Cigar Social Network

Hello All from sunny (HOT!!!) Arizona

Hello everyone. Stumbled across this wonderful site one day and had to be a part of it. So far so good!

I've enjoyed cigars for around 7 years now. The first few years were now and then with the guys and although I very much enjoyed the smokes that the more seasoned vets recommended, I myself didn't know much to start with.

After a long business trip, I returned home to find that my girlfriend (now fiance') had bought me a present. She had known that I enjoyed cigars with the guys so she decided to get me a couple of sticks as a gift. Not knowing what to get, she went into a local tobacconist and found that the shop was owned by another female, which immediately made her more comfortable. After speaking with her, the shop owner recommended that I try a couple of Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro's and so she purchased them. The rest as they say, is history. I immediately purchased a box and she and I have been enjoying cigars together ever since. It's been almost 4 years now and she and I have tried MANY different brands, sizes, wrappers, fillers, regions...etc.. learning along the way, talking with people, listening and reading about cigars, the culture, the people and finding out what goes into each and every cigar made. It's really very interesting if you immerse yourself in it. I've also infected my father who, like I used to be, enjoyed cigars on a special occasion or with the guys. He now owns his own humidor and enjoys a couple cigars a week.

Last year we attended Cigar Aficionado's Big Smoke event in Las Vegas and got a chance to meet a lot of really great people and we had a great time. We have found other things we also enjoy together such as Scotch Whisky, wines and coffee. We have a great time with it and routinely take time to enjoy a stick together.

Thanks to all who have welcomed me already. I look forward to chatting with everyone!

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Permalink Reply by Jake "HorsePower" Pugh on July 16, 2010 at 1:13pm

Welcome, Rich. Sounds like you got you a catch with that young lady!

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Permalink Reply by Rich Winkler on July 16, 2010 at 1:15pm

Thanks mmk... Speaking of funny, it's kind of funny to see someone else besides my better half say "funnest"! And don't let anyone tell you that's not a word. I made that mistake once. I quickly got put in my place when the online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary had it on there.

...just when you thought you knew everything...

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Permalink Reply by Rich Winkler on July 16, 2010 at 1:21pm

Thank you Steve... sounds like we are both pretty lucky!

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Permalink Reply by Rich Winkler on July 16, 2010 at 1:35pm

Thanks! Looking forward to chatting with everyone.

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Permalink Reply by yankeelawdog on July 21, 2010 at 6:32pm

Hi Rich. Good to see another Arizonan here. My name is Russell and my wife and I live up in Sedona. I like your story. My wife doesn't smoke but she delights in lighting up a stick for me now and then. I am blessed that she enjoys the aroma of a good cigar. I often smoke with her father who also enjoys a good smoke with a nice cognac or some grappa after a delightful meal together as a family.

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Permalink Reply by Rich Winkler on July 21, 2010 at 6:52pm

Hi Russell. That's beautiful country up your way! Sedona offers some of the most amazing views in Arizona. Unless you are at home though, it's difficult to find a good place to enjoy a cigar and a single malt. I did find that Steaks and Sticks has a very nice patio section and they do allow smoking out there. I think we sat there nearly 4 hours! HAHA.

Thanks for reading our little story. I am very lucky to have such a supportive woman. It goes much further than cigars. One day she and I would love to take a trip to the Dominican Republic together and take a few factory tours or possibly stay at the Graycliff in Nassau.

Sounds like you have a good thing going as well Russell! Keep up the good work.