Race and Cigars

     One would think that a person's ethnicity would have nothing to do with the cigar and pipe lifestyle, but unfortunately.......  This is a post that needs to be discussed, and some may not want to hear the cold, hard truth.  How does race play a factor in this lifestyle?  Let's start with a large amount of B&M's throughout the country.  I've visited hundreds of shops and usually within the first few seconds of walking in, I can tell you hands down, whether I'm welcomed or not, typically within the first few minutes of arrival, the telltale signs are there.  Sure some of it comes down just to an asshole who works in the joint, but the "regulars" also play a large part.  Some shops you walk in and there's a hearty "hello", or "welcome" etc, from the minute you hit the door.  Whether it comes from folks sitting in the lounge or the staff.  I don't expect a band, or dancing ladies, but that simple gesture normally tells me what the climate will be.   Then there's the "other" side of that entry, you walk in, and you see no faces like yours and  the conversation ceases, the stares are piercing and even after you've said "hello", with nothing in return.  Just so those who might say, "there goes the race card", that's my opinion and I have rarely been wrong.  I'd also like to address how I've entered B&M's as well.  I've entered B&M's in typical casual attire, my Air Force uniform, a business suit etc., (which shouldn't make a difference) and had the same negative responses, no matter what I was wearing, so I surmised it was my skin tone, as I've NEVER entered a shop where thee was a majority of people of color and wasn't greeted, PERIOD.

      Next, its the unfriendly "can I help you?", like I'm bothering that person, or as if a "how's it going today", "what's going on" etc., would hurt.  I normally reply with "no thank you, I'm just going to see what's in the humidor, and if I have any questions, I'll get back with you".  So now I get my personal escort to the humidor.  Do I understand that there's "shrinkage" in the cigar business, absolutely, but if you're going to follow me to the humidor, follow everybody you're not familiar with to the humidor.  A B&M in Sacramento, California was notorious for following African-Americans to the humidor and standing there, observing every move and it was later found out, the person stealing the most was a well dressed Caucasian (stealing thousands of dollars of high end Padron's, Fuente's etc.,), and not just from this one shop, but throughout the area.  And again before the "race carders" start yapping, I've did my research and observed this behavior as well as talked with others who told of their experiences.  Anyway, back to the humidor experience.  Now, my personal escort observing my every move says, "so what you looking for?", well I'm not sure, that's why I mentioned to you, I wanted to see what's in the humidor and if I had questions I would get back with you.  Now, one of the questions that really piss me off is, "what price range or you looking for?"  So I guess that illuminated "I need a .5 cent cigar sign" on my forehead must be blinking again.  My reply, I'm not limited by price, but I just want to look to see what I'm in the mood to smoke today.  "Well here's what a lot of "people" are buying, WTF!  Thanks for your recommendation, but I'll just look a bit more.   Finally, just so I can get the hell out of this joint, I pick up a cigar or two and make it to the register, another customer comes in and greetings are abundant, smiles aplenty and not the same as I experienced.  What's different, my "tan" is a little darker than this customer, and by the way, I've been relegated to second string as the employee/owner/personal escort is now holding a conversation and answering questions of the just walked in customer.  I patiently stand and wait, and finally, back to me, "is this all?", is that all you see on the counter?  "We don't take checks and if you're using a credit card, I'll need to see ID".  I am using a credit card, AMEX, no Visa, no MasterCard, no Discover, as a matter of fact, I'll just use my credit cards elsewhere.  "What's the problem Bud?", no problems I just rather be treated like a human and apparently for whatever reason, I'm not feeling that way right now.  Sad, but true.

     Moving on, if I choose to deal with the ignorance and buy cigars, I always ask, "may I sit and enjoy one my cigars here in your shop?"  That's just common sense to me, as that's how I was raised and taught.  Just because you're in someone's house, doesn't mean you take your shoes off, you feel me.  After gaining permission, I sit down, take out my lighter, cutter etc., and commence to enjoy a cigar or pipe smoke.  Now, I'm a museum exhibit apparently, as the regulars are staring at me like I was the missing link.  Again, no greetings just stares.  I'm good with that after all, I just want to have a cigar or pipe smoke.  Great, there's a television, but on second thought, it's tuned to Fox "News" (bullshit as I like to call it) and I'm not a fan.  At that very moment, I hear employee/owner/personal escort say to other customer who came in, "do you need matches, or if you prefer, there are lighters all around the place, have a seat and enjoy, and our WiFi password is yada yada".   Hey, how do I get that treatment?  I have my tablet with me and would love to read since I'm not into Fox, well, I guess I can use my portable Hotspot as I normally do.  The regulars have finished their viewing of the new exhibit and conversation starts up again, and I hear, "Fucking Obama", and here we go.  I'm just curious, if I wasn't here would that conversation have started?  And before President Obama, I would hear, "I hate Jordan, Mike Tyson looks like a killer rapist, Fucking Jesse Jackson", you pick the black person over the last 32 years.  I remain silent and continue reading and enjoying my smoke. 

     Since I didn't bite on the "Obama" comment, next I hear "I don't like Fuente, Oliva, Padron" whatever cigar I may be enjoying or a "I've never understood the pipe thing" if I'm enjoying my pipe, although his lounge mate "Rusty" is sitting there with a Bjarne in his mouth, a Savinelli and Dunhill on the table next to him, hmmmmm.   Again, I'm not being addressed directly so I mind my business.  Finally, "so what you smoking over there", is directed at me, as I look up and tell him.  "Never seen you in here, you must be new", well thanks Captain Obvious.  I'm just visiting, yes I'm new, I've been here a time or two when I'm in town or whatever the case may be.  And just like that, I'm an exhibit again.  Now, you may be thinking "this guy is full of shit", but I'm willing to bet it happens more than you think, and I'm a living testament of it.   At the same time, "other customer" has been welcomed into the family.  No off the cuff comments about the God awful shirt he's wearing, no "I fucking hate Trump", no are you new around here questions, but I know he's never been here before and hell, it appears he's not a very knowledgeable cigar smoker as he just cut damn near the whole head and shoulders off his cigar and can't figure out if he should remove the cedar wrapper or light it, but he's in!  No, I'm not jealous, just wondering why this sequence of events just happened. 

    A cigar talk show host (let's just call him "Cigar Dickhead"), is always pontificating about how cigar smokers have to band together as we are a dying breed and the pleasure police are taking away our rights, but yet when he got wind of Jay Z asking that a certain brand of cigars be kept in his dressing room at his shows, he went in on Jay Z for no reason at all,  "Who is he to tell people what he wants in his dressing room, I bet he has no idea what those cigars are (Montecristo No. 2)", I'm quite sure he knows what those cigars are and where they come from, he ordered them, and then the same with 50 Cent, as well as Jordan, Denzel etc.  Even going as far as to call Jay-Z's Cohiba Comador cigar, a joke without having even tasting it.  Wait, I thought we all had to be down for the struggle together.  Before President Obama was even sworn in for his first term, this talk show host went in on the man, because he chose to smoke cigarettes and was attempting to quit smoking. "This new President guy will be looking to impose more smoking bans, you mark my words" he said.  I called the show, and after waiting on hold for about 30 minutes was given the opportunity to "pontificate" and I posed the question, "have you received some type of insider information that our new President will impose mass smoking bans, you're being pretty hard on the man, I'm just curious"?  No response, other than to say "listen pal, don't call here questioning me about what I said", followed by a disconnection click and then him ranting about his team screening calls better, how funny, dude you're a talk show host, questions are part of the game. 

     Or how about cigar events, I can't recall one where a music line up included music I might enjoy.  I'm a Rock, Jazz, Latin music etc.,(sorry no C&W though) fan, I pretty much like all music, but have yet to be entertained by music or a group I would enjoy.  I'm not into Skynyrd, I like the Allman Brothers but not all day etc.  Or is that intentionally done, to keep me away?  Just simple things that could be done to say "yes you are a BOTL or SOTL (literally) and we want you to be a part of this.  I've been in a B&M where after about an hour, the shop keep, came over and asked me if I'd like to listen to something different music wise.  How cool was that, but this is also the same shop when I walked in, I was greeted by him and as he stood up from his seat, extended his hand, introduced himself, pointed me towards the humidor, and said "please, if you need any assistance just yell, I'll come running", and then he sat back down.  So it didn't surprise me when he asked about the music, but most shops don't give a care, as a matter of fact, the shop keep is entertaining himself/herself with the television/music so why should they care about money spending customer.     

     What about advertising?  I rarely, if ever see minorities featured in ads.  You do know we have money, and spend a lot of it as noted by economist all over this country.  Always a non-minority guy, or a scantly clad, non-minority woman featured in the advertising.  Go ahead pick up a cigar/pipe periodical right now and take a look, tell me what you see, very few if any minorities (celebrities don't count).  Most of these magazines have "Event Pictures", how many minorities or groups of minorities pictures do you see.  I've been to events, observing the photographer snapping pics like crazy, but conveniently passing my group.  The latest edition of a popular cigar magazine has 33 pictures (group shots), featuring 150 non minority folks, and 10 minorities scattered, here and there.  Is that a fair representation?  I also do understand this particular periodical, where manufacturers pay for their ratings is "far right" and they don't really care for minorities, unless they're making the cigars they're smoking. 

     Again, by and large, these things don't happen at all events, B&M's etc.  But it does happen, and it really bothers me.  We are part of a society that's constantly being attacked and "all hands on deck" should be the motto and marching orders, to fight others who hate what we do, we shouldn't be subjected to this type of thinking within our own society.  To some, it may be happening and they may not even know it, and maybe this blog will make you think next time you may be in one of this scenarios.  And if you're the offending party and doing it intentionally, can you really call yourself an ambassador to this lifestyle?  Throughout the history of cigar and pipe smoking minorities spend big bucks, but are treated like we shouldn't be a part of the game, again unless you're a celebrity, athlete or politician.

     Finally, just yesterday an employee of Famous Smoke, Gary Korb who manages their social media posting via a blog called Cigar Advisor posted a very racist article about the government's desire to impose smoking ban on HUD recipients and his comments posted along with the article was "strike up another one for this administration".  The article talked about low income housing, housing projects, drug dealers, gang-bangers etc., you know code words for poor minorities, would be subject to non-smoking in HUD sponsored housing and by and large the article had nothing to do with cigar or pipe smoking.  But wait, when the White House was controlled by the previous administration, and the single most destructive tax on the tobacco industry (SCHIP - State Children's Health Insurance Program) was passed, where was the outrage, I didn't hear or see anything about "strike up another one for that administration".  Arnold Schwarzenegger was the governor of California and passed a similar bill, and he's a cigar smoker, but instead of demonizing him, he was still featured in cigar magazines and blogs and given the opportunity to explain why he signed the law.  Also, that FDA bill you keep hearing about regarding tobacco regulation, yeah that all started under "Dubbya", not President Obama.  After I pointed out how covert it was for Korb to try and get his message and feelings out, he quickly put up a disclaimer and removed his comment.  That's also after I mentioned I would be letting all of my cigar/pipe smoking friends of color know exactly what a Famous Smoke employee thinks of us, and they should spend their money elsewhere and inform other minorities I know as well.

     So, in as much some who may read this will beg to differ or just simply look the other way, it's happening, and shouldn't be.  When I enjoy a cigar or pipe, don't give a rats ass if you're black, white, yellow, man, woman, rich, poor, straight, gay etc.,  I want to enjoy a smoke, and shouldn't have to endure the nonsense I spoke of.  And if you're one who dismisses this blog without any thought, you're probably that guy/lady I'm talking about. 

     Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff). 

Gregory  (___GC_______________]]]]]]]~~~ 

"Now I Understand"

     As I sit here enjoying a Tatuje 10th Anniversary Belle Encre Reserva, I think back to a couple of years ago when it was first released and my thoughts about it, and subsequently I think back to 1984 when I enjoyed my first cigar and what my thoughts were then, how my knowledge has increased and how I feel I've formed a better understanding of "the art of the cigar". What am I talking about you ask?  I'm talking about appreciating this cigar game and understanding what you're smoking as opposed to just smoking a cigar.  The time blenders spend getting the right tobaccos to marry together and produce a enjoyable smoke, the thought process of those same blenders in what that blend may or should taste like as time goes on (for those of use who like to hoard, I mean age cigars), what was the original idea from the person who wanted the cigar blended, how impressed, based on what they wanted, did the blender "nail it" etc.  And more than anything, as a hoarder, I mean "ager", does the cigar meet what I thought my expectation of it would be.

     Whenever there's a new cigar introduced to the market and I see the pre-release press or hear about it from a source, I instantly start thinking about what it will taste like, what characteristics it will possess, what libations will I pair it with, what meal should I have prior to enjoying it, how many should I buy and all of those good things.  I do research on the tobaccos that are used, what are some of the cigars I've enjoyed that contained those tobaccos, how does it stack up to other cigars from the same blender/company, or other cigars.  If it's from the same company, what changed, what stayed the same.  For instance, I AM A VIAJE FAN, and I have not been disappointed by any of their offerings.  I find their cigars to be a gambit of "what shall we do next?".  Yeah the wacky names are one thing, but the blending is remarkable, and what makes it remarkable is the plethora of tastes/flavors in each of their offerings.  From the mild-bodied full-flavor, to the full-bodied super full-flavored range, their cigars offer it all.  So what is the exact thought process in creating a blend for their company, do they have a particular group in mind, are they hoping to please their legion of fans, are they about venturing into new horizons, do they want to capture and "old-time" taste, or do they just want to use up the tobacco they have.  In any case, they're onto something and it seems to be working, at least for me.   Whenever I get one of their cigars, I spend mounds of time examining the taste, construction, aromas, finish, strength etc.   I wasn't born with that talent, and there really isn't a book on how to gain expertise (although some may want you to think there is the cigar book of books) in those areas, but it comes down to what you like. 

     After you've determined what you like in a cigar, focus on why you like that/those characteristic(s).  Let's take flavors for example.  Why does this particular flavor appeal to you, what makes you smile when you taste that flavor.  What other cigars have a similar flavor profile and do you enjoy them as much?  What about construction, is it a well put together cigar, does it burn evenly, is the ash firm, and if those things aren't happening for you, do you still enjoy the cigar.  I personally like the whole experience.  Nothing ticks me off more, than thinking about what cigar I want, getting my drink poured, clipping that cigar, lighting it, and within minutes, it starts unravelling, or burning unevenly, or if it turns into a hard draw.  I get pissed as it disrupts my vibe, and mindset and now I have to start the whole preparation process all over. 

    Which brings me back to this Tatuaje and the art of the cigar.  When this cigar was introduced, Tatujae had the thought of giving more love to the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.  The richness of this wrapper has long been adored in the cigar world, and attempting to give it a different life was their mindset.  In my opinion, they excelled in doing just that, giving it more life, a truly great smoke.  Cigars are made to be enjoyed, and that enjoyment should include the full experience.  I've had the pleasure of living and traveling the world over and during the course of those travels, I've witnessed some of the world's greatest artistic treasures, from Mount Rushmore, the Sistine Chapel, the Grand Canyon and many, many more.  I literally have stood on the platform in the Black Hills and just gawked at Mount Rushmore in amazement thinking "how in the hell did they do this?"  That same mentality is part of my thinking when I enjoy a cigar, "how in the hell did they do this?" 

     So the next time you light up and sit down to enjoy a cigar, just stop for a minute, gather you're thoughts and think about what you want to experience from that session.  If you have to, make a few notes and then as you smoke, refer to those notes to see if your achieving any of the things you've listed.  More than anything, try to get in tune to what the blender/manufacturer wanted you to experience with that particular cigar.  When you start to get a better understanding of why certain tobaccos were used, and was the desired outcome reached or not reached, you'll then have a better understanding of "What 'cha smoking".

     Now that you understand a bit better, enjoy that cigar.

Long ashes.  (_____G_________]]]]]]]~~~~   CLP  (Clip, Light and Puff)

Greg