Rocky Patel Event At Classic Cigars In Tulsa

On April 27th, 2012, I had the honor and the privilege of attending the Rocky Patel Event at Classic Cigars at 118 North Boston Avenue in Tulsa, OK.  The event was kicked off with a brief meeting with owners Chris and Nina as they were hustling around getting everything just right for the crowd that would follow.  The Rocky Patel rep, Crystal LaTour, was not only an attractive gal, but extremely knowledgeable.  We had a chance to chat with her a bit before the patrons started to trickle in, and she was more than willing to give us the rundown on the cigars.  She was truly in her element as the humidor filled with customers.  She immersed herself in character and went through the prestigious Rocky Patel line of cigars on display.  From the Zen, to the Sun Grown, to the 15th Anniversary stick, she amazed us all with her quick wit, expansive knowledge base, and ability to flow from one description to the next.  She spun a beautiful tale of each cigar from its origin to its taste appeal.  She covered the region and method in which the tobacco was grown and whether it is was hand rolled or box pressed.  Crystal stressed the impact the size of the cigar had on the strength of the fillers as well as the nutty and spicy flavors we could expect from each cigar.  I found myself enthralled with the history of the line as well as the history of Rocky himself.  She, on many occasion referred to the website, which everyone should visit if for no more than an education on the true art form of the cigar process from seed to smoke.

I went to the event with a hodgepodge of four chaps.  There was the “Elder” (or HobbeSovereign’s father), HobbeSovereign himself, the “Trusted Companion” (a guy I’ve know since 7th grade), and myself.  We were mesmerized by Crystal’s product knowledge and found ourselves buying a mix and match box of Rocky’s finest.  The great thing was that Classic Cigars give an automatic 10% discount to any purchase of 20 cigars or more.  We also scored 5 bonus cigars, and a beautiful Rocky Patel duel flame lighter.  

However, before I go on , I would like to talk a little about the venue of the event and the owners of the establishment.  Classic Cigars is a wonderful place to sit back and relax with a perfectly made beverage and your favorite smoke.  The owners Chris and Nina Weis are absolutely fantastic people.  They, like Crystal, are extremely knowledgeable of the industry and have helped me along on my voyage to the sweet science of smoke.  They established the Classic Cigar era about 8 years ago with a goal to be a 5 star cigar in Tulsa and the premier cigar bar in the green country area.  Folks, they are well on there way.  In October of 2011 they opened there second establishment in Owasso, Ok.  Though the venue is smaller (approx. 1600 sq ft), the atmosphere and nostalgia is just as big as the downtown location.  When you walk in you are more than likely going to be greeted by either Chris or Nina themselves, and they are always happy to talk with you, examine your taste, and steer you in the right direction.   The shop in the Historic Brady district in Tulsa was the perfect backdrop to this amazing evening.  Though the place got packed with anywhere from 60 to 100 smokers at any given time, the 3 smoke eater units they had surprisingly kept the environment and smoke manageable.  My favorite part of the bar is the area they refer to as THE PIT where plush leather sofas, and the finest cigar accessories await you.  From large high top tables to cedar strips to get that perfect light, Chris and Nina have it all planned out.

The Jack Daniel Girls also joined in the festivities of the evening.  They were handing out t-shirts and glass give-aways through the evening as well as a drawing held toward the end of the event.  I unfortunately was not lucky enough to have my name drawn, but I was a true winner with some great political banter, a wonderful Vintage 1999, plenty of Jack to drink, and some true camaraderie with my closest friends. 

If you get a chance to get out to a Rocky Patel event DO IT.  You will not be disappointed.  If you live within driving distance of either of the Classic Cigar locations make the trip.  You will get the chance to purchase some extremely well-priced and perfectly preserved cigars, as well as have the privilege to chat with two cigar enthusiasts that are truly living the dream.

More pictures of the event to come... and yes the Jack Daniel's Girls.