Bond Roberts Petit 109 Miami Release Event 2024 - Recapping a Wonderful Evening with New Friends

[Lamboinee]

 

The air was teeming with the scent of orchids as we checked-in for the event before taking the elevator to the rooftop observation deck on the fifty-something floor.  I would characterize the building’s design and architecture as “modern/contemporary”. The open-air roof top deck was split with one side featuring a small pool and the other featuring a large gathering area interspersed with seating spaces. The rooftop was circumscribed with large picture windows serving as railings and windscreens while offering expansive 360 views of the Miami landscape.

Both the 109 and the Petit 109 were on display along with their elegant slide-lid boxes. As the event began, we were welcomed with some refreshing Ayala champagne and samples of both cigars. I learned that Ayala champagne is actually owned by Bolinger and apparently has no affiliation with El Pres. The open-bar was well stocked and featured some delicious Diplimatico rum, Pilsner Urquel, and a nicely curated variety of libations and non-alcoholic options. The bartender aptly mixed an assortment of cocktails throughout the night including old fashioneds and mojitos to name a few. A full wait staff circled the party deck throughout the night with seemingly endless tapas and appetizers including: a Mahi tuna crisp with a pickled veggie topping for crunch and acid; a brie pasty bite; a seared steak medallion skewered between a grape tomato and a mozzarella (I think it was mozzarella) mini-ball; and, a fried artichoke skewer. I think I may be forgetting at least one of the offerings. The food was tasty, thoughtfully presented, and perfectly bitsized. My personal favorites were the fried artichoke and seared steak skewer. The food circulated continuously allowing everyone to eat their fill and nosh at a perfect pace.

The cigars were gorgeous and firmly rolled. The 109 caps were applied masterfully and the aroma from the wrapper was velvety and rich even in the brisk rooftop wind. I smoked the Petite 109 first clipping off just a small amount of the 109 head. The 109 cap was so gorgeous that I regretted having to remove any part of it. The flavors were woody, light, clear and distinct, with notes of spice and some well balanced pepper. I had some trouble with my Petit 109 about one-half of the way through which I later surmised was a direct result of my minimal cut. I smoked the regular 109 later in the evening and started with a comparably minimal cut. However, I after about 1 inch into the 109 I decided to make a second cut which totally opened up the draw and the bouquet. It's amazing the impact that a cut can have on a cigar. Both versions of the 109 were similar in their flavor profile; however, I enjoyed the regular 109 significantly more which I undoubtedly attribute to having made a more appropriate and larger straight cut compared to the Petit 109. I wish I had taken more pics of the cigars and the boxes but I clearly got caught-up while enjoying myself and the other guests. I will note that I thought the boxes were especially elegant.

The evening progressed with excellent conversation amongst new friends. I was also surprised to meet Mr. Oscar Valladores. For those unfamiliar, Oscar’s journey through the cigar world is particularly impressive and I am a big fan of his story and his cigars. I know I’ve smoked a couple handfuls of The Leaf by Oscar and his Superfly release is tasty as well, just to name a couple. He shared some insights about Honduran tobacco with me and I highly recommend Oscar’s cigars to the NC and CC fan alike. Oscar and Hamlet also told us that a large portion of the Petit 109 and 109’s tobacco are grown in Honduras and fermented at Oscar's facility. I gravitate towards Honduran tobacco in many cigars and the 109 was an excellent expression of Honduran terroir in my opinion.

Rob was dashing in his Savile Row pin stripe, and he offered some warm and welcoming remarks. Rob’s generosity cannot be overstated, truly. As the official event wound down, Hamlet offered some closing remarks featuring a blending presentation as well as a Q&A session. The evening was filled with new friends, great cigars, and an abundance of generosity. It was spectacular. It was a pleasure to meet some of the FOH members in-person and I was overwhelmed with their hospitality and warmth. A special thanks to Chas and wife D who welcomed me into their bosom and helped introduce me to the other guests. I greatly appreciated riding their coattails. Thank you Bond Roberts, Rob, FOH, Warrior Princess, Mike and Wife D#2, Darren Fez, Brendon, Lucia, Oscar, Mr. Naka, and everyone that made it a very special evening that I won’t soon forget.  

By the way… I even got to meet the FOH Savior of Cheese!

 

[El Presidente]

Brilliant write up Matt....well done 

[vvvendo1969]

When and where can we purchase 109 and petit 109, could you please tell us, El Pres?

[El Presidente]

8 hours ago, vvvendo1969 said:

When and where can we purchase 109 and petit 109, could you please tell us, El Pres?

Rest pettle. 

July 1 Petit 109. 

Sep 1 thereabouts 109

December Dalia

March 2025 Flying Pig

We are in no hurry. All is in plan and running relatively smoothly. 

London Shindig in September. 

[Chas.Alpha]

21 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Brilliant write up Matt....well done 

And he got to meet me! 🤣

[SMELTZ]

Looks like an amazing event. Congratulations to everyone involved. Keep us posted on any future visits/events back to the States.

[bmac]

Such a warm and lovely write up. Well done and gracious.