Tampa is Cigar Vacation Dream! (Pepin **** and MORE!)

[PuffDaddy]

I just got back from vacation in Florida, and I was so excited putting away all the goodies from the trip that I had to post. I went down to Tampa to see my sister, but I HAD to make a few side-trips to the shops. There are some GREAT B&Ms in the area (Casa Tobacco was unbelieveable!). I stopped by Tampa Sweethearts on the second day of my trip. I was a bit dissappointed with the premium stock that they had on hand, but it was well worth getting to chat (and get a pic with) Arturo Fuente, Jr, the owner! They don't have a nice retail showroom, but they did give me a tour of the place. Unfortunately though, I didn't get a pic of Darlene. I asked several times, but I was told that she doesn't like to get her pic taken. Oh well, it was still pretty sweet!



I did get a few sticks there (Anejo 48s, King B's and WOAM's). I got the other sticks from Havana Dreams (my first time watching cigars being rolled in person). They are pretty good smokes too. The other in the pic are from Edwards Tobacco.


On day Five, I went to Casa Tobacco and when a little Ape $hit on the Pepin's! I don't have any way of getting Tatuaje's or Cabaiguan's locally, so I had to stock up


Needless to say, I had a GREAT TIME

[pnoon]

mmmm . . . Cabaiguan's . . . .

[drevim]

You suck!!!!

I will be so close, and not be able to get down to Tampa.

Glad you had a great time, Jeff. You'll share, right?!?

[Stogiefanatic182]

nice pickups

[txmatt]

Very NICE bud!!! I just keep corrupting you, don't I?

Are those your first JJs? They are much more mild than other Pepins, even the Cabaiguans are stronger. What is really unique about the JJs IMO is their very long finish.. Very old cigars get that long finish, but the JJs have it when they are just 6 months old.

-Matt-

[NCRadioMan]

Now that is what I would call a vacation! n WOW!!!

NCRM

[PuffDaddy]

Originally Posted by drevim

You suck!!!!

I will be so close, and not be able to get down to Tampa.

Glad you had a great time, Jeff. You'll share, right?!?

I didn't get two-fers on some for nothing

Originally Posted by txmatt

Very NICE bud!!! I just keep corrupting you, don't I?

Are those your first JJs? They are much more mild than other Pepins, even the Cabaiguans are stronger. What is really unique about the JJs IMO is their very long finish.. Very old cigars get that long finish, but the JJs have it when they are just 6 months old.

-Matt-

I don't think what you do could be called corruption, more like knowledgeable persuasion (aka, wallet Annihilation). Yes they are my first JJs! I can't wait to try 'em. I am going to have a heck of a time picking out a stick for quite a while. You have never steered me wrong in the past Matt, so I'm sure I will enjoy them all.

[StudentSmoker]

Yeah it is...I used to see a girl in college from Tampa. Turns out here grandparents own Thompson Cigar. Man did I screw that up!!!

[volfan]

I am going to be in St. Pete in a couple of weeks and will only have one day to go into town and enjoy a nice cigar store, which one do you recommend? Looks like you got some Padilla's, those are some pretty good sticks.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by volfan

I am going to be in St. Pete in a couple of weeks and will only have one day to go into town and enjoy a nice cigar store, which one do you recommend? Looks like you got some Padilla's, those are some pretty good sticks.

Dude,
My favorite every time I am in the downtown St. Pete area is Central Cigar on Central Ave.
What a great place to hang out.
Full bar, to include some great wines and ports.
Great Padron selection.
Street side tables and chairs.
Great leather lounge.
Just a fine B&M.

[PuffDaddy]

Originally Posted by volfan

I am going to be in St. Pete in a couple of weeks and will only have one day to go into town and enjoy a nice cigar store, which one do you recommend? Looks like you got some Padilla's, those are some pretty good sticks.

We stayed in St. Pete (Treasure Island), but it was well worth the trip to Casa Tobacco. They are about 45min. (depending on traffic) from St. Pete at 14349 North Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. They had the largest selection of premium smokes I have ever seen. The owner (Mike) was also knowledgeable and easy to talk to, as were some of the regulars.
BTW, I had Central cigar programmed into my GPS, but I had spent too much by the time that I would have been able to go. Wish I would have checked it out anyway.
Enjoy your stay

[volfan]

Thanks PuffDaddy and blueface. I did not mean to hijack the post. I will try to check them both out.

SV

[cigar_joel]

Beautiful score. Those are some great sticks. I really want to make it to Tampa one day.

[RJT]

My wife is from Tampa... we go pretty often. RJT

[dyj48]

Great stuff...my wife picked up some havana dreams at Ybor City for me late last year...three sticks...that's what got me hooked on smokes and the rest is history...down the slippery slopes....