Chicago Big Smoke Sells Out

Posted: April 21, 2006

Cigar Aficionado's Chicago Big Smoke sold out on Tuesday night as 2,000 cigar lovers turned the Hyatt Regency O'Hare into the country's biggest cigar party.

The attendees received 34 premium handmade cigars from a host of vendors. The collection of adult beverages would rival that of a good bar except the bartenders don't charge per pour. There were beers, wines, vodkas, gin, rums, whiskey, Tequila, Cognac and single-malt Scotch. Food from local restaurants was also on hand, along with music and entertainment.

Chris Sawatski (left), Allen Krylowski, Ray Bernardisius enjoy a round of cigars and booze.

Chicago sports legend Dick Butkus -- the feared anchor of the Chicago Bears defense from 1965 to 1973 -- was at the C.A.O. booth, posing for photographs and signing autographs. At the General Cigar booth, people queued for a photograph making them the star of a Punch cigar ad, and at the Corazon Tequila booth, samples were handed out from behind an elaborate bar made entirely of ice just for the occasion.

The cigar stars in attendance included Carlos Fuente Jr., Litto Gomez, Tim and Aylin Ozgener, Christian Eiroa, Rocky Patel, Alberto and Alejandro Turrent, and many more.

For the schedule of upcoming Big Smokes, click here.

Photos by Alan Klehr

Click here and check out our Chicago Big Smoke Photo Gallery!

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