Feature

There are tobacconist’s, aficionado’s, shop owners, cigar reps, and the like.  People who pretend to be in the know, and flat-out  wanna be cigar ballers (if this is you bite me)…and then there’s Sanj.  Sanj Patel is a fucking tobacco Jedi, he’s forgotten more about the leaf than most of us can ever hope to attain, it’s just that simple.  He’s respected and known throughout the industry by many of the top cigar dogs both domestically and internationally.  This business is what he’s poured his energy into for the majority of his time on this planet.  I recently had the pleasure of spending a Saturday with him and his crew…it was enlightening, colorful, and needless to say impressive.

Sanj’s shop is located in Bloomfield, New Jersey, 419 Broad St to be exact, he’s owned and been at this location for 33 years and four remodel’s (all the work done by him by the way), a fixture in the neighborhood.  To become a member takes a lot more than your hard earned dollars.  What the hell do I mean ?  well check this out, if you’re not recommended by a current member, you can just take your wide ass and money (you know who you are) some place else.  Sanj is hell-bent on maintaining a certain type of membership, honesty and integrity fucking matter, being rude to female members is the kinda bullshit that will get you messed-up.  If this seems extreme to you…good, lames are not welcome :-).  Listen, members have 24 hour access using their key-fob to gain entry, along with a locker and special pricing on inventory, you might even run into a celebrity every now and then as they have been known to frequent his establishment.  They’re open 6 day’s a week, Monday through Saturday, he reserves Sunday for god and family.

You can find many of the well known cigar brands to purchase at this cigar location: Davidoff, E.P Carrillo, Fuente, etc, but in my humble opinion the real juicy stuff, are the cigars that carry his name, SP1014’s (Sanj Patel, October 14th, his dob), different sizes and flavor profiles are available.  There is for example the SP1014 Red, created by Sanj and master blender Chico Rivas of the Dominican Republic.  The site where you can purchase these beauties (shouldismokethis.com)

describes the blend as a Dominican Corojo puro…all of these cigars are draw-tested and weighed for the optimal smoking experience, Sanj will tell you that all cigars are supposed to be made this way.  Unfortunately everyone didn’t get that memo.  There is the SP1014 Silver, Black, Love N Passion, and even more.  No shame in this BOTL’s game (brother of the leaf).

If you spend anytime with Sanj, you’ll soon realize that relationships are very important to him, many of the cigar shops and businesses in the tri-state area have his thumbprint and or influence all over them.  He’s helped, trained, supported, and even supplied many of these establishments with product, molding their cigar sensibilities with a customer forward focus, no bullshit.  Also, don’t think you can just run into any smoke shop and grab his cigars…yes, they’re pretty damn exclusive, you can find them in maybe 50 shops, why you might ask (I did) , because your cigar and customer values need to be in line with his, and if you don’t like it he could give a rat’s ass, not one flying fuck, and if you persist you might even get called a “Cee U Next Tuesday”.  He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, an acquired taste but loved by his crew for being original and genuine.

To say that he’s had an interesting life would be an understatement, a one time professional race car driver, a husband and father, a dutiful son, his father’s ring is proudly displayed on his finger while wearing a charm of his mother’s around his neck.  He dabble’s in the mixing and creation of fragrances, and prides himself on being sensitive and aware of different spices.  He’s created and collaborated on cigars for many celebrities, no name dropping but believe me, the list is impressive. Art and style have a place in his life along with some spicy language, if you’re thin-skinned, easily offended by 4-letter words, don’t want the truth sometimes tossed your way like a water ballon you need not apply (beat it kid).  Mother-fucked in one breath, but willing to buy you dinner everyday of the week…the mussels and red sauce were OTC (that’s off the chain for you sheltered people), just trying to paint this picture for you.

Something that most people probably don’t know about Mr. Patel, is that he holds charity work in high esteem.  He gives throughout the year without hesitation, donates about 1200 cigars a year to fundraisers, participates in the funding of education in other parts of the world, even advocates for the homeless at his local McDonalds to be allowed to sit and eat (up yours Burger King).

Look, my day with Sanj Patel, was very different than what I might have imagined, I originally thought we’ed sit around the shop, I’d ask questions for a few hours, see some shop regulars, head back to my hotel and eventually back to Hotlanta (Atlanta dumb-asses) , but I got much more than that.  I attended two events with him and crew (shout-out to Inno, Dimples, and crew), where he donated cigars and proceeds to different charities, met some of the cast members from the Soprano’s that happened to be friends with Sanj, and was treated like one of the family.  I was given different cigars to try and some cigar knowledge tidbits along the way.

As I stated earlier, Sanj isn’t afraid to express his opinion, values, politics, what you may have fucked-up…all on the table.  If you have a genuine interest in cigars and have questions, it’s not out of the ordinary for him to spend an hour or more with a perfect stranger imparting some tobacco wisdom.  If you read this blog you’ll notice that I generally don’t hawk cigars; but I think you’ll find something you like in the SP1014 line (buy some cigars you cheap prick), consistent quality isn’t common.

As usual, it’s been a blast sharing this read with you…grab one of your favorite sticks, maybe a preferred libation and a comfortable location, this one’s for you.

 

Stay smoky my friends !

 

Winter is here and ready to suck all of the cigar codling humidity right out of your tougher than nails, fancy-ass humidor.  Can’t you just hear the greedy laughs from the lip balm boys, ready to make a killing off your crusty winter lips (filthy animals !), dry as a bone…”yeah baby, yeah!”  If you’re not careful, that steady 70% humidity reading you keep bragging about to all your friends will drop faster than your ample beer-belly.

 

You can really do some serious damage to your precious sticks by ignoring that box….dry cracked un-cooperative cigars will take over your humidor if you’re not careful.  So here’s some nuggets of wisdom for you to chew on.

RULE #1: GET IN AND GET OUT

This aint your old dusty-ass lint collecting clothes dryer, or your sisters decrepit easy bake oven .  Like your father used to yell “hey, stop lettin all my damn heat out”, you get the picture. The less time you rummage around, the less humidity escapes your humidor.  By spending as little time as possible with the lid open, your humidifying device and Spanish cedar lining of your humidor aren’t going to dry out as fast as they would.

RULE #2: RECHARGE

Make sure you recharge your humidification devices regularly. It is common knowledge that you should check your humidification device at least every 2 months to see if you should recharge it or not. If it seems dry, add distilled water to your humidification device, and voilà, you’re set for another few months. Foam humidifiers need to be recharged about every 2-3 months while crystal humidifiers need maintenance every 6 months or longer. If you notice your device isn’t holding humidity as long as it used to, perhaps it’s time to consider a replacement humidifier.

But if you’re in the same sinking ship I left myself in this winter by NOT following my own rule, you’re going to need a little assistance. I got my humidor to the point where the Spanish cedar expelled all the humidity it once retained. Now my humidor is as dry as the Gobi Desert. The solution: I recharged with two Boveda seasoning packs. If you take this route, remember that these packs are 83% humidity and are meant to season an empty humidor. Because I’m not taking my cigars out, I’m introducing the second pack 2 days after the first pack. This way the humidity is introduced gradually to rehydrate my cigars and the Spanish cedar lining. Soon enough, I’ll be in working order.

RULE #3: CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT

Basically, you need to ensure the seal on your humidor is tight as can be. Again, the lack of humidity during the winter is devastating, so even the tiniest breach can rip out humidity like that old less than clingy bandaid you’ve been sporting. Once the humidity starts to leave your humidor, the wood contracts a little bit and the seal is compromised.

 

Proper humidor care and taking preventative measures to keep your large investment of cigars safe is key during the winter months. Without knowing how to properly maintain your cigars during a radical shift in the atmosphere, you put each stogie you stash at risk of being destroyed or irreparably dried out. Make sure you follow my 3 easy rules this winter season.  Remember…”the north never forgets”, so keep it humid campers, and find that special place to smoke that special stick.

 

The almighty TSA, says Yes !

 

Hey  aficionados, the holiday travel season has unleashed it’s razor sharp talons and planted them right in our collective ass’s…like it does every year.  The time to decide which friends or relatives you plan on visiting during this festive period has arrived.  First class or coach, cashing-in the miles or whipping out the plastic; “Great Caesars Ghost!”, I can’t believe it’s actually here.

 

The wonderful time you’ll spend with loved ones, the delicious food and drink, cider and eggnog, gut-busting portions, ugly sweaters and toxic fruit cakes…oh what a time to be alive !  The question that matter’s most for folks like us is, CAN WE STUFF OUR CARRY-ON’S WITH CIGARS DAMMIT !!

 

And the verdict is unequivocally YES !  You can put them in your carry-on or your checked luggage…who’s got it better than us (no-effin body !); but here’s a tip campers, your special favorite powerful torches that could double as a MiG welder, do not, i repeat, do not include them in your carry-on because the TSA storm troopers will scold you, stare at you like a disappointed parent and confiscate it like a kilo of pure Peruvian…I share this from personal experience; like Paulie in Goodfella’s says “just don’t do it”.

 

The official TSA blurb (Flying with tobacco)

The Transportation Security Administration places no restrictions on tobacco, which means that you can bring tobacco products with you in your checked luggage as well as your carry-on bag. That includes cigarettes as well as cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco and other types of smokeless tobacco. Needless to say, if you try to light one up on the plane, you’ll be in some pretty hot water. But it’s totally fine to have cigarettes in your luggage or on your person.

In case you had any doubts.

So boys and girls, ladies and gents, dames y caballeros…I hope you found these tidbits timely and informative, to you and yours I wish a pleasant, safe and happy cigar smoking holiday season…and the rest of you muppets can kiss my entire A#; ok sorry about that; what’s wrong with me it’s the holidays…lol

 

So as I often suggest, find that comfortable chair in a quiet spot and enjoy that special cigar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A remnant of a cigar lifestyle connecting two worlds

 

The wonderful world of cigars and the cigar lifestyle in general constantly provides enjoyment, camaraderie, and a connection to a rich history…each and every stone I turn rewards me with a limitless wealth of information.  Cigar truth.

News to me was the fact that some aficionados collect cigar labels from the period of “When Key West was Cuban” 1860s, 70s and 80s, waves of Cuban immigrants crossed the Florida Straights searching for political freedom and economic possibilities.  It worked, they would begin to start their own businesses and win political office, stitching Cuban culture into the fabric of this South Florida city, Key West.

This is some pretty cool stuff and just another example of how our beloved cigar lifestyle, hits us over-the-head with more great shizzle (thank you Snoop dogg).  Recently (2017) there was a historic find…check this out:

News flash…it’s not Cuba !

 

We smoke, we buy sell and trade our favorite sticks, we’re in love with everything cigar (at least I am), and here in the US, always chasing the “White Wale”, El Capitan…the Cuban cigar.  The romantic thoughts and images, friends and family members bringing a few back from their cruises and trips abroad; chests puffed-up and poked-out as they present them to you, the holy grail of cigars, spoils of their great crusade.

The history of our infatuation with these rolled delights is rooted much closer to our American soil than one might think…most know very well of the pre-embargo availability of Cuban cigars; but how many of us are truly aware that the cigar capitol of the world is (or was) in the United States of America.  Confused ?  I bet you are, you see boys and girls from Key West, to Tampa FL by way of Cuba is how this thing unfolds.  In the 1830s, commercial cigar rolling began in Florida, by Cuban immigrants.

New York cigar manufacturer Samuel Seidenberg (a German immigrant himself), established the first “clear Cuban” cigar factory in Key West in 1867.  Using Cuban laborers to roll Cuban tobacco Mr. Seidenberg, pioneered the idea of making authentic Cuban cigars in America, while avoiding the high tariff levied against products from Havana, as well as the trade restrictions imposed by Spain.

There was a strong natural connection between cigar workers in Key West and Havana, and by the early 1890s, 50,000-100,000 people traveled back and forth annually.

(Havana cigar shop Key West FL, )

 

Cuban cigar makers create a new Florida city

 

Vicente Martinez Ybor, one of the most significant figures in the history of cigar making in Florida, established a cigar factory in Key West in 1869. Ybor had run a very successful cigar manufacturing business in Cuba, but he fled the country after colonial authorities discovered his connections with revolutionaries.

In 1885, he moved his cigar making operation from Key West to Tampa. Steamships could bring tobacco leaves from Cuba for the cigar factories, and Henry Plant’s new railroad connected the small town of Tampa to the rest of the country. The area around the cigar factories grew and became known as Ybor City.

Immigrants came not just from Cuba, but from Italy, Spain, and throughout Eastern Europe and Latin America in search of work. At its height in the 1880s, there were more than 100 factories in Key West. By 1910, there were 150 factories in the Tampa area employing more than 10,000 workers. Of the 50,000 residents of Tampa, 14,000 were Cuban, 7,500 were Spanish, and 1,500 were Italian.  (informational facts from Florida Memory)

There is so much more rich and incredible history that belongs to this phenomena:

• Mutual Aid Societies
• Social Clubs
• Paulina Pedroso
• Jose Marti
• The Spanish-American war and Cuban independence

 

The complete history is available for anyone so inclined to pursue, so I won’t try to capture it here in it’s entirety; but I gotta tell you, as a cigar guy I find this interesting as hell.  By 1900 Ybor city was considered the cigar capitol of the world…not Cuba, but a carved out spot in hot-ass Tampa Florida.  It was thriving.

For more than 50 years Ybor city shined with approximately 150 cigar factories employing and supporting many workers and families, a small buzzing community built for and around the production of fine cigars had come together in a very meaningful way.  Our country had fallen in love with the craftsmanship of fine hand rolled cigars, an art form passed down through families…fathers to sons, mothers to daughters, enjoyed by many a cigar fan during that time.

Innovation !

We the people often times look to push through our accepted norms…this time in a way that would have an unforeseen affect on premium cigars.  In 1917, a cigar rolling machine was invented that could roll 4,000 sticks per day, and by 1928 more than 50 % of cigars were made by machines.  Ybor city began to slowly decline.

Our appetite for advanced machinery had placed it’s filthy hands around the neck of our home-grown Cuban cigar bonanza while we slept.  Mother F***er !  But some things refuse to die; while Ybor city, hasn’t reached it’s previously glory, it has surely refused to disappear.

I have to say that upon learning the real history of the Cuban cigar connection to Ybor city, really fascinated me…but in all of my cigar conversations with friends and foe, I never hear of this rich history.  While I’m not of Cuban decent (I was born in Bradenton FL), I’m extremely proud of these facts that link the people, the struggle, the tobacco, the art and passion that made this all possible.

There are many other stories that I will write about in the future that were born in Ybor city; but for now I hope this has educated and entertained the reader.  Glad to spend this time you, it’s Friday and a good cigar awaits your arrival; don’t disappoint and enjoy your smoke.

ThinkCigar…It’s a lifestyle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dictionary says “its a long thin inexpensive cigar

 

(pic by tequilahardness.com)

 

Arnold famously yelled out on a movie set “where the f**k are my stogies”…like only the Terminator could.  I think of Winston Churchill, George Burns, Groucho Marx, Bluto, or a host of other old-school characters.  But why is it called a Stogie ?

I was recently in Providence, RI at a smoke shop (Broadway cigars), talking to my good friend and longtime cigar aficionado Mr. Karl Pease, who like he often does, started dropping cigar knowledge at a rapid pace (the man knows his sh**), he began to explain the origins of the word Stogie or stogy spelled by some…instead of trying to remember everything he said, I found an identical explanation on “Blog of Answers”  Tobacco was picked up from the natives of the East Indies and introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the sixteenth century. The English word cigar is from the Spanish cigarro, which they took from cigarrales, a Cuban word meaning a place of leisure. Stogie is an abbreviation of Conestoga, and because the drivers of that wagon company (based in tobacco country) always had a roll-your-own cigar stuck in their mouths, observers called them stogies.

What is a stogie cigar ?  Why are they are they called stogie cigars ?

The questions are many and the answers can be, well, let’s just say off-the-mark at best.  You may put this in the useless information category or just not give a rat’s ass…frankly Charlotte, well you know the rest.  Hey, we cigar folks this kinda stuff, it’s part of who we are…we like to think we know sh** about these subjects related to our cigar lifestyle.

I’m sure there are many stogie stories out there, images of fathers and uncles, construction workers, sexy women in more recent times…the culture is rich with lot’s of examples; hopefully I have given you some food for thought and a raised eye brow ( like oh, didn’t know that), no need to thank me, i’m here for your amusement…lol.

I hope your next cigar is the best one yet.  Thinkcigar…it’s a lifestyle !

 

 

 

Habanos cigar lounge Atlanta, GA (Castleberry Hill)

In one of Atlanta’s hot and creative areas you’ll find one of it’s anchors…Habanos cigar lounge, located in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood.

Google describes the area “Castleberry Hill is an industrial area turned trendy, with residential lofts and indie art galleries in old warehouses. The neighborhood is also a popular filming location, and walking tours take in sites like The Gulch, a derelict space often used in major TV shows and movies. The casual, eclectic dining scene encompasses everything from Southern soul food and hearty Mexican to creative sushi”

Habanos cigar lounge is classic and industrial just like the neighborhood that it reps; exposed brick and ceilings of extreme height, hardwood planks under your feet and a beautiful bar that’s long and encompassing, texture, check, atmosphere, check, sensations and libations, double check…you want it they got it !

Dona Mathews, and her husband Michael Paul, along with business partner Karl Booker are the owners of Habanos cigar lounge.  They have been open since November 2016 and have worked their way into most cigar conversations here in the ATL.  I first visited this spot about a year and a half ago for the first time and liked it right away, Micheal made my wife and I feel right at home, and ditto for the friends I would bring on following visits.

Most recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time at the shop with Dona…not only is she part owner, budding tobacconist and equal manager; but she’s also the resident marketer.  The social media presence the lounge enjoys is a direct result of her hard work, she gets it done in a male dominated industry.  Also the heavily influenced Bombay decor is something she is really proud of.

The cigar smoking here is given the respect it deserves, the staff is trained to clip and light your cigar, and the leather couches call for you to sit and enjoy.  There’s room for a decent amount of people, and when busy, you can still communicate with friends without yelling.  The humidor while not super expansive, still offers-up some pretty nice sticks…on my most recent visit i tried one of their house cigars, it was a medium-bodied Nicaraguan creation that could hold it’s own with most $10.00 sticks, well done !  As a cigar smoker I’m usually most interested in the cigar variety and smoking environment available; but this place enjoys a well deserved reputation for it’s drinks, libations, cocktails, lot’s of people walk in and place their drink order first, and then their favorite stick (i’m the exact opposite…lol).  All things considered, this place is really what’s missing from most up-and-coming trendy areas…it’s not overdone, it’s not pretentious, it’s not lacking in the many ways one might think when considering a spot like this, it checks the boxes and crosses the T’s.

So the next time you venture up or down from the burbs’ check out Habanos cigar lounge…look up Michael and Dona, grab a stick and have one of their hot drink concoctions ; and maybe bring Michael a “Rocky Patel Vintage 1999” , I hear it’s one of his favorites.

Happy smoking