rjfunk

The nearest place is in Long Beach on 2nd Street (actually it's a block in off of 2nd Street). It's called Anto's. 5305 E 2nd St Long Beach, CA 90803 - (562) 438-5069. The rare stuff is locked up. So ask if you don't see what you want. They have a big screen and lots of comfy chairs. Friendly locals. Enjoy.

I am a Product Marketing Planner for Toyota Motor Sales, USA. The car business in the U.S. is reallly down at the moment but the work is still one of the best around.

I just got a box of Monte 2s from Jan. '08 production that seem to be giving off a strong ammonia smell. If I put them in my desktop humidor with my other cigars, will the ammonia smell leach into the other cigars and taint the flavor?

Patrick, Sorry to hear that. I know how you must have felt. It's happened to me a couple of times. Full stomach and empty stomach. Smoking fast or slow. It must be the nicotine levels. I happens near the end of the smoke and the feeling comes on pretty quick. I've actually vomited. I've been smoking for 15 years so I know now if when it's coming and I'll lay the cigar down before it gets to that point. But it hasn't happened in a long time. OpusX is about the only cigar I have to take it easy with. But lately they haven't been like the OpusX of old.

Rob, I read another report that said all the harvested tobacco crop was moved to higher ground before the storm hit. So I am assuming it was saved.

I had mine for 10 minutes before it stopped working. It worked twice and then I couldn't get it to light again. I send it to Zippo to see if they could fix it or explain why a new lighter wouldn't work. I think the Zippo insert is a better way to go. They should have just stayed with that. The Zippo Blu "two stage" lighting process is garbage. I still go back to the Blazer PB-201 every time.

Patrick, I have been there. It is actually J&J Cigars (subtitled LCdH). You will not be disappointed. Good thing it isn't your typical LCdH. I tend to find most of them pretty sterile. This place has plenty of Mexican flavor and hospitality. There is a full stock of all types Habanos. When I was there they had a good supply of limited editions (last April). At that time, they were opening up a tequila bar down the street. Ask them about it. It was supposed to have a cigar lounge too. The guys at J&J were nice and friendly and did speak english so you should be all set. They had a lot of other interesting merchandise too. I think you'll be please what you find. It is dowtown Cabo where all the shops are. Easy to to find. It is down one of the side streets. Enjoy! P.S. I'm from San Pedro, CA.

Does anyone know what the governor of Kalifornia gives out as his official smoke? My uncle is a lobbyist in Sacramento and may have access to getting me one from the Governator himself.

For a fast light the ONLY way is with the Blazer PB-207 or the non-lockabale version but I don't know the number. The PB-207 is famous. It holds a ton of fuel, the flame is strong and just hot enough. Some torch look hot but aren't. And it's reliable. When I am not in a rush, my Dupon dual flame is a joy. It warms and toasts the foot like a champ. What a ritual to behold.

Smokum: I would only wet them as your humidity falls to a the level closer to the bead calibration. That is what has seemed to work for me. Colt45: I was a little bummed when I learned from Bob that his units did not pull humidity out. Unfortunately I learned of this after my purchased. However, I am still extremely satisfied and have nothing but good things to say about Bob and his products and service. I think you are right. Because the unit is sealed, there is not way for the humidity to escape. I think Bob had even mentioned this to me once before. I think he said it is kind of tricky to get a cooling system to work with a humidity system that can add and pull moisture from the air. If things really go crazy, I'll have to rely on the Czar's online locker and having my cigars locked up thousands of miles aways.:-(

Hi guys. I have been hanging around here for a year and enjoy the wealth of knowledge everyone has and so easily shares. The Czar is top notch and it is true...never give away your source. I believe that why this place remain so great. I've been smoking for 15 years. I'm 42 years old. I Live in Los Angeles with my wife. No kids. Work in the auto industry. Ride a BMW touring bike for fun, etc. I too own a Bob Staebell work of art. Mine is both temp and humidity controlled. According to Bob, the units can only add humidity. They cannot take it out. So the only way to get rid of it is open the door or add some beads. RH is a tricky thing and probably too long for this post. Last summer, my humidity start to clime no matter what I did. Bob recommened I disconnect the humidity device all together and just run the temp unit since the ambient humidity in my house seemed to be providiing enough RH for the humidor (I also put some beads inside.) Once the weather cooled down in October, I plugged in the humidity device and everything balanced back out. As everyone else has said, Bob makes an awesome product. You will not be disappointed. the shipping is great. It arrives it perfect condition. Bob is always available to answer any questions. Enjoy!:-)

Nice review. Now I know why they put bands on cigars...to keep them from unravelling. Nice job on keeping it together the whole while. Where did you get your book for keeping notes?

Hi Ken. What about posting pics like Rob does when you review a cigar? Or won't he share the camera?:-)

Just got a box of these and wow. Full of great Cuban flavor. Anyone else have a good experience? How will these change over time?

Happy birthday Lisa. Go ahead and treat yourself the anything in the humidor (or cash register) while Rob is away. ;-)