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Not just another "bombing" post...

ggiese

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2004
Messages
5,091
I go back and forth on this whole concept of the "bomb". On one hand - it's so cool to see deserving brothers on this board receiving a nice treat. On the other hand - I sometimes feel SOME members of the board look to be regularly bombed (Purobrat comes to mind). So what separates out the wheat from the chaff...

Many years ago one of the board members sent me an incredible gift on my retirement - a box of limited edition cigars that was spot on in my flavor profile. There was no doubt in my mind that he had carefully thought about what to give me to celebrate my retirement. I was completely blown away by his thoughtfulness and generosity. And he made it VERY clear - I was to NOT post anything outlandish about the gift. But that was just who Brian (Infinity) was. I tucked that box of cigars in my humidor and only touched it at times when I really needed something special - so I smoked those cigars few and far between. It happened that Brian passed away and those cigars became even more special to me - at times when I REALLY needed a reminder of humbleness I would light one up and contemplate who I was. More importantly - I did it with Brian in mind and thought about the things he'd told me over the years I knew him. My biggest regret was never meeting him face to face, and only had thoughts of his printed words to reflect on. But - those experiences helped me to be a better person.

I once shared one of Brian's cigars with a friend. Not just any friend - but a true "brother of the leaf" Billy. Billy was the lead partner in building a place where cigar smokers could meet and enjoy fellowship. And their business has grown immensely. Here's a brief description of their history:

In the beginning, we were just a group of cigar aficionados and boaters meeting at Waukegan Harbor to enjoy a relaxing smoke and share some stories. Soon, we invested in a rolling machine, molds, and a cigar press to bunch, roll, and wrap our own blends. This passion finally manifested into the one-of-a-kind smoking lounge our community knows today as A Cuban Experience. As a completely family-operated business, you'll feel right at home from the moment you pass through our door. Bring a drink and grab a seat -- there's plenty of room for you and all of your friends to catch up over a specialty smoke." (https://www.acubanexperience.com/about.html)

I sat and watched Billy smoke that cigar - and recounted my story of my relationship with Brian. We both enjoyed the conversation, and more especially enjoyed the cigars we were smoking. Billy had heard of the cigar, but never smoked one - and was honored I'd shared one with him. I told him - "Brian would want me to do that..."

So fast forward to a package I'd recently received. A very kind brother on this board sent me a selection of "Brian" cigars - cigars that had been given to him by Brian's family after his passing. I'm not sure I really want to identify this brother because of this being such a selfless and valuable gift. I would not say any of the cigars would be considered by most as being "special", but every one of those cigars are completely priceless to me. And I had the chance recently and smoke one of the cigars in that pack - and share two of the cigars from the package with friends of mine who were with me. Both understood how special the cigars were to me - and both really enjoyed what I gave them (each cigar I knew would hit the flavor profile they liked). As we smoked them I talked to my friends about how they came to me - and how special Brian was. I'm quite sure Brian was looking down and smiling, knowing that the cigars he had were being enjoyed by three friends sharing a quality moment of relaxation and good conversation.

So - from the bottom of my heart - I want to thank Brian and his most generous friend in creating a moment that I will cherish for a very long time. Good friends, good drinks, good conversation with good cigars. It doesn't get better than that!
 
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Well said..!! I have some sticks that were sent along by our absent brother Louie DeVito....and they are precious. Always reminds me of the good times we spent at the QSH and Uptown Cigars when they were in Kingston. Enjoy..!!
 
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What a heartwarming post. People don't realize that cigars are not just something to smoke, like a cigarette. Cigars are an experience. Some are good some are bad. Some bring back happy memories, some bring back sad memories. I am so glad you got to experience a friendship with Brian and continue to get to remember him through your shared love of cigars.

Dave
 
Brian #1 was a special guy. You’re a great brother George and any kindness shown to you, is well deserved.

I’m assuming I know this recent bomber and he’s one of the best.
The funny thing is - I don't need to mention who it is. Bottom line - if you've been on this board for any length of time it should be incredibly obvious from what I wrote who it was that sent me that package. 'Nuff said!!! 😁

...and I'm truly humbled by your kind words.
 
What a heartwarming post. People don't realize that cigars are not just something to smoke, like a cigarette. Cigars are an experience. Some are good some are bad. Some bring back happy memories, some bring back sad memories. I am so glad you got to experience a friendship with Brian and continue to get to remember him through your shared love of cigars.

Dave
What you say is exactly the behind the scenes conversation I had with the mad bomber. He sent me a wonderful letter describing the cigars, and I sent him a PM thanking him for the amazing gift. I have some very expensive cigars - and some not so expensive cigars. I'd put them one against the other in their equal value to me!

Here’s a perfect example. In my mind this cigar was of equal value to every one of those “Brian” cigars…
 
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52490BD0-FC21-4C27-BDD9-C71B3DD5A7C6.jpeg

this, too, was a gift to me from a dear friend on this board. Why is it so special? Some would say it’s a very rare cigar that’s worth of lot of money. I suppose that’s true - and if so I could have made a lot of money selling it. Right? But the value to me of this special Cohiba cigar - and Brian’s cigars - was the unselfish sharing of a good cigar with another person (me) with the idea I would enjoy smoking it. And boy did I ever enjoy smoking both of the cigars - I would even go as far to say that I enjoyed them equally.
 
I loved this tale! It hits all too close to home for me with some of my leaf loving brothers who were called home way too early. This is just one more example that signifies what this hobby of ours is about.
 
I still have a cigar from Brian, and a couple from Brad, and even though I know they were gifted to me to be smoked and enjoyed, I can't quite bring myself to light them up. I think of those guys, and a few others we've lost, often.
 
I still have a cigar from Brian, and a couple from Brad, and even though I know they were gifted to me to be smoked and enjoyed, I can't quite bring myself to light them up. I think of those guys, and a few others we've lost, often.
You're sig tag is haunting us - with Brian's advice NOT to keep those cigars in your humidor forever... 🤣

Infinity said:
Are you kidding, light the fugger up now to celebrate life.
Who are you keeping them for, your son? They will taste like shit in 15 to 25 years time.
I smoke, my best cigars all the time. Live in the moment guys.
 
You're sig tag is haunting us - with Brian's advice NOT to keep those cigars in your humidor forever... 🤣

Infinity said:
Are you kidding, light the fugger up now to celebrate life.
Who are you keeping them for, your son? They will taste like shit in 15 to 25 years time.
I smoke, my best cigars all the time. Live in the moment guys.
Trust me I know the contradiction in my actions.
 
Well said..!! I have some sticks that were sent along by our absent brother Louie DeVito....and they are precious. Always reminds me of the good times we spent at the QSH and Uptown Cigars when they were in Kingston. Enjoy..!!
Louie D and I shared a bottle of Pappy 23 at Uptown Cigar on day. Friendships were made at that store. He was a heckuva fella.

Floyd T
 
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