Big Smoke Las Vegas Evenings 2012

More than 4,000 people attended the Friday and Saturday Big Smoke Las Vegas Evening sessions.
Photos/Sjodin Photography

G. Clay Whittaker
Posted: November 12, 2012

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And one of the most popular booths (with some of the longest lines) was Rocky Patel, where booth owner Patel and former-baseball-great-turned-cigar-partner Gary Sheffield greeted patrons and signed autographs. Sheffield talked proudly of the namesake blend now being sold by Patel, saying that Patel has given him a unique variety of flavors and puts out a very consistent product. "That's what I look for in a cigar."

Tatuaje mastermind Pete Johnson greeted his fans with a gigantic handshake. Johnson says he loves doing these events. "I get to really meet my fans, and get their feedback. It's one reason I went into the business: I love cigar people."

By the end of the night the room had filled with smoke, but if fatigue had affected any of the patrons, they weren't showing it.

Longtime Big Smoke veterans Fletcher Wells and Lenny Abramowitz, usually first in line for seminars and evenings alike, say friendship is what keeps them coming back.

"This is where we see each other," said Wells, who has twice won the cigar rolling contest during the seminars. He and Abramowitz live in different parts of the country, and Big Smoke is where they meet every year to catch up and spend some time enjoying their love of cigars. "It's like a family reunion."

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Comments 8 comment(s)

Jim Dudlicek — Hoffman Estates, IL, USA, — November 12, 2012 8:42pm ET

What an awesome weekend -- was my first Big Smoke in Vegas and it won't be the last.

BIGS — MILWAUKEE, WI, USA, — November 13, 2012 9:07am ET

Kudo's! What an excellent venuve for this years event. Great vendors, good libations and superb culinary delights is what keeps me coming back! And other than the very first one (which I missed :-( ) I've made them all. Thank you for another great event!

Thomas Laspia — Cary, Nc, USA , — November 13, 2012 12:36pm ET

Attended Saturday Nov 10 Session. Great Job Aficionado, we had Great Time.

Christian — November 13, 2012 1:19pm ET

Well reported Clay, It sounded like another great event.

LEWIS LEFEVRE — ELIZABETH, CO, UNITED STATES, — November 14, 2012 3:19pm ET

This was my 4th Big Smoke and 3rd in a row. I had a great time will be back next year!

AJ PACALDO — BAKERSFIELD, CA, UNITED STATES, — November 14, 2012 4:17pm ET

This was my first Big Smoke event. I can honestly say it probably the best three hours of my life. From standing in line waiting for 6:30 to hit, going from booth to booth snagging your cigar, meeting and getting autographs from the masterminds of the cigar world. Oh and taking pictures. I am already looking forward to Big Smoke 2013! Good job Cigar Aficionado!

Arthur Espinoza — Fontana, CA, USA, — November 15, 2012 2:04pm ET

My first time and what an awsome time. I was totally satisfied with the event. Next I'm all in. Long line to get in, got there a early enough to be in the first 100 or so to get in. It was well worth any wait. Plenty of cigars, dink and food for all. One of the best parts was meeting folks from all around the US with the same interest.."Cigars"! Can't wait till 2013!

Dave Rutherford — Calgary, Alberta, Canada, — December 25, 2012 11:10pm ET

First timmer what a great experience it will not be our last. Now we know how it works we can plan our conquest.

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