A little back story. Earlier this year, some friends and I were in Tampa on a golf trip. We arrived Fri. night and hit some of the local
microbreweries and grabbed some food. Sat. morning we went to Tampa Sweetheart Cigar shop, we got there at 10.00 as the shop
was opening.
The only person there, much to my surprise, was Auturo Fuente Jr. All I can say is, what a gracious and open person he is. He gave us
the story on all the cigars that they make with some history behind each line. We got the full tour of the shop and some family history
as well as some history behind the city of Tampa and Ybor City with regards to cigars and shops that used to be there.
Also got some good info on Cuban Coffee shops as well as Cuban Bakeries in the area. We probably spent close to an hour there talking
to him about the culture and what it was like there in the early days. All I can say is, what a history lesson!
Came home yesterday to find the following in the mail box. Hand written note saying thanks for the visit. Now, how many places or people
will do that let alone remember you? If anyone is ever in Tampa do yourself a favor and visit the store. You may be lucky enough to run
into Arturo like we did. Such a great and memorable experience!
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Thread: Surprise package
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12-11-2015, 07:07 AM #1Moderator
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Surprise package
Couple of things I've learned. I like good Bourbon and hate wet toilet paper.
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12-11-2015, 07:11 AM #2Moderator
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What an awesome story! I'm a little jealous, but mostly thinking how cool that is for you. I'd love to be able to pick the brain of someone like that, and if I could choose anyone in the world it'd be either him or one of the My Father guys.
"You can imagine where it goes from here." - Maude
"He fixes her cable?" - The Dude
"Don't be fatuous, Jeffrey." - Maude
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12-11-2015, 07:15 AM #3Moderator
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It was a totally amazing visit. Apparently there were around 350 rolling shops in the area back in the heyday. It really
was the "Cigar City".Couple of things I've learned. I like good Bourbon and hate wet toilet paper.
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12-11-2015, 07:31 AM #4Mr. Noice
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That's awesome.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
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12-11-2015, 07:32 AM #5Royal Bum
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I have spoken to Arturo over the phone a couple of times and he is extremely helpful and welcoming. That is a beautiful box of cigars Don. Thanks for sharing your visit and care package. It's a beautiful thing!
Last edited by Old Smokey; 12-11-2015 at 07:44 AM.
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12-11-2015, 08:15 AM #6Wow, Someone Knows Me
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That's awesome! How many people can say they got bombed by Arturo Fuente Jr.!!
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12-11-2015, 08:19 AM #7Royal Bum
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Sounds like an awesome experience!
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12-11-2015, 08:21 AM #8Jumpin’ Railcars and Collectin' Cans
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That's awesome!
Not only getting to have the face time with him, but then a nice gift like that! Very, very cool.
Makes me feel better about loving AF cigars.
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12-11-2015, 08:51 AM #9Royal Bum
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That is awesome.
I don't have emotions, and sometimes that makes me very sad.
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12-11-2015, 09:14 AM #10Golf Course Bum
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Great story and fantastic gesture on his part. You must have really made an impression.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time !
We've done 6-7 Orlando golf trips over the last 10 years and I looked hard at Tampa last year (partly for the cigar reason lol) but we went back to Orlando.
I'm making a mental note to hit you up the next time we talk about going to find out where to play and stay in Tampa.No cigar until you get a par - birdie if it's a scramble !
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