Cigar & Spirits Magazine's Jan/Feb 2023 Issue

PUBLISHED by TOP HAT MEDIA GROUP, LLC

VAN HUGH C. DE WEEVER III PUBLISHER

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PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN PHILLIPPE by John Russo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kim Campbell Thornton

Sean Chaffin

Nick Hammond

Molly Headley

Greg Mays Audrey Pavia

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T h e O r i g i n a l a n d O l d e s t D o m i n i c a n C i g a r F o u n d e d b y E d u a r d o L e ó n J i m e n e s i n 1 9 0 3 , L a A u r o r a C i g a r s c o n t i n u e s h i s l e g e n d a r y l e g a c y t o d a y w i t h a n a w a r d - w i n n i n g o f f e r i n g o f d i s t i n c t i v e h a n d c r a f t e d c i g a r s . F r o m t h e o r i g i n a l P r e f e r i d o s t o s p e c i a l a n n i v e r s a r y a n d l i m i t e d e d i t i o n b l e n d s t h a t c o m b i n e o u r m a s t e r f u l u s e o f D o m i n i c a n t o b a c c o w i t h t o b a c c o s f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d , L a A u r o r a h a s b e c o m e a f a v o r i t e o f c r i t i c s a n d c o n n o i s s e u r s , a l i k e .

S c a n t o j o i n

T h e Fa m i ly

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A WORTHY PURSUIT

AS THE NEW YEAR APPROACHES, so do sentiments of new beginnings. I would like to share my personal goals for 2023 in the hopes that they inspire readers to find their own aspirations.

I want to learn to listen, rather than to speak. To think, rather than react. To empathize, rather than judge. To impact my relationships—both professionally and personally—to make the effort a worthy pursuit.

I hope to step back from my digital consumption and be fully present. I want to notice more, be attentive and be alive. Take more time to enjoy a smoke and drink with the people I love and embrace the moments that matter the most.

I wish all our readers the ability to continue their own journeys to happiness and good health.

Sincerely, Publisher Van Hugh C. de Weever III

STADIUM SWIM

There’s nothing quite like the Las Vegas pool scene. Or maybe hitting the sportsbook for some handicapping on NFL Sunday is more your speed. Circa Resort and Casino in downtown Vegas now offers travelers the best of both worlds.

Stadium Swim is the ultimate mash-up, a titanic-sized pool complex allowing bettors to follow all the day’s sporting action, make a few wagers and beat the heat all in one location—365 days a year.

The venue is virtually a stadium. It’s capable of hosting 4,000 people with a 143foot diagonal LED screen with 14 million megapixels. It’s a sports lover’s paradise always keeping bettors in mind. Feeling good about the underdog in that first-round playoff game or maybe ready to make that Super Bowl futures bet? Take advantage of numerous betting windows right on site or simply break out your cell phone to plunk down a few dollars.

Players can relax in the pool or in one of 337 lounge chairs, 30 cabanas, 38 daybeds and even two ultra-exclusive “owners’ suites.” The two swim-up bars are always ready for that next cocktail order. And when it comes to a nice cooldown, Stadium Swim actually features six pools—a splendid way to beat the stifling Vegas summer heat. Guests can reserve a spot for $20, but that can increase depending on the events of the day.

The sportsbook and tropical oasis is the brainchild of Las Vegas casino impresario Derek Stevens. The owner of the D Las Vegas and Golden Gate casinos helped transform downtown with some major renovations and redevelopment. The properties still retain that vintage Vegas vibe, appealing to those seeking that Sin City experience. WIth Circa, Stevens built the first completely new casino resort in downtown Las Vegas since 1980. The property was previously home to the Las Vegas Club, Mermaids Casino, and the Glitter Gulch strip club. But like many properties, those saw demolition to pave the way for something new.

Bettors now find a 35-story luxury hotel featuring 512 rooms, 1,350 slot machines and more than 50 table games. The property opened in October 2020, timed perfectly as sports betting became legalized across the country thanks to the Supreme Court striking down a virtual ban on sports betting outside Nevada in 2018. That not only saw sports betting surge in newly-legalized markets, but also in Las Vegas.

And while many properties view sports wagering as an addition to the more traditional slots and table games, Circa caters specifically to the handicapping crowd. Beyond the aqua-betting scene, the casino also features a massive threestory sportsbook offering all the action one could possibly imagine. But for Circa, Stadium Swim is something completely different and a huge addition to the city.

“A lot of pools in the history of Las Vegas were really designed as an amenity to the hotel,” Stevens said when announcing the launch of the property. “This hotel is almost an amenity to Stadium Swim.” circalasvegas.com -Sean Chaffin

Photo courtesy of Circa Las Vegas

NO. 6 CAVENDISH

Acouple of years ago Ajay Patel of La Casa Del Habano, Teddington, fame made a move into the big smoke with his new cigar store and sampling lounge, No.6 Cavendish in London. A major move away from Ajay’s previous single-minded focus on Cuban cigars, the new store, which is situated in prestigious Cavendish Square, Mayfair, features New World cigars from around the globe. The finishing touches on the interior décor have been in place for some time to the enjoyment of clients at No.6 Cavendish. “There are membership lockers and a luxurious, comfortable place for people to sit, talk or simply enjoy a phenomenal cigar,” Ajay notes. “We’re delighted with what we’ve created and our cigar lovers feel the same.”

Patel’s pedigree for sourcing and selling vintage Cubans separates the lounge from a typical cigar spot, and there are some spectacular classic sticks for sale and sampling on the premises for the seasoned enthusiast and those new to the cigar world. no6cavendish.com -Nick Hammond

Photos courtesy of No. 6 Cavendish

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’

Time waits for no man. And whether at the office, cigar lounge, or just spending some time with friends, any man looking to make an impression will want to have a brilliant timepiece strapped around his wrist. A stunning watch isn't just a way to determine if it’s tee time yet. These pieces of sophisticated engineering are real works of art. That perfect band and face say a lot about a man’s style and personality. With that in mind, here’s a look at some excellent watch selections that offer unique design elements for 2023, and might just change your thinking about making a conventional purchase.

lowdown

Ventura XXL Skeleton Auto ($2,300)

Watch makers are making some bold statements this year and angular designs seem to be part of that trend. This timepiece features a unique triangular face with precision cut-outs on an extra-large dial. The H-10-S three-hand automatic movement offers an extended 80-hour power reserve. The intricate “snail and pearl” pattern adds to the sophistication. The XXL Skeleton brings plenty to the party and won’t break the bank. hamiltonwatch.com

Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M Co-Axial Master Chronometer ($15,400)

This classic timepiece ramps up the angular effects in a unique face design. Since the 1960s, divers around the world have favored this workmanlike-yet-cool chronometer. The titanium-cased engineering marvel functions at 4,000 feet underwater, but looks just as great out on the town. The electric blue ceramic bezel ring adds to that marine bravado and looks great on any man’s wrist—seafarers and landlubbers alike. omegawatches.com

Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G-001 ($91,495)

The Aquanaut eschews the angular look in favor of a more subtle sophistication, but still gets a bit creative when it comes to the traditional watch face. The background black-to-night-blue gradient is a nice touch and the timepiece’s unique curvature only adds to the artistry. The white gold pleases the eye and an updated dial creates a bold statement as well. Checking the time on these devices is always a pleasure. patek.com

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Pro 1000 Superdiver ($6,650)

This sleek timepiece debuted this year and boasts an elongated look with 12-sided bezel design. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer line saw a complete redesign and the new look on the Pro 1000 goes a long way. At 15.75 millimeters thick, this piece checks in at one of the slimmest in the deep-dive watch category. Whether exploring the Great Barrier Reef or sipping a glass of bourbon on a night out with someone special, the Aquaracer is ready for adventure. tagheur.com

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute ($14,500)

Forget the circular design altogether with the Reverso Tribute. The rectangular shape focuses the observer’s eyes and appreciation on something uniquely intricate. The watch debuted in 1931 but the new stainless steel model offers the duoface concept, offering two completely different watch faces depending on your mood. The watch comes in several models along with a pair of interchangeable bracelets (and buckle) designed by Casa Fagliano. It’s certainly a practical and stunning timepiece. jaeger-lecoultre.com -Sean Chaffin

>> Patek Philippe Aquanaut Pro 1000 Superdiver

>> Ventura XXL Skeleton Auto]

>> Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute

>> Omega Seamaster

>> Standing tall at the heart of historic Florence, the spectacular Duomo marks the spot for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

THE NEGRONI LIFE

La dolce vita doesn’t always have to be sweet; sometimes a little bitterness makes it more interesting.

The scent of orange wafts up and tickles my nose as I take the first sip of my Negroni Antica Formula at luxury hotel Villa d’Este’s outdoor bar Caruso, overlooking Lake Como. The lake, greenish during the day, turns sapphire at twilight, and a crescent moon hangs in the sky. My husband, for purposes of comparison, has ordered a Negroni Normale, the traditional version of the classic Italian cocktail.

The Negroni is having a moment. The Italian aperitivo was created in Florence, Italy, just over a century ago, reportedly at the behest of a Count Negroni (which one, exactly, and whether he was actually a count is unclear), who wished the bartender to strengthen his Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth and soda) by replacing the soda with gin.

It’s a simple drink—the white button-down shirt of cocktails—calling for equal parts gin, red vermouth, and Campari over ice, sometimes with orange bitters, stirred, then garnished with a slice of orange. But that’s simply a jumping-off point for any number of variations, all with an underlying complexity that pleases the palate and a flavor that ranges from bitter to spicy to almost sweet, depending on the combination of ingredients and the bartender’s style.

Change up the gin, change up the vermouth, change up the Campari and use another amaro. Heck, change up the spirit altogether. The Sbagliato is a “broken” or “wrong” Negroni, made by replacing the gin with prosecco or other sparkling wine (spumante on Italian menus). It isn’t new but it’s currently trending on TikTok, thanks to British actor Emma D’Arcy of HBO’s House of Dragons fame declaring it her favorite drink.

Swapping bourbon or rye for gin produces a Boulevardier, named for the original metrosexuals: smooth dudes who strolled the boulevards of Paris and frequented fashionable cafes. The drink was a favorite of American in Paris Erskine Gwynne, publisher of The Boulevardier, a literary magazine that fancied itself a Parisian cousin of The New Yorker. In the 1927 edition of his book Barflies and Cocktails, bartender Harry McElhone, of Harry’s Bar fame, who decamped to Europe during Prohibition, credits Gwynne with this twist on the Negroni, made up of equal parts whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari or Aperol.

In Naples we had a Negroni made with mezcal, which adds a smoky touch. There are vodka Negronis (Negroski) and tequila Negronis; frozen strawberry, peach or blood orange Negronis; and white, or French, Negronis, made with gin, Suze, and Lillet Blanc.

Italians call the Negroni an aperitivo, a pre-dinner cocktail, but in three weeks of touring Italy we found it to be much more versatile.

As we wandered the streets of Milan on our first night, we saw Radetzsky and decide to stop in. It was aperitivo time, the Italian equivalent of happy hour, and it was packed with Italians and tourists alike enjoying some light drinks and snacks, typically olives, chips, fried mozzarella balls, or rich, salty nibbles like salami, prosciutto and Pecorino cheese. They served up a classic Negroni: Gordon’s gin, Carpano Classico, and Campari.

Want something lighter than a Negroni to go with your food? Order a Negroni spritz—the traditional Negroni lightened with sparkling water or club soda—which brings it full circle to the Americano. Perfect on a hot summer afternoon or warm evening after hiking the Cinque Terre.

But it’s not just a summer sip. In winter, a Negroni can become cozier by infusing vermouth for an hour with toasted spices; think cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and star anise. Stud the orange slice or twist with a couple of cloves for the perfect finishing touch.

Photo credit: Joe Redmond

>> Colorful buildings line the green waters of the Arno River in Florence.

At Fondazione Prada in Milan, a project that encompasses art, photography, architecture, cinema and more, Wes Anderson-designed Bar Luce is inspired by the typical Milanese café, but in mint-green and pink pastels. Formica furniture, a jukebox and pinball machines are a nod to Italian pop culture aesthetics of the 1950s and ‘60s, Anderson says in an interview posted on the museum’s website.

The afternoon we go, it’s inhabited by girls in black leather pants and midriff tops, a family of five, a blonde in a mini dress and black ankle socks and boots, a young couple with tea and espresso, and a pair of older couples at one of the tables outdoors. In other words, a cross-section of Milan’s population and tourist crowd. A cool waiter sporting rectangular black glasses, a bowtie, short hair, white shirt, and black pants brings us our classic Negronis, which we can have with an assortment of panini, foie gras, vegetarian plates or sweets.

At Villa d’Este, the difference in our two Negronis was the spicy vanilla flavor in mine, imparted by the Antica Formula vermouth. I use it at home when I make Negronis, rather than the typical Martini Rosso, with herbal and orange notes.

It was in Florence, the cocktail’s home, where we experienced the full range of Negronis. Our first stop was Manifattura, a bar that serves only Italian spirits. Our server, Tiziana, brought us three mini Negronis: the Manifattura, made with Gin Occitan, Fusetti Bitter, Opera Rossa Bitter, and Vermutte Carpano Classico Rosso; the Calabrese, with Gin Gil Torbato—made with peat-smoked juniper—Vermutte Rosso Antica Formula, and Bitter Gagliardo; and the Bianco Agrumato, with Gin Berto, Vermutte Misti, Bitter Bianco Luxardo, Genziana Borsi, and Cordial Lime.

At Caffe Gilli, which dates to 1733, bartender Luca Picchi, author of Negroni Cocktail: An Italian Legend and In the Footsteps of the Count, created the Negroni del Centenario, celebrating the centennial of the cocktail with a three-step ritual: down a Negroni jelly shot, follow with a small glass of Perrier to cleanse the palate, then drink the Negroni, made with Bulldog gin, Campari bitter and Cinzano red vermouth. “Why the jelly shot and Perrier?” I asked Picchi.

Over the very loud background of ice in shakers and people conversing at the bar, he explained that the jelly, sort of a molecular Negroni, was the result of two months of experimentation in their laboratory. “The jelly for me, it’s like a joke,” he says, something fun to serve alongside the drink. The Perrier is a nod to the old-style Negroni with a splash of soda. “It separates the past from the future.”

Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning writer in Lake Forest, California. When she's not writing, she enjoys cocktails, travel and scuba diving.

SHAKING UP TRADITION

When it comes to Negronis, Stanley Tucci isn’t afraid to stir up a little controversy. The traditional version, of course, calls for equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. But in social media videos, Tucci, obviously familiar with the cocktail’s versatility, puts his own spin on it with a double shot of gin and a shot each of sweet vermouth—he likes Carpano Antica Formula—and Campari. The additional gin cuts the sweetness of the vermouth. (Tucci also notes that people who prefer vodka can substitute that, with a little gin on top for flavor, but for me that’s a step too far.)

This controversial take on the Negroni also involves shaking it with ice instead of building it over ice in the glass, adding a squeeze of juice from the orange slice garnish, and then serving it up in a coupe instead of in a tumbler with a large cube of ice.

Going further, he offers a variation that involves adding a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to add a pop of flavor.

However you choose to mix your Negroni, have it with a plate of aperitivo while watching Tucci take you through Italy on his CNN show Searching For Italy, the streaming crime drama Inside Man or rewatching cult favorite Big Night for the umpteenth time. You can check out Tucci’s New York Times best-seller Taste: My Life Through Food, too.

Cin cin!

Photos courtesy of Jerry Thornton

>> The Negroni’s bittersweet flavor pairs well with rich or salty happy hour snacks.

>> From summer afternoons to fall evenings by Lake Como to winter holidays, the Negroni is an adaptable cocktail.

>> Foodie and cocktalian Stanley Tucci in Rome 2018

Photo credit Agenzi Sintesi/Alamy.com

FEATURED PAIRINGS

PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE

by Greg Mays

OLIVA SERIE V MELANIO MADURO FIGURADO KIMO SABE AÑEJO MEZCAL

Oliva has been highly lauded over many years for the quality, consistency and craftsmanship of their cigars. Oliva is a perennially award-winning brand.

Founded by the Oliva family from Cuba in 1886, Gilberto Oliva carried on the family tradition and relocated to Nicaragua after the communist takeover of Cuba. The Melanio series is named for Gilberto’s grandfather and the original founder of the Oliva line, Melanio Oliva. The Melanio cigar has become an industry benchmark since its introduction just a few years ago.

This Oliva is a beautifully rolled and box-pressed cigar that features a highly appealing visual presentation. The pre-light scents of this figurado are chocolate and mild cedar, and on light, the San Andrés wrapper gives off a chocolate truffle aroma and flavor, with hints of nuts and a mild spice throughout.

I paired the Oliva with Kimo Sabe Añejo Mezcal, a beautifully fresh-tasting sweet mezcal with tasting notes of vanilla and mango, plus some oaky bite on the finish.

Kimo Sabe is certainly one of the smoothest mezcals I’ve experienced. The chocolate sweetness of the Oliva married with the tropical overtones of Kimo Sabe created an excellent pairing that together reminds me of delightful chocolatecovered pineapple.

HIGHCLERE CASTLE SENETJER HIGHCLERE CASTLE BARREL AGED GIN

The Highclere Castle line from Foundation Cigar Co. has released a limited premium cigar to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, and they have a gin to pair with it as well. Lord Carnarvon left Highclere Castle 100 years ago for Egypt and was one of the discoverers of the ancient tomb. Both the cigar and the gin are heavily embellished with Egyptian iconography and will certainly turn heads when the opportunity to enjoy this pairing comes.

The Highclere Castle Senetjer (meaning “incense”) is a beautifully rolled cigar presented in a “tomb” box of 12 with a figurado format. The wrapper has scents of herb and mint on pre-light. It’s spicy and sweet with an abundance of smoke output after being fired up. Spice and herbs remain prevalent, and the cigar remains at medium-strength throughout.

Highclere Castle’s Barrel Aged Gin was released in limited supply as well, offered through their website at $100 per bottle. This spirit is aged in Armagnac, Scotch and American Whiskey casks. It has a uniquely hay color in the glass. Highclere has a light citrus nose, though familiar pine scents follow. Sipping reveals lemon and orange, followed by a sweet wood flavor (likely the Armagnac casks). The aging of this gin has led to a drink that retains its gin-ness, but has levels of character through the casks for a delicious drink served neat with your cigar.

This pairing is royally enjoyable. Together, they have a fresh balance of herbs, citrus and sweet wood. The Highclere concept creates a wonderful pairing session.

SIZE: 6¾ X 52 FIGURADO | WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN BINDER: BRAZILIAN | FILLER: THREE YEARS/UNDISCLOSED | STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $33 | MSRP (GIN): $100

ALADINO COROJO RESERVA BALVENIE 16 FRENCH OAK

If you’re unfamiliar, the Aladino lines are part of the JRE Tobacco Co. portfolio, run by Julio Eiroa and his son Justo. Their cigars feature the Corojo leaf, and the Eiroa family is the premier grower of these plants in Honduras. While often a very earthy tobacco leaf, the Eiroa family has managed to grow and blend a very balanced and delicious Honduran puro cigar with Aladino.

I smoked a robusto size of the Aladino Corojo Reserva. The presentation features tissue paper wrapping at the bottom half, much like Cuban Fonsecas. I love the vintage aspect of this. The scent on pre-light is sweet earth. There’s a wonderfully subtle flavor profile of buttery sourdough bread once the cigar is lit. The cigar smokes mild and often quite mellow throughout. The tobacco flavor is incredibly well-balanced, and the burn is even.

I paired the Corojo Reserva with Balvenie’s 16-year-old French Oak Scotch. With a nose of sweet hay and grains, this whisky was an excellent companion to the stick. The finish features flavors of banana bread and raisins.

The layers of flavor between the cigar and spirit are wonderful and on the milder side. The breadytobacco of this smoke connects well with the bready sweetness of the Scotch, and together they make for a quality pairing experience. This pairing stays in my rotation.

SIZE: 5 X 50 ROBUSTO | WRAPPER, BINDER, FILLER: HONDURAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $12 | MSRP (SCOTCH): $130

SERINO ROYALE MADURO XX BARRELL VANTAGE WHISKEY

Serino has made quite a name for itself as a well-known craft cigar manufacturer, and they wear that badge with pride. Generally, Serino sources tobacco from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Their blends are premium artisanal, but very accessible with reasonable price points.

The Serino Royale Maduro XX celebrates the 20th anniversary of the company with a bold, yet balanced and flavorful cigar in the robusto extra format. It’s a half inch longer than a robusto. The nose detects very sweet tobacco from the wrapper and well-aged leather. When lighting the cigar, I noted dark cherry and chocolate notes as well, and found the strength to be a bit less than I expected.

I paired the Serino with Barrell’s Vantage whiskey, a bourbon that’s finished in French oak, toasted American oak and Mizunara oak casks. The result is a warming spice flavor profile coupled with dry cedar and traces of pecan. At cask strength, this is a bold whiskey that matches the bold Royale Maduro XX’s chocolate and leather profile very well. A cedar profile in a whiskey is always a good choice when smoking a cigar, and this is no exception.

KRISTOFF SUMATRA LANCERO BAYOU RUM MARDI GRAS XO

There’s no doubt when you see a box of Kristoff cigars at your local cigar shop. Packaged in ornate boxes and resting on a bed of tobacco leaves, their cigars have both a rustic and elegant presentation.

I tried Kristoff’s Sumatra Lancero (the crimson-banded cigar) and found that it had the floral notes I’d expect from a Sumatra wrapper, plus elements of cinnamon and spice. The lancero smoked in exemplary fashion all the way through, with a razor-sharp burn line, and the strength of the cigar ran a bit strong from light to nub. A lancero can pack more of a punch as a “concentrated” smoke, and the Sumatra delivers balanced and delicious flavors.

I paired Kristoff’s Sumatra with Bayou Rum Mardi Gras XO, a rum made by the Cathead Distillery in Louisiana. Bayou Mardi Gras has a beautiful amber color—maple syrup in tone. This rum is fresh and sweet on the nose much like strawberries and cream. Flavors consist of vanilla cream and a little touch of blueberry muffin, both sweet and creamy. The bold cigar with cinnamon notes makes for a good marriage between the vanilla and cream. It’s a melt-in-your -mouth cigar pairing.

SIZE: 7½ X 50 LANCERO | WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN BINDER, FILLER: BRAZILIAN, DOMINICAN, NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $8 | MSRP (RUM): $75

Greg Mays is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) and the Executive Editor of SimpleCocktails.net

WWW.UNCLENEAREST.COM

Uncle Nearest has won a combined total of 352 awards in three years, including 191 in 2021 alone. Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 50% and 46.5% Alc/Vol, Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. © 2022 Uncle Nearest, Inc.

NicoElNino/shutterstock.com

A JOURNEY THROUGH PARIS Cigars and Cocktails in the

City of Light

by Molly Headley

ieu,” Serge Gainsberg once sang, “est un fumeur des havanes, c’est lui qui m’as dit que la fumee m’envoie a Paradis!” The sentiment from France’s iconic bad boy that God was a smoker of Havana cigars and that their smoke would carry him to paradise reflects the feeling that still weaves through cigar circles in the capital. Cigars are ingrained in the culture, memories of a different era, symbols of the art of living that the French hold so dear. France is consistently named one of the top consumers of Cuban cigars in the world, with the extra distinction of receiving small-batch regional editions made especially for the French palate, such as the well-known Quai d'Orsay. Connoisseurs of fine cigars in Paris are akin to connoisseurs of any French luxury product. They’re passionate,

knowledgeable and deeply connected to the product’s terroir. With this in mind, it makes sense that the earthy odor of good cigars mainly perfumes a few arrondissements, where the love of the finer things in life merges with a certain sense of tradition. The highest proliferation of cigar-friendly addresses lay in what’s known as Paris’ golden triangle. The area in the 8th arrondissement is delineated by the grand Avenues ChampsElysee, Montaigne, and George V and is studded with five-star hotels, Michelin-starred dining, luxury shopping and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Swirl past the famous architecture and the iconic tourist must-sees, and you’ll land in some of the best places in the world to indulge your cigar passion.

24 HOURS IN PARIS LIVING YOUR BEST CIGAR LIFE

Tobacco notes are as varied and complex as the people who smoke them. Booking a cigar-friendly hotel allows you the freedom to find your pleasure on your own time, rather than being beholden to the time of day, the moods of the weather, and transport strikes which are as common in Paris as Louis Vuitton handbags. Many of Paris’ five-star hotels offer opulent digs for smokers. But be aware that most of the lounges are for hotel guests only, and a few like Le Royal Monceau require a yearly subscription, which can skyrocket into the thousands.

>> Paris aerial panorama with river Seine and Eiffel tower, France.

Photo courtesy of Molly Headley

LA MAISON CHAMPS ÉLYSÉES

La Maison is a good choice for travelers looking for somewhere decidedly Parisian with cigar culture integrated into the experience. The hotel, designed by Maison Martin Margiela, is a masterpiece of contrasts from the lobby ensconced in white to the Blind Bar, a dark horse of a smoking lounge, kitted out in scorched wood paneling and black leather armchairs. The fumoir is specifically reserved for cigar smokers, so you can relax away from the rush of check-ins and passers-by. Even if you opt not to stay at the hotel, you can enjoy the lounge with an entrance fee of $26. The fee can be used towards the purchase of tapas, drinks or the enviable selection of cigars that are available in the humidor, including Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales, Montecristo Edmundo, Cohiba Siglio I and II, Davidoff Signature and Horacio among others. Expect the Blind Bar to heat up on weekend evenings with a regular local crowd peppered with French celebrities. The bar is open from 1 pm to 11 pm, but hotel guests can access it whenever they desire, including for a morning coffee and smoke.

HÔTEL LUTETIA

The newly renovated Hôtel Lutetia in the 6th arrondissement, Le Penisula in the 16th and La Reserve in the 8th are also popular places for cigarloving travelers; each with luxurious lounges and terraces in which to enjoy a stick with prestigious spirits. The hotels come with the anticipated fivestar prices to go with their gilded and glamorous interiors.

Photo courtesy of La Maison Champs Elysées

EQ Roy/Shutterstock.com

>> Le Cigare Bar (formerly Blind Bar) at La Maison Champs Elysées is the inverse of the White Salon. Burnt wood walls and dark leather club chairs create an intimate environment for those passionate about both cigars and signature Parisian style.

PALAIS ROYAL

Now, it's time to step outside your hotel for the essentials–the cigars themselves. Many traditional tabacs advertise that they sell cigars, but few actually specialize in the proper storage and handing of products worthy of their noble reputation. You can start your visit at Palais Royal across from the oldest cigar shop in the world.

Four of the Best Cocktail and Cigar Bars in Paris

Paris is known for its wine and champagne, cognac and armagnac, yet, finding a well crafted cocktail can be a bit like playing hide and seek with a flea. Happy hours are de rigueur at most restaurants/bars in the city, but they often include such “delicacies” as overly sweet Aperol spritz, watered-down mojitos, and miniature glasses of table wine.

Our list includes cigar-friendly locations that know how to make proper cocktails to pair with your favorite smoke.

Best for Craft Cocktails and Pampering

Gentlemen 1919 is the current go-to place for cigar lovers in Paris. You’re sure to find like-minded epicureans in this small speakeasy-style bar in the 8th arrondissement. Stop by early for an old-school shave and a haircut before heading into the hidden cocktail bar and fumoir in the back. The name is a nod to the year that prohibition was established in the States. gentlemen1919.com

Best Cigar Community

A LA CIVETTE

A La Civette has sold an extensive selection of high-end cigars since 1716. With its luxurious view of the Louvre, this is the perfect launching point for lovers of history and culture. The newly remodeled shop comes with a walk-in humidor stocked with old favorites as well as special editions. Some stand-outs include Davidoff Oro Blanco, Romeo y Julieta’s Linea de Oro, and the Magnum 52 made by H. Upmann to commemorate the Year of the Tiger. If you ask nicely the staff will also show you the shop’s rhumerie, which includes meticulously chosen top-shelf rum, whisky, armagnac and more. Take a peek at the vintage bottles, such as a Rhum Clément from 1976 and a spectacular 1946 bottle of Domaine de Courcelles. Lacquered humidors, cigar cutters and other accessories also make great souvenirs to bring back from your trip. Once you’ve selected your stash, channel your inner literature buff as you wander through the Place Colette, past La ComédieFrançaise, where Moliere’s theater troupe once performed, and into the gardens of the Palais Royal. Sit back, puff away and take in the scenery that has barely changed in 300 years.

Cubana Café in the 6th was one of the first cigar bars to open in Paris, more than 23 years ago. It has faithful regulars who stop by every day for late afternoon to evening meet-ups. Known for its convivial fumoir, guests can enjoy their puros with a variety of rum cocktails in the heart of Paris. The café also has a pretty sweet selection of alcohol-free options. cubanacafe.com

Best for Music

Le Speakeasy Piano Bar and Restaurant brings a party vibe to the chill 16th arrondissement. The bar features an array of jazz, rhythm & blues, and French variety from 8pm until 11:30, at which point it transforms into a dance club with rotating DJs. Order a “Drunk n Disorder” cachaça cocktail and retreat to the dedicated smoking lounge in between sets. lespeakeasy.com

Most Creative Concept

The CigarTruck Paris is open during the warmer months of the year (normally from June to October) next to the Aquarium de Paris in the 16th. This food truck concept combines a selection of cigars and Cuban rums with a cool, open-air vibe. The CigarTruck Paris is open daily in front of the Paris Aquarium. facebook.com/Cig.Truck

Photo courtesy of Molly Headley

Photo courtesy of Gentlemen 1919

>> A La Civette tobacco shop across from the Palais Royal should be on every tobacco fan's pilgrimage to the City of Light. It’s the oldest "tabac" in France.

>> Leather Chesterfield sofas and chairs create a traditional British lounge atmosphere in Le Fumoir at Gentlemen 1919.

LA BELLE POULE

After getting your fill of Parisian splendors, head back to the 8th for lunch at La Belle Poule. This French restaurant features traditional cuisine and housemade cocktails. Cigar lovers can retreat into the large smoking lounge where they can order from the menu or opt for the outdoor terrace. It’s also steps from the Salle Pleyel, a 1920s Art Deco concert hall, known for having some of the best acoustics in the city, making it worth checking what’s on while you’re in the city.

A leisurely stroll after lunch will bring you past Napoleón’s Arc de Triomphe on the way to have a late-afternoon shave, shoe shine, and cigar. Gentlemen 1919 is the current go-to place for locals who are passionate

about cigars and speakeasy bars. From the vintage-chic barbershop seen from the street, we enter a back door to find a moodlit cocktail bar and smoking lounge, created by Maxime Simonneau and Antoine Drieu. According to Drieu, the space is “intended to welcome men in search of a place to share a certain art of living and a culture of good taste, displayed both aesthetically and tastefully.”

Guests can buy cigars from the well-stocked cellar or bring their own ammunition and relax on the Chesterfield sofa after some pampering. The ideal pairing for the prohibition-era inspired space is a rum oldfashioned and a Quai d’Orsay n°54.

>> Palais Royal garden in center of Paris, France is a destination not to be missed.

CLUB PIERRE CHARRON

To finish off your day, we recommend a bit of frivolity. Club Pierre Charron, located just off the iconic Champs-Élysées, is an elegant gaming club dedicated to traditional casino games such as Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat as well as live gaming experiences. Created by an avid player, Club Pierre Charron is packed with regulars on the weekends who play into the early hours of the morning. Unlike most gambling haunts known for free-flow cocktails and lacking in food, Pierre Charron puts the country’s culinary traditions front and center. Head past the flip of cards and the throw of dice into the private dining room, where you’ll be served up excellent French cuisine and fine wines. Alternatively, if the game is too hot to step away, ask for your meal to be brought directly to your table. The hospitable staff is ready to serve your

every need while the game is in play. When you’re ready for a cigar, head upstairs to the dedicated smoking lounge. The lounge has a small selection of cigars and cigarettes available, including H.Upmann Magnum 54s and Davidoff Millennium Robustos. You can order drinks at the bar to drink in the plush library-style smoking lounge before making your way back to your game.

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, yet, even with its influx of tourists and commerce, fashion weeks and filmscapes it still sells what it preaches–luxury, excellence, and savoir faire. In a city dedicated to bon vivants, you’re sure to find good company in some of the best places in the world to enjoy a cigar.

Molly Headley holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and Literary Criticism from the University of Oxford. Her work can be seen in a wide range of publications, from Bloomsbury Press, Glénat Editions and Al Jazeera Media to magazines focusing on Arts & Culture, Food & Beverage and Travel. She's lived and worked in Los Angeles, London, Saigon and Paris–endlessly hunting the best places to enjoy the finer things in life.

>> The gaming room at Club Pierre Charron is the place to go if you're interested in keeping the game going all night. When you're ready for your cigar, head upstairs to the dedicated smoking room.

Photo courtesy of Club Pierre Charron

Behind the Leaf Keeping

Time

With Ernesto Perez Carrillo

by Audrey Pavia and Randy Mastronicola

Photos courtesy of EPC Cigars

ERNESTO PEREZ-CARRILLO has been honing his craft as a cigar maker for five decades—and it shows. His company, EPC Cigar Co., located in the Dominican Republic, represents three generations in the cigar business. His father, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Sr., sold tobacco in Cuba post-World War II, and his children, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III and Lissette Perez-Carrillo, have integral roles with EPC Cigar.

In 2018, EPC began producing the award-winning Encore, made with Nicaraguan tobacco, and aged in tercios, palm bark-wrapped bales used for aging fermented tobacco. The popularity of Encore catapulted EPC to the point where the brand has now been producing 2.5 million cigars over the last few years. Additionally, Ernesto has received numerous accolades as one of the cigar world’s foremost master blenders, and he is widely recognized as an industry innovator.

We sat down with Ernesto to ask him about life as a master blender.

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Can you describe the feeling you had when you made your first cigar?

Ernesto: I started back in the early '70s, but it wasn't 'til the '80s that I took over our small company and started working on different blends. That was a learning experience. I have to say I still find myself learning every day about tobaccos and blending and cigars. I think for me, it is an ongoing process. I think we got a CA rating of number eight or something like that. It made me very proud because it opened a different perspective for me on how important it is to be recognized with this type of rating. It's a great feeling. And it adds more pressure because you're always looking for that. It's like the measuring stars. You get the first one, then the second one, and you're always shooting for the third one. I'm shooting for the fourth and fifth ones.

There's a certain validation we hope for when we're starting our careers. Yes. You're out there facing the world, and the pressure is there. When I had my first real blend—and I went through many—I didn't really see it as something. I always felt that I could do better. I was not really satisfied during those years with anything I did because it was something that my father had started. I started looking at new blends in the ‘90s, which was hard because we had the cigar boom. It was a different time. It wasn't like it is today. At that time, you just tried to make the best cigar that you could, just to stay in business.

“We know right away if a cigar is good, it's something our customers are going to enjoy because there are certain characteristics. I think the most important thing is that the moment you light it, it's like a globe. It sparkles.”

>> Ernesto Perez Carrillo’s cigar portfolio features a diversity of innovative and award-winning blends.

Our industry has true artisans. It’s akin to creating music. We have people like Michael Herklots, Rafael Nodal, and Nick Perdomo who are skilled musicians… I used to be a jazz musician.

There’s a creative energy there that's similar. When you’re a musician, you must practice constantly just to be good. I think with cigars, it's the same thing. You must keep practicing. You just don't work on a plan when you need a new product. I've seen that with musicians because I used to be a drummer. I study a lot of drummers, and I see, even now, there's some young drummers who are really very exciting and are based on the masters of the past. I think it’s the same thing with cigars. I want to be on top of things, and not let anything catch me by surprise as far as blending new cigars.

That's what most innovators do. They have an ear out at all times. How do you stay connected to that initial inspiration?

Well, there's a couple of things that inspire me and push me. One is going out and seeing tobacco, like I did this morning. I found two Dominican tobaccos that I've never worked with, and I'm going to see how I can come up with blends with these particular tobaccos. My kids, Lissette and Ernie, have that drive, and they want to succeed in this business. The fact that this is something very important to them makes me want to do something new. What are we going to work on next year? What new tobaccos are out there that we can go in and make blends with? Sometimes I go to sleep at night, and I'm thinking about a blend, so I'll write it down. And then the next day, we'll have it made here at the factory.

Now, with this new company, it's a constant challenge to see what we can do. Not only for our company, but for the private labels we do.

Well, that's interesting because not only do you collaborate with your family, but you also collaborate within the industry. Does that keep your juices flowing? It does because even though we do private label, I see all those cigars as our own. I want to be sure they're successful. Whatever I can do as far as the tobacco end and the blending to make the brand successful. I'll give it 110 percent because that's part of our company now. We don't just sell cigars. We build a relationship with these people that hopefully lasts for many years.

“Being a drummer, when I was younger, Tony Williams, Alvin Jones, Buddy Rich, all those people inspired me. This is what I’d like to be someday for the younger generation that's coming up and working with tobaccos and cigars.”

I know you've had some successful collaborations with other blenders as well, and I really think it enhances your career. It's like you're a collaborative ambassador.

Like anything, if you want to be able to look people straight in the face, say, "I did this," you’ve got to be here. It’s not something you can do over the phone. I think that's important, and it’s one thing I tell the people we make cigars with. Let’s sit down and smoke different tobaccos. Let's go through the different blends that we have. That’s really when they get excited about it, and I get excited also.

Do you know right off the bat when you’ve created a winner?

I do know right off the bat. Unfortunately, we can't put every cigar that's good out there because it would be too many. We know right away if a cigar is good, it's something our customers are going to enjoy because there are certain characteristics. I think the most important thing is that the moment you light it, it's like a globe. It sparkles.

It takes many trials, many blends, and you need to have that cigar aging for at least 15 to 21 days before you can really say, "Okay, this is good." I'll make like 25 cigars, and I'll smoke one as soon as I get it. Then every two days, I'll smoke it again and see how it progresses. The progression is slow sometimes. You light up a cigar and you say, "Well, this is not really that good," and then after those 20 or 30 days, you really see what the cigar is going to deliver.

You've probably smoked more cigars than most people on earth. What would you say has been your favorite cigar moment?

My cigar moments usually come at night when I'm home, whether I'm here in the Dominican or in Miami. It's reading a book and holding a cigar. Although if it's a Pledge, it's a little bit more difficult to smoke when you're reading a book. For me anyway. That one I like to just concentrate on and smoke it. And just enjoy what's around me. I have a little terrace, and I go out there and I light my cigar, read a book. It's great, man.

What would you say is your greatest personal achievement to date?

I like to think that I'm a good father, a good husband, and that I try to do the best I can for my family. I think everybody aspires to do that. Professionally I think I like to be seen as somebody who inspires others to do that.

Being a drummer, when I was younger, Tony Williams, Alvin Jones, Buddy Rich, all those people inspired me. This is what I’d like to be someday for the younger generation that's coming up and working with tobaccos and cigars. That they see me as an inspiration to be the best that they can at what they're doing.

What do you like to pair your cigars with?

I don't drink, but when I used to, I enjoyed a bourbon. My favorite was Wild Turkey. I’ve tried to have my cigars emulate some of the flavors from that bourbon. It was strong. It had a bite, but also it was smooth, and it would have a little bit of creaminess. This is what inspires me when I'm making a blend.

What should our audience be on the lookout for in 2023?

My vision right now is to just be as innovative as possible with the cigars we make. Because I think the industry is growing. There's a lot of competition out there, and I think this is good because it keeps me on my toes. I'm really excited because we've had two exceptional years, and 2023 is going to be an exceptional year too. We will stay focused on trying to make the best cigars possible with the best tobaccos we can get.

Audrey Pavia is an award-winning writer and editor living in Southern California. She has authored twenty-three nonfiction books. Audrey is a frequent contributor and consulting editor for Cigar & Spirits Magazine. Randy Mastronicola is the Executive Editor of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

Photos courtesy of Uncle Nearest Whiskey

Van Hugh C. de Weever III

>>

“W

e’re in the business of cementing legacies, not the whiskey business” says Fawn Weaver. Fawn is the owner of the best-selling Black American-founded, -owned, and -led spirit brand in United States history.

What started out as a passion project to honor a man’s legacy resulted in the creation of her own. In 2016, Fawn read an article in the New York Times featuring a photograph of Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel, surrounded by his comrades. In that same photograph was an unidentified African-American male sitting directly next to him. Who was this man? And under what circumstances would an AfricanAmerican slave be photographed with Jack Daniel instead of other slaves?

Fawn was determined to uncover the truth. After reading the article, she went on a 12-month research endeavor involving more than 20 historians, archivists, archaeologists, conservators and genealogists from

>> The Uncle Nearest distillery is in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

An unlikely friendship between George Green (3rd row, center) and Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel (seated to Green’s left) created an enduring legacy of friendship and whiskey.

around the world to uncover the truth behind this mystery. The result was a remarkable discovery that would ultimately change the course of her life.

The name of the gentleman was George Green, the son of Nearest Green. Who is Nearest Green and what’s his relationship to Jack Daniel? Jack, who was orphaned by the age of 7, was sent to a call farm to be a service boy. It was there that he met Nearest Green, who began to teach the boy the Lincoln County Process of distilling whiskey. This proprietary process is what creates Tennessee Whiskey. Though Nearest Green was originally a slave, records suggest that the unlikely pair grew close over the years.

As the Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand became more successful, he appointed Nearest Green, now a free man, to be the distillery’s first master distiller. This appointment made Nearest Green the first African-American master distiller in the United States. For years this distinction was unknown— until Fawn set out to ensure that Nearest Green’s legacy was rightfully cemented in history.

She subsequently tracked down Green’s family and descendants. They were all incredibly supportive in her quest to make his life’s work known across the world. Fawn worked with the family to create

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. She accumulated $40 million of investor funds to open the Nearest Green Distillery. Fawn was steadfast that his legacy would grow as the brand strived to reach the pinnacle of the whiskey industry. The Uncle Nearest whiskey portfolio has won over 450 awards since 2017. It was the most awarded bourbon and American whiskey in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Sales have now exceeded $100 million; forecasts predict that amount will double by the end of 2023.

A portion of the company’s profits are allocated to further the education of Nearest Green’s descendants to ensure their college tuition is paid for them. The company also invests in minorityowned businesses and fosters entrepreneurship through their Black Business Booster program (BBB) and the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI). Weaver is committed to community responsibility as well as the belief that her own success is the best example of how anything is possible.

At the heart of Fawn’s tremendous achievements sits a deep respect and admiration for Nearest Green. As she states at the end of our chat, “If Nearest Green were making jeans, I’d be making jeans.”

Van Hugh C. de Weever III is the Publisher of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

HOOKED on SAGE LODGE

PARADISE IN YELLOWSTONE’S VALLEY

Nestled in the striking hills of Paradise Valley, Montana, lies the angler inspired Sage Lodge Luxury Resort. The magnificence of Paradise Valley is fully realized in this multi-faceted hospitality experience—where fly-fishing is far from the only activity. Pick your poison: horseback riding, hiking, biking, hunting, rock climbing and cross-country skiing are available for guests of varying skill and interest levels. That’s not to mention the luxury lodging, full-service spa, and two restaurants— The Fireside Room and The Grill.

For an adventure-based hotel, there’s a wonderful combination of wellness and indulgence. Those wishing to get into the park early can return to the serenity of the soaking tubs before an afternoon massage. Or perhaps a morning of cross-country skiing would conclude with a single malt scotch on the patio, overlooking Emigrant Peak.

Fly-fishing is at the heart of the Sage Lodge. The hotel is positioned near a variety of water types: still water for casting ponds, great rivers for floating and spring creeks for technical fishing. The Sage Lodge angler-experience is suited to all genders and ages who want to try the sport on their own terms. It combats the unapproachability that traditionally accompanies fly-fishing. Anglers of all classes and levels

of experience are encouraged to experiment with the sport. Those who’ve never tried their hand at fly-fishing can enjoy an introduction and sampling of it outside of the confines of a traditional lodge.

Sage Lodge is positioned on the north end of Yellowstone National Park, claiming the only entrance to remain open to vehicular traffic during all 12 months of the year. In the cold winter months of January and February, guests are privy to fascinating sightings of rare wildlife, notably Yellowstone’s wolves. Animals move seasonally through the property, which lands at an impressive 1,250 acres. There’s no shortage of land to enjoy—the Lodge holds 300 acres on the Yellowstone River, and a mile and a half of Yellowstone riverfront, named The Preserve, where lodgers can expect frequent sightings of moose.

The landscape where Sage Lodge sits is dramatic. Whether it’s the sun peeking through the clouds or lights shimmering on the river, the stunning experience Sage Lodge offers is undeniable.

But don’t just take our word for it. Book your stay at the luxurious Sage Lodge and find out for yourself. -Mary Jane Clark sagelodge.com

INTERVIEW RYAN PHILLIPPE’S BEVERLY HILLS HIDEAWAY

by Randy Mastronicola | portraits by John Russo

That quote is at tributed to author James A. Michener, and living by his philosophy is a wise choice. Given that Cigar & Spirits Magazine is geared to the appreciation of cigars, spirits, cuisine, travel and showcasing people who are passionate about life, it shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that Michener’s quote resonates with us.

Spending a day with Ryan Phillippe at his restaurant The Hideaway in Beverly Hills was as fine a workday as they come for our team. Ryan and two of his partners, JT Torregiani and Sylvain Bitton, were undoubtedly gracious hosts that day. We had a chance to chat with Ryan throughout the day, and we came away with the realization that Ryan is a fine example of someone who lives by Michener’s tenet as well.

It's a bit hard to believe that Ryan has had a thirty-year acting career. Sustaining an award-winning career in Hollywood for that amount of time is no small feat. Ryan is 48, but he doesn’t look a whole helluva lot older from when he first jumped out at us from the screen in the ‘90s in films like Crimson Tide, Cruel Intentions, Gosford Park and the iconic I Know What You Did Last Summer Recently, he’s been lauded in films like American Murderer and Summit Fever Ryan’s been able to develop a fully realized career acting in a variety of genres, directing, hosting a podcast and becoming an entrepreneur.

“A MASTER IN THE ART OF LIVING MAKES LITTLE DISTINCTION BETWEEN HIS WORK AND HIS PLAY.”

THE INTERVIEW

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: What inspired this restaurant venture? The art on the walls is gorgeous, and there’s a great energy here.

Ryan Phillippe: The vibe is meant to be ‘70s to ‘80s Baja, Mexico. Jeffrey Best, one of the partners, grew up taking family vacations there every summer, and so that left an indelible imprint on his memory. When it came time to make a Mexican steakhouse, the idea was to theme it accordingly. It’s similar to what a set designer would do in a movie. Things are intentionally aged; it's made to look like it's been here for some time. This is a brand-new restaurant but look at the cracks around the coping. All of that is done with intention so it feels like a place that's been around for a long time.

You and your Hideaway partners pride yourselves on the fact that most everything is imported from Mexico—from the flooring to the art, and vintage movie posters.

To the tortilla strips. [laughs] They come from Oaxaca; you can't get them in the United States. The emphasis has been placed on authenticity, but also in creating a cinematic dining experience where you feel like you've gone someplace—an experience—not just to dinner.

“WHEN IT CAME TIME TO MAKE A MEXICAN STEAKHOUSE, THE IDEA WAS TO THEME IT ACCORDINGLY. IT’S SIMILAR TO WHAT A SET DESIGNER WOULD DO IN A MOVIE. THINGS ARE INTENTIONALLY AGED; IT'S MADE TO LOOK LIKE IT'S BEEN HERE FOR SOME TIME.”

“I'M REALLY INTO MEZCAL THESE DAYS. WE HAVE A GREAT MEZCAL COCKTAIL HERE THAT I LOVE CALLED THE POBLANO ESCOBAR... OVER TIME, MEZCAL BECOMES REALLY, REALLY PLEASING TO THE PALETTE.”

Everything feels curated. It’s not cookie-cutter decor. Exactly.

The passion you show in your acting is evident. Do you share that same passion for the restaurant industry?

I do. Absolutely. I feel like it’s going to be my retirement plan–getting more and more into hospitality. I'm involved with Craig's Restaurant, which is one of the most popular in Los Angeles. I'm involved in a lounge opening in Miami, and back home where I’m from in Delaware. I'm opening two establishments there within the next year and a half. I have a passion for it. There's a lot of creativity within the space. You can have nice drinks, nice food, and people pay a premium for that at certain places. I want them to go away with something extra. I want them to have an actual experience, not just a meal. I want to apply that to all of the establishments I'm involved with. Really have it be transformative in some ways.

The vibe at The Hideaway is unique. It’s hip, artisanal and classic at the same time. Right. You would never feel like you were in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles right now, especially at night. The way it feels when the lights come down, with the fire pits on—it's just gorgeous.

It doesn't feel like a stereotypical Rodeo Drive kind of place. The restaurant has a warmth to it. That's the idea.

What's your favorite dish?

Well, I'm a big meat eater which is a good thing because this is a Mexican steakhouse. [laughs] One of my favorite things on the menu is the wagyu tartare tacos. I love raw meat. The tomahawk is insane. One of our signature dishes here is the barramundi. It’s prepared as a whole fish, but each side is seasoned differently, so there's a red sauce seasoning and a green sauce seasoning on the same fish as it's delivered to your table. People love it.

I love that you can share multiple dishes, kind of family style. You can have all your friends here and just order a variety of meats.

Yes, it's meant to be that way. It's meant to be like family style, and so every dish comes with its own corn or flour tortillas. You can go either shrimp, fish or steak. Anything you order is complemented by what we add to the table. Lime, salt and the tortillas.

The restaurant has gotten buzz as a “subterranean late-night Mexican steakhouse.” The craft cocktails and tequila button service as well. Do you appreciate tequila and mezcal?

I'm really into mezcal these days. We have a great mezcal cocktail here that I love called the Poblano Escobar. Mezcal is an acquired taste in some regards. When you have your first one or two, you might be a little resistant, but then over time, mezcal becomes really, really pleasing to the palate. There are quite a few fancy drinks here. Like for the ladies, we have a novelty drink that's served in a ceramic donkey, like an old-school style Mexican restaurant would have.

“WE'RE GOING TO START BACK WITH BUSTER KEATON AND CHARLIE CHAPLIN, GO THROUGH THE MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES AND SPAGHETTI WESTERNS. ”

What do you have planned for the year for the restaurant?

There's a growth process with every restaurant. It's got to find its legs, from the menu to the staffing, to the functionality of it all. It gets better and better each time you come back, which is another thing that I love. Then hopefully we're successful enough to franchise this to other places. We'd love to do a Hideaway London, Hideaway Chicago. Vegas may come calling at some point, so we'll see.

Cool. That’s 2023 for the restaurant. What about your entertainment projects?

It's a lot, man. Between now and the spring, I have four movies coming out. [Our interview with Ryan took place this past October.] The two that are out now or next week are American Murderer and Summit Fever. I'm shooting a new pilot for ABC in the coming year. I’m going to direct my second film in the spring, a horror movie. I've also just started doing a podcast for a company called Wheelhouse that Jimmy Kimmel's involved with, which is an oral history of stunts in film and television.

We're going to start back with Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, go through the martial arts movies and Spaghetti Westerns. We’ll work our way all the way up to The Matrix and Mission Impossible. I'll be interviewing stunt men and women coordinators and we're really hoping for a sit down with Tom Cruise to talk just about his stunt career.

Very cool. My wife wrote a book called Hollywood Hoofbeats . It’s the history of horses in movies. It covers stunts and cowboy wranglers. Tough mothers. Yes, tough guys. I’d love to read that.

THE INTERVIEW

What’s the approach to your podcast?

Our approach with this podcast is the way Ken Burns does documentaries. We want testimonials. We want to tell stories. We want to give you a sense of how it's evolved over the years. I guess that’s part of the reason I’m the right host for it. I'm known in my career for having done a lot of my own stunts. I did three seasons of an action series where I was only doubled two times the entire run of the series. I like the adrenaline of it.

I jumped off a four-story building on a descender wire. I'll do some crazy stuff. In fact, when I was doing that jump, I asked one of the guys who was rigging me—putting the wire on me—"How many times have you done this stunt?" He goes, "Man, I wouldn't do this shit." [laughter] There's even stunt personnel that have specialties. They also have their own set of fears or things that they don't want to do, and that was a pretty surprising answer to get in that moment.

I always like to ask actors what their initial inspiration was. Was yours a specific movie? Yes. Cool Hand Luke.

Why did that resonate and inspire you?

I saw Paul Newman on-screen, who’s a genius to me. I was very moved by how a man could express such emotion on screen. It sparked something very deep within me.

I can see how that would have been an inspiration. You bring a certain dynamic to your acting where you could see that.

Thank you.

Much luck and love in the upcoming year. You too, my brother.

Randy Mastronicola is the Executive Editor of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

CIGAR & SPIRITS MAGAZINE

#1

CIGAR OF 2022

Ratings are based on the average blind tasting scores of each cigar by a panel of ten cigar experts. These connoisseurs possess more than 100 years of combined cigar-smoking experience. To provide feedback on any of the ratings, or to offer your own opinions on any of the cigars featured, write us at: feedback@cigarandspirits.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave your comments:

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PADRON

1964 ANNIVERSARY SERIES DIPLOMATICO

7 x 50 Churchill

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Notes: This dark, box-pressed cigar in the classic Churchill format offers a razor-sharp burn with copious smoke output. Flavors include nuts and raisin, with a buttery toast finish. Classic.

ALEC BRADLEY

DOUBLE BROADLEAF

5 x 50 Robusto

Wrapper: Honduran (Connecticut-Seed Broadleaf) Binder: Honduran (Connecticut-Seed Broadleaf) & Nicaraguan (Broadleaf) Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Full Notes: The chewing tobacco scent to the wrapper gets the cigar experience off and running in a winning way. The Alec Bradley Double Broadleaf has a beefy and smoky barbecue profile. It’s a bold cigar that throws a punch, but it doesn’t knock you out. The peppery and billowy smoke output is ample and joyful. The burn is even and noteworthy of an excellent cigar.

OLIVA

SERIE

V MELANIO MADURO FIGURADO

6.5 x 52 Figurado

Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: This box-pressed figurado is formidable—tapered top and bottom—a handsome cigar. There are notable tastes of chocolate malt, citrus and sweet molasses. It offers a wonderful burn, and a boatload of sweet smoke.

DREW ESTATE

20 ACRE FARM TORO

6 x 52 Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Honduran Filler: Florida Sun Grown, Nicaraguan Strength: Mild/Medium

Notes: This is a unique Drew Estate offering that includes Florida sun-grown tobacco cultivated on a 20-acre plot in the Sunshine State. The flavorful notes of oak and cedar along with citrus and white pepper present an expertly blended taste profile. The finish is long and velvety.

MIAMI CIGAR & COMPANY

NESTOR MIRANDA CONNECTICUT

SPECIAL SELECTION

5 1/2 x 54 Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Mild/Medium Notes: The Special Selection Connecticut Toro is a firmly packed cigar that burns flawlessly. Flavors include roasted marshmallow, chocolate chips, sweet cream and cedar. Nestor Miranda continues his tradition of crafting artisanal cigars that are timeless.

E.P. CARRILLO

INCH NICARAGUA NO. 60

5 7/8 x 60

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: The cigar is named for the one-inch diameter (64 gauge) member of this family and made at Plasencia Cigars. These toothy cigars are deliciously full in flavor. The tastes are distinctly herbal, floral and fragrant with finessed citrus notes. The finish is creamy, long and smooth.

JRE TOBACCO CO.

ALADINO CLASSIC ROBUSTO

5 x 50 Robusto

Wrapper: Honduran (Habano) Binder: Honduran (Corojo) Filler: (Corono & Habano) Strength: Medium Notes: The Aladino Classic Robusto is a flagship blend for the company. The wrapper is oily and sleek and feels wonderful in the hand. Flavor notes are vanilla and cream, plus hay and salty cashew. This medium cigar is a stellar choice day or night, and pairs particularly well with espresso.

TATUAJE CIGARS

COJONU 2021

7 x 58 Torpedo

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Notes: The Cojonu 2021 is a stout torpedo with a savory Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan binder. This well-balanced cigar offers up a complexity of notes that include dark roast coffee, citrus, chocolate and cinnamon.

PLASENCIA CIGARS

149 COCHESA TORO

6 x 52 Toro

Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium/Full Notes: The Cosecha 149 is a rich, balanced puro and the first all-Honduran cigar from Plasencia. Evident notes include sweet cream, dark chocolate and earth with backpalate notes of crisp cedar.

MONTECRISTO

LINEA 1935 LEYENDA

6.4 x 55 Gordo

Wrapper: Cuban Binder: Cuban Filler: Cuban Strength: Medium/Full Notes: A flagship of this colossus of a brand, the Leyenda is a huge smoke, so take one up only when time allows you to fully enjoy its scope and depth. Long finish, extraordinary flavors.

ROCKY PATEL

DISCIPLE ROBUSTO

5 x 50 Robusto

Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: Adorned with art deco bands with copper and black tones, the Disciple is a Nicaraguan cigar with a gorgeous Mexican San Andrés wrapper. The wrapper adds that signature sweet spice from Mexico along with bold pepper and earthy notes. The evident peppery and sweet spice scents are sublime.

MY FATHER NO. 4 LANCERO

7 x 38 Lancero

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: This gorgeous lancero is one of many standout cigars from the Garcia family and offers a classic My Father flavor profile. You’ll experience evident tasting notes of rich earth, coffee, black pepper and allspice.

ARTURO FUENTE

ARTURO FUENTE HEMINGWAY WORK OF ART

4 7/8 x 46-60 Figurado

Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium Notes: A classic Fuente cigar with a unique perfecto shape. You shouldn’t be fooled by the length of the Work of Art because it routinely surpasses an hour of smoking time. Flavor notes are earth and nutmeg with a bit of tasty spice from the Cameroon wrapper.

ILLUSIONE

ULTRA OP. NO. 8

6 3/4 x 48 Churchill

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: This Churchill offers serious notes of leather, oak and nutmeg at the start. There are subsequent hints of cardamom, roasted peanuts and a pinch of raisin on the finish.

COHIBA ESPLENDIDOS

7 x 47 Churchill

Wrapper: Cuban Binder: Cuban Filler: Cuban Strength: Medium/Full Notes: Ethereal smoke when aged, burbling along with understated power and an arched eyebrow of seduction. This is a Cohiba with an open draw. It’s woodsy throughout, with herbaceous undertones, notes of sweet citrus and a dark almond finish.

A.J. FERNANDEZ

NEW WORLD DORADO TORO

6 x 54 Toro

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: The golden-banded Dorado edition of the New World lineup is a Nicaraguan puro available in four formats. The cigar is tangy and nutty throughout, and there are evident tastes of leather along with the Fernandez signature peppery spice with a chocolatey finish.

LEAF BY OSCAR

SUMATRA LANCERO

7 x 38 Lancero

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium/Full Notes: The distinctive tobacco of Leaf by Oscar brings us a classic lancero format that’s bold and earthy. The cigar is available in four wrapper types. The Sumatra notes feature damp barnyard, creamy mushroom and rich leather.

CUABA

DISTINGUIDOS

6.4 inches x 52 Perfecto

Wrapper: Cuban Binder: Cuban Filler: Cuban Strength: Medium/Full Notes: This is a glorious example of the art of cigar blending and rolling. There was a time when all cigars looked like this perfecto—tapered at both ends and bulbous in the middle. A wonderfully retro cigar replete with complexity.

LA SIRENA

MEXICAN MERMAID LANCERO

6 1/2 x 42 Lancero

Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Mexican San Andrés Filler: Dominican, Mexican Strength: Medium-plus Notes: The cigar has a beautiful, dark wrapper with a dry toasty nose. Flavors include sweet oak, clove and buttery cashew. There’s a sweet mineral note down to the nub. The ash and burn are first-rate.

CAMACHO

LIBERTY CHURCHILL 2021

7 x 48 Churchill

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Dominican, Honduran Strength: Medium/Full Notes: This Liberty feels elegant in the hand and offers distinct tastes of cocoa, earth and leather throughout. The burn is first-rate. The draw is excellent with an abundance of nutty smoke.

FERIO TEGO

TIMELESS SUPREME 749

7 x 49 Churchill

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: The draw on this Timeless is superb, the smoke output is abundant and the medium/full strength hits the sweet spot. There are tastes of wood and spice from the start leading into notes of maple, vanilla cream and sweet cedar as you make your way through the smoke.

HOOTEN YOUNG MA DEUCE

.50 CALIBER TORPEDO

6 1/2 x 60

Wrapper: Ecuadorian, San Andres Maduro, U.S.A. Connecticut Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

Notes: The Ma Deuce pays homage to the longest-serving weapon in the U.S. military arsenal—the .50 bullet. The Deuce smokes evenly with a fine ash. The floral and herbal notes play nicely off the peppery, chocolatey and creamy tastes throughout the smoking session. It’s a masculine cigar deserving of its name.

COHIBA WELLER TORO

6 x 50 Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Binder: Fermented Connecticut Broadleaf Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Honduran Strength: Full

Notes: The Cohiba Weller Toro features a Connecticut Broadleaf binder leaf fermented for six months inside a spent bourbon barrel. This premium cigar balances Dominican, Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos offering a wood, spice and honey flavor profile.

SERINO CIGAR CO.

STUDIO SERINO ELENOR ROSE EAGLE

5 5/8 x 50 Perfecto

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Rosado Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan, Peruvian, U.S.A./Penn. Broadleaf Strength: Medium Notes: Produced by La Corona Cigars in Nicaragua, the Elenor Rose Eagle is a sexy figurado with flavorful notes of hay and cream. Prickly white pepper joins at the halfway point, but sweet hay remains the dominant profile.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach is the first fullscale residential architectural project designed by Master Italian Architect Piero Lissoni. The expansive, seven-andhalf-acre waterfront enclave extends itself with elegant design, a selection of over 60 unique floor plans, exclusive world-class amenities, resort-style living managed by the world’s leading hospitality brand, The Ritz-Carlton.

The Residences are comprised of 111 luxury condominiums that range from one-to five-bedroom layouts and 15 stand-alone villas, with clean, modern architectural lines complemented by multiple suspended gardens, generously shaded walkways and a 36-slip private marina to create a unique tropical living experience. The property offers a half-acre rooftop pool deck with private cabanas and poolside grille, pet grooming facility, indoor and outdoor yoga studios, a private cinema-style screening room and a meditation garden. The world’s first residential art studio, generously proportioned social rooms, kid’s room, and a library further complement the sophisticated Ritz-Carlton lifestyle.

TEQUILA CABAL

THE GROWTH OF A NOBLE SPIRIT

“CLASS IS EARNED, NEVER PURCHASED.” These are the words of CEO and Founder Everado Gonzalez of Tequila Cabal. When we sat down to speak with Everado, we learned the meaning of the Spanish word “cabal,” and how important it is to the integrity of the emerging brand. Cabal refers to diligence, sincerity of word and consideration of others. Cabal is nobility by way of action for Everado and generations of agave farmers at home in Mexico. “It’s how we interpret class. It’s earned each day through our actions."

The culture of Jalisco, Mexico is the original culture of tequila. It’s also home to Campo Cabal’s agave fields, where the family agave harvesters work meticulously through a six-year process in developing the tequila.

The final tequila product is forfeited if the farmers don’t pay constant attention throughout the process. In order to do right by the agave and the tequila, the core diligence of the Tequila Cabal culture is crucial. Everado compares this to raising horses. “To grow into a noble steed, a horse must be raised with love and care from a young age,” he notes. “The same is true for agave. To grow into a noble spirit, the agave must be raised with love and care from the start.”

Everado believes that cabal culture is what drives communication and understanding between cultures. While an understanding comes from Everado’s Mexican roots, he knows honesty and integrity can be found everywhere.

The goal of Tequila Cabal is to bring this global ideology of purity back into the spirit market. In late 2012, Everado was approached by a friend who was making RTD cocktails (ready to drink cocktails) and wanted to add in a tequila. After considering this collaborative project, he decided to start a brand of his own. Everado saw an opportunity to bring the culture of cabal to the United States. “Growing up, half in the U.S. and half in Mexico, I realized that tequila was going in a direction that felt unfamiliar. At home, there was always tequila in big jugs at parties and weddings. We understood the process, and we appreciated the taste.” He continues, “In the U.S., I noticed everyone taking tequila shots in a rush. Why are you drinking tequila if all you want to do is drink it fast and hide the taste? I wanted to make a tequila that people like to drink.”

Tequila Cabal is a gorgeous product from sip to style. Their award-winning “Cabal Horse Head” bottle designs are made from 100 percent recycled glass. This intense detailing aligns with the brand’s overall aesthetic. Everado wished to have the vessel for the tequila be just as well done as the tequila itself. He notes, “There’s a stigma within the tequila community that a nice bottle equates to a crappy juice. Because they invested in the bottle and not the juice. Why not have both?”

Tequila Cabal offers Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo expressions. tequilacabal.com -Mary Jane Clark

THE 2022 WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Jag_c/Shutterstock.com.

VODKA

Christian Brothers Brandy VS

Christian Brothers Brandy VSOP

Remy Martin Congac Fine Champagne XO Silver

Davidoff Cognac VSOP Hennesey VS Special Congac

Fugitive Spirits Briggs & Massey

Tito's Handmade Vodka Original Belvedere Original

Grey Goose Original Deep Eddy Vodka Original

Kimo Sabe Mezcal Reposado

Kimo Sabe Mezcal Anejo

Tequila Cabal Salmiana 400 Conejos Tobala

Xiaman Mezcal Xiaman Mezcal Artesanal

Raul Rodriguez Mezcal Campante

Aga Vie Esprit d'Agave 400 Conejos Joven

Kimo Sabe Mezcal JOVEN

Casamigos Mezcal

PAMA PAMA

Evan Williams Egg Nog (Cream Liqueur)

Carolans Irish Cream Salted Caramel

Dubonnet Dubonnet Carolans Irish Cream Original

Domaine De Canton Domaine De Canton

Hecate Coffee Liqueur

Salish Sea Honeybush Liqueur

Alpine Reserve Liqueur Alpine Reserve Liqueur

Carolans Irish Cream Cold Brew

Bushwood

Bushwood

Doc Swinsons Blenders Cut Bourbon

Evan Williams Evan Williams Black Square 6 Kentucky Square 6 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Elijah Craig Small Batch

Fugitive Spirits Tennesse Waltz

Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon

Garrison Brothers Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Barrell

Evan Williams Evan Williams BIB Heaven Hill Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond

Doc Swinsons Alter Ego Triple Cask Bourbon

Iron Fish Four Cask

Barrell Craft Spirits Barrell Vantage

Doc Swinsons Exploratory Cask Funky

Sespe Creek Distillery Warbringer Mesquite

THE SPIRIT OF A MASTER DISTILLER IN EVERY CIGAR

THE REBIRTH OF CIGARS DREWESTATE.COM

Papas Pilar Papas Pilar Legacy Edition 22

Blackheart Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum

Sespe Creek Distillery Parlor Cay Rum Golden Age Spirits

Admiral

Ron Zacapa Edicion Negra

Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum

SINGLE BARREL WHISKEY

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition Batch 012

Heaven Hill Distillery Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

Toasted Oak Whiskey Toasted Oak Whiskey

Black Velvet Black Velvet Original Sagamore Spirit Port Finish

Henry McKenna Henry McK enna Single Barrel

Barrell Craft Bourbon Barrel Whiskey Finished In Cognac Cask

Evan Williams Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2014

Ben Milam Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Old Forge Reserve Old Forge Reserve

Bushwood Spirits Inc Stillwater Rye

Savage & Cooke Lip Service

Pikesville Pikesville Straight Rye

Elijah Craig Elijah Craig Rye

Uncle

Doc Swinsons Alter Ego Solera Method Rye

KEMO SABE

TRUE GRIT WESTERN WEAR

MANY WORDS evoke the romantic spirit of the cowboy across the West. Grit. Courage. Bravery. Relentless. Kemo Sabe, a top-tier western wear brand, also embodies these traits.

“Going through the tough times and coming out better, that’s The Cowboy Way,” says Kemo Sabe current owner and CEO Wendy Kunkle. “Failure is not an option. We are going to kick some ass.”

The luxury western wear brand was originally founded by Tom and Nancy Yoder in 1990. They had one mission: turn everyone into a cowboy.

“Their vision was always about getting non-cowboys to wear cowboy attire. I’m not talking about hokey cowboy attire. I’m talking about the real deal stuff—something that looks like your grandpa’s hat, or this buckle that has a patina. Something that when you look at it—you know its artistry.”

What started with Yoder distressing hats in his garage has evolved into one of the most iconic storefronts in the West. With locations in Aspen, Vail, Las Vegas and an upcoming Jackson Hole location, Kemo Sabe’s line of premium hats, boots, apparel and accessories are beloved from celebrities to everyday cowboys alike.

From day one, Yoder ran the business with the motto: Make The Customer Feel Important or “MTCFI.”

“Our secret sauce is giving that experience,” explains Wendy. “It’s not about goods. If you are good at what you, are honest and helpful and explain things romantically… that’s the traditional way of doing things. Yoder really pushed that into our brains. It’s about making memories, and not just about buying something.”

But while this experience draws people in, it’s the unmatched quality of Kemo Sabe’s products that turns them into customers. Customization is at the core of their business, giving their clientele ultimate creative power to design a one-of-a-kind piece unique to them.

“We can customize almost anything, from buckles to boots to belts, you name it. The sky’s the limit,” Wendy offers. “You can’t walk into Prada and develop a bag in there, no way. But you can in our store. If your style is a full gator Hermes bag, we can make it. Anything you dream up. We want you to get that special thing.”

Kemo Sabe has its finger on the pulse of what their customers are looking for. “Every little odd thing that happens with a cowboy hat, it started at Kemo Sabe. We are way on top of innovation for everything cowboy. Branding, distressing, flair or swag on the hats. I believe we’ve started it all,” she explains.

Growth is definitely on the horizon for Wendy and her team. The acquisition of their new Jackson Hole location is an example of her fearless leadership style. She drew in a realtor from a cowboy bar after spending just one day in the ski town to see store locations. “That’s the stuff,” she says. “Fear is a silly emotion. Screw it. You’ve got to just go for it.”

Despite Kemo Sabe’s commitment to evolving with the times, tradition remains at the heart of the brand. The company and its products are enduring despite hardships and transitions over the last thirty years.

“Our products are timeless, artistic, beautiful and romantic. We are sticking to tradition, and all the really cool things about the cowboy.” - Lexy Donaldson kemosabe.com

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

George Dickel Classic No. 8 Whiskey

Rollins Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey

Jack Daniels Black Original

FLAVORED WHISKEY

Evan Williams Evan Williams Honey

Black Velvet Black Velvet Toasted Caramel

Country Smooth Spirits LLC Country Smooth Country Mule

Black Velvet Black Velvet Apple

Evan Williams Evan Williams Apple

Iron Wolf Ranch Distillery Iron Wolf Ranch

Jack Daniels Tennesse Honey

Black Velvet Black Velvet Peach

Evan Williams Evan Williams Peach

Jack Daniels Tennesse Fire

NOAH ELIAS: MASTER ARTIST FOR ARTURO FUENTE AND DISNEY

by

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA-BASED ARTIST NOAH ELIAS has been creating accessible and meaningful art for nearly three decades.

Randy Mastronicola | photos by Gregg Shaw

>> The Lost Art painting was inspired by Arturo Fuente and Andy Garcia’s film of the same name.

>> Noah’s been known to enjoy an Arturo Fuente cigar now and again at the studio.

His work has been informed by his skater-punk art beginnings, photorealism and his signature airbrushing style. In his years as a working artist, Elias has forged deep connections to some very prestigious companies and creative forces. The Walt Disney Company, The Arturo Fuente Family, Lexus and Levi’s Jeans are just a few of his clients. He’s become a player in pop culture, with his work capturing the heart and soul of many Disney characters, and he painted the Honda S2000 for the Suki character in 2 Fast 2 Furious. Celebrity clients who own his works include Barbara Streisand, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Craig T. Nelson.

Noah’s talent has led to a broad variety of art collections, including Star Wars-inspired pieces, florals and spiritual works. He’s also an inspirational author. Fearhunters: How to Remove the Fear and Shame that Stand Between You and the Life You are Destined to Live is his well-received tome on developing inner peace and compassion.

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: How did your career as an artist begin?

Noah Elias: I was an athlete, but I just knew I wasn’t going to have a fullride to a college. I was touring in a band at the time, too. At 16, we were traveling the country and going all over the place, but I knew I had to figure this thing out. “What am I going to do?”

I started a company then, and started hustling. I would literally go doorto-door. I’d go into a business and I would say, “Hey, do you need some art done? You want a new sign or graphics done?” Back then, there was no desktop publishing. There were no computers. But then the Web came out, so I built a website. I realized, “Man, I can get the word out a lot quicker and get out into the public and do marketing.” My jobs started shifting in the backyard of Orange County and the action sports world.

I was either doing murals for corporations, surf companies, skate companies, sunglass companies. That whole movement was happening in the early '90s. Newport Beach and Costa Mesa [California] was the epicenter. I was doing illustration. I was doing package design.

You had that urban, skater-punk mindset.

I was the guy that, if they wanted to have all custom work done, they would come to my shop and get it done. I was about 28, and I hit a midlife crisis. I was living in this warehouse. Next door to me was a gallery always ready to go. The artwork and the originals were up. I’ve been given this ability to paint many different genres, but I didn’t know the one thing I was supposed to paint.

I felt overwhelmed and thought, “Am I supposed to be this Thomas Kinkade guy where I paint one genre?” I remember just praying one night. God is saying to me, “Listen, you have the ability to paint and do whatever you want. You’re going to reach a lot of different people.”

I started selling paintings—asking outrageous prices like 12 grand on each one of them. A guy came in and bought four of them. I thought, “It’s not a bad day.”

Fortuitous.

Disney came into the picture then. They said, “Hey, we love what you’re doing and your style, but can you do that with our characters?” It started a journey, and I became a vendor. Ultimately, they became one of my biggest customers. I’ve continued with them for almost 15 years—creating art, selling art and doing distribution for The Walt Disney Company with my products.

Your style has layers, texture and has a lot of depth. You wouldn’t think Disney would be a natural fit—not their go-to type artist. Somehow you’ve been able to incorporate the heart of the Disney characters without compromising your style—just a different flavor. Why do you think that happened?

Yes, I was something a little bit more out of the box for them. However, they were looking to highlight a young Orange County local in one of their new galleries that they were launching at the parks. I think style-wise it was—you can have this characterdriven art that’s very flat and very stale looking—but I wanted to take something on the opposite side of the spectrum, this 3D-rendering computer animation. I wanted to be able to bring something in-between and give a nod to our past, but also a nod to our future. Bringing realism with the airbrush, but also being able to give a really textured feel and a lot of layering, that was always a fun challenge, but also, a really creative balance to find. That was the fun of creating it.

That was circa... 2005.

You have a long-standing relationship with Disney now. You’re one of their official artists. There are a bunch of different departments with Disney, but my primary focus is the Disney Theme Parks and Disney Online. We create exclusively for them. I’m an official Disney artist, in terms of it’s an actual Disney product that’s being sold in the park.

>> Noah’s highly acclaimed paintings feature a unique marriage of realism and airbrush technique.

We just released a whole collector’s edition. A limited-release Mickey Mouse Ear Hat, figurines and things like that. Now, it’s going in different directions, which is awesome.

All these different genres and styles. It’s really developed— Disney in 2005, a whole spiritual line as well. I’ve done floral work, and Barbara Streisand has a print.

Our readership is very aware of your Arturo Fuente art. It’s timeless, and their roots are embedded into working with tobacco and family tradition.

I had the opportunity in Las Vegas to be exposed to the Fuente family and their charity [The Fuente Foundation]. I knew they were helping St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dan Marino Foundation. That connection to them became a whole other Disney kind of alliance for me. The Fuentes are very prestigious—just an amazing family legacy with a lot of heart.

Much of the art you create has a romance to it. I want it to feel super romantic, but elegant, though, too. This is what I’ve noticed when we’re doing a show: Typically the husband wants cigar art, but the wives come up to me, and they say, “Now, that I can hang in my home.” That means a lot to me, because the color psychology and it being appropriate for what they wanted, now, it’s a win-win. I wanted it to feel like it’s an old movie.

We have Disney, florals, wine art, our spiritual line—just different genres for different areas that we go into.

Yes, it’s been a fun ride. noahfineart.com

>> Noah at work on the 20th Anniversary Fuente painting

>> Noah’s passions are faith, family, art and giving back.

>> The highly lauded Fuente Anniversary painting captures the legacy of the Fuente family.

Randy Mastronicola is the Executive Editor of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 CIGARS IS BACK

Cigar Author Nick Hammond Returns to a Winning Formula With a Sequel To His BestSelling Cigar Travelogue…

AT last.

I’ve run out of excuses—even if they were damned good ones. I’m back on the horse.

Around the World in 80 Cigars had been on the shelves less than six months when Covid hit. If you’re a travel and lifestyle writer, having no travel and no lifestyle to write about leaves you in a bit of a bind.

I couldn’t go anywhere; brands weren’t spending their marketing budgets. I was holed up in my little shed in deepest, darkest Northamptonshire, wondering what on earth I was going to do with myself. Necessity is the mother of invention, so they say, and the work I forced upon myself during lockdown has done me an awful lot of good in the long run, I think.

I created Leggets Oriental Cigar Gin, the world’s first gin specifically blended to accompany a fine cigar. I launched Around the World in 80 Cigars—The Podcast. I hosted scores of online, ticketed tastings and events. All of which kept me in front of cigar lovers, who themselves had a lot more time on their hands to fixate about their hobby. They also had more time to read things like good oldfashioned, honest-to-goodness, in-your-hands books. And Around The World was destined to become one of them. It has sold in thousands all over the world, is now on its third reprint and shows no signs of slowing down. And the question I’ve been asked most since it came out is: “So, when are you writing the next one?”

I am finally able to get out and about once more, and I have been busy renewing old acquaintances and learning how to sleep on planes again. I am delighted to announce that I am ready to bring you more cigar-laden tales from around the globe in 2023

I’d like to thank Cigar and Spirits for their support, and I’d like to particularly thank you for yours. Here’s to many more years of friendship, adventure, smokes and jokes—and the ongoing opportunity to expand this genre I like to call Cigar Literature

Photos courtesy of Nick Hammond

• >> Cigar Author Nick Hammond’s tales of outrageous people and places, the absurdities of life and smoky delights have entertained readers across the globe for many years.

especially remember an evening meal I shared with Jerome in a simple Normandian bistro in his village.

He recommends the tripe, and while I’m a fairly adventurous sort of chap when it comes to these things, I am a little trepidatious as to what might actually be settled in front of me.

My bowl is filled from a steaming witch’s cauldron, which hangs over a roaring log fire. The whole set up is a blacksmith’s wet dream; eye-watering hooks, chainlink pulleys, gleaming levers and searing planchas vie for space. Gulleys run with the spit and drizzle of oil from smoking, charring meats. Right up my alley. Jerome and I are happy to be together in this warm little room, an homage to fire and food. We talk about our families; our kids are roughly the same age. The fire crackles, incoming diners say ‘Bonsoir,’ to their fellow trenchermen and bottles of red come, go and are replaced at our table.

chocolat (a personal fave) and plenty of local jams and fruit. Good French coffee too, et voila! What more could you ask for?

I spend much of this morning quiet time wondering how French folk aren’t either a) morbidly obese or b) suffering repeated heart failures. I mean, all those pastries? All that duck fat? Foie Gras? Le beurre? Ce n’est pas possible!

I don’t want to go to bed yet. So, I wander through the bosky village. It’s Tudor in appearance; old, the houses black-limbed and white-painted. I dig into my jacket and pull out an unusually named Robusto from Robert Caldwell.

Robert’s an interesting chap. He’s about 12 feet tall, very thin, with a dry sense of humour and a wry take on the world— he zaps peacocks off the roof of his home in Miami with a sprinkler hose, for instance—and his Long Live The King line is the perfect contemplative cigar for a mild, sweet, breeze-tossed evening such as tonight’s in Normandy.

SO, I STROLL, I PUFF, AND I PONDER, AND I EVEN GO AS FAR AS GETTING DOWN SOME OF MY THOUGHTS INTO MY VOICE RECORDER. IT HAS LONG BEEN A FRIEND WHEN I’M ALONE—A CHANCE TO SPEAK OUT LOUD IN LONELY PLACES, TO TELL SOMEONE OF THE DAY’S ADVENTURES WHEN THERE’S NOONE ELSE HERE TO SHARE THEM WITH.

My Tripes is actually delicious; served simply as a sort of soft stew, taken with lashings of fresh bread and salty, homemade butter. Oh, how I love France. Of course, we finish our meal with a local Calvados—fiery, fruity, unmistakeable. When Jerome drops me back at my digs, it isn’t very late, but typically in rural France, it’s already as quiet as the grave. My abode here is a quaint little annex; an ivy-hipped bolthole, with wooden stairs up to my bedroom overlooking lush pasture. Only occasionally is there the sound of a passing car or a raised voice. Mostly, it’s just the wind, or a horse chatting to a mate, or the forgotten sound of silence. I particularly relish this time of night, especially here. It feels I’m the only one left after a Triffidlike apocalypse.

A charming and efficient French lady puts on a wonderful breakfast for me each morning; homemade croissants, pain au

So, I stroll, I puff, and I ponder, and I even go as far as getting down some of my thoughts into my voice recorder. It has long been a friend when I’m alone—a chance to speak out loud in lonely places, to tell someone of the day’s adventures when there’s no-one else here to share them with. This travel lark looks glamourous— but it can be a lonely old life at times.

I swerve to avoid the barking dogs of nearby farmsteads and make my way slowly up the village and back, trying my best not to look like a daft Englishman, or indeed a burglar casing joints.

No one notices. No one cares. It’s just me, the soft plod of my feet, the soughing of wind in the trees and my flavorful, companionable cigar. Just how I like it… -Nick Hammond

Nick Hammond has many more standalone tales to tell from outrageous people and places; more gentle pokes at the absurdities of life; and more smoky delights to absorb.

You can scan the barcode below, by the wonders of modern technology and you will be whisked straight to Nick’s Indiegogo campaign page. There, you will find all the details and information on the new book. -Cigar & Spirits Magazine aroundtheworldin80cigars.com

In this exclusive extract from Around the World: There and Back Again, Nick travels to Northern France in search of Calvados…