What do you love the most about the cigar industry?

My uncle Pepe has been rolling cigars since he was a kid in Cuba.  Now reaching 70 years old, I guess he can qualify as a Master Roller even if his Boquilla / Havana Cigars never made it to the mainstream.

Havana Cigars - Union City NJ

I didn't smoke my first cigar until I was 27 years old, 16 years ago.  It was just one of things at my cousins party where I was offered a cigar and this time gave it a shot.  As any seasoned cigar smoker can tell you, it was love at first puff!

From there my thirst for quality cigars grew and low and behold, I found out I have an authentic cigar roller in the family with his own cigar shop, not far from my house...life is good!!!  I went over to my uncle's shop, and there is my older cousin, working there and telling me about plans to open a second store!

I was so excited, I went everyday and helped in anyway that I could.  My cousin was able to get an investor to help him open the second store, complete with a smokers lounge, with big screen TV's, comfy lounge chairs and lots and lots of great cigars.

It did not take long for to me appreciate what smoking a great cigar is really all about...camaraderie.  I'm not talking about just a bunch of guys, wasting away a couple of hours watching sports, I'm talking about men, sharing philosophy on life, politics, libations and of course stories of adventures (of all types!).

People from all walks of life, mostly men but a few very cool woman too, would come in and stories would just sort of ooze out.  It was a type of atmosphere and companionship that I have not seen before or since.  Some of that is my own fault since there are some great smoke shops near me, and I haven't made the effort to frequent them enough.

In any case, I can enjoy a good cigar alone without any conversation, perfectly fine...thank you very much!  However, what kept me coming back, and building my love affair with the leaf, was all of the great talks, games, laughs and memories I shared at the smoke shop!

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Link to 'Smoke Magazine's' story about my uncle Pepe and my cousin Bobby in 1985.

Happy Birthday to Me, a gift of CLE Corojo!

On November 28th, I turned 43.  Interestingly enough, I did not start smoking cigars until I was 27, and now enjoy about a cigar a day.

I was very happy to receive a 4-pack of Rocky Patel edge from light to maduro, a RP Vintage, an Illusione but the treat of the gifts came in a little known cigar called CLE Corojo!

This medium brown stick is one of the latest offerings from Christin Eiroa's new company CLE Cigars.  I visited the website and enjoyed some beautiful pics of their cigar farm in Honduras.

This all Honduran cigar may not be the most elegant thing to look at, but right from the first puff, I was thoroughly impressed.  Lots of spice and flavor, that had some sweetness as well to balance it out.  Barely 1/3rd of the way through some nice oak and cedar flavors began to step up, and stay with the smoke the rest of the way.

The draw was easy, the flavor was so good, if I hadn't just had an Italian Sweet Sausage sandwich with peppers, I'd probably be looking for a nice steak to eat.  I enjoyed it while drinking a Fosters premium ale, and felt each sip made both taste better.

Produced in limited quantities, this choice, even on Cigars International will cost you a little more than your average purchase.  A box of 25 Robusto's will cost about $133, and in my opinion, well worth the price.

On a birthday where gifts included well known Bourbon, Cigars and accessories (so glad my people know me so well!) this little CLE won top honors, and should be part of your humidor as well.

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