Up In Smoke? part 2

I spent a couple of hours on the phone today talking to retailers, Tobacconists (both Certified & Not), and some high profile industry fellows. It was both enlightening and invigorating. This new federal tobacco tax ambush has rallied the industry in an unprecedented way. For the first time ever, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all get on one page. This is a fight for our survival and no one can disagree with that.

My hope is that professional Tobacconists will unite under the umbrella of our shared profession. While manufacturers and distributors must lead the fight against the draconian tax laws and repression, Tobacconists are the backbone and infantry of this business. Tobacconists are the public face of the luxury tobacco industry and we must be ready and willing to project our credibility. We are honorable professionals selling exquisite luxury products which enhance the value and quality of human life. We are honorable professionals selling exquisite luxury products which enhance the value and quality of human life. (Yes I wrote that twice.) Keep saying it and maybe it will start to sink in.

I think that this is just the beginning of the long road back to the America I love and cherish. You can only kick a puppy so many times before it fights back. Perhaps we have hit our breaking point.

Up In Smoke? part 1

Today was a strange Monday, to say the least. We made the front page of the world renowned Trenton Times, for all of the wrong reasons, as usual. Once again, A Little Taste of Cuba is the poster-child for beleaguered Tobacconists. Why can't someone do an article on Tobacconists for being world-class retailers or bastions of freedom in a shrinking landscape? Frankly, I am grateful that someone has taken notice that the newly proposed federal tobacco tax increase will do more damage than good. I hope this is just the beginning.

Some highlights in our manager's own words:

- "The tax can be so severe that it will backfire"

- 'It is unfair to tie the federal program to a particular group'

And one of our customers put it best:

- "I love the children", but "They can do that because there's not a lot of people who smoke cigars" - obviously he opposes...

And another retailer said:

- "It's a free country, why do they focus on just smokers?"

More Cigar Taxes

There was a flurry of activity in the cigar industry this week with the announcement of a 20,000% tax hike which just passed the Senate Finance Committee. The President said he will veto this bill so we may survive in the short-term; but what happens next time they try?

I was amazed at how many cigar companies were mobilized and sent out emails. I have never seen such an impressive effort by so many producers and distributors in the industry. I certainly did not see it on the state level when taxes went to 48% in New Jersey, nor do I think any Tobacconist has ever seen our vendors react so proactively. It's a shame. If they had supported and defended retailers when our taxes went up, maybe our Congressman and Senators would know better than to continue to punish this great industry. Instead, our elected officials in Washington think it is reasonable to punish the cigar industry in the same way they do cigarettes.

Retail Tobacconists are the infantry of the luxury tobacco business and they must be supplied and reinforced. The only way to preserve the luxury tobacco industry is to support Retail Tobacconists. The only way to preserve the luxury tobacco industry is to support Retail Tobacconists. The only way to preserve the luxury tobacco industry is to support Retail Tobacconists. Yes, I actually wrote that 3 times; it is worth repeating.

Pills vs. Cigars

I just went by the shop in New Hope today and stepped into a whirlwind of cigar deliveries: Ashton, Fuente, Tatuaje, PG, and all that follows the mother-load of Padrons which arrived last week. I wonder if I am the only Tobacconist who gets a little giddy when great product arrives... It is rejuvenating for me, and it reminds me of exactly why I got into the business: of course a few, or 7, boxes found their way home with me.

So, I just got back into the office and I see an article on the internet which says:

By ANDREW BRIDGES, AP
Posted: 2007-07-10 14:16:02
WASHINGTON - A single pill appears to hold promise in curbing the urges to both smoke and drink, according to researchers trying to help people overcome addiction by targeting a pleasure center in the brain.The drug, called varenicline, already is sold to help smokers kick the habit. New but preliminary research suggests it could gain a second use in helping heavy drinkers quit, too.

I'm amazed at how many people are on anti-depressants, allergy medications, sleeping pills, and other pharmaceuticals. Our legal drug dealers are focusing on "targeting a pleasure center in the brain". Now, I have plenty of loved ones, friends, and acquaintances that have been, or are, on these commercially engineered drugs, but that does not stop me from having a disdain for those who push them and a society that somehow condones them while condemning Tobacconists. I wish these companies would stay the heck out of my brain's pleasure center. That is my exclusive domain, and I have an inalienable right to pursue my own happiness. I wonder what would happen to all of us pill poppers if we just sat back for an hour a day and enjoyed a great cigar or pipe. I think that would be the end of the pharmaceutical business ... so keep smoking.

Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues

1. TEMPERANCE - moderation in food and drink

2. SILENCE - mentioning only important matters

3. ORDER - proper organization of time and space

4. RESOLUTION - accomplishing one's responsibilities

5. FRUGALITY - purchasing only worthwhile items and wasting nothing

6. INDUSTRY - making the most of one's time and energy

7. SINCERITY - being honest and forthright

8. JUSTICE - practicing impartiality and refusing to wrong others

9. MODERATION - avoiding extremes

10. CLEANLINESS - using good hygiene under sanitary conditions

11. TRANQUILITY - remaining calm and composed despite life's obstacles

12. CHASTITY - refusing to allow sex to interfere with one's life

13. HUMILITY - avoiding excess pride and haughtiness

Old World & New: Hecho A Mano series

I had the pleasure today of going to the butcher. S. Maresca & Sons Fine Meats, in Sergeantsville, NJ. I make the trek over the hills and down the winding country roads as often as possible. It is an extraordinary experience to see two brothers carrying on the family traditions and keeping this honorable profession alive. I won't wax on about their unbelievable bangers, chorizo, Neapolitan flank steak, or anything else. They are precious artisans: enough said. Joe and Emil are getting along in years, yet they refuse to let anyone else do their work. They refuse to compromise their standards, and that means doing it themselves, the right way.

Today we got to talking about modern times. I complained about people wearing bluetooth earpieces while Joe reminded their assistant that her 10 earrings were fine as long as she didn't pierce her nose or mouth. Then Emil proceeded to cut me a Porterhouse out of an enormous carcass. He used, what looked like, a hundred year old saw to cut through the bones. In fact, nearly every knife, saw, and butcher block they use is an antique. They still use the tools and knowledge handed down to them from their family and forefathers. And while most people continue to shop in grocery stores and buy processed foods, Joe & Emil admit that they are not great business men because they cannot grow beyond their own talents. But they are great Artists; and even better business men. Like great Cigar and Pipe makers, they labor away to honor their product, their consumer, and their time. Always staying true to an idea or ideal: this is art. Ultimately, they have lives with real value which I feel fortunate to share in.

Every day that goes by, life becomes a little more fast paced, communication a little quicker, and our time a little shorter. There is no better moment to sit back, relax, and have a great cigar than right now.

PS: http://archive.southcoasttoday.com/daily/02-98/02-18-98/b02ho059.htm
Some things should live on forever...

The Absolute Present

At this moment I am about to light up a Padron 1926 no. 40. I must confess that I have a profound love for these cigars, but they require my full attention: they are too good to smoke while dilly dallying. In fact, the 1926 series, like other great cigars, COMMANDS your attention... and that is a spectacular compliment. Anyway.... a few weeks ago I visited Jose Orlando Padron in Miami and I asked him to cut my no. 40 to show me exactly where he thought the cut should go. Obviously, you can cut your figurados however you want... but I wanted first hand advice on this cigar. He took his guillotine and cut mine at about a forty ring gauge: so, to me, this must be the perfect cut. I have just replicated the cut on my new (actually 2 year old) no. 40 and I am staring at it wondering how in the world anybody can create such a firm cigar with a perfect draw, especially after box pressing. As I look in wonder, I put the cigar in my mouth and start to draw... then I put my hand on the foot to see if I could feel the suction. Lo and Behold... the skin on my palm starts to be sucked into the cigar!!! The wonders never cease with great cigar makers. It's like MAGIC.

I'm reminded that I got into this business so I could be privileged enough to smoke cigars like these.... and I'm glad I did.