Cigar Monkey

GRAN HABANO TASTING

2009-02-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Dateline Merced, CA...

Paul, from Gran Habano presented a tasting hosted by Janet and Mike Siegel at the Cigar Monkey in Merced, CA.

Cabinet Selection Cigars were spotlighted.

Special "Get One FREE" Coupons were emailed to regular customers and off the street attendees got their first cigar at 50%Off.

The Event was a Huge success! Prizes, ranging from caps and shirts to lighters and cigar samplers, were given at a drawing at the conclusion of the tasting.

GRAND PRIZE
Janet, Paul, Arnie Levey (winner), Mike.

Bob, Tim, Ray, Phil and Chris

Bob, Ray, Chris and Larry

Mike and Ray

Paul presents a happy winner with his prize

2008-11-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

Our October DREW ESTATE Event was a Big Success.

Mike prepares a "stick".

Arnie and Carleton relax...

Fabien hosted the evening at the Cigar Monkey.

Ben and Cliff...

Vince and Janet...

October 30... Drew Estate Event

2008-10-10T23:33:00.000-07:00

Come out and smoke a cigar with Fabien as he brings the newest Drew Estate cigars to Merced. There will be Tabak Especial and Chateau Real maduro specials on box purchases. This is always a fun spot and will be Fabien's only stop in Merced. Don't miss him! He might give you a free cigar just for showing up with your green Drew Estate army hat on. Call if you have any questions. (209) 384- PIPE (7473)

Thursday, October 30, 2008

5:00 PM — 9:00 PM

Autumn is in the Air

2008-09-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Summer has been a busy time here at the Cigar Monkey. Events were almost non-stop, from in-store happenings to the Merced Fair to Motorcycle Shows the Cigar Monkey was front and center.

Monthly Cigar tastings were held throughout the Summer and will continue into the Winter months. There's nothing like a good cigar to keep you warm when the weather gets brisk.

The U. C. Merced Students have found the Cigar Monkey and have made it the "Go To Place" in Town. Welcome! to these new Pipe and Cigar Aficionados.

Happy 21st Brandon!

2008-05-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Brandon "Monkey Boy" Berthelsen's 21st B-day and a bunch of the boys were whoopin' it up in the Lounge at the Cigar Monkey.

Tacos were the Eats of choice and were supplied by Brandon's Dad Cliff (helped by Larry "the Grumpy Gourmet" Thompson.

The Chocolate cake was baked by Janet. (MMMMMMMM was it goooood!)

Some of the revellers...

Monkey Stick Nite...

2008-04-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

In the Lounge

Rene Sanchez Master Roller

The Famous Hand-rolled Monkey Sticks

Mike and Janet Siegel with Rene

The Great Outdoors!

Ah, a Good Cigar is a smoke!

April Newsletter

2008-04-02T03:06:00.000-07:00

No Foolin’ – It’s April!

Yes, the weather is warming up, and we’re all coming out of our hibernation. Time to get out & about, and enjoy some fine smokes in the fine weather.

Cigar of the Month

This month’s C.O.M. is the Camacho Select. This one is just a good ol’ cigar – medium-bodied with a little old-fashioned cigar flavor. They burn slowly, and have a good smooth flavor. And this month, we’re offering two different sizes, each at 25% OFF!

New Stuff! New Stuff!

For those of you that have been trying to smoke Primo cigars, you know the problem has been that they are so good, we’re having problems keeping them in stock.. We’re working hard on that one.

In the meantime, though, we’re happy to introduce the premium line from the same company, Los Blancos. Los Blancos cigars come in four different blends: Connecticut, Criollo, Sumatra, and Maduro. Each blend is unique, and very smooth, with strength ranging from mild to medium-bodied. These are very elegant cigars, but are only medium-priced.

The unique thing about Los Blancos cigars is their packaging. Los Blancos cigars come in a humidor-quality box, lacking only an internal humidifier. When the cigars are gone, you don’t buy another whole box; rather, you buy a drop-in tray of cigars to refill the box. You can save LOTS of money on these sticks…Which reminds me – don’t forget our Primos/Los Blancos tasting event, later this month. See the note below…

What’s Happening This Month?

On Thursday, April 24,, we’ll be hosting a tasting event, featuring Primo cigars. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.,, and we’ll be offering more great deals on an already-great cigar. This is also your chance to try the Los Blancos premiums from the same company. This one is going to definitely be a great event. That’s Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 8 p.m..

So, go enjoy the weather, and a few good smokes along with it!

Coming Events

2008-03-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 20 – Cigar Tasting, featuring La Flor Dominicana. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. We will have snacks, raffles, and hot deals on some hot cigars!

Thursday, April 3 – MonkeySticks are back!!! Rene Sanchez will be in the shop from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., rolling our MonkeySticks, as well as your custom blends and sizes. Of course, more snacks, raffles, and hot deals.

Drew Estate Tasting Great Success...

2008-03-04T04:42:00.000-08:00

The Drew Estate Cigar Tasting in February was a success. Fabian was busy all evening lighting up cigars for the Cigar Monkey's customers who were able to jam into the store.

Phil and Larry (Grumpy Gourmet)

Tony and Fabian (Drew Estate)

Walt and Arnie

Vince and "The Guy"

A time of fun and Cigars and friends at the Cigar Monkey-Drew Estate Cigar Evening in February.

Keep Watching this site for info on the next Event...

Remember... February is National Enjoy a Cigar After Work Month.

2008-01-31T04:15:00.000-08:00

Well if it isn't it should be... So stop by the Cigar Monkey after work today and enjoy a good relaxing smoke.
You might even see Sheetrock Larry; Cinema Bill; Radio Man CLiff or even, you know..."The Guy".
At the very least you'll have a great cigar and cup of coffee (or something).
See Ya!

JESUS FUEGO VISITS THE MONKEY

2007-09-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

Jesus Fuego stopped by to visit with his friends Mike and Janet Siegel, owners of the Cigar Monkey. He entertained the regulars with stories of life in Havana as well as his experiences in the cigar making business.

Jesus Fuego talks to Gary, Mike, Arnie and guests in the Lounge

Jesus Fuego, "Coach", and Rob Baptie

Jesus Fuego (center) visits with Mike Siegel and Brandon Berthelsen

J. Fuego, Mike Siegel, David Siegel, Janet Siegel, and Ben Siegel

Brandon Berthelsen Finishes Third in Pipe Smoking Contest !!!

2007-08-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Brandon Berthelsen (Monkey Boy), representing the Sons O' The Briar Pipe Club, placed Third in the Fresno Pipe Club's Pipe Smoking Contest held on August 19, 2007 at Hard wick's in Fresno. He came away with a nice Masterson Pipe.
First Place was taken by Mike DiGiacomo (Rainbow) representing the Fresno Pipe Club.
Also entered from the Sons O' The Briar was Mike Siegel, owner of the Cigar Monkey. Mike did not fare as well as he did last year, when he took top prize with a time of 1 hour 22 minutes. This year he placed ninth, which goes to show that you can never tell what will happen in a Pipe Smoking Contest.

CIGAR TASTING...

2007-08-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

On Friday, August 17th, join us for a cigar tasting featuring Buccanero cigars. If you haven't tried these smokes, this will be your chance. All of their cigars feature 5-year aged Costa Rican tobaccos; this gives them an unusual spice and flavor that is usually just the right taste at the right time. We'll be offering special deals, as well as some interesting raffle prizes.

RTDA SHOW...Houston, Texas

2007-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Mike and Janet are in Houston at the RTDA Show looking over the new offerings from the top Cigar and Pipe Wholesalers in the world. They'll be back on Thursday, August 9, 2007.
But, in the meantime, come by the Cigar Monkey and say hello to the Motley Crew holding down the fort.
Remember to come to Downtown Merced and enjoy a great Cigar.

CAO Tasting... THIS IS A BIGGIE!!

2007-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

We’ll be tasting cigars from CAO on Thursday, July 19, from 4 to 8 p.m.. Come by and try something new! We’ll be offering deals, so you can SAVE BIG! Not to mention drawings for really cool CAO logo swag! We’ll also have snacks from Big Will’s Joy of the South - some really fine Southern cooking! DON’T MISS IT!!

2007-07-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

JULY 17 - 22, 2007

MERCED COUNTY FAIR

LOOK FOR

THE CIGAR MONKEY BOOTH

LOCATED JUST OFF THE MAIN INTERSECTION

BETWEEN THE OUTDOOR STAGE AND THE GRANDSTAND

(BEHIND THE TACO STAND)

COME BY AND SAY "HELLO" AND ENJOY A GOOD SMOKE!

Fresno Pipe Club Visits The Cigar Monkey

2007-05-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Fresno Pipe Club held it's monthly meeting in the Cigar Monkey's lounge. They were hosted by the Sons O' The Briar Pipe Club of Merced. The Photo abopve shows members from both clubs.

Carlos Torano Cigar Dinner...

2007-05-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

Carlos Torano(left) with Janet and Mike

Phil (standing) and Arnie enjoy the evening.

Diane and Dave Pelton with Kevin Chan.

Jose, Fernando(owner of Fernando's Bistro), Carlos Torano and Paul.

(left to right), Robert, Vince, Rob and Kevin enjoy the evening.

Mike and "Torano" Tim Wong help Dennis choose the right "stick" for the evening.

After dinner everyone retired to the Cigar Monkey Lounge for cigars and good company...

Carlos Torano autographs a box of cigars for Brandon.

An Intimate Dinner with Charlie Torano

2007-04-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Event: Carlos Torano IV Cigar Dinner

Date: April 22, 2007 (Sunday)
Place: Fernando’s Bistro
Time:
Cocktails @ 5:00PM
No host Bar

Dinner @ 6:00PM
Dinner Includes:
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Salad
Baked potato
Sautéed Vegetables
Rib eye Steak
Choice of Drinks; Iced Tea, Coffee, Soda
Dessert

Cost:
$49.95 Advance purchase
$59.95 At the Door
Price Includes Cigars before and after dinner

For reservations call:
The Cigar Monkey
(209) 384 - 7473

It's April... No Foolin'

2007-04-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Remember... The Cigar Monkey is now open til 10 PM 0n Friday and Saturday Evenings.
So, come by and Enjoy a Fine Cigar and Good Company.

Grand Opening Events

2007-03-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Even though we’ve been open for business for a couple of weeks, we’ll be celebrating our Grand Opening for several days next week. Here’s the schedule of events:

Wednesday, March 14 – Meet Dave Luna from KABX Oldies 97.5, from 4 to 6 p.m.. Dave will be hosting a “sneak peek” live appearance, with his usual gang and games…

Thursday, March 15 - Official Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, 3:30 p.m.. But wait, there’s more…
Gurkha will be here from 3 p.m. until close (special closing time will be 8 p.m.). We will be offering special deals on all Gurkhas in stock – buy 3, get 1 free. But there is STILL more! For every 3 Gurkha cigars you buy, you’ll get a ticket into a drawing for a very special limited edition tin of Hansotia cigars that have never been released – a $600 package! The drawing will be held at 7:30 Thursday night. There will also be deals on Drew Estate products.

Friday, March 16 - It’s Monkeysticks time!! Renee will be in the shop from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., rolling our house-brand smokes. In addition, we’ll be introducing some new sizes and blends in our favorite smokes. And of course, there will be some great deals on our cigars. If you’ve never seen cigars rolled, or how they’re made, this is your chance!

Saturday, March 17 - Tim will be here to help us celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, by hosting a Torano Tasting. Of course, more deals to be had on great smokes, and a very special drawing. We have an aged box of Casa Torano in a limited “A” size, at a special price. For every Casa “A” you buy, you’ll get a ticket to a drawing for a special Casa Torano humidor – a $500 custom humidor.

Of course, for each event, we will have snacks and beverages for your enjoyment. So come join us next week, and help us celebrate our Grand Opening and the all-new Cigar Monkey!!

THE CIGAR MONKEY IS OPEN

2007-02-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Come One; Come All!
The Cigar Monkey is open at the new location just two doors north of it's old site on Canal Street. New address: 1716 Canal St. Downtown Merced.

Jerry Ellis and Friend Fishing

2007-02-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

The Count-Down Has Begun...

2007-02-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

Tempus is fugitting away on the soft opening for the CIGAR MONKEY. Within the next 48 hours the move should begin. The Network TV News vans are already jockeying for position for the best seat from which to cover this much awaited event...

Keep watching this space for more News...

I'VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU

2007-02-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

CIGAR MONKEY

Stranges Things are Happening...

2007-02-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Strange noises are coming from the site of the new CIGAR MONKEY. Saws; hammers; the smooching sounds of paintbrushes. That means everything is on schedule. Soon the whole cast of characters will have a new home... The New Babylon Lounge.The retail selection will more than double the size of the original store.
Keep checking here for news of the opening...

The Trumpster

2007-01-22T16:20:00.000-08:00

The guy Tiger Woods calls for advice on golf.

The Cigar Monkey Touring the Fields of Dreams...

2007-01-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

SHEETROCK

2007-01-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

Sheetrock is an exceptionaly talented chef and a master of the art of Barbeque. Being an extremely modest man, Sheetrock will not toot his own horn, but I can say you haven't lived until you have tasted his cookin'.

Update...

2007-01-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

I just got the word that the Cigar Monkey is now fully sheetrocked and mudded and ready for painting. Then floor and shelving and...

AWAY WE GO!

Work Continues on the Lounge...

2007-01-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

The painter is busy at work putting the finishing touches on the walls of the new Cigar Lounge, commonly referred to as the "Babble-On Lounge". It will feature a set of private lockers in which members may keep their "personal" cigars and other items in perfect condition.

The Cigar-Monkey has started training in the Martial Arts. He has been regaling the crew with what he has learned so far. He's a quick study so should be knocking the stuffin' out of the bad guys pretty soon. Or not.

Introducing the Cast of Characters

2007-01-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

The Stars…

MIKE: Proprietor-Tobacconist
JANET: Pipe Shark
BRANDON: Monkey-Boy

The Motley Crew…

SHEETROCK: "God dammit!"
TRUMP DAVE: "Fore!"
COACH: "Mexicant"
SHINGLE DAVE: "I can't find my..."
DADDY MOREBUCKS:
THE GUY: "Where are WE going to eat?"
THE PROFESSOR: "Shut-up, Robert!"
REN: "Happy- Happy, Joy-Joy!"
STIMPY: "Happy- Happy, Joy-Joy!"
RICK:
PHIL.COM:
BIG JOHN:
THE GROUCH:
MOTORCYCLE LARRY: "How the Heck are ya?"
ROB: "#$%$&*#$@#$!"
DENNIS:
CHUCK:
STAN:
RADIO CLIFF:
MAL ONE: "See ya 'round when you bend over."
BEAVIS:
WALLY GATOR:
BIG ED: "What do ya mean move the motorcycle?"
HUGGA: "Let's play 18 with a stogie!"
SKY KING:

GUEST STARRING...

CINEMA BILL: As the Senior Consultant

SPECIAL GUEST STAR...

TORANO TIM: "Shuffle-up and Deal!""

In The Beginning...

2007-01-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

"This could be the start of a beautiful friendship"...
So ended one of the most famous films of all time, "Casablanca"; and so begins the Blog for the most famous Cigar Store in the West... CIGAR MONKEY.