My first herf (crappy pics included)

[Advil]

before i begin, i want to say that the pictures suck because my iPhone sucks in low light, and I didnt want to bring a camera because I'd feel stupid taking pictures when I didnt have anyone with me

As you guys may know from a previous thread, I was invited by my B&M to a herf he holds 4 times a year at the top of the highest building in Des Moines (not exactly a huge feat, but i'm in iowa ) i wouldn't call it a skyscraper... just a fairly tall building standing next to short buildings to make it look taller, but the decent architecture makes it look a little better


(the view)

The herf is through private invitation and I didn't have anyone to go with since my girlfriend was busy with showchoir rehearsal and I have no friends who cigars more than just a "something to do in iowa" hobby. I still decided to go and am glad I did! The setting was very nice. Super fancy! It's at a place called the "Embassy Club" which I've been to once before for our Prom dinner.

I got there about a half-hour early as instructed to insure a good parking spot, and there were already about 30 people there. I was given my four free cigars, a cutter and some matches and walked into a big room with my name on one of the tables.



From my first glance I noticed that everyone there was at least 10 years older than me and just LOOKED important somehow. Me being the sneaky bastard that I am, brought a few ISOMs (partagas shorts) to give to new acquaintances to make sure I make some friends for the party. Yes, it worked I also wore my Freemason pin that was given to me yesterday (I was raised a Master Mason last night btw) to see if I ran into any brothers. I think it was too dark to see it, or there just weren't any there perhaps. The guy next to me owned a logistics company up in waterloo and I met a few businessmen and such. It was enjoyable talking to people who weren't my age because I tend to get sick of college students talking about the same crap all day. I ran into my friends dad who was also at my table and gifted him a cigar as well. We all had a great time and the dinner was amazing. One of the best steaks and salmon i've ever had!


(appetizer buffet thing) there were shrimp wrapped in bacon and it was soooo gooood.

They had free Balvenie 12 year old scotch for tasting and all the guys at my table tried to get me to drink it, but me being the good citizen that I am, refused. After about an hour of them making fun of me, I took a tiny sip and am glad to say it tasted like hair burnt with a stick of oak. The guy next to me whose name I forgot within minutes of meeting him took the rest of it.

I smoked a Saint luis rey serie G before dinner and really enjoyed it, consistent cedary tones and it seemed to have little to no spice to it. great pre-dinner smoke. After dinner I lit up a Omar Ortez belicoso (unbanded) that was pretty decent as well. They said it was kind of a rival to the RP Edge but I've never had one so I can't compare. They were selling boxes of 25 for 84 dollars. It was a decent smoke with a peppery taste that lingers on the tip of your tongue, it was interesting.

There was a comedian after dinner who did the raffles. I didn't buy any tickets because I'm poor but it was funny watching her make fun of all the winners. (though quite vulgar) The grand prize was a huge RyJ glass humidor/wine rack. But they also gave away a chainsaw for some reason. Other things included cigars, flasks, cigar cases, lighters, table torches and such.

Overall it was a very fun experience and I'm already signed up for the next one in April. This time hopefully I can bring the girlfriend along as well. I think this was an AWESOME opportunity and am very glad to have been invited to such a fun event.

[jonnylou]

Cool looking dinner. I have to say nice job by bringing extar stogies with you as icebreakers.

[Tour De Cigar]

this looks nice.. the set up looks great.. and the food so so delicious... im a steak fan... and like salmon... ... thx for the pics...

[nosaj02]

Looked like fun! Always nice to go to events and rub elbows with the important people

[dwhitacre]

[SIZE="4"]Very classy!!! [/SIZE]


The best we have at our Herfs in NorCal is a backyard fire pit, patio or garage... and dogs always dogs!!!

[mike32312]

very nice sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing. Love the skyline pic.

[JCK]

Sounds like you had a great time Adbul. That's one heck of a scene to enjoy some smokes and food.

[Poriggity]

Looks like it was a good time!!!
Scott

[Lorglath]

sounds like you had a fantastic time! high class joint and I have to agree that it was a great ice breaker giving away the stogies! ya know, if I had known ya needed someone to go with I would have drove down from mn! haha j/k :P Maybe someday we can have a MN/IA herf, if there is any interest in it. Glad you had fun

[RPB67]

First and a High Class one at that.

Looks good.