Not sure where I should put this, but here I go:
Post #2: Cigar Dave, Libations, and Relaxation
Alright, I know some of you have been waiting for this post (you know who you are). So, here it is: Saturday morning begins with a cup of coffee, and a stop at the Big Guy's (that's what we call my grandpa). We head from grandpa's to the Ballantyne Resort and Golf Course. It's a beautiful sunlit day with a slight breeze. Music is playing in the background; a buzz of chatter between brothers and sisters of the leaf, and the sporadic "clunks" of golf clubs shooting balls off into the distance. Sounds like relaxing times ahead.
We pull up our seats at the front table that our friends John and Jack (his father) had saved for us, grab our free stogies (H. Upmann Legacy, Toro), buy a few samplers, and off to the "bar" we go. Yuengling Traditional Lager for my dad, the Big Guy and I. This particular brew is a traditional brewed lager, amber in color, and mild to medium bodied in flavor. For my taste, it's a nice, consistent brew. Enough flavor to keep me interested, and just the right amount of strength to get a few under my belt while still saving room for other options if I so choose.
These cigars were absolutely delicious. An even smoke with fluid smoke output. The flavors were comprised of a light earthiness, white pepper, and cedar. I'm sure there's more, but many cigars and beers later, I can't recollect them. I have not ventured into the sampler yet (besides a second Legacy). The bands are classy, but don't draw too much attention to the cigar. Overall, a very tasteful presentation from Gene and the crew at H. Upmann.
Moving on to the food. Prepared for us was an enormous pig that was roasted over the fire on a spit. This was some of the juiciest shredded pork I've ever had. The bun it was served on was soaked within a couple of minutes. To hell with the mess, I wasn't there to impress anyone. Served alongside the sandwich were a couple pieces of crackling...(Insert amazing description without obscenities here). It was that good.
It was a great experience to be there with the General, Cigar Dave, his crew, and all the other Brothers and Sisters of the Leaf. My grandpa was able to speak to the crowd (for the second year in a row), and received many thanks from soldiers and other Brothers of the Leaf for his service during World War II. Jack, John's father, also served during World War II; he received as much praise and thanks as well. It's such an honor to have family and friends with such guts and humility.
I spoke with many people at this event, and hopefully opened up more opportunities to venture into on my journey through this world of premium cigars, fine brews, family, friends, and camaraderie. I met and spoke with Craig Cass from the Tinder Box of Charlotte, who also had a big part in organizing this event.
I hope to attend this event next year, with many more to come. I extend the greatest thanks to all of the individuals involved in this event; it would not have happened without all of your combined efforts and dedication. Until next time: Long Ashes!
Full Post with Pictures and more here: http://martincigars.blogspot.com/2013/06/charlotte-nc-vacation-family-time-part.html
Post #2: Cigar Dave, Libations, and Relaxation
Alright, I know some of you have been waiting for this post (you know who you are). So, here it is: Saturday morning begins with a cup of coffee, and a stop at the Big Guy's (that's what we call my grandpa). We head from grandpa's to the Ballantyne Resort and Golf Course. It's a beautiful sunlit day with a slight breeze. Music is playing in the background; a buzz of chatter between brothers and sisters of the leaf, and the sporadic "clunks" of golf clubs shooting balls off into the distance. Sounds like relaxing times ahead.
We pull up our seats at the front table that our friends John and Jack (his father) had saved for us, grab our free stogies (H. Upmann Legacy, Toro), buy a few samplers, and off to the "bar" we go. Yuengling Traditional Lager for my dad, the Big Guy and I. This particular brew is a traditional brewed lager, amber in color, and mild to medium bodied in flavor. For my taste, it's a nice, consistent brew. Enough flavor to keep me interested, and just the right amount of strength to get a few under my belt while still saving room for other options if I so choose.
These cigars were absolutely delicious. An even smoke with fluid smoke output. The flavors were comprised of a light earthiness, white pepper, and cedar. I'm sure there's more, but many cigars and beers later, I can't recollect them. I have not ventured into the sampler yet (besides a second Legacy). The bands are classy, but don't draw too much attention to the cigar. Overall, a very tasteful presentation from Gene and the crew at H. Upmann.
Moving on to the food. Prepared for us was an enormous pig that was roasted over the fire on a spit. This was some of the juiciest shredded pork I've ever had. The bun it was served on was soaked within a couple of minutes. To hell with the mess, I wasn't there to impress anyone. Served alongside the sandwich were a couple pieces of crackling...(Insert amazing description without obscenities here). It was that good.
It was a great experience to be there with the General, Cigar Dave, his crew, and all the other Brothers and Sisters of the Leaf. My grandpa was able to speak to the crowd (for the second year in a row), and received many thanks from soldiers and other Brothers of the Leaf for his service during World War II. Jack, John's father, also served during World War II; he received as much praise and thanks as well. It's such an honor to have family and friends with such guts and humility.
I spoke with many people at this event, and hopefully opened up more opportunities to venture into on my journey through this world of premium cigars, fine brews, family, friends, and camaraderie. I met and spoke with Craig Cass from the Tinder Box of Charlotte, who also had a big part in organizing this event.
I hope to attend this event next year, with many more to come. I extend the greatest thanks to all of the individuals involved in this event; it would not have happened without all of your combined efforts and dedication. Until next time: Long Ashes!
Full Post with Pictures and more here: http://martincigars.blogspot.com/2013/06/charlotte-nc-vacation-family-time-part.html
