Houston March 2009 Herf

[Cypress]

This past Friday we had our Houston Herf at a nice little tucked away place called El Cubano Cigars in League City just 30 minutes outside of Houston. Upon arriving to the Shop, mmpjim (Jim) and crusin66stang (Allen) had already set up this place for a nice relaxing afternoon. They had drinks, a tent outside, and some snacks. Allen greated me and introduced my wife and I to the owners, Manual (Manny) Lopez Sr & Jr as well as Chase who is Jr.'s son. Allen was gracious enough to offer us and the other attendees two of his favorite cigars. Red Label Maduro and and unbanded Criollo i believe. Allen please correct me if i am wrong. Chase then gave us a tour of the humi. They had a nice display of their cigar line. If out would have seen their cigars you would be able to see the craftsmanship they take to achieve the cigars they sell. They offer a veriety of sizes ranging from robustos, churchills, lancero, torpedos, coronas, salamon and a few others. Chase explained to me their theory behind their cigars and what great lengths they try to go through in blending their cigars. Several others eventually arrived the the herf [sysrock (Bo), tx_tuff (Frank), mc2712 (Chris), boomerd35 (Troy), patefengreen (Rhonda), and a few other friends of Allen who I do not recall everyone's name (I am very bad with names). We then got an explanation from Manny Sr. how they roll their cigars from leaf to the humi. He explanied the importance they take to twist the leaf in making the filler and which way to roll the binder and wrapper according to which side of the tobacco leaf they are using. He also said that he presses his cigars in the mold over night and that they freeze their cigars rather than using chemicals to control beetles and their eggs after rolling. They produce about 100 cigars a day. In all they had a great line of cigars which range from light through medium full. I personally recommend the Manny Special line of cigar in which they use 7 different types of leaves for the filler which allows a broader flavor profile. After the herf we then went Cadillac Bar a the Kemah Boardwalk. We met up with Darren's Godiva (Melody) Smoking Handsome Dude (Darren) Allens wife, and son. Dinner was great as we sat outside in the lower lever of the pier. After dinner it was time for a smoke and we stood out like a sore thumb. About 15 people were smoking it up and we got looks you would not believe. In short we all had fun.

[tx_tuff]

It was a great time and had been to long since we had a herf!! I didn't notice any looks at Kemah but it sure as hell wouldn't surprise me if they where there. Wish I could have stayed longer then I did but maybe next time Sam, since you will be hosting it

Allen and Jim thanks a ton!! I glad you got to set up a herf Allen since you are always driving crazy miles to make it to all of ours on the west side of town! Both of y'all did a great job!

[cruisin66stang]

I want to thank everyone who came out Saturday and for driving to my side of town. I had a great time and enjoyed visiting with my Puff friends. I also want to thank Jim for helping with the herf.

The unbanded cigar was a Manny's Special Criollo that had been rolled the day before. I thought it was a very good cigar but you could tell it was a little fresh. It will definitely improve with age.

In the short time I've known the Lopez family I've developed a great deal of respect and appreciation, not only for their cigars, but for them as a family. They are great people and fully understand what the cigar culture is all about. Manuel is from Cuba and is a 4th generation tobacco grower and cigar roller. This makes Chase the sixth generation to work in this business. Manuel is 72 and came to the US in 1961. When I have a day off I'll stop by the store just to have a smoke with Manuel and always enjoy listening to his stories.

I encourage anyone who is on the south side of Houston to stop by. They are also setting up a monthly newsletter and will ship cigars free for orders over $50.

[SMOKING HANDSOME DUDE]

It was a great time and you know nothing is better than smoking a great cigar and getting THE LOOK from a non smoker.

[tundra06]

I wish I were there. I have an uncle who lives in Texas City. We have to drop by there next time I am out there.

[mphilipp]

Sorry i missed that one guys. Looked like a good time as always. Hopefully there will be another.

[mmpjim]

Awesome pics Sam....it was great meeting all of you. Thanks for taking the time to come to our side of town. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better. Thanks again Allen for allowing me to help put this together!

[canney]

Sounds like a good time was had by all.
What was the price range of the cigars?
Will try and make the next event.

[cruisin66stang]

Sticks were $5 to $6. Very reasonable for quality sticks.