Cigar Roller Tour [Archive]

PoohBore

28-05-2009, 10:03 AM

I emailed Hunter and Frankeau about their cigar roller tour recently and the reply said -

We have a number of events taking place around the country, including shows such as the Royal Bath & West outdoor show which at the moment would probably be the closest to you. This is taking place from the 27<SUP>th</SUP> – 30<SUP>th</SUP> May.<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P>
<O:P> </O:P>
The roller, who is from the Partagas factory incidentally, will be also be demonstrating his skills at Shave & Costa in Reading, the Segar and Snuff parlour in Covent Garden, London and La Casa in Teddington, all taking place in June.<O:P></O:P>
<O:P> </O:P>
We will also be present at the Goodwood festivals in <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Chichester</ST1:PLACE>, both the Festival of Speed and Revival, July 3<SUP>rd</SUP> – 5<SUP>th</SUP> and September 18<SUP>th</SUP> – 20<SUP>th</SUP>.<O:P></O:P>
<O:P> </O:P>
More events will be announced when details are finished, such as Cigar dinners etc, but there are events planned at Havana House in <ST1:CITY w:st="on">Windsor</ST1:CITY> on 24<SUP>th</SUP> June, <ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Rochester</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY> on 18<SUP>th</SUP> July, and our Summer Cigar Party on 16<SUP>th</SUP> June.<O:P></O:P>
<O:P> </O:P>
Let me know if you need anymore information, I will try and get the schedule on the website this week, we have our new site launching in 2 weeks time also.

So has anyone been to one of the events and are there bargains to be had ?

I have a friend at the bath and west show today so will she come back with some bargains ?

nicwing

28-05-2009, 10:12 AM

Some Herfing opportunities here.....

I might look for the Rochester and London gigs

Pantomimehorse

28-05-2009, 02:14 PM

Segar and Snuff parlour is as big as the cupboard under my stairs so not sure how they are going to fit a cigar roller in there, is there any idea when they will be there though? as I work 2mins away I might pop over and have a look.

PoohBore

28-05-2009, 02:50 PM

If it helps my friend has seen the guy at the Bath and West show today and he is small !

She used her feminine wiles and got 2 specific cigar sizes rolled for me. Apparently he doesn't normally roll requests.

I knew the v neck top and push up bra would come in handy.:biggrin1:

PoohBore

29-05-2009, 07:16 AM

I had an email from Stephen Davis of Hunters and Frankau asking me to pass this on.

"Armando will be at the Segar & Snuff parlour on June 12<SUP>th</SUP> and 13<SUP>th</SUP>, he usually rolls outside the shop as was quite rightly pointed out, the shop is very small! He will be there from 10am to 4:30pm.<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P>
<O:P> </O:P>
A few more dates have been added to the schedule, he will be at TomTom in <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /><ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">London</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY> from June 23<SUP>rd</SUP> -27<SUP>th</SUP>, and at the Davidoff shop in St. James’ from the 6<SUP>th</SUP> to 11<SUP>th</SUP> July."

He's going to sign up as a member this week.

(Perhaps he could arrange some group buys at special discounts for us !):rolleyes:<O:P></O:P>

RhiannonBW

29-05-2009, 07:46 AM

I wonder if he'll be at the dinner at Simpson's on 9th June? I need a very, very special cigar rolled!

Rhiannon x

nicwing

29-05-2009, 08:14 AM

I wonder if he'll be at the dinner at Simpson's on 9th June? I need a very, very special cigar rolled!

Rhiannon x

Whicn dinner is this Rhiannon?

Pantomimehorse

29-05-2009, 09:47 AM

cool thanks for the info will pop over and have a look on the 12th

Pantomimehorse

29-05-2009, 09:48 AM

Pooh how much did he charge your friend with the errrm nice frontage?

RhiannonBW

29-05-2009, 10:09 AM

Whicn dinner is this Rhiannon?

Simpson's Restaurant in Birmingham. Just copied this over from the H&F website:

<TABLE width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Simpson's Restaurant, Birmingham, 9th June 2009

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Simon Chase will be hosting an evening of Cigar tasting at Simpson's restaurant in Edgbaston, Birmingham on the 9th June. As ever, this always proves to be very popular, the excellent food on offer from Simpson's matched with the very finest Havanas presented by Simon means you will have to be quick if you wish to attend.

<TABLE style="HEIGHT: 239px" width=310 align=left border=1><TBODY><TR><TD>http://maintain.cigars.co.uk/content/images/1220283903.JPG</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

For more information please call Tel: 0121 454 3434.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Tickets are £125. Simpson's is the best restaurant in the Birmingham area, it's really upped its game since the local restaurant competition hotted up with the opening of Glynn Purnell's, so whilst it might seem expensive I think it will be value for money.

Rhiannon x

PoohBore

29-05-2009, 12:17 PM

Pooh how much did he charge your friend with the errrm nice frontage?

She got them for a tenner each. Theyre 6 inch long torpedo shape about a 50 ring gauge.

Dyfs

10-06-2009, 08:54 PM

So, any report back from the dinner? How was it, and did you get that very, very special cigar rolled?

RhiannonBW

11-06-2009, 07:26 AM

Hi Dyfs

The dinner was amazingly excellent, as I suspected it would be, and worth every penny. Simpson's completely spoiled us and the wine flowed freely all evening. The food was pretty special too. As I'm a vegetarian I had a different menu, but the meat eaters had to be restrained from licking their plates, the food was so delicious. Simpson's staff looked after us wonderfully. We were sat in a beautiful summer house, very cosy, and were able to smoke at the table as we were outdoors, though protected from the weather. There were three cigars offered, a Trinidad (sorry can't remember the size), a Gloria Cubana (again can't remember the size), and a robusto rolled by Armando. At the moment I'm unable to drink or smoke, so I couldn't take full advantage of the hospitality, but I am looking forward very much to enjoying my cigars, which are now sitting in my humidor. I did have a couple of draws on hubby's cigars and they were excellent. Andreas, who owns Simpson's, is a very keen cigar smoker and keen to get people along to enjoy good food, good wine and good cigars. His staff are also knowledgable about cigars and some have had specialised training. The event started at 7.00 p.m. and I'm quite sure everyone would happily have sat there until 3.00 a.m. if it hadn't been a work night! We eventually left Simpson's at 12.45 a.m., so we definitely got our money's worth!

Simon and Patrick from H&F were wonderful hosts, Simon's knowledge about cigars is awesome. There were also some very good special offers on the night, though unfortunately we couldn't take advantage of them. (Almost half price for a box)

Basically I can't express how good an evening it was in mere words. As I said to my husband when we returned home, "Even though I was sober, that was a very, very wonderful and enjoyable evening."

Rhiannon x

PoohBore

12-06-2009, 12:17 PM

The man in action

Pantomimehorse

12-06-2009, 12:23 PM

just got back from the roller in Covent Garden, it worked out £13 for a rolled cigar or if you spent £18 in the shop the freshly rolled was only £2 so I of course went in and spent £18 :smoke:

gonna give it a blast after work

cj121

13-06-2009, 07:31 AM

Some things have just gotta be done Chris:rock:
Looking forward to a few details about the stick and how it smoked:smoke:

Lascaux

13-06-2009, 08:23 AM

i did the same bargain

robusto size, smoked wonderfully, no bitterness, rich hoyo flavours

amazing how the roller just grabbed a bunch in his hand, adjusted it a bit and the cigars were coming out with ring guage identical to the eye

Dyfs

20-06-2009, 12:06 PM

Sounds like you had a great time Rhiannon! Is Simpson's a good cigar venue throughout the year, or is it just for the special dinners? It looks like a nice place - might visit if I'm in the area.

Dyfs

RhiannonBW

25-06-2009, 08:33 AM

Hi Dyfs

Simpsons is excellent for dinner, though if dining A La Carte it can get pricey. At lunchtime they do have a special offer of meal and half bottle of wine for £30 a person, not bad for a Michelin starred restaurant. The garden is not open during the Winter or during bad weather, so check when you book.

Rhiannon

SDavis

21-07-2009, 10:03 AM

Just to give everyone a bit of an update on this, Armando, who is currently here from the Partagas factory, is coming to the end of his time here in England so if you want the chance to purchase your own freshly rolled cigar you can do so this weekend at the Game Fair, at Belvoir castle in Leicestershire where will be from from Friday to Sunday.

Next week is Armando's final week before he returns to Cuba, and he is spending it at Havana House in Windsor, 52 Windsor Royal Station, which is a fantastic little specialist just near the station where we will be from Monday onwards.

I'm sure those who have sampled Armando's cigars will vouch for their quality and craftmanship :41:

Hopefully some of you can make it down.

HabanoSy

21-07-2009, 10:26 AM

Next week is Armando's final week before he returns to Cuba, and he is spending it at Havana House in Windsor, 52 Windsor Royal Station, which is a fantastic little specialist just near the station where we will be from Monday onwards.

Hopefully some of you can make it down.

I fancy a bit of that, will try and get down mid-week...

Cheers, HabanoSy

jpmoore

21-07-2009, 12:24 PM

I'm going to pop down to Havana house next week to see this the bloke in there said the roller would be there from 12 noon onwards each day.

HabanoSy

21-07-2009, 09:06 PM

Right Im going to Casa del Habanos in Teddington for about 10ish on Wednesday 29th July where I am hopefully going to spend a couple of hours smoking some fine cigars.

Then im going to get to Windsor and find a place for lunch that's suitable to have a cigar (recommendations if possible please). Then Im going to get myself over to Havana house around 2ish where im going to hopefully get Armando to roll me a fine one-off puro.

Anybody else up for that...?

Cheers, HabanoSy

Simon-JG-hr

21-07-2009, 09:15 PM

I get paid on Saturday (or Friday or Monday :confused:) and I'm not working on Wednesday. If the pay is decent enough then I'd be up for the second half of that. It's been a couple of months since I've been out towards the capital and I still haven't herfed properly with a fellow cigar fan.

Fingers crossed for a target bonus... :849:

HabanoSy

21-07-2009, 09:49 PM

jpmoore

22-07-2009, 06:23 AM

I'm working but I can meet you in havana house around 2pm for the rolling

HabanoSy

22-07-2009, 07:17 AM

Thats great...

Like I said Im going to be heading there for around 2ish so hopefully see you then.

Now, anybody else...?

Cheers, HabanoSy

HabanoSy

29-07-2009, 07:39 AM

Right Im heading off to the Casa in Teddington now, gonna spent a few hours there and them im goin to head on over to Havana House in Windsor to catch Armando the roller. (to get myself something rolled!?!).

Camera at the ready so I can post up some pics later...

Hopefully catch a few of you guys down there, maybe...!?!

Cheers, HabanoSy

Simon-JG-hr

29-07-2009, 10:35 AM

Sorry, not going to be able to make it today. :frown:

Enjoy, I'm looking forward to the pics.

HabanoSy

29-07-2009, 08:20 PM

Wow, what a long day...

Not long been back but heres the pics of my day...

My dad outside La Casa in Teddington looking happy stood next to the Indian...!!!

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=785

Humidor in La Casa...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=783

Another pic of the humidor at La Casa...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=784

Cigar purchased (El Rey RE Italia) to smoke in the 'sampling lounge'...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=782

The 'sampling lounge' at La Casa...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=786

Private humidified keeps and Ahjays private collection in the 'Sampling lounge' at La Casa...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=787

Private humidified keeps and Ahjays private collection of rare 'book' boxes of cigars in the 'Sampling lounge' at La Casa...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=788

Second cigar bought (Partagas Salomones) at La Casa to see us on our way to Havana House in Windsor...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=791

Lunch venue in Windsor...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=790

Senor Armando at work...

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=780

A truly great day guys, I got Armando to roll me a Robusto which I shall now keep in my humi for a while before I smoke it...

Cheers, HabanoSy

http://ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=780
http://ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=790

Simon-JG-hr

29-07-2009, 08:33 PM

Wow! Great photos Sy. Looks like an epic day was had. :849:

nicwing

29-07-2009, 08:38 PM

And on top of that noth the roller and Ajay at the Casa are top blokes, that's a great day!!

misterbulgarin

30-07-2009, 12:12 PM

Really jealous of those caliber cigar stores.If I become a million/billionaire im making a national franchise for all the BOTL in the UK

Simon-JG-hr

30-07-2009, 12:30 PM

If I get the okay from the bank manager I might just beat you to it! Possibly look out for a new cigar store in Plymouth sometime in the autumn... ;)

Then who knows where will be next on the hit list!

SDavis

18-08-2009, 03:40 PM

Armando's tour has been extended to the middle of September and so he will be back at Davidoff from next Monday, 24th, for those who missed him there first time round.

Also, we have something coming up on September 10th to launch the first of the 2009 Regional Editions, more details to follow....

Simon-JG-hr

18-08-2009, 04:17 PM

I'm looking forward to the launch! ERdMs and JLs... lovely! :849:

nicwing

22-08-2009, 11:19 PM

HabanoSy

23-08-2009, 10:10 PM

Jeez, that's a big 'un...

Ooohhh!!! Cuaba jar behind...!!! :tongue:

I wonder...!?! :call2:

Cheers, HabanoSy

cj121

24-08-2009, 05:44 AM

He has got a big one, considering the guy is about 5' 8":rolleyes::eek:

deltawhisky

24-08-2009, 05:53 PM

Amazing stick, Mr Wing. I'm not around London for the foreseeable future, but would have deffo visited St James to see the gent roll that thing!

michael69

24-08-2009, 08:14 PM

Hey guys, if you haven't managed to catch the roller Armando while he is in the UK, I was with Edward Sahakian at Davidoff on Friday and he tells me that he will be at the Davidoff store from Monday 24th to Friday and probably Saturday.

If you are going to travel some way it's probably worth checking on the Saturday as they weren't certain.

I'm certainly heading back to get one rolled to my own personal blend.

By the way, thought you might all enjoy a picture of one he rolled while he was at Sautter:

http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_1737.jpg

Hey Nic......

This is a stab in the dark, but did I see you walking down Berkeley Street This afternoon? - presumably on your way to Davidoff's to have your cigar rolled! - (having just visited Sautter's maybe!?)

I Missed Armando today because he was on his lunch break, but I'll probably try to get back later this week.

nicwing

24-08-2009, 08:18 PM

Hey Boys and girls, it occurs to me that many of you won't be able to see the roller and he is heading home very soon.

So I will be happy to collect sticks for you at Davidoff this week if you are interested.

I will check with Drew what they cost as I know he picked some up earlier in the tour.

I will hand them over at the Mega Herf.

Watch this space and I will post the price and details of how to send me the ££ .

michael69

24-08-2009, 08:29 PM

So was it you I saw Nic?

Love to know!

nicwing

24-08-2009, 10:24 PM

So was it you I saw Nic?

Love to know!

Sorry Michael, missed your post, could well have been, I was wearing my "you can't forget me" stripey blazer if that helps.

ajay

24-08-2009, 10:34 PM

Hey Nic......

This is a stab in the dark, but did I see you walking down Berkeley Street This afternoon? - presumably on your way to Davidoff's to have your cigar rolled! - (having just visited Sautter's maybe!?)

I Missed Armando today because he was on his lunch break, but I'll probably try to get back later this week.

I guess SIZE matter!!...:smoke:

cohibaIV

25-08-2009, 04:10 PM

:biggrin1:Can you get one for me please Mr Nic??

celsis

25-08-2009, 04:49 PM

michael69

25-08-2009, 06:12 PM

Sorry Michael, missed your post, could well have been, I was wearing my "you can't forget me" stripey blazer if that helps.

Not sure it was you then..... can't remember a stripy blazer!
(that is you in the picture at Sautter's?)

SDavis

27-08-2009, 10:50 AM

Good work Nic!

Armando will be at Davidoff this Saturday too, the following week he will be at Segar & Snuff in Covent Garden on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd. He will then be at Tomtom on Elizabeth street from Monday 7th to Friday 11th if you don't make it over to Davidoff this week.

He heads back to Cuba on September 13th so these are your last chances! if anyone can't make it for whatever reason let me know and I'll see if I can help.

ACMCC

27-08-2009, 11:25 AM

It's a shame the roller is not about for the london herf, we could have clubbed together and got him to join us for the evening.. maybe next time.

Anybody got an idea of what blends he is rolling! or maybe he has a selection and can roll to order? I imagine he does the size to order also! mind you want to get it in your humidor!.....:p

SDavis

27-08-2009, 01:13 PM

I'll have a chat with Dean and see if something can be arranged for the herf...Edit- Having just seem the date for the meet, we're at Goodwood unfortunately which rules out the roller.

Robusto's are the most popular size he rolls but depending on time he'll make any vitola you request :smile:

PoohBore

27-08-2009, 04:13 PM

Any chance of him rolling a Culebra? I'd be interested in seeing a video if that's possible, as I can't make it down this year. Do you have dates for next year sorted yet ?:biggrin1:

SDavis

28-08-2009, 09:28 AM

We have another cigar roller coming over mid September so I'll let you know the schedule soon, she will be here until November.

I'll ask Armando about the Culebra and let you know!

celsis

28-08-2009, 09:47 AM

Errmm, she?

SDavis

28-08-2009, 10:47 AM

She indeed, most cigar rollers are women these days. Berta Corzo will be the next cigar roller coming over. More info to come soon..

PoohBore

28-08-2009, 11:57 AM

and piccies......:tongue:

Jimmeh

28-08-2009, 01:04 PM

and piccies......:tongue:

you forgot to say please! PLEASE!

HabanoSy

28-08-2009, 01:27 PM

Be careful what you wish for...!?!?!

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=73&pictureid=1078

Cheers, HabanoSy

Deano

28-08-2009, 02:41 PM

She'd get it

nicwing

28-08-2009, 03:21 PM

We have another cigar roller coming over mid September so I'll let you know the schedule soon, she will be here until November.

I'll ask Armando about the Culebra and let you know!

Got the griff from Edward and Armando on the Culebra earlier today, just going to post my pictures and I will write it up.

PoohBore

28-08-2009, 03:22 PM

She'd smoke me under the table ! :eek:

HabanoSy

28-08-2009, 03:51 PM

She'd get it

:scared:

Cheers, HabanoSy

nicwing

28-08-2009, 04:27 PM

Well I got to Davidoff today and I have a great looking freshly rolled cigar to smoke, it looks a bit rank this evening so I may save it for the point when the sun shines this Bank Holiday weekend, it's got to happen sooner or later.

As requested I asked what blend he was rolling and the answer is that he rolls what ever your fancy is, if you have time to wait, but lined up along the top of his desk he has a range going from slow and mild to strong so there is always something to choose from.

I chatted to him and Edward for some time and he tells me he works at the Partagas factory where there are a total of 400 rollers. The old factory will be closing for renovations in December this year just after the Royal visit by our own Roboooosto, and they will all move out to a new factory for 2-3 years while the old factory is renovated.

He is looking forward to getting home to see his daughter though and after 4 months of silly bu&&£rs like me asking damn fool questions all day I am not surprised.

I've got sticks for the guys who asked for them so I will PM you shortly with details.

http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_1821.jpg

http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_1819.jpg

Robusto

28-08-2009, 04:41 PM

Where's your piano pic, Nic? :confused:

nicwing

28-08-2009, 04:46 PM

Where's your piano pic, Nic? :confused:

Having a mare getting it loaded mate, hope I am there now!!! :41:

michael69

28-08-2009, 07:00 PM

I watched Armando roll a robusto from start to finish this afternoon.

I particularly enjoyed watching him create the triple cap.

Lovely to watch the whole process and admire the skill involved.

Kind of makes you realise why the price of the good stuff is high (Gordon Brown not withstanding of course; we all know most of the cost is tax here!)

Because it was just he and I, we could have a bit of a chat; he seems like a really nice chap, and very willing to talk about flavours and such.

nicwing

28-08-2009, 07:05 PM

It's great isn't it. Smelling the tobacco and seeing him at work.

He told me that he really doesn't like rolling Maduro wrapped cigars because the flavour is so strong, he says he had to leave the room when they are rolling them.

Robusto

29-08-2009, 10:22 AM

Having a mare getting it loaded mate, hope I am there now!!! :41:

An obliging mare, evidently. :smoke:

nicwing

29-08-2009, 04:34 PM

Guys, just a short post script to the roller story yesterday.

I posted my pictures on Facebook and got a message within half an hour from a Cigar store in Florida, they said that their head roller was a great mate of Armundo's and could I get their contact details to him.

Sent emails to H&F and Davidoff and it's in hand, isn't the Intraweb great!!

Group hug everyone?