compiled by Sean D. Green

After considerable searching, I finally found the infamous Esch Cigar and Coffee Shop. Located in the sub level of a shopping center, it was hidden away in a small corner of what one could consider a 'food court' of sorts. The official "Esch Cigars and Coffee" logo plaque hung above the entrance, where beyond one could be mesmerized by the beautiful display of smoking utensils, cigars, and cappuccino machines whistling in the background. I asked the cashier if she could tell me if the owner was there at the time. Turning away, she motioned to a gentleman talking with some others at a small table in the corner, who got up and walked to me in response. This was Edger Esch. A man of his mid forties I would say, smoking what appeared to be a Churchill of some brand. I explained to him that I had found his shop via the internet, and would like to talk to him a bit about his store. He seemed rather impressed by the notion of being listed on the Internet. Immediately he offered my wife and I some coffee, and he went into some lengthy discussion of his proprietorship of this shop. The coffee was fantastic, and I was in heaven as he perused through countless boxes of Partagas, Romeo Y Juliette, and Cohibas, all of which were magnificently displayed in huge upright humidors. Naturally, the ones which I would have liked to smoke were well out of my price range, ($11,00 - $36,00 ea.) and I though that it would be best to try some more affordable, but nice Cubans. I talked to him about the possibility of taking some back home. He quickly turned and grabbed an empty box of Alonzo Menendez (a fantastic Brazilian cigar I might add.) He said that I should buy what I wanted, take the bands off, then pack them in this box. "I've done this for many customers. Not a problem." he stated. I chose a handful of Belindas and Cabanas - total price:$28.00

Edgar and I talked a little more while he told me of his plans to move in the near future to a larger location. The popularity of his shop had outgrown itself evidently, and he wanted to make a larger area for the cappuccino bar and add several more humidors -- with a possibility of a walk-in as well. I gave him my address and he said he would inform me of the move. Upon departing, he gave me a small 'to-go' box that he put cigars in, a sticker of his logo, and mailing address. We got a couple of pictures for the scrap book, said our good-byes, and left. A very nice stop indeed!

This shop I found simply out of luck. Traveling around the downtown area, I looked along the wall of a shopping center and noticed a display indicating a cigar shop in the sub level of the building. The Tabaco Cia is a nice little shop, not unlike Mr. Esch's shop in many ways. Once again, there were countless numbers of cigar boxes in wood and glass humidors and a coffee bar in the back.

The lady who was managing showed me some of the various cigars which they had to offer, but their selection was somewhat limited in comparison to Esch. On the counter, the boasted tin tubes of R&J cubanos and an open box of Alonzo Menendez which were dried out beyond comprehension. I was surprised that any notable shop would have allowed an entire box of good cigars to go to such waste. Once again, the prices were comparable of $11 - $36 for each cigar. One could purchase some more domestic, Dominican, Jamaican, or Honduran for much less though. I thanked the lady for her time, and took a couple of pics for the photo album.

This was a general smoke shop found in the middle of downtown historical district. They offered a fine selection of both domestic, Cuban, and other cigars. They probably had the best prices overall, and had a great selection of both Alonzo Menendez and other domestics. They sold a great deal of cigarettes and supplies there, and were very friendly. A nice place to stop in and grab a few.

Feeling the necessity of purchasing a box of cigars, I looked finally to one of the many duty free stores that could be found in the airport. I came upon perhaps the only shop that was available for such purchases, and looked upon their merchandise with great eagerness in pursuit of finding a good cigar. I inquired as to the cost of the Alonzo Menendez here -- $60 for a box of 25 coronas. Not bad. Then the lady suggested a box of "Amerinos." Apparently, they were associated once with Alonzo Menendez family, but separated and built their own factory in Bahia, Brazil. $32 for the box of 25, and I couldn't refuse. A wise choice indeed, and found their taste and aroma to be one of the best I've had in a while. Very tasty indeed.

Oh, and the customs situation....well...not a problem there. The customs lady asked me if I had purchased any tobacco products, and I reached into my carry-on and pulled out the newly purchased box of Amerinos from the duty-free store. Hermetically sealed, and clearly stamped "Made in Bahia, Brazil." "Bless you," the lady stated, "I was afraid you were going to show me a box of Cubans." "Nope, not this time." I replied. "Welcome back." she said. Ahh..to be in the land of freedom again.

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