Rocky Patel event at the local shop
Today I attended a small Rocky Patel event held at my local shop. I typically buy about 75% of my smokes online simply becuase of the much better prices, but I still try to patronize “brick & mortar” shops for single sticks and to talk cigars with people who know a lot more than I do.
The event was run by Rocky’s brother Nish Patel, and the deals were quite good. 20% off boxes, free RP cigars with singles or box purchases, and a raffle for some cool stuff like an HDTV and a nice RP humidor. Until today I’d completely forgotten about the SCHIP tax increase poised to hit in just a few days. I’m really not opposed to some taxes, but taxing something that people are supposed to be quitting seems like a stupid idea because if the plan works and fewer tobacco products are consumed, the needed tax revenue will evaporate and then will have to come from somewhere else. But I digress. I decided that despite my nearly overflowing coolerdor and humidor, I’d see if I could find some goodies to add to the collection before the tax increase.
After a long internal debate between a box of the Vintage 1992 and the Olde Worde Reserve Maduro, I opted for a box of the Vintage 1992 Robustos, it being one of my overall favorite blends and a great value at only $95 for the box plus 5 free extra Rocky cigars. I also picked up a variety of smaller cigars, which I have begun to appreciate more as I don’t always want to commit 2 hours to a stogie.
The final SCHIP-evading haul:
20 RP Vintage 1992 Robusto
3 RP ITC Toro
2 RP Autumn Collection Toro
1 RP Vintage 1990 Petit Corona
2 Don Tomas Maduro Robusto
1 AF Hemingway Short Story
2 RyJ Vintage Love Story
1 Oliva Serie V Double Robusto
1 Padron 2000 Natural
After making my picks I sat in the lounge and smoked one of the RyJs. I think I was the only one of the 30-40 people around who wasn’t smoking a RP, but I wanted to age those for a bit.
It required some creative shuffling but I managed to fit everything into the coolidor, which is now absolutely packed. I should have quite a bit of review fodder for the year!
If you have a local shop I’d encourage you to look into whether they are planning any of events, whether it be a basic herf or a manufacturer sponsored sale. It’s a good way to meet some of your local enthusiasts and possibly get some good deals.
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