Southside Cigar Club

Calle Ocho Cigar Crawl

May 9, 2012 · 12:00 PM
Various Cigar Rollers and Local Boutique Vendors

The Calle Ocho Cigar Crawl is scheduled to depart Virginia on 9 May and return 13 May. That allows three days to smoke in as many Miami cigar shops as possible. We will focus on the local chops that still have their own rollers and focus on the local Miami clientel. The concept plan is to fly to Miami, rent a van, and spend about 3 days smoking and living on Cuban food and coffee. I envision doubling up at a hotel. If you are interested use the email function in my profile at SCC - MeetUp.com, and send me a reliable email address and phone number(s). The trip will be coordinated through email, not in a thread. At some point you will be required to commit financially for the hotel (I’ll work a group rate) and van, probably about 30 days out. Air transportation will be an individual responsibility. We will have a club member on the ground in Miami doing advanced coordination.

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Ed Burton

Yes Jimbo, you don't know if you are coming or going...

0 · June 5
Elesix

I'll mention it to my Jim....

0 · June 5
Jim Bollengier

Hey, Metamucil mixed with ground-up Viagra does wonders. ;-)

1 · June 5
Ed Burton

Elesix, I signed the petition. I'm glad to see they are protecting their heritage. But I must say, a Walmart in Little Habana would have made it much easier for JimBo to get his Metamucil. Got the check, thanks.

1 · June 3
Elesix

Hey Guys,
Our adventure to Calle Ocho was great and I wish we can return but if Big box retail stores and banks get their way the landscape will change drastically. Let them build elsewhere. Help preserve the historic character of Miami's Little Havana. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/...

0 · June 1
chip williams

My cigars from el credito and El Titan de Bronze are still resting in the humidor but I did smoke my Gran Habano Corojo #5.....not sure if it was the large ring guage or what but it left me flat with it's one dimensional flavor. Maybe time heals all wounds.

0 · May 22, 2012
Tim Holiday

I smoked the 2nd of the churchills that leo rolled at el creditos. Cigar was well rolled and constructed but was very light on flavor. Started off with fresh sweet taste and smell of tobacco but taste completely faded past midway. Because of size possibly should have let it sit in the humidor longer.

0 · May 22, 2012
Ed Burton

Smoked Gran Habano Blend 4 last night. It lost some of the creaminess, but gained body and strength. More woodsy, some coffee notes (Cuban I think). A little pepper in the beginning. Blend 3 is my favorite. We owe George some feedback, so let me know what you think. I'm ready to do it again.

0 · May 22, 2012
Elesix

I finally tried the 1 hour + cigar we picked up from Leo at Los Creditos. It's smooth and smoked well with very long ashes but the taste seemed flat towards the end. In my mind by far the best ones were from Gran Habano and El Titan de Bronze. Has anyone else tried them?

0 · May 22, 2012
Tim Holiday

Got up put on sneaks. Walked and stretched felt much better. Still sore and tender. Gonna continue to explore grounds of new place. Hopefully, I can find a jacuzzi. Then get back on route to drop 30lbs. It is a bitch getting old.....but it sure beats the alternative :-) Thnx Jim

0 · May 18, 2012
Jim Bollengier

Tim, take care of yourself. Hope you recover soon and have someone to give u a helping hand. After 4 hours of sleep on Monday morning, I forgot I had a kayaking safety and rescue class at 8AM. The class was all day long and I was pretty spent. However, I made it through the class on my last bit of fuel. We just aren't spring chickens anymore. It's a bitch getting old, isn't it? Get well my friend.

0 · May 18, 2012
Tim Holiday

Thnx guys. First time back has done this in 20yrs. Maybe flashback from stepping up onto UPS trucks. Think I'll make it 4-6 fingers.... one flashback in 20 yrs is enough....

0 · May 17, 2012
Elesix

Sorry to hear that my friend. Hope you feel better soon. Jim said smoke a cigar drink two fingers of Cruzan rum.Sorr

0 · May 17, 2012
Tim Holiday

Well gang I am paying for my 7 days of high activity. Must have been riding a nicotine and rum high with a delayed reaction. Sprained my lower back climbing in and out of the front seat of that van. Would not have played the hand any differently. Will be in better shape for the next one :D. Hope Big John has faired better than me and is none the worse for wear.

0 · May 17, 2012
Tim Holiday

The 11th was supposed to be my guest who lived in area but could not get the necessary permissions to participate. LOL

0 · May 16, 2012
Elesix

By the way Ed there were 10 of us not 11. I guess we had a extra spirit with us. ;-)

0 · May 16, 2012
Tim Holiday

Vic, SCC represented itself well! We enjoyed our fellowship of the Leaf in the comfort & hospitality of some of South Florida's best & warmest venues. We smoked many cigars. Enjoyed great libation. Ate good meals and sat up late nites. There is something special about smoking cigars in South Florida that all who attended can now attest. It was great to hang out with you guys! "Veni-Vidi-Vici" .

1 · May 16, 2012
Tim Holiday

My Friend, I would have had it no other way.

0 · May 16, 2012
Jim Bollengier

I would have put Muchas Gracias on my previous post but I ran out of space. God bless you Tim.

0 · May 16, 2012
Jim Bollengier

I need a vacation from the vacation. It was a whirlwind tour of Little Havana and surrounding area. This is a must for all to attend in the future. Great people and wonderful Cuban-American hosts. Stick selection wasn't bad either. Thanks to Gran Habano on Calle Ocho for the cigar tasting and taking our feedback into consideration for a new blend. Special thank you to Tim for his kindness in looking after me and taking me to the airport on Sunday. Tim went above and beyond on this one. Gracias!

1 · May 16, 2012
Elesix

Hey Guys, I found the best price for Partagas 1845 Gigantes for $4 at Atlantic Cigars.

http://www.atlanticcigar.com/Al...

0 · May 15, 2012
Jim Bollengier

Great experience with great cigar enthusiasts. We all now know that John loves legs (no matter whose they are). My hat is tipped to Ed Burton and Tim Holliday for leading this effort. Put a whole new meaning to the word "Holliday". My special thanks to Elesix and Jim for the "Thanks for Serving" coin...really touched my heart. BTW, is there anyone out there that can ride a bike and carry two other bikes simultaneously? :-)

0 · May 15, 2012
chip williams

Top notch! This was a totally awesome and enlightening experience. The South Florida cigar culture is probably unsurpassed (in my opinion). Great food....great libations.....terrific scenery (of ALL kinds)....and incredible cigars. Thanks Ed for the vision and thanks Doc for being an awesome front man and host!!

0 · May 14, 2012
Dave Huey

I want to agree with Elesix. Thanks to Ed for planting the seed and Tim for cultivating it and bringing it to reality. A great time was had by all. What could be better, going to lots of the best cigar shops in south Florida with old and new friends and enjoying our hobby together. It is always a learning process as we go down our herfin path. Hopefully we can make another adventure in the future.

1 · May 14, 2012
Ed Burton

Take 11 people that were all willing to compromise on everything, including 1 that knows the area, and go to the cigar Mecca of America, and spend 3 full days smoking great cigars, and you know what you get: Tired.

Thanks to Doc Holliday, you made this Crawl the success it was.

Cigars are just better in South Florida.

0 · May 14, 2012
Elesix

Wow what great event. It surpassed all my expectations. Many thanks to Ed and Tim who made the weekend so memorable. George and his crew from Gran Habano were fantastic and trying the different blends was eye opening. Eddie from Cuban Crafters was a great host. Sandy from El Titan de Bronze was entertaining and told many stories. Leo from El Credito at La Gloria Cubana was a sweetheart. And too many more cigar stores and stogies to list here. You'll have to wait for the pictures.

0 · May 14, 2012
Elesix

Wow what great event. It surpassed all my expectations. Many thanks to Ed and Tim who made the weekend so memorable. Jim and I can't wait till the next one.

0 · May 14, 2012
Elesix

Jim and I are certainly looking forward to linking up with fellow SCCers from VA, whom we missed tremendously and learning your hangouts so we can cavort more often with you Tim.

0 · May 9, 2012
Tim Holiday

Have been waiting a long time to share some of the wonderful experiences of cigar heaven in south florida to fellow lovers of the leaf while sparing them the agony of the search thru mad south florida traffic. It took yrs of gps-less searching before I even located some of these places. Looking forward to safely sharing and savoring this smoke filled adventure with the club. Just get here. The guidance and 1st three fingers of rum are on me. Heat, humidity, atmosphere are free :D

1 · May 9, 2012
Elesix

We'll have one in your name. ;-)

0 · May 8, 2012
Victor G.

Wishing all of you safe travels To/From and all around Calle Ocho. Enjoy the "Smoke".

0 · May 8, 2012
Elesix

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

0 · May 8, 2012
Ed Burton

Tomorrow...Tomorrow...Tomorrow

1 · May 8, 2012
chip williams

Weather check.....low to mid 80's this week (lows in the mid 70's). Isolated t-storms Thursday and Friday and partly cloudy on Saturday. About 50 hrs until wheels up.......hey is that a mojito calling me??

0 · May 7, 2012
Elesix

I agree, I can't wait to see you guys too.

0 · May 2, 2012
chip williams

Only 7 days until fun, sun, salsa music, Cigars, Mojito's, cafecito's and more! Caliente!!!

0 · May 2, 2012
Elesix

Good luck with that one....make sure it's a plausible story. ;-)

0 · April 29, 2012
Ed Burton

By this time on the 13th of May, I'll be calling my wife explaining why I'm not coming home right away.

0 · April 29, 2012
Tim Holiday

Jim Bo', I am sure that at any of the shops we visit where the domino games are hot and heavy in Little Havana you will find someone who shared that experience. There is a small park and square on Calle Ocho where they might be also.

1 · April 28, 2012
Jim Bollengier

Thanks Ed too for all your work like leaving Norfolk at 9PM something! Just kidding old man. We're going to have a great time with the gang and Tim's associates.

1 · April 28, 2012
Jim Bollengier

Tim, thanks for all the info and coordination. We'll keep Ed from wearing just his underwear (or nothing) while cruising' Calle Ocho. :-0 Do you know anyone in Miami that might know any of the survivors of Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs)? I would like to meet anyone that is still around.

1 · April 28, 2012
Tim Holiday

Ed that sounds great. We can schedule the Little Cigar Factory and have dinner at Cuba Oche at 8th & 15th then head to the out door Cigar event. We can head back to Calle Ocho to see what else is happening. Normally, last friday of month is Cuban cultural happening in Calle Ocho each month. This will be our version of that.

1 · April 28, 2012
Ed Burton

Tim, I found this on Facebook: MIAMI OUTDOOR CIGAR EVENT. NEXT WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY MAY 11 AT THE CUBAN HERITAGE CUBALIBRE BLOCK PARTY ALHAMBRA BETWEEN PONCE AND LE JEUNE (42 AVE) MORE INFO [masked]. What do you think?

1 · April 28, 2012
Tim Holiday

None. Saw nothing on the Brio site requiring dress code. But to be on the safe side a collared shirt whether it be polo shirt or whatever with shorts or jeans is acceptable at most places down here where socks are always optional :-).

0 · April 25, 2012
Ed Burton

Tim, Anywhere on the venue that would frown on wearing of jeans? Shorts? etc? Thanks

0 · April 25, 2012
Tim Holiday

Well Fellow Lovers of the Leaf...it is official. The South Florida Cigar Club will be looking forward to us attending their Cigar and $5 Martini night on Thurs May 10th, at 7pm. This meetup herf will be held at the Brio Sun Grill in Hallandale, FL on their patio. A perfect way to end a day of smoking & buying cigars and eating Cuban food in Miami. Hallandale is on the way back North from Miami to the hotel. If time and energy allow there is still Cuenca-Cuenca in Hollywood Fl.

0 · April 25, 2012
Ed Burton

It's as if I'm 6 years old and its Christmas Eve. Except I didn't start smoking and drinking until I was 7.

1 · April 23, 2012
Tim Holiday

Hey Chip, perfect way to get in the groove! Just wait till you get at a fresh Miami 1959. Used to hear all kinds of stuff about fresh rolled all negative. But after coming to S FL many yrs watching the old Cubans walk in and request them I tried them. Buy em by the bundle now. Senor Medina hipped me to them. Picked them out and bundled them himself. You are in for a treat. When you leave you will understand why I always say "there is nothing like smoking a cigar in South Florida".

1 · April 21, 2012
chip williams

Tim...my Calle Ocho Cigar Crawl prep...salsa on the iPod, a San Latano, and some wine! Counting down.....

1 · April 21, 2012
Elesix

Tstorms ruined a movie on the shores of Lake Monroe last night; but we prevailed and lit up in the enclosed porch with a glass of port. Yes, Tim you're right...life is good.

0 · April 21, 2012