doubleblank Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 I make the cigar show in vegas every year. This year its Nov 14 and 15. Its sponsored by Cigar Afficionado magazine and they do a great job. Lots of cigars, food and, of course, fine drinks. As I recall, there are a few bourbons being poured by their reps. If anyone else is going, we could meet up and have a smoke and a drink. Its at Mandalay Bay. Let me know.Doubleblank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratcheer Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 I stayed at the Mandalay Bay in 1999 - it was really an enjoyable place.Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleblank Posted November 18, 2003 Author Share Posted November 18, 2003 Just got back and not sure where to start. The show is a chance for the customer to meet the important cigar producers and sample their products as part of the price of admission. Also there are producers of goods associated with ("Upscale"?) cigar smokers.....Maseratis, Hummers, Jaguars all on the ballroom floor.....and lastly the alcoholic beverage producers.....Pilsner Urquel for example supplying the beer. Bourbonia was represented by Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve....the young lady pouring samples of Woodford was both attractive and poured a two finger "sample". Scotchs there included Laphroaig, Dalmore and Glenfiddich (sp? on all).Highlight No. 1 ....I visited with Carlos Fuente, Jr. about his favorite cigars and what he drinks with them. His answer pretty much matched mine.....coffee during the day and fine spirits that have aged in wood for after dinner smokes. He likes aged rums (we tried one together and its excellent), bourbon, scotch and occasionally cognac. He likes his OpusX line, so now we know why they're hard to find. He did have one visually impressive marketing "gimmick" on display that will be available later this year or early next....an OpusX in a glass tube suspended in a bottle of fine cognac....a beautiful sight but I wont be purchasing one.Highlight No. 2...there is currently an oversupply of excellent tobacco on the market allowing the producers to make better cigars all across the price spectrum. I tasted several lower priced cigars ($2 to $3 retail) that would have cost twice that several years ago. Try a La Aroma de Cuba if you get a chance....a $3 cigar made in Honduras.Had a great time, the proceeds go to prostate cancer research and can't wait untill next years show.DoubleBlank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 Thanks for that report. Sounds like a good time. I'll have to try and get out there next year. to Carlos Fuente Jr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B_Dub___Cigar_Ambassador Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 I met up with a Macon cigar buddy of mine, when he and his wife were staying in Las Vegas this summer. We took our wives to shows, sightseeing, gambling, and dinner. I even landed a natural straight flush while playing Texas Hold'Em at The Excalibur!When the "Big Smoke, Las Vegas" event was still months away, I asked my cigar buddies from across the country if any of them would be attending this year's event. None of them decided to go this year, and I didn't want to be the lone-ranger out there. I like the idea of supporting large herfs like this one, and I plan on attending next year come hell or high water. Let's get a coalition together to sample fine cigars, delicious food, and uplifting spirits at next year's gathering! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MurphyDawg Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 Woodford Reserve....the young lady pouring samples of Woodford was both attractive and poured a two finger "sample". despite all the bad Karma Brown-Forman and Co. have been accumulating recently, I must admit that Woodford Reserve makes a very good compliment to a good cigar. They were definately in the right place in LV.TomC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MurphyDawg Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 Highlight No. 1 ....I visited with Carlos Fuente, Jr. Having now had the chance to speak with Elmer T. Lee and Jimmy Russell (albeit briefly), I think he would be near the top of the list of people I think would be the most fascinating to meet.TomC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleblank Posted November 20, 2003 Author Share Posted November 20, 2003 I've attended the "Big Smoke" the last 5 years in Vegas and have enjoyed every one. My wife attends with me and she has a great time too....she doesn't smoke so I get her cigar samples. You can count us in for next year....I've already scouted the bars for good bourbon selections. It is the second weekend in November.Talk about a busy weekend....I got to visit with Mr. E.T. Lee here in Houston last Thursday, flew to Vegas and got to visit with Carlos Fuente, Jr. Friday evening....and on the way home from the airport Monday, I picked up my 3 bottle "case" of Stagg. YeeeeHaaaawwww!DoubleBlank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MurphyDawg Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 Meeting Elmer T. Lee and Carlos Fuente Jr, in the same week must have been a heady experience. I am jealous!TomC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepcycle Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 Wow Now that's a week. In contrast,I spent the week travelling to Jersey. I was lucky enough to get to NY just long enough to get my shipment of Hirsch that Sam's shipped to my sister's house. I picked up bourbon that had more air miles than I did. I attempted to smoke a cigar at the hotel in Jersey and was told that cigars were banned, even in a smoking room and the bar, both of which allow cigarettes and cheap perfume. I couldn't wait to get back to the Blue Grass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B_Dub___Cigar_Ambassador Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 Wow Now that's a week. In contrast,I spent the week travelling to Jersey. I was lucky enough to get to NY just long enough to get my shipment of Hirsch that Sam's shipped to my sister's house. I picked up bourbon that had more air miles than I did. I attempted to smoke a cigar at the hotel in Jersey and was told that cigars were banned, even in a smoking room and the bar, both of which allow cigarettes and cheap perfume. I couldn't wait to get back to the Blue Grass. I was dismayed to find that this is also the case in the casino poker rooms. Cheap-O cigarettes are allowed, but cigars are banned. What is happening??? Cigars and poker... a classic American pastime... now banned. Go figure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MurphyDawg Posted November 21, 2003 Share Posted November 21, 2003 Cigars, BOURBON , and poker. . .now what could be more american than that.Tom (damn the politicians) C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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