I've been to 2 cigar events in my life, now... Last October, I went to Drew Estate event at Outlaw South. And yesterday, I went to the Drew Event at Outlaw South.
It was such a fantastic time!!! JDog was waiting for Dan and me as soon as we got out of my car. Knowing the carnage he doles out, we immediately strike him with an icy cold bottle of Mother's Brewing Company beer (brewery out of Springfield, MO), and follow up with a mixed 6er of their 3 flagship brews, and a mini-sized Triple Chocolate Cheesecake!! Upon getting inside and setting down our stuff, he handed us off a 5er each of incredible smokes...
Very impressive personal touch...
Shortly after, Jarod and Larry both made their way in.
Jarod sent a couple nice little Le Bijou's our way. After our first pass through the walk-in, so I could procure the box of cigars for another Brother, and a few sticks for myself, Kendall Culbertson, the owner of Outlaw Cigar Company, took us on a very informative tour of his stash of leaves and blends. He gave us a ton of useful information about each leaf, and blending with each, including some of his experiences working with blenders from different factories. I really appreciated that little tour.
My first smoke of the day was this incredibly sexy Undercrown...
When we came out, Bob had just parked his Hoveround and was making his way into the store. As usual, he kept sneaking stick and stick to us, and even ended up gifting us a little beer, and me a Dirty Rat hat.
We talked to Jonathan Drew as soon as he arrived. There was a funny little moment in some face/name mixups... but it got worked out pretty quick. We all just hung out for a while...
JDog & Bob
JDog kickin' back
Kendall hanging out with us
Even though they have wonderful hog roast and fixin's at Outlaw, we had been wanting to try out one of Bob's new haunts, so Bob, Dan, and I loaded up on Bob's powerchair and set out for Martin City Brewing Company. Had a couple of great craft beers on tap, and maybe one of the best Reuben's I had ever eaten...
Gorgeous day on the patio for lunch, so we lit up another gift from Bob before heading back to Outlaw...
When we got back, I had a chance to talk to Jose Blanco for a few minutes... as kind and helpful as his reputation lets on.
Here I am, with him, and some ridiculousness behind me...
My last cigar of the day came from Bob, as well... He doesn't let you have a chance to reach into your travel humidor.
Larry had to take off shortly before the raffle... and unfortunately, missed out on a raffle prize of a box of cigars, as JD decided winners had to be present. We sent him packing with a mini cheesecake and mixed Mother's 6er as well!
As the raffle begins, Dan jokingly tells Bob ... "You won the ashtray last year... how ya gonna top that?" Well... Bob DID top that. Very excited to hear Bob's name called as one of the lucky 6 from Outlaw to go on a Drew Estate Cigar Safari!!! Congratulations, Bob!!
We hung around a while longer and chit chatted with Bob and off and on with Sean from Outlaw. Then, when it was about time to go, JD walked by and asked what I thought of the lancero... I told him I hadn't gotten one. Apparently, he decided he needed to fix that. Bob, Dan, and I went for a final walk-in pass, and JD was holed up there. He wanted to talk to us for a bit. We talked about a lot of stuff. Always great getting to talk to JD!! Very generous, very informative, and cares... truly cares about his consumers, not only as a customer, but as a person... and as a friend. Before we had to hit the road, he made a generous offer and left me with something to ponder on the way home. Also, he told Dirty Fabien to bring something for us. He handed our trio a box of the coveted L40's and told us to split 'em. Way too kind! So, we were treated way too kindly. Very much appreciated, JD...
We walked out with Bob, and got him set up with his own cheesecake, and 6er of Mother's. Shook hands, and watched him cruise effortlessly into the sunset on his electronic chariot of agedness.
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I look forward, already to next October, when I get to see JD again at Outlaw. Always a great time to talk, and catch up.
Thanks to JD for everything... Thank you Bob, JDog, Kendall, Jarod, Larry, Sean, and all the staff of Outlaw for everything, and putting up with the Frog 'n' Bug dynamic duo... or is that TreeDOG and Bug duo???
Finally... a pic of my Undercrown box signed by Jose Blanco and Jonathan Drew...
