And so it is, in this celebration of cigars and the cigar lifestyle such issues are a distant memory among the finest points of this great pursuit. Throughout it all we see many seemingly disparate areas come together in the showcase of this simple pleasure.

One of the most striking points of the evening is how the old world has melded so seamlessly with the new. In the world of cigars so much is accomplished with a handshake and family ties still bind. Cigar making, at its best, begins with artisans blending fine tobaccos while rollers form individual sticks with such high standards that many a stick is cast away never to be smoked. Such practices seem anachronistic in an increasingly globalized marketplace yet they shape a stunning paradigm which elevates craftsmanship above mechanic efficiency in the time of assembly lines. Speaking with some of the biggest names in the cigar world like Rocky Patel and Carlito Fuente develops a striking portrait of the deep passion they bring to their cigars and the pride they take from them. Each compliment they receive is taken in the same way a parent would upon a compliment to their child.

Old and new also encapsulates the smiling faces surging throughout the event excitedly. There is no distinction made between veteran smokers and those newer to the pursuit. Here you are just part of a unified assembly of the lovers of the leaf. Stop by any of the tables to drop the white ash and chances are you will find yourself immersed in conversations and offering your view on whichever of the thirty plus cigars is alight in your hand or complaining about the slow start of your favorite baseball teams. Ask around and you will find any number of recommendations of whom to talk to and what to smoke next. All of this serves as a reminder of the ever-important social aspect which brings us to cigars time and again.

To focus solely upon cigars would ignore the surrounding lifestyle which Cigar Aficionado offers up in its pages. For many a good cigar is not to be had in isolation and true enjoyment is found within the pairing with a good drink after a meal. Sampling the wares of some of Chicago’s finest restaurants with a dry vodka martini is the perfect precursor to the first light of the evening. Combining this first smoke with the honey sweetness of an armagnac draws out the best of both. For that second stogie perhaps a fine wine or beer to cap off the evening. Whatever route you chose, the end result can only be a wonderfully satiated grin.

Throughout it all Gordon Mott and the Cigar Aficionado crew mingle with the air of benevolent hosts about them. They succeed in presenting all the best parts of what this pursuit has to offer and all that Cigar Aficionado embodies. Inquiring about advice for the new smoker Mr. Mott, with a broad grin, replied simply, “Try everything”, and it is there, within the camaraderie of this cigar loving crowd, that you can begin this endeavor.

Closing Thoughts

Returning from this idyllic atmosphere I cannot help but lament the all but certain passage of the anti-smoking bill in Illinois. The enjoyment of cigars is indelibly linked to fine food and drink and, with the exception of events like this one, this option will be one the first things pulled from our grasp. If you are like me you have already begun to contact your representatives on all levels to preserve those few gems around town which provide cigar friendly spaces.

Perhaps, though, there may be some positives to come out of all of this. I have noticed tobacconists preparing lounges and other accommodations to provide a haven for the winter months as well as an essential social option. Perhaps we are coming into a time for speakeasies of sorts for our much maligned pursuit. Perhaps, but I’m not holding my breath.

Write Comment
Name:	Guest
Title:
Comment:
Code:*

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!