Carlton L. Ketchen
Michael Crellin
George... ...Just George
Bob Young
Kent McNeillie

Interviews from the Inner Circle

Man Laws

April 2011

Bob Young

Bob is the leader and generalissimo of the band of malcontents called the Bottom Feeders.  Bob can be seen in the shop on the off weekday and every other Saturday.  Bob is a lover of the finer things: Chinese Imperial Teas, Cognacs, Bourbons and more.  Bob has more doctorates than I have children and is ready discuss ancient Rome to Feudal Japan... ...pretty much anything earlier than the 1800's ---Thanks Bob!

Please state your full name or nickname, as you want it to be on the web.
"Honest Bob or Yoda"

How long have you been purchasing cigars are RAE’s?
"Since RAE's opened about 12 years ago"

Did you know the Colonel and if so how long?
"I did know the Colonel since the shop opened.  I met him almost every noontime for a cigar"

Please tell us a story about the Colonel which defined him the best?
"The Best story about the Colonel went back to his days in Vietnam.  He just came back from a firefight with the VC.  He was shot up and was in the medical tent with his foot on a crate of hand grenades getting patched up.  A new officer, fresh out of the OCS, was brought into the medical tent to introduce himself to the CO. (Capt. Baker at the time)  The Colonel said, 'I am glad to see you.  You will like it here.  Today was a little rough, but you will like it here.' He then was ordered to head quarters to report on he incident and a chopper was readied for him.  He told the 'green' officer that he was in charge of the company while he was away. 'The other officers are getting medical attention, so you are in charge.  By the way, the VC are likely to attack the camp sometime today so good luck.'  The mans face turned white and he almost passed out.  'He'll be ok, let's go'

That story proved two great characteristics of the Colonel.

1. He was always positive

2. He would always advance someone, even a new person until they failed."

What is your fondest memory of the RAE’s?
"The wildest time I had at RAE's was at a Saturday 'Bottom Feeders' learning session.  The subject was martinis! On the other hand, maybe I don't remember it so well!"

What makes you keep coming back to RAE’s?
"The Camaraderie of all the customers at RAE's.  We are a family and we are always looking for new additions.  The friendship and the caring of the owner of RAE's - Joan Baker.  She is an owner who deeply appreciates her customers"

Please list 3 of your favorite cigars
     "1. Perdomo Habano Corojo"
     "2. CAO Brazilia Anaconda"
     "3.  La Gloria Cabana Reserved Figarado"

Describe what it is about those 3 cigars which makes them so enjoyable?
"They are medium to full flavored with a very complex profile "

Where do you go, other than RAE’s to light up a cigar and have a good time?
"I only go to RAE's"

If you drink alcohol, which booze goes best with a cigar?
"No question about it - Bourbon and Cognac"

If you were to be remembered for anything amongst all of us at RAE’s, what would you like it to be for?
"I would like to be remembered as being polite and understanding to everyone and being open minded to other concepts and ideas.

Which cigar rep would you LOVE to see have a great deal at RAE's?
"No question about it- The Perdomo Habano Corojo Grand Torpedo. I think it is the only cigar that truly tastes like a Cuban!