a stickler for details, and it has never been more obvious than with the grand opening of his new flagship store.  Starting in 1996 Abe likes to say that he is 'continuing the cigar journey like no other', and one step into this magnificent shop and you'll have to agree.

It was with great anticipation that I awaited this grand opening, especially being just a few blocks away from where I call home.  I would drive by everyday and peek in on the progress, but I never expected what I saw when they opened the doors for the first time.

Having worked with Abe a bit, I know how engrossed he is with every detail of the operation.  It's easy to see why he has been so successful and keeps growing his brand.  From The Great Smoke - a yearly event that draws upwards of 1,500 cigar lovers (easily the best cigar event in Florida) and now, his own line of cigars in 'Big Delicious' (soon to launch)- which I have yet to try, everything Abe does is first class.

As you walk in the shop your senses are completely overwhelmed, and I'm sure the wow factor is the same for everyone who experiences this place for the first time.  Even before you walk in, the grounds out front have beautiful benches and tables with umbrellas, as well as two large sectional outdoor couches to relax on.


The first thing you see when you walk in is a gorgeous square glass check-out counter stocked with all the cigar accessories one can imagine.  I was greeted by Lindsay and Adam, who are expert cigar aficionados, able to point you in the right direction.

To the right was a cozy-ish area with plush leather seats and the first of many flat screen TV's.  Just to the right of that were a few round counter tops with stools for those who are maybe in larger groups.  Keep walking around the counter and you find 'le piece de resistance'...the walk in humidor.  Not only is it gigantic, but it's impeccably clean and well-organized.  If you can't find your favorite stick here, you're probably not alive.

On the left of the counter, more plush seating, counter tops, TV's and then....the bar.  I hate to even call it a 'bar' it just doesn't do it justice.  Marble, and leather and hand scrapped hard wood floors, stocked with all top shelf liquor and the most beautiful bar tenders in the county.

I'm not exaggerating when I say this new Smoke Inn location has it all, and then some.  I feel like an undeserving Herfer who doesn't know what to do with my new found fortune!  Abe "Ming" has absolutely done it again.  Thank you sir for your commitment to cigar excellence, and may you and your staff continue to prosper!