Last night, I finally had the pleasure of meeting Robert of Bucanero Cigars at 'Napa Wine and cigars' in person for the very first time ...

I entered the shop, walked up to him ... and told him who I was. His eye's lit up, and the first thing he said was, "Slim, come over here and give me a big hug!"

One of the most 'down to earth' and warmhearted men I have met in a very long time ... and generous to a fault.

I gave him the OtterBox Fuente sampler that I had put together for him (UTS, Anejo Shark 77, Hemi SG and 858 SG)... and he was stunned. He had never experienced any of those fine cigars, and couldn't believe that I was giving them to him. I also gave him a Teakwood V-Cutter, and a Lane Ltd. Hexagon Barley Double-Cutter to give to his brother, John.

He had with him 'special' bundles of ten cigars that he had the factrory make up just for his tour of events (the ones he would break open and pass out as singles to those who attended) ... and reached into his large duffle bag.

The then proceeded to hand me a bundle of the el Capitan Reserva Maduro (he asked if I would prefer a bundle of Full Sails instead) ... and then said ... and I also want you to have THIS ...

... he pulled out the last bundle he had with him of the Bucanero 'Z' ... and now, I was stunned. He insisted that I take it, because he said he had plenty of all his other lines to work with at the event ... and he wanted me to have it. This was his last event before he and his wife was heading home to Florida ...

He told me the bundle that he gave me was the last of the 'Z' (and the first batch) to enter the US, and he only brought with him 20 bundles total ... and there wouldn't be any more of them until the RTDA show sometime in August ... when the rest of them would be shipped in.

I stayed for two hours, and smoked two of the 'Z' while I was there ... and I must say that Bucanero out did themselves with this one. What a cigar ... and he told me that the 'Z' had been in the planning stages for 7 years!

I can't wait to try the Salsa ... but it won't be available until mid to late August.

Needless to say ... I had a wonderful time talking with Robert, being introduced to his lovely wife ... and meeting all the others who attended.

EXCELLENT!!!!
Sounds like a bang-up time.
Guess some of us will be waiting a while for the Z but I will be looking for your critique.
BUD

You dog. Looks and sounds like a helluva good time.

You are a lucky guy Slim , I only spoke with Robert on the phone.

Brown-noser...

Just kidding with ya Slim! Sounds like a wonderful way to spend your anniversary. Could you guys hear the sound of all of us drooling? LOL!

What a great story...bet Robert rarely if EVER gets suprised the way you suprised him...WTG!

Marla

Yeah ... he did mention that people never give him anything (except, he was thrilled, and had to show me what barryneedleman surprised him with at the Loomis event last Saturday) ... and his eyes kind of 'welled-up' a bit.

... it's too bad that most of the folks that go to these events, are only interested in what they can leave with.

Same here; pure class over the phone and a really nice guy. Congrats Slim on the ocassion and sharing of the leaf. Awesome!
Can't wait to try the Z, please post your assessment especially to the Full Sail. Had a FS last night that had about 4 months box age and it was incredible.

I actually had a really good time fooling everyone.

There were two canvas chairs set up on each side of the display table, Robert sat in one ... and I sat in the other.

I was wearing my Bucanero baseball cap ... and most of the people there thought that I was a Bucanero Sales Rep there to help Robert. They would ask me all kinds of questions about the cigars (when Robert was with someone else), how they were made and how long they were aged, what types of leaves were used in each blend, even which ones would they like, and so on ...

Robert was impressed ... and even directed some of the folks to me when he couldn't answer a question. Usually, with those who seeked comparisons with cigars they were familiar with. One example was ... this guy loved Partagas Serie D no. 4 (Cuban), and wanted to know if ther was a Buicanero that was comparable. I told him that you really can't (and shouldn't) compare the two, and he wouldn't find a perfect match ... but that the el Capitan Reserva Natural might be as close as he gould get along that flavor profile.

He lit one up ... and agreed that it was good, but lacked the 'creaminess' that he was looking for, but it would do in a pinch. He then tried a Peg Leg ... and thought that one was even better.

When I was getting ready to leave ... he told me that I did so well, that I really should be one of his Sales Reps ... but made no mention of whether or not he was going to hire me ... LOL!

... one can only dream!

Sounds like a new career!

I vote that you persue it...just think of all of the fun that Jon has had doing what he loves...it's a natural for you...

Sounds like you had fun Slim. Great that you were able to gift the gifter.

Nubbing a Peg Leg now after a morning of fishing. I feel a nap coming on.

Barry

Barry ... read the 'Peg Leg' story in Miscellanious' ... I think you will find it fasinating!

Slim,
Are you still unemployed? If so, the comment that Robert made about you being a sales rep sounds like he gave you the opportunity to ask for the position. In my experience the most effective way to land a job that you would really like is to ask for it.

With your knowledge of cigars and the Bucanero product you are a perfect fit for a sales rep position. All you have to do is call him up and ask for a position as a sales rep for Bucanero cigars. Don't beat around the bush either, strait to the point..... I want a position as a sales rep for Bucanero cigars.... you have nothing to loose and it could be a dream come true.
Robert

Slim, Glad that you had a good time and thanks for sharing this story with all of us.

I am going to push you towards the position as well. You have the skillset and knowledge to do well as a sales rep.

Don't sit and (over) analyze this. Just call Robert today and tell you him that you want the job. Worry about salary later.

Regards,


B

Sounds loke a great day. I look forward to one day meeting Robert.

Slim - glad you had such a great time. I also look forward to one day meeting Robert to personally compliment him on his great cigars.

Slim... Sounds GREAT !! Wow, you gifted him a Hemi SG... Where'd you ever get such a rare cigar ??? ;o) Did ya mention my name ?? LOL
Wish they would have an event closer to me...

Low

PS... Wanna part with any of those "Z"'s ??

I dunno Low ... I only got 10, smoked two while I was there, smoked one last night (YUM) ... and gifted out one to someone who couldn't make the event, and asked if I could please get him one, and two that I 'owed' to someone who generouly sent me my very first Bucanero's (wanting noting in return) when I lost my job ... both members of these forums.

I only have four 'Z' left, but ... out of the four Hemi SG's I had ... I only smoked one of them, and gifted out the rest ... the last one going to Robert.

If I could find someone who had any of those lying around ... I might be persuaded into a small trade ... hehehe!

Hmmmmmmm.....

Low

PS... WRONG BOARD !!! LOL

Looks like a great time. Can't wait to try one of these new Bucs!

Where's his eyepatch and puffy shirt? I assume the parrot is near by. At least tell me he talks like a pirate!?

nice set of pics Slim