MJM Fine Cigars

2010 IPCPR New Orleans

2010-08-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

Here's a few photos that Maria and I (mostly Maria) snapped while we were in New Orleans for the 2010 IPCPR trade show.

It's both interesting and disturbing to me that attendance at our annual retail show always seems predicated on the actual location of the event. This is the second consecutive year that we're in New Orleans for the show and attendance was noticeably down. Too bad. I say that for two reasons. The first is that New Orleans is an awesome city! The food is off the hook and the locals are always colorful. The second and probably most important is that in my view as an IPCPR retail member, there is an obligation to support our trade organization and the participating vendors. Without retailers support there is little return on investment and believe me it costs big dollars to display at almost any trade show regardless of the industry.

Next year the show will be in Las Vegas and I can almost guarantee that attendance will be significantly higher. Personally, I'd take New Orleans every time! The food is superior, there is far more diversity and it's a whole lot less expensive (eaten at a 'celebrity' restaurant lately?). Lodging is 25%-50% less and I can book a non-stop from Tampa via Southwest and be there within an hour an a half. Anyway. I digress. Attendance will be way up at next year's show without a doubt! How about Miami as a future show site? Now we're talking! The vast majority of the cigar manufacturers are based there and the Miami Beach convention center is within walking distance of South Beach and some pretty awesome nightclubs and restaurants.

A few random thoughts...

Jonathan Drew is one of the nicest and most genuine people that I have ever had the pleasure of calling friend. The Drew Estate display area always has the most buzz at the show! This year they were giving away custom painted Chuck's for qualifying purchases. There were hundreds of pairs on display all over the booth area each one a unique creation from the Acid Sub Culture team in Esteli, Nicaragua.

We had to travel to New Orleans to be under a tropical storm warning! It never came to fruition but WTH?!?

Ernesto (Ernie) Carillo (La Gloria Cubana fame) is back and the cigar samples I received and smoked were a rather pleasant surprise as I'm not the biggest La Gloria fan. As you might expect, the EPC Cigar Company booth was packed most of the time but I did have a few minutes to chat with Ernie and look forward to adding his cigars sometime this fall. Stay tuned.

I finally took and passed my Tobacconist University final exam and am proud to say that I am now an official Certified Retail Tobacconist!!

Toraño Family Cigars has three new cigars scheduled to be released (2 premium & 1 bundle-type) sometime this fall. One is called Single Region and it's more full bodied and flavorable than I expected. Look for that one within the next 4-8 weeks. The Masters is the second premium release and is the creation of Toraño master roller Felipe Sosa. It's a medium-bodied, well balanced and smooth. Felipe and his new creation will be featured at an MJM in-store rolling event the first week of December. I can't wait!!

Every year I'm on the look-out for a new cigar that is flying below almost everyone's radar but kicks -ss. I think that I might have found two gems at this year's show. However, I'm keeping that under wraps for the time being! Isn't it better to receive a small gift every day than to open all your presents at once? I'm just saying...

I hope to see you in our shop soon.

Until then, may God continue to bless us all.

2010 CAO La Traviata Event

2010-05-07T14:24:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all our friends who joined us Thursday, April 29th for our La Traviata event. We greatly appreciate and are thankful for each and every one of you who turn out on a monthly basis for these events!

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and certainly enjoyed the great smokes along with the evening's specials.

A special thanks goes out to our gracious co-host, CAO representative Armando Lapido. A true gentlemen of the industry.

Eric Gilchrist was the grand prize winner of a beautiful CAO LX2 humidor who then gifted it to a good friend! Hey Eric, my car is starting to get a little old and I was wondering...

See you on May 27th when we welcome in Jesus Fuego for what is sure to be another great event.

Until then, keep 'em lit!

Camacho Cigars & Matusalem Rum!

2010-03-27T15:16:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all our friends who attended our 3.25 Camacho Cigars and Matusalem rum event on March 25th.

In the past, our annual Camacho event has always been one of our most well attended shows and 2010 was no exception!

The show specials were exceptional and the rum was out of this world.

A special thanks goes out to Camacho representative Carlos Escalona who in conjunction with Maria Martin in Miami made it all possible.

Oliveros 2010 Event

2010-02-27T16:01:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for our Oliveros event with company VP Hank Bischoff on February 25th. We all had a great time even though the weather was a bit uncooperative. Spring is on the way I'm told. Any day now!

A special shout out goes to our friend Neil at Corteo's Pizza & Pasta (http://www.corteos.com) for providing us with some outstanding pizza!!

Next month on the 25th we party with Camacho Cigars and Matusalem Rum. You DON'T want to miss this one!!

2010-02-27T16:01:00.001-05:00

Oliveros 2010 Event

2010-02-27T15:47:00.000-05:00

Perdomo Cigars facility in Miami Lakes

2010-02-20T14:16:00.000-05:00

Should you ever find yourself in Miami Lakes, consider visiting Perdomo's facility off the Palmetto. Nick himself might even be there to say hi!

Here are a few shots I took last week when I was in town.

2009 Ambos Mundos Event!

2010-01-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

Our thanks to everyone who attended our Ambos Mundos event on January 28th!

We all enjoyed a great cigar that was ranked #18 in Cigar Aficionado's top 25 for 2009.Those who stepped up to the plate and brought some of these great smokes home saved a bunch of money in the process! Pete Johnson was generous enought to throw in a swag bonus pack that included a Tatuaje cap, cutter, decal and patches AND 8 free cigars for all those who purchased a box. Wow!!

We'll continue the special through this weekend while supplies last in case you weren't able to stop by the store on Thursday.

Next month, we'll be kickin' it with Hank Bishoff, Lady Oliveros and the King Havano line on February 25th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Be here or be nowhere!!

2010-01-08T18:43:00.000-05:00

We're excited to be opening our 2010 monthly in-store events on January 28th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Pete Johnson's latest creation, Ambos Mundos. In fact, the Ambos Mundos No.2 Robusto just placed at #18 in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 Cigars for 2009. Pretty impressive stuff!

CA notes "When Pete Johnson created Tatuaje cigars with Jose "Pepin" Garcia in 2003, the high cost of Miami labor translated into a lofty price tag. Garcia's expansion into Nicaragua offered less expensive alternatives that allowed Johnson to create this bargain-priced brand, the least expensive on our Top 25 list. "I made this cigar partly due to the economy and partly because this is where I originally wanted the cigar to be priced" says Johnson. Despite the price, Ambos Mundos (which means 'both worlds") is still handmade from long-filler tobacco. And it's tasty: a hearty cigar with roasted coffee bean, earth and leather notes, and a long, peppery finish.

We hope to see you on the 28th if not before!

Mike

Camacho Liberty 2007

2010-01-06T12:23:00.002-05:00

Those of us lucky enough to have had the opportunity to smoke the Camacho Liberty 2007 edition know what an outstanding cigar it was. As you will recall, the 2007 was/is a barber pole- type cigar with a combination corojo and maduro wrapper. The kicker was that Camacho claimed that the filler contained pre-embargo Cuban tobacco. Whether or not you buy into that, anyone who was fortunate to smoke one will attest to the fact that there was definitely something different going on flavor wise. A bit of spice, cocoa, whatever! But not your dad's Camacho to be sure.

The long story short it that we've been able to secure a few boxes of these jewels and are offering them at $14.50 while they last - which I suspect won't be long. Dave, Jeff and Jason got theirs. Be sure to get yours!

2009 Cain Event

2009-12-05T13:03:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who turned out for our December 3rd Cain event. There was plenty of great food and refreshments on hand including some top shelf scotch, rum and port to keep us warm and in good spirits! All who purchased that evening saved themselves a bunch of money on top of the free cigars, cutters and hats. We want to also give a special shout out to Cory Bappert of Oliva for all his support not just at this particular event but throughout 2009. You're the man!!

While we're thanking people, Maria and I also want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our loyal customers who have supported us not only this year but throughout our first five years in business. We are truly blessed and appreciate you all.

Stay tuned for announcements of some exciting events we have planned for 2010!!

All the best.

Light Up The Night!

2009-11-23T18:46:00.000-05:00

I attended the Light Up The Night event this past Friday as a Cigar Rights of America (CRA) representative and had a great time! This was a charity event that benefited the Tampa Firehouse Museum, a worthwhile cause that I would encourage you to check out should you find yourself in downtown Tampa with a few hours to spare. Your kids will love it!

In addition to the wonderful jazz band that entertained us all evening and the great food, there were quite a few local cigar celebraties in attendance. Among them was the event host, Carlos Fuente Jr. and his lovely family along with Carlito and Cynthia Fuente. I had the opportunity to chat with all three for quite a while due to the intimate surrounding. Local radio celebrity Jack Harris from 970 WFLA was also in attendence and is as warm and genuine in person as he is on the radio.

Special thanks to everyone at Tampa Sweethearts for sponcering the event and for giving CRA the opportunity to educate everyone on what this great organization is doing to defend all our rights to enjoy our premium, hand-made cigars. If you haven't already joined CRA, I would like to strongly encourage you to do so as we're losing our rights a little bit every day. We have membership cards at our store and will be more than happy to further explain what a great organization it is and why you need to join the fight. Until next time - keep 'em lit!!

Attention Arturo Fuente Anejo fans!

2009-11-19T12:44:00.000-05:00

We just received our holiday shipment of the highly coveted Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserva.

Arturo Fuente Anejo is one of the world’s rarest cigars. It features a dark maduro wrapper that is aged in cognac barrels.
The Fuente name is no stranger to cigar smokers both at the novice and aficionado level. For generations they have been producing the best tobacco and the best cigars in the Dominican Republic. After the hugely successful launch of their coveted OpusX cigar a new idea was born. This idea was for a cigar that uses the very best Dominican filler and binder, but adds a 5-year-old Connecticut maduro wrapper aged in a cognac barrel. This cigar became know as the Fuente Anejo (extra Viejo).
The Anejo is a full-bodied Dominican cigar with unique aging process that leaves a very distinct finish. Typically only available around Fathers Day and Christmas, this cigar is one of the hardest to find and exclusive cigars in the world.

Act quickly to secure yours before they are all gone!!

La Flor Dominicana Limitado IV

2009-11-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

The latest release of Litto's famed Limited Editions. This year's release measures 6 1/4 X 52. Bold flavors and flawless construction are the hallmarks of these truly rare, fine cigars. The 2009 edition featuring a Nicaraguan sun-grown wrapper with binder and fillers from Litto's farm in the Dominican Republic is no exception. Be sure to secures yours while supplies last!

Untimely passing

2009-11-05T13:04:00.000-05:00

We received the extremely sad news this morning that a friend and industry associate, David Cimino, has passed away.

Many will fondly remember Dave as the Florida representative for CAO International and later Pepin Garcia and Savinelli.

While Maria and I did not see Dave on as regular a basis as we did while he was still in the cigar industry, we considered him a good friend and more importantly a gentle and kind soul.

Dave leaves behind a young daughter and numerous family members who loved him. We ask that you please remember him as well as his family in your prayers.

We'll miss you my friend.

2009 Perdomo Event

2009-11-04T14:58:00.001-05:00

We had a nice gathering on October 29th for our annual Perdomo event as we featured one of two of their latest releases - Gran Cru! We chose the Gran Cru in part because of it's great flavor, full body and price point ($5.75 - $6.50). But I say this in all honesty, every cigar, regardless of price, that comes out of the Perdomo factory is a winner. Regardless of price.They truelly have something for everyone's budget.

A last thought. If you're local and haven't attended one of our monthly events, you're really missing out on some spectacular specials and without a doubt some of the greatest people to mix and mingle with in the area. Our customers are the greatest and we appreciate there continued loyalty. We are blessed!

Our next event will be on Thursday, December 3rd all well be featuring Cain cigars. Hope to see you there!

Brick House 2009 Event

2009-10-22T13:23:00.002-04:00

We were proud to be the first on our block to host an event for the recently 91-rated (December edition of Cigar Aficionado) Brick House cigars by J.C. Newman.

A special thank you to both the Newmans and representative Mike McKinney who literally begged, borrowed or stole every box of Brick House in their Tampa warehouse in order for us to have enough for our event. You guys really made it happen!

This cigar was released at the 2009 retail showcase (IPCPR for those of you into acronyms) as a full-flavored Nicaraguan puro that wouldn't break the bank $4.75 - $5.75). It's got a beautifully oily wrapper and draws and burns without effort. Not an overly spicy cigar but it does show hints of spice, nutty, sweet aroma. All and all a great smoke at a great price. If you haven't tried one, they may be hard to come by for a bit due to demand. But be patient. They're worth the wait.

Reyes 2009 Event

2009-08-29T13:05:00.001-04:00

We had a packed house for our Reyes Family event on the 27th! Now whether or not it had to do with the fact that Reyes super salesman Jose Ortega was in the house or the fact that we rolled-out a number of new Reyes lines, we were jammin!

I've seen Jose in action in years past and he knows how to work a crowd like no other! This guy could write his own ticket and work where ever and for who ever he wished. It speaks volumes about the respect and relationship that he and the Reyes family have for each other that he remains where he's at. That's not to be taken for granted!

Jose did confide to me that this was one of the easiest events that he's ever worked. We simply sampled out cigars to everyone who stopped by and the product sold itself!

The biggest hit of the night by far was the Miami-made Cuba Aliados Miami Edition followed closely behind by both the Miami-made Reyes Vintage and the Nicaraguan-made Reyes Premier.

I really encourage our customers to attend our monthly events for a number of good reasons. First off, it's always a great time to try a cigar that you might have been curious about but never got around to smoking and the incentives that the manufacturers offer can't be beat! Second, it's an opportunity to make some new friends or re-aquant yourself with some old ones. We are blessed to have a great bunch of customers - both men and women - who support our monthly events. Everyone is friendly and quick to offer a hello or assistance.

Next month on the 24th we will be helping launch the new JC Newman cigar, Brick House. Please plan on joining us for what is sure to be another awesome gathering!

2009-08-22T19:32:00.000-04:00

Here's a few photos that Maria and I snapped while attending the 2009 IPCPR trade show in New Orleans.

It was great to see so many of our old friends!

NUB Event

2009-08-22T15:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry to take so long publishing the photos from our July 30th NUB event.

It was a great time as always and interesting to watch the expressions on the faces of our customers who had never seen or experienced NUB cigars. The format is certainly different to be sure! But once they lit up and experienced the big flavor, it was a slam dunk.

Specials thanks to Cory Bappert of Olivia Cigars for co-hosting our event.

If you're a fan of the NUB, we'll be featuring Sam Leccia's latest creation -CAIN- on our December 3rd event!

CAIN will be available in traditional sizes in Habano and Maduro wrappers. CAIN is a blend of straight ligero tobaccos from various parts of Nicaragua. The ligero is triple fermented to give the cigar a balance and smoothness not often found in ligero blends.

2009 Toraño Cigar Event

2009-06-27T15:56:00.001-04:00

2009-06-26T18:17:00.004-04:00

We had our annual Toraño Cigar Event last evening (6.25.09) and it was a blast! Armando Lapido is not only the companies top salesman, he's a true professional able to answer almost any question regarding Toraño cigars.

In addition to the large turnout that Toraño brings out, we were also celebrating the 40th birthday of our close friend, Bob Fontana. The house was packed, cigars were passed out to all, the beer, rum & wine was flowing and the Asian food from Simply Fusion was out of this world! If you weren't here, you missed a good one.