Tag Archives: Atlantic City

The Atlantic City Cigar Social Recap

Saturday we had the great pleasure of attending the Atlantic City Cigar Social at the Borgata in, of course, Atlantic City, NJ.  This was the inaugural event, which ran from 1PM to 6PM.  The setting was the outdoor pool area at the Borgata, which also has bars and they had tented areas with seating because it drizzled off and on all day.  Attendance was just under 600 people, I’m not sure what the mix between the smoking and non-smoking tickets was, but I assume the majority were smoking.  There were a good number of cigar vendors there, the attendees received tickets to collect cigars from the manufacturers, and there were three retailers there where one could purchase cigars.  

 

 

 

 

There were other vendors besides cigars, some accessories and apparel, artwork, and several liquor vendors providing samples.  The appetizers being passed around were very good, although a little hard to come by! There was shrimp, chicken, and chocolate cigars filled with mousse that were delicious.  They also featured each cigar manufacturer on a “hot seat” where they talked about their brand, and burlesque dancers who captivated the crowd.  This was a really nice event, and an important event since New Jersey doesn’t  have any multi-vendor events or large cigar social events.  I saw a lot of familiar faces, and there were a lot of people being exposed to cigar brands that they may not have had a chance to try before.  I hope that the event can continue, plan to attend next year if you’re in the general vicinity! Many thanks to Jon Henderson and his staff, Cigar Snob Magazine, as well as all the vendors, for putting on a great event.  

 

That’s all for today, until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig

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An Olmec Claro, a 601 La Bomba Warhead and a Video

Last December I picked up the Foundation Cigar Co. Olmec in Madur and Claro.  I had smoked the Maduro, and gifted he Claro.  I happened to be shopping at The Wooden Indian a few weeks back and picked up another Claro,  because I wanted to smoke it!  I really enjoyed the Maduro, and I’ve enjoyed so many cigars made by Nick Melillo over the years. Of course, this is a cigar that is an homage to the original cigar smokers, the Olmec, and has a San Andres Claro wrapper, a double binder of Nicaraguan Esteli and Jalapa, and undisclosed fillers.  Odd the undisclosed part, must be something interesting in there, although, upon reading the website description, there seems to be some some confusion, the filler may be Esteli and Jalapa, it says two different things!  Anyway, this was a really good smoking cigar.  I liked the Maduro more, but that’s not unusual for me, but this had some nice creamy coffee flavor and was very rich in flavor. I may not drop $15 on these regularly,  but it’s a nice treat.  

 

On the same trip to the Wooden Indian I picked up an Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead VII, just because it looked so tasty. The La Bomba line has been a favorite since the EO Brands days, when it was made at the My Father factory. This one is made at AJ Fernandez’ San Lotano factory in Nicaragua, has a Nicaraguan Broadleaf wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and fillers.  It’s a 7″ x 50 Churchill, and it lacks the La Bomba “fuse” cap treatment.  I actually haven’t smoked enough of the Warhead series to know if that’s a thing or not. I really liked this cigar. The box press makes it feel like a smaller ring than it is, and it’s really reasonably priced at around $10. It was loaded with dark coffee/espresso flavors. This was a really good smoke, burn and draw were perfect.  I’m a fan.

 

Yesterday we attended the AC Cigar Social in Atlantic City, and I did a quick video interview with Jon Henderson (I had Jon Anderson on the brain for some reason…).  I’ll write a more indepth post this week about the event, but in the meantime, here is the video:

 

 

It was a really nice event, hopefully it’s one that can continue!

 

That’s all for today, until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig

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News: The Atlantic City Cigar Social

Funny enough, this just came to my attention this morning.  AC is not too far away, I’ll probably head over there Saturday.  I’m sure I’ll see some people I know! It’s a rain or shine event, so if you plan to be there, keep an eye out for me, I’ll be the guy smoking a cigar!

 

 

Are you looking for a great way to enjoy premium cigars, craft beers, distilled spirits, local cuisine, and entertainment at the Jersey Shore? If so, you don’t want to miss the AC Cigar Social on Saturday, May 13th, from 1pm to 6pm at the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa. This event is hosted by Cigar Snob Magazine and features a gathering of tobacco enthusiasts in the search of the perfect cigar. You will have the opportunity to discover new cigar brands, meet industry insiders, and mingle with fellow aficionados. You will also enjoy live music, comedy, burlesque, and more. Tickets are limited, so get yours today and join us for a memorable experience at the AC Cigar Social.

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A Gran Habano and a Night in Atlantic City

Another working weekend (after having the last two weekends off), so another short Sunday post. Friday evening I smoked a Gran Habano Cabinet Selection Robusto that I was sure I had smoked before and written about here, but a search didn’t turn up anything. It’s a shame when I have to search my own site to refresh my memory, but that’s kinda why I started the site anyway! I was enthralled with this cigar! It’s a box pressed cigar with a rosado colored Corojo wrapper over Nicaraguan fillers.  It had tremendous flavors of various spices that seemed to come and go. Once in a while a distinct cinnamon flavor would be in a draw, then it wouldn’t be there and there would be other sweet spices. This was a very entertaining cigar! There are darned few cigars I smoke in my jaded advancing years that capture my attention to the point where I think I want to buy more to have on hand, then imagine my disappointment when I find that these seem to have been discontinued! This is the danger of sitting on cigars too long! I shudder to think how many other cigars in my humidor I might fall in love with just to have my heart broken when I find out I may never find them again. Oh well, I suppose to paraphrase the old adage, it’s better to have smoked and lost, then never have smoked before, os something like that.

 

Last night we went to Atlantic City for a screening of the classic film, Caddy Shack, at the Borgata. The twist was that Chevy Chase was doing a Q&A afterwards hosted by Angelo Cataldi, a Philly sports radio personality. It’s always great seeing a great movie on the big screen, with big speakers, and Chevy told some stories and answered some pre-screened questions afterwards. We had our seats upgraded, so we had that going for us, which was nice. ? . Afterwards, I sat down in the B Bar in the middle of the Borgata casino and enjoyed a Cornelius and Anthony The Gent Robusto while my wife went and played some slot machines. Extra credit (no prize this time, sorry) if someone can tell me the significance of my choice of this cigar, besides my obvious affinity for the line!  I try to always have a theme. Like the few bars in Vegas where cigars are welcomed, the B Bar in Borgata is cigar friendly, and I was very happy to see many folks enjoying cigars as I walked through to find a seat. Of course, the cigar was just fine!  I am still curious to see if this brand will continue to exist. I still need to actually ask Steven Bailey. I’ll keep enjoying them!

 

Was home by 2am and have to go to work! That’s all for today, until the next time,

 

CigarCraig

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