Commentary on cigar decorum at my event

Lately I've been posting about the number of manufacturers and shops who are graciously contributing to the South Carolina Sit Down. While some choose not to participate, and that is their decision, there is one instance this year that makes me wonder. For many years Perdomo Cigars has been a faithful contributor to our event. Again this year, I contacted them for their help. Yesterday I received an email from Juan Liranzo, Operations Manager of Perdomo Cigars, saying that they will not be participating in this year's event. Here is an excerpt from the email:

We get hundreds of request to support fund raisers of which we must regretfully turn down many. Perdomo continues to absorb the SCHIP tax on many of our popular brands to ease the punitive effect this tax has on cigars smokers. This in turn forces the company to limit our community outreach programs and charitable contributions. Although we will not be able to support the South Carolina Sit Down this year we wish you great success.

Now, what he says makes a lot of sense and I fully understand his reasons. I can't help but wonder if their decision could have been influenced by a comment made to Nick Perdomo during his appearance at one of our events 2 years ago where someone, and I still do not know who, made the comment directly to Nick when he handed them one of his cigars, "do you have anything else, I don't really like Perdomo cigars". Now, one of two things here; either the person did not know that he was being offered a cigar from the owner of the company (not likely since I announced that Nick was there over a PA system) or they were just rude. I'm leaning toward the latter. Talk about ungrateful. And to make things worse Nick was handing out samples of his Champagne robusto's, which are fantastic cigars that I have rated here and gave very high marks. Yes, tastes are all different but that's not the point. The point is someone said disparaging remarks to the owner of a cigar company who was handing them a FREE cigar. Who complains about free cigars? If you don't like it just say thank you and give it to someone who does like them at a later time.

When I heard of that exchange I got really upset. How could anyone be so bold and rude? Let me make it easy for all of you. If you come to the event planning on getting ONLY cigars that you like, and if that's your objective for coming, then do us all a favor and don't come. I don't need that attitude. Just for walking in the door you get handed free cigars. Don't complain about what you get. Don't ask to exchange them for something you like. I'm not interested in hearing that. You may even be asked to leave if you do complain. The event is for cigar lovers. You may get a cigar that you don't care for, and if you do just trade it with someone. It's that easy. Don't complain to me about it.

Some people show up for the wrong reasons. They're looking for the free stuff; that's it. Now, if your reasons are to enjoy cigars with other lovers of the art form, or to support a worthwhile charity like Sister Care, Inc., then you're here for the right reasons. While I can't say for certain that the unfortunate comment of 2 years ago led to Perdomo's decision not to contribute this year I'm 100% sure it did not help.