Aleppo Smoker Recap

Attendees

From what I could tell there were about 170 people in attendance and they came from all walks of life and station. I was even surprised at how many wives were in attendance, while my wife is mostly supportive, I don’t see her joining me for one of these any time soon. Also in attendance was WEEI’s Big Show regular, and former NFL linebacker Steve Deossie and his son, a rookie linebacker with the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, Zach Deossie. While I’m not one to pester famous people, I really wish I hadn’t forgotten my camera at home. In addition to the Deossie family, Rocky Patel himself was in attendance and this post would be that much better with a picture of Rocky and I on the home page.

I also managed to meet up with some of the guys I met recently on Social Cigar. You can see pictures of those guys here. Paul even managed to get a picture with Rocky. Man, I wish I remembered my camera.

Dinner & Drinks

Whenever I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with 150+ people for dinner, I’ve always come away less than impressed with the meal. Such was not the case here; both the hors d’oeuvres and main course were quite good. The real prize, at least from my perspective, was the whisky and spirit tasting station. They had a fine selection of scotches, bourbon, port, and cognac and while the serving was small, it was free. I had a little Oban, Bowmore, some more Oban, Port, and a little more Oban. Guess which one I like the best. I’ll also admit that I had never tried Port before and I can’t say I’d ever actively pursue another glass. Much too sweet for me and in fact tasted like the illegitimate love child between a bottle of Syrah and Syrup.

Entertainment

The entertainment for the evening was provided by Sir Jeremy Bell a professional toast master, whisky taster, and modern day minstrel. He sang songs, told jokes, and taught us a little bit about Scotch, Scotland, and even a little gaelic. There really should be a law against Scottish (or Irish) comedians, it isn’t fair, because all jokes and stories are funnier when told with a brogue. You can learn more about Mr. Bell at his web site: ManinaSkirt.com.

Drawings

Again, I wish I had brought my camera to take pictures, because you wouldn’t believe the amount of stuff they were giving away as part of the raffle. Humidors, samplers, cases, shirts, hats, cutters, ash trays, and some interesting sports memorabilia. I even managed to come away with a culebra cigar(s) that I must admit looks interesting.

The 2008 Aleppo Smoker was easily the best $100 I ever spent on a night out with friends. The food and drink were excellent, the entertainment top notch, and the handouts really left you wondering if stocking your humidor was the charity the whole event was really for. I had a great time and I’ll definitely see you there next year; with my camera.