Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars

BlackDog · 05-23-2010, 07:59 PM

I was listening to the radio in the car yesterday, the show "A Splendid Table" was on NPR. One of the segments was an essay written by a guy who learned the hard way. I know I am guilty of this, and thought perhaps some of you are too. Hence, I'm posting this to encourage you to drink your good wine (scotch, bourbon, etc) and smoke your good cigars.

On his wedding day he and his bride were given a bottle of Chateau Margaux 1978 burgundy. They decided to save the special wine for a special occasion. Various "normal" life events transpired in their lives; the birth of a couple of children, various wedding anniversaries, the publication of his first book, etc. None of these seemed worthy of the bottle of 1978 Margaux. The bottle awaited the "right" occasion.

Fast forward 20 years, and the author's bride developed brain cancer, and died within an half-year.

At some point following her untimely death, he happened upon the bottle of 1978 Margaux. It was never to be drank upon a special occasion in their lives together.

The author, trying to bring some value to the unfortunate situation, passed the bottle on to another young couple, with instructions to drink the wine. Unfortunately, the young couple discovered that the bottle had soured, and the wine was now undrinkable.

So, for what it's worth from a relative stranger, be sure to find things to celebrate in your life. Is it an "unimportant" wedding anniversary? Celebrate. Kid got strong grades in school? Celebrate. Boss gave you an "attaboy" at work? Celebrate. You never know when life is going to take a bad turn. Break out the good wine, old scotch, and special cigars.

As such, for absolutely no reason other than that it's a beautiful evening, I'm going to smoke a WOAM I've been saving for a special occasion, and think of the many blessings I have in my life.

SmokeyJoe · 05-23-2010, 08:02 PM

Well said... and good advice. Life is a gift, and I believe it should be celebrated. Think I will pour a little Zaya Rum I have been sitting on for a while.

G G · 05-23-2010, 08:05 PM

You are right.

BigFrank · 05-23-2010, 08:09 PM

Good advice indeed. I am often guilty of this. As my best friend often says, "Ya can't take it with ya when your gone!"

3SmokesaRound · 05-23-2010, 08:12 PM

Great story, and good words to live by. Thanks for sharing.

68TriShield · 05-23-2010, 08:25 PM

Someone posted a similar story one day on Club Stogie.
He and his brother in law were cigar buddies.
To keep a long serious story short,the BIL was always bugging the guy to smoke two special cigars he was saving for them.Well for the worst of reasons,he was never able to share those fine cigars with his BIL.
So yes Warren,I agree wholeheartedly.
Enjoy those moments now.

Blueface · 05-23-2010, 08:36 PM

Neither are for storing.
Neither are for a special occasion.
Every day is a special occasion by virtue of not being six feet under.

G G · 05-23-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Neither are for storing.
Neither are for a special occasion.
Every day is a special occasion by virtue of not being six feet under.

Sage words.

Skywalker · 05-23-2010, 08:52 PM

I'm guilty for doing the same thing!

Thanks for the reminder, Warren!!!

05-23-2010, 08:15 PM

You just did that, drank the wine, and shared the smoke...by passing along this advice.

Be advised your recommendation is well taken.

pnoon · 05-23-2010, 09:01 PM

As a wise BOTL once told me (regarding special/rare cigars), I'd rather say "I've smoked one" instead of "I have one".

Thanks for the reminder Warren. Every day is worth celebrating. It is a gift to be savored and cherished.

05-23-2010, 09:16 PM

Done and done. Eat some good food while your a it. As for women...
Well, don't get carried away. Really.
Life IS good!

ZachF88 · 05-23-2010, 09:24 PM

I'm finding this out now as my life is starting to turn sour.....

icehog3 · 05-23-2010, 10:03 PM

Absolutely true Warren, all of it. I always say an occassion can become special just by virtue of a good cigar and a good friend. Smoke them, share them, enjoy them.

PeteSB75 · 05-24-2010, 07:53 AM

As far as I'm concerned either an amazing bottle of wine or scotch, or an incredible cigar, constitute a celebration in itself. Drink it and smoke it when it's good, and you have the time. Celebrate every day you spend with your family and friends like it's your last.

05-24-2010, 08:11 AM

I completely agree Warren. For me, the epiphany was when a friend on another cigar board was killed in a car accident a little over 2 years ago. It was a reminder that life is fragile and that you never know when your time's up. Any occasion is special enough, as long as I have time to smoke the whole stick. There are only 2 spreific sticks the are "special occasion" sticks for me. I have 3 left of the ones I gave out when my son was born, and those will be smoked when he graduates from high school, and then I smoke a Fuente WOAM every year on my mom's birthday to celebrate her life (she passed away 3 years ago this past April). Other than those, nothing in the humi is off limits.

Blueface · 05-24-2010, 08:57 AM

Thought I would add............
.........my dad has been smoking cigars since 14 and is now 74.
He is an avid smoker.
Truly enjoys cigars.
Has the smallest collection of anyone on this board, and that I would bet on.
I bet dad can barely hit the 10 count on what he presently has.
Why?
He told me long ago:
A. I buy them to smoke them
B. What I don't smoke I don't have anymore because I shared

issues · 05-24-2010, 09:04 AM

Excellent story and an even better reminder.

I have several "special occasion" cigars I have yet to smoke. I think I may have to smoke one today.

Scottw · 05-24-2010, 09:05 AM

Excellent post and so true brother. Thank you for this.

alwayslit · 05-24-2010, 09:10 AM

Very good advice to reflect upon.

05-23-2010, 07:59 PM	#1
BlackDog Gonna make you groove... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Warren Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,468 Trading: (19)	Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars I was listening to the radio in the car yesterday, the show "A Splendid Table" was on NPR. One of the segments was an essay written by a guy who learned the hard way. I know I am guilty of this, and thought perhaps some of you are too. Hence, I'm posting this to encourage you to drink your good wine (scotch, bourbon, etc) and smoke your good cigars. On his wedding day he and his bride were given a bottle of Chateau Margaux 1978 burgundy. They decided to save the special wine for a special occasion. Various "normal" life events transpired in their lives; the birth of a couple of children, various wedding anniversaries, the publication of his first book, etc. None of these seemed worthy of the bottle of 1978 Margaux. The bottle awaited the "right" occasion. Fast forward 20 years, and the author's bride developed brain cancer, and died within an half-year. At some point following her untimely death, he happened upon the bottle of 1978 Margaux. It was never to be drank upon a special occasion in their lives together. The author, trying to bring some value to the unfortunate situation, passed the bottle on to another young couple, with instructions to drink the wine. Unfortunately, the young couple discovered that the bottle had soured, and the wine was now undrinkable. So, for what it's worth from a relative stranger, be sure to find things to celebrate in your life. Is it an "unimportant" wedding anniversary? Celebrate. Kid got strong grades in school? Celebrate. Boss gave you an "attaboy" at work? Celebrate. You never know when life is going to take a bad turn. Break out the good wine, old scotch, and special cigars. As such, for absolutely no reason other than that it's a beautiful evening, I'm going to smoke a WOAM I've been saving for a special occasion, and think of the many blessings I have in my life. __________________ "We live in the good of this."

05-23-2010, 08:02 PM	#2
SmokeyJoe Chief Wannastogie Lounge Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Joe Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 3,163 Trading: (28)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Well said... and good advice. Life is a gift, and I believe it should be celebrated. Think I will pour a little Zaya Rum I have been sitting on for a while. __________________ "I intend to smoke a good cigar to the glory of God..." ~ Charles H. Spurgeon, British Baptist preacher

05-23-2010, 08:05 PM	#3
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,730 Trading: (10)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars You are right.

05-23-2010, 08:09 PM	#4
BigFrank 5 3 1 Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Frank Location: Gym or Sofa. Posts: 1,896 Trading: (25)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Good advice indeed. I am often guilty of this. As my best friend often says, "Ya can't take it with ya when your gone!" __________________ " Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment. "

05-23-2010, 08:12 PM	#5
3SmokesaRound CCCC Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Bill Location: CA Posts: 685 Trading: (48)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Great story, and good words to live by. Thanks for sharing.

05-23-2010, 08:25 PM	#6
68TriShield Got Torque? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Maryland Posts: 7,194 Trading: (40)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Someone posted a similar story one day on Club Stogie. He and his brother in law were cigar buddies. To keep a long serious story short,the BIL was always bugging the guy to smoke two special cigars he was saving for them.Well for the worst of reasons,he was never able to share those fine cigars with his BIL. So yes Warren,I agree wholeheartedly. Enjoy those moments now.

05-23-2010, 08:36 PM	#7
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Neither are for storing. Neither are for a special occasion. Every day is a special occasion by virtue of not being six feet under. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

05-23-2010, 08:52 PM	#9
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars I'm guilty for doing the same thing! Thanks for the reminder, Warren!!! __________________ Smoke what you like!!! Last edited by Skywalker; 05-23-2010 at 08:58 PM.

05-23-2010, 08:15 PM	#10
Cygnus X1 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars You just did that, drank the wine, and shared the smoke...by passing along this advice. Be advised your recommendation is well taken.

05-23-2010, 09:01 PM	#11
pnoon YNWA Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Peter Location: San Diego Posts: 29,919 Trading: (20)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars As a wise BOTL once told me (regarding special/rare cigars), I'd rather say "I've smoked one" instead of "I have one". Thanks for the reminder Warren. Every day is worth celebrating. It is a gift to be savored and cherished. __________________ Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. -John Wooden

05-23-2010, 09:16 PM	#12
BC-Axeman Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Done and done. Eat some good food while your a it. As for women... Well, don't get carried away. Really. Life IS good!

05-23-2010, 09:24 PM	#13
ZachF88 Feeling at Home Join Date: Dec 2009 First Name: Zach Location: Denver, CO Posts: 510 Trading: (32)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars I'm finding this out now as my life is starting to turn sour.....

05-23-2010, 10:03 PM	#14
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,441 Trading: (60)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Absolutely true Warren, all of it. I always say an occassion can become special just by virtue of a good cigar and a good friend. Smoke them, share them, enjoy them. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

05-24-2010, 07:53 AM	#15
PeteSB75 Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: CT Posts: 1,674 Trading: (18)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars As far as I'm concerned either an amazing bottle of wine or scotch, or an incredible cigar, constitute a celebration in itself. Drink it and smoke it when it's good, and you have the time. Celebrate every day you spend with your family and friends like it's your last. __________________ Formerly Malik23

05-24-2010, 08:11 AM	#16
Wanger Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars I completely agree Warren. For me, the epiphany was when a friend on another cigar board was killed in a car accident a little over 2 years ago. It was a reminder that life is fragile and that you never know when your time's up. Any occasion is special enough, as long as I have time to smoke the whole stick. There are only 2 spreific sticks the are "special occasion" sticks for me. I have 3 left of the ones I gave out when my son was born, and those will be smoked when he graduates from high school, and then I smoke a Fuente WOAM every year on my mom's birthday to celebrate her life (she passed away 3 years ago this past April). Other than those, nothing in the humi is off limits.

05-24-2010, 08:57 AM	#17
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Thought I would add............ .........my dad has been smoking cigars since 14 and is now 74. He is an avid smoker. Truly enjoys cigars. Has the smallest collection of anyone on this board, and that I would bet on. I bet dad can barely hit the 10 count on what he presently has. Why? He told me long ago: A. I buy them to smoke them B. What I don't smoke I don't have anymore because I shared __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

05-24-2010, 09:04 AM	#18
issues Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Tony Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,626 Trading: (8)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Excellent story and an even better reminder. I have several "special occasion" cigars I have yet to smoke. I think I may have to smoke one today. __________________

05-24-2010, 09:05 AM	#19
Scottw Going Commando Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Sussex, NJ Posts: 2,815 Trading: (6)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Excellent post and so true brother. Thank you for this. __________________ "Ray when someone asks you if your a GOD you say yes."

05-24-2010, 09:10 AM	#20
alwayslit Welcome to the madness Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: Jim Location: DC/Tampa Posts: 487 Trading: (14)	Re: Drink your good wine, smoke your good cigars Very good advice to reflect upon.