Bought some neat stuff...

**TampaSupremo** · 10-01-2006, 08:29 PM

...while down in West Tampa and Ybor City. First place I stopped (Friday) was the Gonzalez Habano Cigar Factory and Store on Columbus. Small place across from La Terecita (if you like Cuban food, that place is one of the best). I've been to Terecita more times than I can count, but I've never noticed this place. I was greeted by a gentleman who I believe was the owner, (although I did not get his name). Apparently they roll cigars for some larger distributors, but also sell their own label. You could see the rollers in the back doing their thing. I ended up with a cedar boxed sampler of five cigars-a Doble Corona, a Copihue Churchill (Copihue is their line of cigars made with tobacco aged in red wine-not sure if this counts a a "flavored" cigar), a Torpedo, a Toro, and a Rothchild. All have natural wrappers. The guy was telling me that at the Cigar Heritage Festival (Nov 18th) they are going to roll a 100-ft cigar with a 64 ring gauge. Guiness is supposed to be there as well. It will then be cut into 6" sections which will be sold off at a later date.
Saturday I went to Ybor City. Unfortunately, I did not realize that Tampa Sweethearts closed at 1PM on Saturday so I missed out on that (I REALLY wanted to go there too). I did stop at La Herencia. I picked up a Perfecto and a Petit Torpedo. Stopped at El Sol and got a bundle of their hand rolled Simpaticos (maduro, short filler). Last place was Havana Dreams. Bought a Torpedo, Imperial, Toro, and Datil ( I think it's the same as a Rothchild).
I guess the theme for the trip was locally made cigars that I can't buy at my local B&M. Who knows? They may suck. They may be great. I'm new at this so I probably couldn't tell you the difference. I'll do my best to let y'all know.

TampaSupremo

bigpoppapuff · 10-01-2006, 09:26 PM

sounds like a humidor filler to me...now enjoy 'em.....did you get to carmine's or the columbia??.....how about edwards tobacco??...

**TampaSupremo** · 10-01-2006, 10:28 PM

Unfortunately, it was a short trip overall (3 full days in town) and kinda rushed so I didn't have the leisure time I normally would've (especially when you throw in my not-quite 5 month old son). I went to Edward's on Thursday but didn't get to hang around much. I was impressed though. When I move back down (hopefully by May if not sooner) I will be spending some serious time there. I did buy a "bloodstone" Xikar Xi2 cutter and the MacBaren Plumcake pipe blend (which, disappointingly, smells a lot like Red Man chew...hope it tastes better). I was assisted by a gentleman named Brett (or Britt). Very friendly guy. Told me to bring my briar next time so I could sample before I purchased. I tell you, if I could get my home to smell like Edward's...Wow!
We had lunch as a family before my brother and I broke off and went to Ybor on Saturday, so we didn't eat down there. Then there were errands to run since we were leaving today...I'm hoping next time will be more relaxed.
The most enjoyable cigar moment though, was my brother and I sitting by the channel on Davis Island last night talking about whatever while I smoked a Partagas Spanish Rosado I brought down with me (Ramon y Ramon-6.5x45). Good friggin' times.

Tampa Supremo

**tampacigargirl** · 11-14-2006, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by TampaSupremo

Unfortunately, it was a short trip overall (3 full days in town) and kinda rushed so I didn't have the leisure time I normally would've (especially when you throw in my not-quite 5 month old son). I went to Edward's on Thursday but didn't get to hang around much. I was impressed though. When I move back down (hopefully by May if not sooner) I will be spending some serious time there. I did buy a "bloodstone" Xikar Xi2 cutter and the MacBaren Plumcake pipe blend (which, disappointingly, smells a lot like Red Man chew...hope it tastes better). I was assisted by a gentleman named Brett (or Britt). Very friendly guy. Told me to bring my briar next time so I could sample before I purchased. I tell you, if I could get my home to smell like Edward's...Wow!
We had lunch as a family before my brother and I broke off and went to Ybor on Saturday, so we didn't eat down there. Then there were errands to run since we were leaving today...I'm hoping next time will be more relaxed.
The most enjoyable cigar moment though, was my brother and I sitting by the channel on Davis Island last night talking about whatever while I smoked a Partagas Spanish Rosado I brought down with me (Ramon y Ramon-6.5x45). Good friggin' times.

Tampa Supremo

Glad you made in to the shop! I hope you like the Plumcake, if not, let us know. Bret is great, and when you come back, definitely bring your pipe!