What a day…

I was invited to a Cuban cigar rolling event by the local shop owner. I could not believe my eyes when I walked in.

It was none other than Master Roller – Trecedor - Reynaldo Gonzalez Jimmenez – In Person. I was floored, to say the least! I finally met the person that rolled so many of the beloved Havana’s that I smoke frequently and so dearly love.

The shop owner greeted me with a fresh rolled “Churchill” and cutter. I inspected the gar and noted that this was an exceptional masterpiece. Not wasting a second, I swiftly and easily cut the top, pre light draw was incredible, firm but not hard. I quickly toasted the foot and enjoyed the aroma.

I guess I should stop here and say, I am not a big fan of any fresh rolls, I realize flavors become clearer and taste more vibrant after about 6 weeks or more in the humi.

On the first draw, I immediately realized the twang associated with Havana’s and stoked the fire even more… What a blend – I was taken back by the eruption of flavors. I knew it was time to hold on as this beast was going to take me for a ride…Wooo-Hooo!

After a fourth way through the gar I noticed that the ash had not fallen….Hmmm, fresh rolled ash holding on like gravity does not exist. Amazing!

The emotions from the flavors and the experience where overpowering me. At that time Reynaldo asked me “through a translator” if I was enjoying the gar…What could I say? Except – I was enjoying a once in a lifetime experience….How does it getter better than this, I asked myself? Just then I realized the answer to my own question.

The storeowner offered me a seat in the “Back Room” and offered me a cup of German coffee to accompany the gar. Woo-Hoo! Now I got it…German coffee and a Havana cigar. He then started chatting about the blend of the fresh rolled gar sand readily admitted that it is the same blend used in the Cohibia Siglo VI. What? Did someone say Siglo VI? Wow!

I asked about purchasing a box and was told that it was not possible….Hmmm, I knew that the dream couldn’t last forever! As the storeowner tended to some walk in customers the “translator” asked me if I would step outside with him and walk to his car. During the short walk he discussed options of purchasing a box of Siglo VI’s from him. The master roller himself - Reynaldo, personally rolled all of the gars in the box. Now we are talking! I will not get into details about the price but it is safe to assume that it was far cheaper than I have ever seen them! I bartered the price – way down! Okay, I am cheap!

After making the purchase while we were walking back to the local shop, I asked if it was possible to have Reynaldo roll me a Churchill size Belicoso and sign the cigar box that it came in. He happily accommodated my request.

Now I ask you does Life get any better than this?

WOW !!! What a great experience... Once in a lifetime...
Thanks for the read... and THANKS for making me jealous!!!

Enjoy the smokes...

Low

Couldn't have happened to a better BOTL. I just hope you have some photos to post.

-Lenny

Nice work Billy

I hung on every word. Great post!

Talk about being in the the right place at the right time, wow, no make that DOUBLE WOW !!! JonR

Smith, do you have my address?

A great story!!

A Cuban fresh rolled, before it even begins its "sick" period is as good as a cigar gets.

Awesome story billy! I agree, it couldn't have happened to a better BOTL!

Great story Billy. Now, concerning that trade I been dreaming about........

DED

A fate too good for an "old horse thief",LOL. X

Billy, what an amazing day. As I was reading it felt as if it had happened to me. What great story-telling ability. Could not have happened to a more deserving person. All I can think is Wow! Hmmm... any chances you might want to trade in the near future?
RJ

Damn Billy,
You got me drooling!!LOL That sounds like one of those moments you'll remember forever!!

Eric

Unbelieveable. I just don't know what else to say.

Why to go. I'm green with envy.

To answer your question Billy, NO! (it doesn't get any better)

Barry