Commentary: The Verdict Is In…

The other day I spent the afternoon at a local smoke shop. My wife was out, and I was whiling away the time. I lit up an inexpensive La Traviata Intrépido, drank coffee, and read the paper, glancing occasionally at ESPN on the TV.

Nothing special. And that’s really what made the day stand out. Whether you’re looking for company or solitude, relaxation is just a cigar store away. It also got me to thinking about an experience several weeks earlier.

I was on jury duty for a fairly involved, week-long civil trial down the road in Clearwater, Florida. I knew that a shop I’d visited in the past had moved since my last smoke there, but I didn’t know its new location. Unfortunately, it didn’t occur to me to check on the address until the third day of the court proceedings.

But better–much better–late than never. Cigar Central is now on Chestnut Street, just a short stroll from the courthouse. So, when we were let out for lunch on Wednesday, I passed up food for a smoke. I picked up an Arturo Fuente Sungrown robusto from the humidor room and settled in. The owner, Ron, was every bit as cordial and welcoming as I remembered. We chatted a bit, I relaxed in a nice chair, and enjoyed the cigar. I finished at just about the time I needed to return and walked back refreshed.

It was hard not to compare that with the previous day, when I had traipsed up the street for some not-so-good pizza and a watery soft drink. I ate perched on one of those uncomfortable high chairs at a tiny table amidst the restaurant din.

So, of course, there was no question about where to go on Thursday. This time I had an HC Series, my first from that line. (An excellent smoke, by the way.) I had a fine lunchtime.

I’m sure it is difficult for those who don’t smoke cigars to appreciate what a wonderful pastime it is. Trying to explain what they’re missing doesn’t seem to do it justice. But perhaps I can help those who do understand and end up in court in downtown Clearwater. Among the forms the clerk asked that we fill out was a request for businesses that should be added to the annotated map supplied to jurors.

I strongly suggested they add Cigar Central. You couldn’t find a better place.

–George E

photo credit: Flickr