Rocky Patel Night at Alcorn Cigars

Rocky Patel himself made an appearance at Alcorn Cigars on March 8th and Matt and Rich were lucky enough to meet and talk with the cigar pioneer.

The night started with Harold of Alcorns telling us that Rocky had actually been hospitalized for part of the day for chest pains (more on that later) but that he was in the parking lot and would be in shortly.  Harold also told us that March 7th was Rocky's birthday (50!) so we sang happy birthday to him when he came in (video below).

We were then able to meet the lovely and charming Crystal Patel (Rocky's wife).  I tell you what, it has been said that Rocky is the hardest working man in cigars, but she must be the hardest working PERSON in cigars.  That girl did not stop selling.  Hats off to her for supporting the family business!

Rocky then mingled and pressed the flesh with the crowd.  When Rich and I got to meet him we asked him about the hospital and he said it was just a very bad case of acid reflux.  He literally came from the hospital to the Alcorn event - wow!  I then asked Rocky about his involvement with Cigar Rights of America and where he sees the cigar industry in the next year to five years and beyond.  (In retrospect I should have taken the video camera out but I did not think about it until afterward - sorry guys).  Rocky went on to state that cigar smoking in the day and age of facebook and twitter is one of the only events where you can still hold a civilized conversation with someone face to face.  It doesn't matter if you are an ironworker, a doctor or a teacher, cigars level the playing field.  I couldn't agree more.

Matt and Rocky

Rocky signing Rich's shirt

After a couple of Decades were smoked, Rocky gave a passionate talk about how important it was for each of us to stand up for our rights as Cigar Smokers.  The best way to do that is by joining Cigar Rights of America.  Of the $35.00 that costs to join, 100% goes to fight legislation that prevents us from enjoying our rights.  Here is a link:  http://www.cigarrights.org/

Overall it was a great night and just a great opportunity to meet a legend within the cigar community.  Great thanks to Harold at Alcorns for being such a great host and having the place to bring him in.

Matt