MARCH / APRIL 2024
MICHAEL BUBLÉ
LIFE, WHISKEY AND SONG
MAR C H / APR IL 2024
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Cigar & Spirits is published bi-monthly by Top Hat Media Group. Please send address changes to Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO Box 462484, Escondido CA 92046. ©2024 by Top Hat Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. For subscription information or change of address: Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO Box 462484, Escondido CA 92046, 855-787-7670, Email for subscriber questions – cigarandspirits@pcspublink.com Subscription rate is $39.99 for six issues. Canadian and foreign surface, add $6 extra per year payable in U.S. funds. Please allow up to 8 weeks for mailing of first bi-monthly issue to new subscribers. When changing address, give 12 weeks notice, and include address label from latest copy as well as new address. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services that we believe would interest our readers. Please view our Privacy Policy at tophatmediagroup.com/privacypolicy.html. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608, Registration No. R126851765. Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: IMEX Global Solutions, P. O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, CANADA. Printed in the U.S.A. February 2024 Volume 14/Issue 2 For Advertising: Advertising@CigarandSpirits.com | (855) 816-2553 Cigar & Spirits Magazine
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@CigarAndSpirits
TIME TO RAISE YOUR SPIRITS
E N J O Y R E S P O N S I B LY NOLET’S® Silver 47.6% Alc./Vol. (95.2 Proof) ©2023 Imported by NOLET’S US Distribution, Aliso Viejo, CA. *Per 1.5 Fl Oz. - Average Analysis: 117 Calories, 0g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat
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CONTENTS EXCLUSIVE
62
ON THE COVER
MICHAEL BUBLÉ
12
THE LOWDOWN
LIFESTYLE
12
THE LOWDOWN
Sky High in Chiang Mai Airport Lounges: The Last Puff La Aurora x Jacob & Co. Mushroom Joe Stay Puff
46
CAST AND CATCH
Fly Fishing for Globetrotters
EXCLUSIVES
38
DONNELL RAWLINGS
Walking the Wire From Drama to Comedy to Stardom
62
ON THE COVER
Michael Bublé Life, Whiskey and Song
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CHRISTIAN EIROA
CIGARS
26
FEATURED PAIRINGS
Perfecto Pairings to Expand Your Palate
76
FOR YOUR HUMIDOR
Essential Selections From Across the Cigar Universe
106
94
COCKTAIL CORNER
BEHIND THE LEAF
46
Cristian Eiroa: The Heart of Honduras
CAST AND CATCH
SPIRITS
20
PAUL HLETKO
FEW Spirits Have Fire in Every Sip
86
FOR YOUR HOME BAR
Essential Selections From Across the Spirits Universe
100 38
ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT
Cutty Sark: 100 Years On, This Historic Scotch is Still a “Cut” Above
DONNELL RAWLINGS
100
ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT
106
COCKTAIL CORNER
The Soho Cigar Bar Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Photo credit John Russo.
MUSIC AND LAUGHTER A TIBETAN PROVERB TELLS US, “The secret of living well and
longer is to eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure.” I’d like to add “make (or listen to) more music.” This issue of Cigar & Spirits Magazine features interviews with two entertainers who foster those elements. Luckily for us, they contribute to our wellness by sharing their immense talent with people across the globe. Michael Bublé has kept us jazzed by sharing his unique cool, power pop vocals, zesty swing and reverence for The Great American Songbook for over 20 years now. That’s a bit hard to believe given his still boyish good looks. Our interview with Michael about life, whiskey and song is a highlight for Cigar & Spirits Magazine. Donnell Rawlings is the total package. He’s a comedic force of nature— his rants on life are hysterical and deep as well—and his dramatic skills are layered. We’re lucky to have him. His highly anticipated Netflix standup-special (produced by Dave Chappelle) is about to drop. So, keep an eye out. We hope you enjoy the other content in this issue, too. It gives me great cheer(s) to share our take on music, laughter, lifestyle, cigars and spirits with you fine people. Sincerely,
Randy Mastronicola Editor & Publisher @cigarandspirits
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Photos courtesy of Intercontinental Chiang Mai.
>> The Sky Romance Hot Air Balloon Adventure experience is in rarefied air when comes to exploring the sky.
SKY HIGH IN CHIANG MAI AIR PORT LOUNGES: THE LAST PUFF LA AUROR A X JACOB & CO. MUSHROOM JOE STAY PUFF
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the lowdown
>> The International Chiang Mai.
SKY HIGH IN CHIANG MAI Chiang Mai’s historical vestiges, lush greenery, and sculptural Buddhist temples have always called to travelers interested in an experience that is out of the ordinary. It's the kind of place where even the Thai royal family chooses to unwind during the summer. But even if you’re not royalty, you can be treated as such in any of the area’s five-star resorts that are interspersed between the old city and the elephant sanctuary dotted valleys. Now, the newly opened InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping is taking the experience to new heights–quite literally–with their Hot-Air Balloon Adventure, which promises panoramic views against the backdrop of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. The adventure begins before dawn as guests are picked up in a private limousine. Destination: an empty field where the real magic happens. Here, a hot-air balloon awaits, ready to lift its passengers into the morning air. By the time the sun begins to rise on the horizon, the balloon is floating over the hushed landscape, offering unparalleled views of Chiang Mai's terraced mountains, forests, waterfalls and architecture.
>> Exploring the surrounding environs of Chang Mai takes you into a world of lush greenery, and vestiges of Thai history.
location within one of Chiang Mai’s national parks, adding an element of intrigue to the adventure. While we won't reveal the exact coordinates (that would ruin the fun!), rest assured it's a lakeside spot that perfectly complements the elevated experience. Guests have their choice of a gourmet picnic breakfast with a bottle of bubbly, or they can upgrade to the Luxury Picnic experience, which adds caviar, Canadian blue lobster, and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to the pleasure of the stunning mountain views.
SECURING YOUR SPOT IN THE CLOUDS The entire Sky Romance Hot-Air Balloon Adventure spans around five hours. The adventure kicks off at 5 am, with guests returning around 11 am. It's a journey that's as immersive as it is time-efficient. The Sky Romance Hot-Air Balloon Adventure with a Premium Picnic experience is priced at THB 26,750++ (approximately $749 USD) for two. The Luxury Picnic experience is available for an additional THB 11,000++ (approximately $308 USD). -Molly Headley ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels
After an exhilarating journey through the skies, the balloon descends, and guests are treated to a flying certificate–a testament to their newfound hot-air balloon prowess–and a celebratory champagne toast with the pilot. Guests are then taken to a secret
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the lowdown Photo credit Landline Photohouse.
>> The Habanos Specialist Lounge in Bahrain International Airport.
AIRPORT LOUNGES: THE LAST PUFF Flying can be a blend of both joy and frustration, with the excitement of reaching a new destination tempered by the hassles of travel. However, every once in a while, when all things coincide as if by magic—no lines, no screaming children, no curmudgeonly customs officials—it can even be peaceful up there in the clouds with nothing to do but lean back, catch up on your films, and wait for the flight attendant to re-up your champagne. Unfortunately, no matter how comfortable your first class seat is, there is one thing that money can’t buy when flying commercial: the right to smoke while airborne. For those global jetsetters who might find solace and relaxation in a good stick while navigating airports, the restrictions on smoking can be a significant inconvenience. Luckily, a select few airports around the world have created dedicated locations for cigar lovers, providing exclusive lounges with the finest selections and ambiance. Here are a few airport smoking lounges to visit before they go the way of the northern white rhino.
BEIRUT-R AFIC HARIRI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT La Casa del Habano Location: Within the Duty Free shopping section in the airport. Features: Known for being the first airport to open a cigar shop in 1976, it later became the first La Casa del Habano franchise globally in 1997. The airport's VIP lounge, in collaboration with La Casa del Habano, continues to be an exclusive destination for cigar aficionados and offers an expanding selection of Cuban cigars, curated by approximately 45 cigar experts. The La Casa del Habano lounge provides an unexpected yet indulgent experience, making it a unique destination for travelers to Lebanon who appreciate the significance of the cigar-smoking ritual. Access: Open to the public.
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BAHR AIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Habanos Specialist and Habanos Lounge Location: Departures Area Features: A recent addition to Bahrain Duty Free, the Habanos Specialist and Habanos Lounge blend luxury and functionality. Key elements include a walk-in humidor spanning 400 sq. feet and a comfortable lounge where travelers can enjoy their cigars in peace without having to leave the airport, which is a luxury in itself. Access: Open to the public.
the lowdown >> The Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai International Airport. >> Beirut International Airport’s La Casa del habano lounge.
ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT >> Dubai International Airport’s Emirates First Class Lounge.
Etihad Airways First Class Lounge and Spa Location: Terminal 3 Features: Etihad's flagship first-class lounge and spa in Abu Dhabi Airport is a palatial retreat, offering secluded relaxation rooms, an à la carte restaurant, a cocktail bar, a Six Senses spa and a fitness room. Among its offerings is a specially designed cigar room that presents a selection of the world's finest Cuban cigar brands to be paired with premium drinks, including cognacs, whiskey and rums. It’s truly in a tier of its own. Access: The lounge is available to passengers flying in The Residence (the world's only threeroom suite on a passenger plane, which is set to reopen in April 2024) or First Class, as well as VIP guests and some Business Class tickets.
FR ANKFURT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Lufthansa First Class Lounge Location: Terminal 1 Features: The Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Frankfurt caters exclusively to VIP and firstclass passengers. Offering a private entrance, a personal assistant, sleeping rooms, private bathrooms with showers, well-equipped workstations, Michelin-starred cuisine, a bar with over 130 different kinds of whiskey and a dedicated cigar lounge, clearly, Lufthansa knows how to treat first-class travelers right. Access: Ticketed first-class passengers on Lufthansa Airlines.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
>> Abu Dhabi International Airport Etihad Lounge & Spa.
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai International Airport Location: Terminal 5 Features: The lounge includes all-day á la carte dining with live cooking stations; a variety of complimentary beverages, including a Moët & Chandon champagne tasting experience; direct boarding; a business center, spa treatments; and most importantly, an exceptional cigar bar located in the Concourse A lounge. Access: Complimentary for First Class passengers and Emirates Skywards Platinum members. Paid access for $300+ available for those not eligible for complimentary entry.
WHERE TO SMOKE WHILE FLYING IN THE UNITED STATES
>> Frankfurt International Airport Lufthansa First Class Lounge.
At the time of this article, there were only a handful of American airports allowing smoking of any kind. Sadly, Nashville International Airport’s Graycliff Cigar Company—one of the last few cigar lounges in stateside airports—shut its doors in 2022. On the bright side, Vegas relaxed its smoking laws in 2010, and now smokers can head to the enclosed gaming lounges in the Harry Reid International Airport or to Barney’s Lounge near the airport’s C gates. Finally, TGI Friday’s has never been synonymous with elegance, but if you’re headed to the Miami International Airport, you might enjoy the privilege of being able to light up on their outdoor patio by Gate D-36 in the North Terminal. -Molly Headley
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the lowdown Photo courtesy of La Aurora.
LA AUROR A X JACOB & CO. BMW x Louis Vuitton. Supreme x Tiffany & Co. Gucci x Balenciaga. Chanel x Formula 1. These are a few of the brand collaborations that have recently taken the luxury market by storm. And now, in the tradition of great collaborations, La Aurora, one of the world’s premium cigar manufacturers, has partnered up with Jacob & Co., maker of luxury watches. "This brand collaboration developed naturally from the origin stories of both brands,” says Guillermo León, president of La Aurora and fifth generation of the León family to work at La Aurora. “Both brands started with modest beginnings, but through perseverance, expertise, creativity, and integrity, we have sought to change the way the world interacts with seemingly common products and turn them into luxury goods. We’re excited about the incredible product that we are creating together.” The partnership revolves around a new timepiece from Jacob & Co.’s Epic X Collection, which features a Rose Gold 44MM case adorned with elements reminiscent of a cigar and prominently featuring the iconic La Aurora logo. In turn, La Aurora has released a 120th Anniversary Limited Edition fullDominican puro blend cigar wrapped in a Habana 92 seed leaf. This exclusive cigar is designed to complement the Epic X Collection watch and features the #1 perfecto cigar design favored by La Aurora's founder, Eduardo León Jimenes. Each watch will be sold along with a custom humidor and 10 120-Limited Edition cigars. -Audrey Pavia
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the lowdown Photo courtesy of Teecet.
MUSHROOM JOE Would you like some fungus with your morning cup of joe? It’s unlikely your favorite barista will ask you that question the next time you hit your go-to java spot, but increasing numbers of wellness-oriented people are leaning into the benefits of mushroom coffee. Mushroom coffee is here to stay, and this beverage comes with a variety of perks. It’s believed the first cups of mushroom java were brewed in Finland during World War II when coffee beans were in short supply. Modern brewers have ramped things up a bit since then. Several brands have popped up over the last few years and these aren’t exactly the mushroom toppings you’d order on your next pizza. This specialized coffee blends ground mushrooms with coffee beans for a dark, smooth and nutty flavor. But why add mushrooms when there are any number of coffee confections on the market? These brews typically use medicinal mushrooms like reishi, chaga, lion's mane and cordyceps. A cup of mushroom joe also contains less caffeine because fewer coffee beans are utilized in the process. Experts say mushrooms can reduce inflammation and also contain antioxidants that support the immune system. These benefits occur from eating mushrooms in a normal diet, but a cup of coffee can do the trick as well. “The good news is that mushrooms by themselves are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals,” notes the Cleveland Clinic. Current research shows that drinkers benefit from the mushrooms themselves. Some argue the coffee can improve immunity, fight ulcers, suppress food allergies and support cancer patients by inhibiting
nausea and vomiting. Brands like Four Sigmatic, Sun Alchemy Mushroom Coffee, Rasa Original Mushroom Coffee and Pella Organic Mushroom Coffee promise plenty of health benefits with none of those caffeine jitters. These companies are hoping to find a niche in the $3 billion global coffee market with connoisseurs blending and brewing their own at home. Four Sigmatic even offers blend options for those on a keto diet. Latte fans will also find numerous options with a concoction that’s now good for longevity, detoxing, and other health benefits. Retail coffee shops have continued to pop up in in impressive numbers. While you won’t be able to get your mushroom coffee fix at Starbucks, some options are available for a mushroom mocha on the go. Wundergrounds Mushroom + Coffee Cafe in Washington D.C., Four Sigmatic’s Shroom Room in New York City and L.A.’s Alfred Coffee are notable innovators and even serve up a nice chagaccino, a trend that’s growing. “If you ask me for a mushroom coffee review, then I’d say it doesn’t taste like mushrooms,” says Sarah Marturano, the blogger behind MustHaveMom.com who details her switch to mushroom coffee. “I don’t actually like mushrooms. It doesn’t taste like your usual coffee either. It has a deeper, richer taste to it. After my first cup, I was ready to try more. But what really made me switch were the mushroom coffee benefits.” A serving of shrooms may not overtake a caramel macchiato latte any time soon, but a mug o’ mushroom can really do some magic. -Sean Chaffin
This article has
This article hasupdated been upbeen from dated from a previous version a previous version in Cigar & Spirits Magazine. in Cigar & Spirits
Magazine.
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the lowdown >> MicroTherm FreeFuse Stretch Down Jacket (Eddie Bauer), $194
STAY PUFF A puffer jacket can offer the perfect combination of style and utility. It’s obvious the look is here to stay given its growing popularity. There are myriad options like quilted classic, sporty sleeveless and that snazzy shacket look. One key is to not go too bulky in your selection. No one wants to look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. Facing a crisp spring night or an autumn evening? A sporty sleeveless puffer jacket might be your “vest” friend. Here’s a look at some stylish puffer options.
Quilted Dorset Jacket (Vineyard Vines), $248 Soft and sweet, yet masculine, this jacket features suede interior detailing that adds an extra layer of comfort. The quilted texture adds to the quality and doesn’t let up even in a rain shower. The water-repellent coating keeps you dry and ready to take on the day. Zip up and rock on.
>> Quilted Dorset Jacket (Vineyard Vines), $248 >> Down for It All Vest (lululemon), $168
Italian Quilted Down Snap Bomber (Todd Snyder), $234
>> Brentford Insulated Quilted Shirt Jacket (Ralph Lauren), $188
Part puffer, part bomber, this jacket will make you the top gun at the party. It’s got the look but also brings plenty of comfort while also enveloping you in warmth. This outerwear is made from Italian fabric and the unique diamond-shaped exterior pattern is quite an eye-turner. The down filling makes this perfect for fall, winter, or a spring skiing vacay.
Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Sweater (L.L. Bean), $219 Unleash that inner mountain man with this head-turning number, albeit a stylish mountain man. The puffy square pattern really stands out and the big pockets can be super handy as well, perfect for storing those gloves or a warm beanie hat. The dark sable color really shines and sure beats that old plaid flannel.
Down For It All Vest (lululemon), $168 Who needs sleeves to repel the chilly air? This classic vest keeps that core nice and warm while out on the go. The lightweight goose down packs a real heat punch, leaving you protected from drops in temperature while still making a fashion statement. Grab an outdoor table and order a craft beer–no sleeves required.
RT7 Quilted Vest (Orvis), $139 Brentford Insulated Quilted Shirt Jacket (Ralph Lauren), $188 Is it a shirt or is it a jacket? The Brentford is indeed a “shacket.” This water-repellent quilted coat really stands out with some head-turning features like the corduroy point collar, stitched elbow patches, snapped barrel cuffs and the signature embroidered pony at the left sleeve. Whether grabbing an Uber for that big concert or hopping aboard a horse for some outdoor adventures, this jacket doesn’t disappoint.
>> Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Sweater (L.L. Bean), $219
MicroTherm FreeFuse Stretch Down Jacket (Eddie Bauer), $194
>> Italian Quilted Down Snap Bomber (Todd Snyder), $234
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The MicroTherm FreeFuse is ultralight but heavy duty when it comes to keeping you toasty. The FreeFuse construction features a single sheet of fabric folded over and woven together in discontinuous channels to hold in the down–saving on weight while maximizing breathability and reducing cold. Pop this on after a few hours on the slopes for that winddown cigar with friends. We especially like the bright look and cool vibes that come with the dusted indigo hue.
This is another great vest option that screams outdoor getaway–especially the dark pine. Whether actually among the pines or hoofing it in a more urban jungle, the revolutionary MarinoWul+ fiber (a blend of recycled plastic bottles and crushed oyster shells) will perfectly regulate body temperature while also breathing and ke eping you comfy. You can wear it between a shirt and jacket for an added layer of insulation. With this sharp vest, there’s no slowing down. -Sean Chaffin
>> RT7 Quilted Vest (Orvis), $139
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Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 50% and 46.5% Alc/Vol, Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. © 2024 Uncle Nearest, Inc. WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM
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Photos courtesy of FEW Spirits.
FEW Spirits Have Fire in Every Sip by Molly Headley
“I'M A GUY WHO’S WILLING TO CRAWL THROUGH FIRE AND OVER BROKEN GLASS TO MAKE WHAT I WANT TO MAKE. AND THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE WHISKIES.” As the founder and distiller at FEW Spirits, Paul Hletko knows whiskey (FEW’s spirits have garnered accolades such as Whisky Advocate Magazine's ‘Craft Whiskey of the Year’ and "Whiskey to Live For" among others). He also knows a thing or two about tough paths. Before World War II, Paul's grandfather’s family owned a major brewery in what is now the Czech Republic. In 1939, the Nazis invaded, confiscated the brewery, and the entire family perished in the camps. Paul's grandfather, the sole survivor, spent a lifetime unsuccessfully trying to reclaim the brewery. When he passed away, Paul felt the weight of a lost legacy and resolved to create his own spirits brand. >> FEW Spirits founder Paul Hletko.
“I didn't want to make beer,” he says, “because I'd be in the shadow of a major brewery. I didn't want to make wine because, well, I live in Illinois and while there are people
“I decided to make amazing whiskey, and then I went about solving all the problems that existed between me and that goal.”
making good wine in Illinois. It's tough. I don't love wine. It didn't speak to me. But I love whiskey. I decided to make amazing whiskey, and then I went about solving all the problems that existed between me and that goal.” That aim took approximately four to five years. Fast, considering the scale of tasks from establishing a distillery, acquiring equipment, obtaining a license, securing financing, to learning the skills required. But that’s Paul in a nutshell. He’s a restless doer. “When I get up in the morning, I like to have something exist at night that didn't exist in the morning,” he says. For most of his life, as a former pro guitar player, he expressed that through music. Other careers came and went—he was also a lawyer, a professor, a record label owner, a band manager, a crafter of guitar effects pedals—but the need to create remained the through line. When he founded FEW, he did everything from recipes to cooking, mashing to fermenting, distilling, barreling, harvesting, sales, marketing, finance, administration; you name it, he did it.
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example, the members of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club drink whiskey on their tour bus, but they call it motor oil. So, FEW created a concept of a whiskey called motor oil that evokes the emotion of riding a motorcycle through the American South past a barbecue stand. “It's mostly a bourbon whiskey in there,” Paul explains. “We added a Perhaps that’s what led Paul to launch his brand in a city of creators. A stone’s throw from Chicago—birthplace of the Ferris Wheel, deep dish, and gospel music—the suburb of Evanston, Illinois, also had a creator story. Founded as a dry town, Evanston became known as the place where Prohibition began. FEW also happens to have the initials of one of the major founders of the Temperance movement, a suffragette by the name of Frances Elizabeth Willard. However, Willard can rest easy in her grave knowing that the similarity was an accident. According to Paul, he simply needed a name, and he figured he would make a few bottles and have a few laughs doing it, while downing a few with his friends. The company’s success added meaning to those three letters and became about the scarcity of excellence. A value that Paul rolled together with his love for rock through the brand’s limited-edition collaborations with artists such as Alice in Chains, The Flaming Lips, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and upcoming releases with Evanescence and fellow Chicagoans The Smashing Pumpkins. From the artwork to the booze inside, each collaboration goes far beyond the “stick a name on it and
little bit of heavier undertones to give it some backbone by finishing some of the bourbon in vermouth casks. Then we added sweetness by finishing some of the bourbon in rum casks. And we had a mesquite smoked wheat whiskey that we threw in there for the barbecue joint.” Alice in Chains was all in for an edgy grungy vibe, so they went for bourbon finished in tequila barrels and bottled at 101 proof. The upcoming Evanescence expression will be spicy with an undertone of tea leaves, and finished in Amburana wood barrels as a nod to their Brazilian fans, while Flaming Lips is as psychedelic as the band itself– bottled at 40 proof to keep it accessible so that a casual fan can enjoy it but “the whiskey appreciator can be like, what the hell is this? This is so weird. It's extremely spicy and extremely fruity.” The ways that these notes and stories meld together is part of Paul’s magic. “I try to make stuff that I like, because fundamentally that means there's at least one customer for it. It all started with this drive to create, and then the bond of family and blood and the things that are really important in life. I just got really lucky that all these things tied together, and I can work where they
leave it” approach of many celeb-branded bottles.
intersect.”
Giving free rein to the bands to express their personal
FEW is a rare craft spirit brand that has managed to
tastes is indeed a large part of the journey. Paul and his team sit down with the musicians and ask questions like: What do you want the whiskey to taste like? What makes sense to you? What do you think your fans would want? The answers are never as straightforward as someone just wanting a bourbon that tastes like oak or vanilla or a rye similar to what their granddaddy drank. For
evolve beyond its humble beginnings while remaining true to its origins. But Paul insists, “FEW is not my story. It’s the story of the team we have. The artisans and artists who make whiskey on the daily. It’s the story of Riley, and it's the story of Sydney. It's the story of Erin, and Stuart, and Skyler. This is what the FEW brand is about; it's not about me. It's about us.”
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.
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D A I K A N YA M A • M E L R O S E • N E W P O R T B E A C H • S O H O • A OYA M A • M A D I S O N S Y D N E Y • S A N F R A N C I S C O • R O D E O D R I V E • L O N D O N • PA R I S
W W W. D I TA . C O M
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FEATURED PAIRINGS
PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE by Greg Mays
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PA DRÓN 1926 SER IE 80 Y E A R S M ACK LOW E PR I VATE COL L ECTION A M ER IC A N M A LT For several decades in cigar culture, Jose Padrón has made a place for himself as one of the classic cigar makers in the world. Padróns have become synonymous with Nicaraguan tobacco and showcase the best of the best—even in their value lines. The 1926 Serie 80, however, is no “value” cigar. It is the peak of Padrón luxury, and from its build to its flavor profile, this is a cigar that you must experience. The wrapper is very Padrón: rustic and tight with toothy tobacco and a heavenly chocolate scent. To say this cigar smokes like a dream is an understatement. Although it’s a perfecto (which can lead to an uneven burn if you don’t take care to light it well), it burns perfectly from ignition to nub, all the way down. The wrapper itself has a cashew and sweet earth note. On light, there are flavor notes of signature pepper, along with a rich, old tobacco and earth. I paired the 80 Year with The Macklowe Private Collection American Whiskey, a beautiful 9-year-old single malt at 46% ABV. This whiskey is considered distiller Julie Macklowe’s “private cask,” and can be ordered in limited releases from the Macklowe site for $1,500 per bottle. The Macklowe has some great complementary flavor notes to go with the Padrón: orange and vanilla noses with lots of chocolate on the palate along with traces of nutmeg. This luxurious cigar and spirit combination make for a rich and flavorful pairing experience which is filled with nuance and absolute perfection of the craft on both sides. SIZE: 6.7 X 54 PERFECTO | WRAPPER, BINDER & FILLER: NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $35 | MSRP (WHISKEY): $1,500
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DON DOROTEO SA LT OF THE E A RTH V I VA ZOMOZ M EZC A L The cigar world is a dynamic place, and if you haven’t heard of Don Doroteo, I certainly won’t hold it against you. The brand launched only recently, in 2021, though the company has been in Don Doroteo’s family for nearly 100 years, where they have farmed for La Aurora. The Don Doroteo Salt of the Earth Viva is wrapped in a beautiful paper band, though only the cap can be seen beneath it. There is a spicy-sweet tobacco nose to the wrapper and on light, a warming cinnamon and cream profile, which continues throughout. The cigar is medium-full in strength and because of its ring gage, smokes for at least an hour and half. I paired this Don Doroteo with Zomoz Mezcal, a premium mezcal distilled in Santiago Matatlan. There is a great floral nose to Zomoz, not too smoky at first, with a pepper and floral finish. Other notes include lemon peel and just the slightest touch of smoke. Along with the Don Doroteo, we’ve got a stellar pairing experience with bold spices and citrus in the mix, that from both angles is nothing but delicious. SIZE: 5 ¾ X 54 TORO | WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN CAMEROON BINDER: NICARAGUAN | FILLER: DOMINICAN, NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $16 | MSRP (MEZCAL): $90
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PRESENTS
The 13th Annual West Coast
Cigar & Spirits Tasting I N D U L G E I N T H E E L E VAT E D LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE
JUNE 15, 2024 4 : 0 0 - 9 : 0 0 P. M . N E W P O R T D U N E S W AT E R F R O N T RESORT & MARINA
VIP CLASSIC TICKETS: $125 VIP PREMIER TICKETS: $175 E M A I L E V E N T S @ C I G A R A N D S P I R I T S. C O M O R V I S I T C I G A R A N D S P I R I T S. C O M F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N
A L A DI NO PAT TON K EEPER'S HE A RT IR ISH + BOU R BON Many of the cigars in this issue’s pairings column share a unique feature: they’re puros, or cigars with tobacco from only one country of origin. Whether it’s Nicaragua or even Costa Rica, a puro is a bit of an outlier in the broader cigar manufacturing world. The Aladino Patton, though, is also a puro, and this time it’s Honduran. Let’s get this out of the way: the Aladino Patton is an impressively sized cigar. Think of a robusto size, then double its length. Now, I smoked this in the late wintertime, but was surprised to find the size and time it took to smoke did not lead to me freezing to death. This journey was about one and a half hours for me. The draw was effortless, and the smoke production was ample, tasting notes were earthy at first, with a definite grilled beef flavor. I experienced a new cigar flavor with the Patton–field-corn. There was a sweet, grainy aspect to the flavor that I really enjoyed and is certainly unique. I paired the Patton with a bold whiskey from Keeper’s Heart: Irish + Bourbon. I’m a bit surprised we haven’t seen more of this gem in the spirits world, but Keeper’s Heart carefully blended both Irish Whiskey and Bourbon, both at cask strength, to create a delicious “Frankenspirit.” (I use that phrase positively as I’ve already finished half the bottle). Keeper’s Heart is viscous and mouth-coating, with a bold and woody finish. Continued sips also reveal pecan and caramel on the tongue. From the creamy, smoky and grainy profile of The Aladino Patton to the sweet and woody flavor profile of Keeper’s Heart, this is a pairing that is best enjoyed when you have a lot of time to smoke and enjoy the richness of a finely-crafted whiskey. SIZE: 9 X 48 TORO GRANDE | WRAPPER, BINDER & FILLER: HONDURAN STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $20 | MSRP (WHISKEY): $40
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ROOM 101 14TH A N N I V ER SA RY 1800 TEQU IL A CUCU M BER JA L A PE ÑO I am never disappointed with a Room101 cigar, though I’m often surprised at the flavor profiles that blender Matt Booth can produce with the same leaves others use. His blends are often unique and always an experience. Little did I know that the 14th Anniversary would be my wildest Room101 adventure yet. The 14th Anniversary has a beautiful dark, oily chocolatey wrapper with scents of baking spice and cream. There are notes of potent pepper upon lighting this cigar, as well as tropical hints. Am I detecting dragon fruit on the retrohale? About an inch in, these flavors persisted with a sweet tobacco undertone, and I found myself thinking this cigar has a ton of character. Since this is a journey of character and interesting flavors, I decided to try the 14th Anniversary with 1800’s Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila, and that turned out to be a wonderful addition to the party. 1800 has a lot of fresh cucumber on the nose, and an herbaceous quality. A signal of the jalapeño that’s about to hit. From my perspective, peppers and chilis can add some interesting character to a spirit, but sometimes a little too much is too much. Thankfully, 1800 nailed the balance of cool and bite as there’s just a little prickle on your tongue as your swallow. There’s a little touch of lemon, too, and that was the perfect component to bridge the flavor gap between interesting cigar and interesting spirit. This is a unique and expertly crafted pairing in the true Room101 and 1800 tradition. SIZE: 6 X 52 TORO | WRAPPER, BINDER & FILLER: NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $15 | MSRP (TEQUILA): $40
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EL SEP TI MO M IR IF ICO SA PPHIR E Z AYA COL L ECTION EL SEP TI MO XO V I N TAGE 2009 COGNAC El Septimo Geneva has built their brand in Europe and the Middle East for nearly 20 years and, since 2019, is starting to make more regular appearances at warp speed on the shelves of brick-and-mortar cigar shops. “Luxury” is the name of the game at El Septimo, and their portfolio is also accompanied by a line of award-winning spirits and wines as well. Many El Septimo cigars are formidably sized, with 56-plus ring gauges, and some have fascinating designs, like the “Small Impact” (a torpedo-tipped 2” x 56 gauge). Today, however, we get to try two of their most elegant offerings: the Mirifico Sapphire Zaya Collection and their XO Vintage 2009 Cognac. The Mirifico features tobacco that’s aged 15 years, wrapped in a silky dark-brown wrapper with a handsome royal purple band. The scent of the wrapper is leather with a touch of earth, and on light, the earth note is joined by a chestnut note as well, with copious smoke and a perfect burn line. El Septimo’s XO Vintage 2009 Cognac is a perfect accompaniment to such a rare cigar treat. The color of this spirit is of glorious rich amber in the snifter, glistening, for me, in the light of my outdoor fireplace. On the palate, there is vanilla with a clean finish of pear. Further exploration gives notes of sugar cookie dough as well. I was tempted to pour a third glass. The Mirifico Sapphire, with its leather and earth notes, made for a flawless pairing with the XO Vintage 2009 Cognac. Together, there was a sweetness to overlay the umami. This pairing was elegant, long-lasting, and ultimately very fulfilling. I can’t wait for round two. SIZE: 6 ¾ X 58 TORO GRANDE | WRAPPER, BINDER: UNDISCLOSED FILLER: COSTA RICAN | STRENGTH: FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $75 | MSRP (COGNAC): $375 Greg Mays is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) and the Executive Editor of SimpleCocktails.net
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NOMOS CIGARS THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AVAILING ITSELF TO ALL, ONE CIGAR AT A TIME
www.nomoscigars.com
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PA IRING SPOTLIGHT
TOSC A NO ITA L I A & BU M BU XO RU M by Michael Cappellini
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HERE IS LITTLE IN THIS WORLD that exudes excellence and passion more than the goods that proudly come from the Italian Republic. From Piemonte to Sicilia, Italian ingenuity is known worldwide.
Queue the newest Toscano cigar released in the United States this year, the Toscano Italia. The Toscano Italia cigar is rolled with specially and carefully selected 100% Italian Kentucky Seed fire-cured tobacco leaves. This unique cigar has a combination of Italian tobacco from Valtiberina, Tuscany, and Benevento, Campania, with delicious notes of dried fruit, nuts, and vanilla with a smooth, smoky finish. Toscano tobacco found in Valtiberina tends to be fuller bodied in comparison to that of the tobacco found a few hundred miles south in Benevento. Additionally, the tobacco fields in Benevento lie in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Due to the eruption of the volcano in 79 A.D., the soil composition completely changed in the area, producing a sweeter bodied tobacco. There are many things that can pair well with the Toscano Italia, but I chose the inviting XO Rum from Bumbu. This rum is aged for up to eighteen years in bourbon barrels and finished in sherry casks. As we embark on the first puff of the Toscano Italia, we are taken back to a simpler time, sitting on a hillside in Tuscany, as the delicious sensation of oak fire cured Kentucky seed Italian tobacco engulfs the
palate. Immediately, you sense the hard labor and craftsmanship that goes into the fire-cure and rolling of these incredible cigars. A powerful but enjoyable hit of white pepper on the retrohale and a medium-full bodied oak sensation encapsulate the nasal and tongue palates, offering a first-hand look into Toscano tobacco’s complexity. To further draw out the complexity of the tobacco, I sipped the XO rum and let it sit on the palate, cleansing and enticing the taste buds in preparation for the next pleasurable puff. The second puff of the cigar immediately changes into a much lighter bodied cigar as the Benevento tobacco finds its way through, providing a sweet finish with notes of toasted oak from both the cigar and rum and aromas of toffee. As the smoke and rum mingle with one another, I find a delicious mixture of vanilla, clove, and dark black pepper on the retrohale with slight notes of coffee and oak coming to the forefront on the tongue. As United States Brand Ambassador for Toscano Cigars, it always amazes me to find how complex the Toscano cigar truly is to every smoker. This particular blend of Toscano is such an incredible experience and a great look into tutto Italiano (everything Italian). It’s also a testament to the resilience and continued industrialization Toscano continues to provide, year after year, to its over two hundred-thirty-five million worldwide cigar lovers. Buona Fumata -
Michael P. Cappellini is the United States Brand Ambassador, Toscano Cigars S.p.A.
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DONNELL R AW L I N GS WA L K I N G T H E W I R E F R O M D R A M A TO C O M E DY TO STA R D O M by Elisa Jordan | portraits by Paul Smith
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AMES BROWN may have gone down in history as the hardest working man in show business, but Donnell Rawlings seems to have picked up the mantle from the music icon. More than 30 years after first taking the stage for a life in comedy, Rawlings has steadily built a career that includes television, movies and a highly lauded podcast. A life in entertainment wasn’t always a given, however. Born in Washington D.C., and raised in Alexandra, Va., after high school Rawlings joined the Air Force, where he was stationed in Korea. When he returned home, he found himself leading a security team for five Safeway stores. Life took an unexpected turn when he attended a few comedy shows with friends and heckled the performers. (Something he would never do now, he says.) To the audience's surprise, Rawlings was funnier than the comics on stage. As Rawlings’ comedy career gained momentum, his popularity transitioned into small parts for movies and television. Hollywood noticed, and Rawlings landed roles in a couple of David Simon’s
breakthrough programs on HBO. First came The Corner, a six-episode miniseries where Rawlings plays a drug-addicted character named Bread. Like many of the actors from The Corner, Simon brought Rawlings back for his next opus, The Wire. Rawlings portrayed Damien “Day-Day” Price, a character that eagle-eyed viewers will notice links the drug-infested housing projects and local politics. Day-Day, Rawlings says, was originally intended to have a larger part as the show went on, but the Baltimore tourism trade implored the show’s producers to tone down the drug references. In addition to his considerable successes in dramatic roles, Rawlings is probably best known as a cast member of Chappelle’s Show, starring Dave Chappelle. Critics and viewers hailed the sketch comedy show as brilliant, but Chappelle left after just three seasons. Chappelle and Rawlings remain close friends, and it is Chappelle who has produced Rawlings’ new Netflix special. Donnell Rawling took some time to chat with us about getting started in comedy, his career trajectory and his work ethic.
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I NT E R V I E W Cigar & Spirits Magazine: You didn’t start off wanting to be a comedian. You were head of security at a grocery store and went to a comedy club where you heckled someone on stage. Donnell Rawlings: Being a security guard in the grocery store is an understatement. I was head of security at a grocery store. I worked with some fun people. There was a guy that worked for Hostess Cupcake Company, and he would do stand-up comedy late at night, and he would stack the shelves with Hostess Twinkies and stuff in the daytime, but as part of that, he would double dip and pass out free tickets for the comedy show.
What changed for you that night? I really understood how tough it is to be in front of people you don’t know. You don’t know how well they’re going to receive you and it’s a very, very tough job. It’s easy for someone to sit in the corner and heckle. People don’t expect you to be funny. But when you’re up there [on stage], you’re expected to be funny. Nobody wants to be heckled by somebody that doesn’t have enough testicles to do what you do. It changed my attitude on what it really took to be a comic and the pressures of being in front of a big audience.
I got free tickets, went along with a lot of people that I worked with. I thought I was funny from my seat, and I would heckle the comedians. I got so good at being a heckler that audience people started coming just to hear me heckle. I was so cocky as a heckler that I went to the owner, and I said, “It looks like I’ve increased your business here by 30 percent. It’s time for you to cut me in. I need part of this profit.” To which he said, “If you think you’re so funny go on stage.” I went on stage and 37 years later I’ve never looked back.
You’ve said you don’t really like “ jokes.” How do you craft your material? Experience of life. My stuff, some of it self-deprecating, a large part of it is observational comedy. I just try to do my regular day-to-day activities, be around good people, talk to people, and with that, I just think I’m a naturally funny person and I put myself in different situations. Of course, there’s embellishment and you exaggerate a little bit, but the majority comes from things that are really happening in my life.
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I J UST T RY TO D O MY R E G U L A R D AY-TO - D AY AC T IV IT I E S , B E A R O U N D G O O D P E O P L E , TA L K TO P E O P L E , A N D W IT H T H AT, I J UST T H I N K I ’ M A N AT U R A L LY F U N NY P E R S O N A N D I P UT MYS E L F I N D I F F E R E NT S IT U AT I O NS . ”
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T H E A G E NC Y I WAS W IT H S E NT M E O UT O N A N A U D IT I O N F O R T H E C H A R AC T E R O F B R E A D . I T H O U G HT T H AT I B O M B E D T H E A U D IT I O N . IT WAS P R O BA B LY, M AY B E , MY F I FT H A U D IT I O N T H AT I ’ V E E V E R D O N E . I WAS N ’ T R E A L LY S U R E O F MYS E L F. ” Once your comedy career began to take off, you transitioned into acting. Can you talk a little bit about that? I think it just evolved. I used to do a lot of stand-up that had characters. I noticed that if I would talk about, like, a kid in my neighborhood bullying me for my bike, I would act him out, his mannerisms and everything. I was like, “Well, that’s getting close to acting.” I’ve got a couple of monologue books. I started doing monologues in the mirror. I created a sketch comedy group years ago called Secret Society. It was the biggest ethnic comedy sketch group ever in New York. I wanted to take my jokes and my characters, and I was like, “Let me just cast some people to play these things.” We had a showcase. We invited the industry out and I was a very, very green actor. No experience, just stuff that I was playing around with myself. We invited the industry out that night. It was a big night. The next day my manager’s phone was ringing off the hook. The agency was APA. They wanted to sign the entire group to represent. That’s when I started doing more auditions. I probably bombed more auditions than I booked. That was how my acting career started.
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You landed some really plum parts in The Corner and The Wire, which are now, especially The Wire, considered some of the best shows of all time. It’s one of my favorite shows. How did you get those roles and how did you get connected to [show creator] David Simon? The agency I was with sent me out on an audition for the character of Bread. I thought that I bombed the audition. It was probably, maybe, my fifth audition that I’ve ever done. I wasn’t really sure of myself. The casting director at the time told me. “Relax. You can do it.” I went and did it again. Still thought I bombed. I booked it, which was a surprise to me and everybody in the agency. When I got on set, I asked David Simon, “Why did you choose me for this role? I really thought I bombed.” To which he said, “We love the fact that you threw the lines away. You left the script and you became that person.” I left the script because I forgot my lines. In this particular case, because the other actors knew the backstory of the character, they were falling into the fact that he was a drug addict. I’m pretty sure everybody came in as a dope fiend. I came in there as a guy that just was nervous and funny at being nervous. They liked it and the rest was history.
BLENDED TO ELEVATE ANY DAY. INTRODUCING BARRELL FOUNDATION.
One thing that has always fascinated me is that so many comedians make brilliant dramatic actors. What’s your insight into that? I think some comedians, not all of them, make good dramatic actors because comedy is very dark. In fact, a lot of times when you’re on stage you deal with personal things in your life but when you go on stage, you can’t let people feel that. I think Smokey Robinson had a song, “Tears of a Clown,” “People say I’m the life of the party because I tell a joke or two, but take a good look at my face, and I’m crying.” I think that we’re like that symbol that represents comedy and drama. You’ve carved out a very successful career for yourself. How has your ambition changed over the years? I’m as passionate today as I was 32 years ago. Jay-Z had a song, “So Ambitious,” and [melodizing] “I always remember people telling me what I couldn’t be, oh, wow.” The ambition that drove me 30 years ago still exists now. Some people get in my field and fans and stuff, they think that I have made it to the top, but I think the thing that you have to remind yourself is to continue to challenge yourself to always try to figure out something you do to make yourself better. A lot of people can have a lot of ambition but no path to victory. You got to have a vision and let the ambition fuel it. You’re known for your work on Chappelle’s Show with Dave Chappelle, and now you have a Netflix special, which he produced. What were you looking to accomplish with your special? I really want to satisfy my fans. I do well for myself as a traveling or road comic, which I’m happy with. At the end of the day, every comic, your first thing you want to do is to be able to put your name on the marquee and make a good living for yourself. I’ve got to that part. My schedule is always there, but I just wanted to fill that void that’s been missing within my fanbase of me being on one of the biggest platforms in stand-up comedy, which is Netflix. Whether I could get the special or not, I still was happy with the fact that there are thousands and thousands of fans that want to come see me and help me to continue to have a good life. Because this is Cigar & Spirits, can you tell me a little bit about what you look for when it comes to different spirits and the cigars you smoke? Great spirits and good cigars give great conversation. You’re around good people. Not too many of my thug friends I grew up with were into any type of Cubans or any type of Japanese whiskey. I really like the lifestyle it creates. I’m still learning different tastes, different notes, and different styles. You’ve had a storied career. What do you want your legacy to be? I want my legacy to be someone that really cared about bringing happiness to people. I want my legacy to be that the biggest thing, the best thing he’s ever produced or ever directed was having a kid. I want people to know that sometimes you need to laugh, sometimes you want to laugh, and I hope that I helped you laugh when you needed to laugh.
Elisa Jordan is the author of the book Hello, Norma Jeane: The Marilyn Monroe You Didn’t Know. She is also a diehard fan of The Wire.
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SCAN ME
SCAN FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
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CAST AND CATCH FLY FISHING FOR GLOBETROTTERS by Kim Campbell Thornton
READING THE WATER, the physics of the cast, the art of fly tying: taken together, they make fly fishing an addictive mental and physical challenge. Better yet, the sport can be done almost anywhere, oceans to lakes, rivers to streams, on shore or from boats. If you’re ready to take your fly-fishing game to a new high, these lodges, from Alphonse to Zambia, will fulfill your angling fantasies in comfort and style.
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>> Indo-Pacific sailfish are among the game fish that challenge anglers in the Indian Ocean.
>> You’ll be sure to dine on delicious bounty from the sea at the resort after a day of fly fishing.
Photos courtesy of Alphonse Island Resort.
ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT, SEYCHELLES LOCATED 1,000 MILES OFF THE EAST COAST of Africa in the Seychelles archipelago, Alphonse Island Resort boasts a diverse lineup of saltwater species to test your skills, including bonefish, milkfish, giant trevally, triggerfish, snapper, grouper and humphead parrotfish. On 10,000 acres of hard white sand flats, it permits only 12 fly anglers at a time at its St. Francois fishery to preserve sustainability. Offshore vessels allow bluewater fly fishing for sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, dorado and marlin. Accommodations range from bungalows and villas to two private four-bedroom retreats with their own pool. August-May. alphonse-island.com
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>> The lodge has expert fishing guides for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
Photos courtesy of Owen River Lodge.
OWEN RIVER LODGE, NEW ZEALAND Gin-clear water makes it easy to stalk wild brown trout in the Owen River on New Zealand’s South Island. Anglers at Owen River Lodge can fish a plethora of blue-ribbon streams and rivers, accessible by road or helicopter for a more remote experience. Guided fishing in mountain streams in Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks is an unforgettably beautiful experience. Guides teach beginners, hone the skills of advanced anglers, and offer a women’s luxury fly fishing retreat, among other activities. The lodge comprises six luxurious cottage suites in a garden setting, hosting a maximum of 12 guests. Other activities include jet boating, rafting, hiking, golf, spa treatments and more. October-April. owenriverlodge.co.nz
>> The luxurious cottage suites offer fly fishers luxury at its finest.
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>> A night the lodge is a cozy haven both in the dining and gathering areas and individual rooms.
Photos courtesy of Chile Trout. >> Fishing expeditions can range from 7 to 11 days at the lodge or at a more remote, rustic mobile camp.
CHILE TROUT, PATAGONIA Venture to Lago Frio, one of Chile’s glacial lakes and the jumping-off point to a paradise of Patagonian brown trout and rainbow trout found in the surrounding streams, rivers and lakes. With one guide for every two anglers and an array of boats for every body of water, including drift boats, whitewater rafts with fishing frames, and motorized pontoon rafts, it’s easy to customize your fishing experience. Francisco and Karina operate the intimate lodge, which also offers birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking and sightseeing. In the evening, marvel at the brightly lit sky, filled with more stars than you ever dreamed existed. December-March. chiletrout.com
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>> Howard’s Creek Lodge, on the banks of the creek, is where many fishing trips meet and events like the Tie One On often take place.
THE GREENBRIER, WEST VIRGINIA Running through the 11,000 acres that make up The Greenbrier—a storied resort that has hosted presidents and princes—is Howard’s Creek, a stellar stream filled with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Skilled and seasoned fishing guides provide instruction for newbies and assistance as desired to the experienced. Schedule a stay during a Tie One On Bourbon (or Craft Beer) Tasting and Fly Tying Course, featuring private select bourbons or local beers. Beyond fly fishing, activities include gaming at America’s only private casino, relaxing at the mineral spa, four golf courses, off-road driving, falconry, shooting, riding, and a range of dining experiences. August-October. greenbrier.com
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Photos courtesy of The Greenbrier.
>> Fly fishing for catch-andrelease trout and smallmouth bass on Howard’s Creek is one of the most popular activities at The Greenbrier.
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>> The Limay River is known for its big brown trout.
Photos courtesy of Limay River Ranch.
>> The Buenos Airestrained chefs draws on high-quality ingredients from local providers, produce from the on-site garden, home-baked bread and of course fine Argentinian wines. A standard appetizer includes smoked red stag and wild boar.
LIMAY RIVER RANCH, ARGENTINA Large brown river trout and “badass” rainbows populate the dynamic and exciting Limay River in Argentine Patagonia. While Limay River Ranch is new, owner Ron Sorenson, who operates Chocolate Lab Expeditions in Patagonia and Montana with his wife Vanessa and a team of experienced, passionate guides, has been fishing the area since 1996. The property offers more than 30 miles of exclusive access to guests, plus additional floats outside the property. The off-grid lodge with 80 percent green power available 24/7 consists of six cabins with a total capacity of 12 clients, plus a main lodge with dining room, bar and gathering area. Free high-speed Starlink satellite internet keeps guests connected—if they want to be. November-May. limayriverranch.com
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DOWNTOWN’S NEWEST HOT SPOT MOXY LOWER EAST SIDE NEW YORK, NY New York City’s center of gravity has shifted decidedly toward Downtown. Younger travelers in particular are less interested in traditional draws like Rockefeller Center and Central Park, and more excited to experience “living like a local.” To them, the prospect of delving into a micro-slice of the city, be it the Lower East Side or East Village, is more appealing than a Broadway show — which is still just a short subway ride away. These urban explorers need a place to stay, and the series of Moxy hotels developed by Lightstone in New York City over the past few years has ser ved as their home bases for neighborhood after neighborhood from Times Square and Chelsea, to the East Village and Brooklyn. In 2022, Lightstone debuted Moxy Lower East Side, a new 303room eclectic and stylish pleasure garden in the city’s most electrifying neighborhood. Inspired by the Lower East Side’s histor y as a crossroads of entertainment and culture, and its present-day role as an incubator of innovation, the hotel entices with endless amusements enlivened with the spirit of the absurd, among them, Sake No Hana, a modern Japanese restaurant; Silver Lining, a piano lounge; The Highlight Room, a rooftop bar; The Fix, an all-day café and Tao Group Hospitality. With interiors by Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group and architecture by Stonehill Taylor, the hotel’s design feeds the curiosity and dazzles the eye, layering references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social histor y with the vibrancy of today. Cleverly designed rooms, tech-savvy amenities, co-working spaces, and flexible meeting studios meet the needs of the pluggedin modern traveler, all at an affordable price. The Lower East Side is home to some of the city’s most cuttingedge restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural institutions, as well as iconic historic landmarks. The neighborhood is an incubator for the avant-garde and an arbiter of what’s cool in NYC. Moxy Lower East Side puts guests at the doorstep of all of the neighborhood’s attractions — and reflects the variety and vibrancy of the Lower East Side with its own offerings. BOOK NOW AT MOXYLOWEREASTSIDE.COM AND FOLLOW @MOXYLOWEREASTSIDE
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Photo courtesy of Caerula Mar Clrub.
CAERULA MAR CLUB, SOUTH ANDROS ISLAND, BAHAMAS A bonanza of bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, jack and mutton snapper populate the ocean-front flats of South Andros Island in the Bahamas. Cast from the beach, explore the flats with a guide, or charter a boat for a day of bluewater fly fishing. Non-anglers can sail, snorkel, dive, hike, kayak, paddleboard or enjoy the spa. Luxury resort Caerula Mar Club stretches over 10 acres in one of the Caribbean’s most biodiverse locales and makes the most of sustainable natural materials for its furnishings in one- and two-bedroom suites and villas. November-June. caerulamar.com
>> Uncrowded South Andros Island is home to the world’s third largest fringing barrier reef and attracts anglers from around the world.
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Photo credit Stuart Thurlkill.
>> Fly fishing the Blackfoot River was made famous—or perhaps more famous—thanks to the film A River Runs Through It. It’s known for brown and rainbow trout.
THE RESORT AT PAWS UP, MONTANA Legendary rivers—Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clearwater, Missouri—run through the golden triangle of Western trout fly fishing, and 37,000-acre The Resort at Paws Up offers access to them all, in surroundings that combine wilderness and indulgence. Choose from half-day and full-day guided fly-fishing excursions along the Blackfoot, Clearwater or Missouri. Cast your line for brook, rainbow, brown, cutthroat, bull and golden trout. Afterward, indulge in a barbeque with a flight of vintage Pinot Noirs. The two on-property restaurants serve the best of local ingredients. Six camps with glamping tents—think hardwood floors, fine linens, and a butler on call to meet your every need—let you relax in comfort while still enjoying the wild sights and sounds surrounding you. May-October. pawsup.com
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>> A chuckwagon dinner on the banks of the Blackfoot River is grilled over a campfire and served with classics such as baked beans, corn and fresh fruit cobbler.
>> Cast from the shore, a paddleboard or a boat, and then dine at the on-site restaurant with locally sourced ingredients—including a specially cooked meal by the chef featuring any fish you caught.
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>> You can watch elephants bathe in the Zambezi right from camp.
>> Tigerfish, native to Africa, are fierce opponents. >> You’ll awake to views of the sunrise from your spacious tent before setting out for the day’s fishing.
CHIAWA CAMP, ZAMBIA Trout? Bonefish? Absolutely, but if you’re looking for a different challenge, think tiger fish. Granted, they don’t have tigers in Africa, but these toothy trophy fish are equally wild and wily predators. At Chiawa Camp on the Zambezi River, the best time to catch—and then release—these piscine apex predators is from late August to mid-November. Expert guides on 18-foot pontoon boats share their local knowledge of the river. When you’re not fishing—or even when you are—you’re in prime wildlife habitat at and around camp. Expect to see elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, waterbuck, hippos and crocodiles. The 1,080-square-foot safari tents have amenities that include a king-size bed, ball and claw tub, indoor and outdoor showers, two recliners and a private plunge pool. After a full day of fishing, enjoy a sundowner before dining on Afro-Euro fusion cuisine catered to any dietary requirements. chiawa.com
Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning lifestyle writer in Lake Forest, California. When she's not traveling to some offbeat locale, she's hanging out with her dog, reading and sipping a cocktail.
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C&S PROMOTIONAL
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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) 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
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C&S
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michael bublé life, whiskey and song by Randy Mastronicola | portraits by Sarah Krick
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T
HERE’S NO WAY IN HELL you can have a chat with Michael Bublé and not conclude that he’s as authentic and engaging off stage as he is on stage. Many of us have enjoyed Michael’s dynamic career over his 20-plus years as one of the most popular entertainers of this generation. Of course, we know he’s revered for being the keeper of the flame for the Great American Songbook, and that’s just the starting point.
Michael has sold over 75 million albums, received five Grammy Awards and created six multi-platinum albums. His Christmas album streams in the millions each year—he’s become as synonymous with holiday music as Darlene Love, and…You know what? I could go on, but I’m going to cut myself off here. When I chatted with Michael, it became readily apparent that he isn’t about stats and awards. He’s about people, and his music is the conduit to that human bond. Fans easily receive that human touch from his music. He’s beloved by millions for his timeless vocal style and his ability to share his appreciation of the great crooners and various musical styles. He’s made the fans and the music singularly his own. I feel fortunate I have the opportunity to share what Michael and I spoke about. A lot more was covered than what you’ll read here, but you’ll get the gist. Life, whiskey and song indeed.
the INTERVIEW "IT’S THE CLOSEST THING TO MAKING MUSIC. SITTING WITH PAUL AND LISTENING TO HIM SPEAK ABOUT HOW HE BLENDS THESE NOTES TO CREATE THIS HARMONY, THE WAY HE TALKS ABOUT IT. WE SAT IN AN INTERVIEW TOGETHER AND I WATCHED HIM, AND I COULD'VE LISTENED TO HIM FOR HOURS...IT'S THE SAME WAY I SPEAK ABOUT SONGS THAT I CONSTRUCT."
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Randy Mastronicola: Let’s start with your recent partnership with Fraser & Thompson Whiskey. Have you always been passionate about whiskey? Michael Bublé: I’ve always enjoyed a nice bottle of whiskey. But it wasn't like it had to be Pappy Van Winkle or something really high-end though. When I’d come off stage, I always enjoyed what was there waiting for me. That got you on the path to Fraser & Thompson. The truth about what happened was that it was my birthday. It was about three years ago, and my manager told me “There is a distiller in Montreal named Paul Cirka and he’s sent a lot of stuff over. He’s talking about how he'd love for you to be involved.” In my mind, I was thinking Pepsi. I'll be the new “bubbly guy.”
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“IT'S FUNNY, WHEN I WRITE A SONG, I COULD TALK FOR AN HOUR ABOUT ALL OF THE THINGS THAT DRIVE ME, ALL OF THE LITTLE UNIQUE THINGS THAT BROUGHT THESE NOTES INTO ME FEELING A CERTAIN WAY, BRINGING THIS MELODY, THIS KIND OF RHYTHM.”
He said, “No, no, that's not what we're talking about. It’s whiskey.” During that night, me and my buddies, my wife—we were drinking it. I said, “Damn, this is really good.”
Bouquet to finish. Nice. And your spirit has a good price point. Value for flavor.
I said to my wife, “Wouldn't it be amazing if you and I got into a business, just for us?” We'd never done anything like that together. We ended up meeting Paul, loving Paul, and we invested in the company. We helped buy that distillery.
Social media is going to be a huge part of this for you. My wife was sitting with me last night in bed and she said, “Wow, your TikToks are all booze and bourbon.” I said, “Well, yes, because the algorithm is giving me the stuff that I'm looking at.” Naturally, I've started to become way more interested in it. Then all of a sudden, I want to know how to make the greatest old fashioned, become an expert in all of this.
The seed and sip were planted… [laughs] Yes. Neither of us thought it was going to be something big. We just thought, “You know what? How cute is this?” A cool boutique distillery that we'll work on together. Then my manager, on my behalf, called a friend of ours named Larry Ruvo in Vegas. Larry is one of the big distributors, and we'd been friends for many years. He said to Larry, “What do you think? We don't know how to start.” He said, “Listen, I think the kids should go and meet with Shelly Stein from Southern Glazer's.” Honestly, once that happened, it became a completely different path. You’re not the first person we’ve interviewed who’s mentioned it was a way to work on a project with their spouse. Interesting. Yes. More than just my wife, it became a family thing. My dad was the first investor, my best friend Ron Toigo—who I own a hockey team with. Then my own manager. Then I asked Shelly, “Well, if we're going to do this, then Glazer's is going to be involved. This is going to be big.” I said, “Boy, I don't really know what I'm doing. It would be really nice for me to have Paul Cirka, who obviously is an incredible talent and a whiskey nerd.” He could sit and talk to me for hours about it. I said, “I would love it if that's who helped me to make sure that, when I do this, it's right.” It took two, almost three years. The whole thing started with me loving the whiskey that Paul made, just loving it. The bouquet, all of the things that go into the process–the whiskey entering my mouth—all the way to the last little taste. That last taste where you say, “Mmh.”
Spirits are a culture. Would you say there’s similarity between collaborating on a spirits project and an entertainment project? I love this question. I love that you asked it because I feel like you know the answer to it already, and I appreciate you letting me speak on it. You caught me. [laughter] It’s the closest thing to making music. Sitting with Paul and listening to him speak about how he blends these notes to create this harmony, the way he talks about it. We sat in an interview together and I watched him, and I could've listened to him for hours. Firstly, I learned more listening to him for 15 minutes than I could studying online, but it's the same way I speak about songs that I construct. It's literally this way because you have the fundamentals of theory, but then that's mixed with feeling, that's mixed with your opinion, how you hear something, what it makes you feel, and the flavors. It's funny, when I write a song, I could talk for an hour about all of the things that drive me, all of the little unique things that brought these notes into me feeling a certain way, bringing this melody, this kind of rhythm.
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"I HAD TO BRING IN THE RIGHT PRODUCER SO HE COULD GET MY VISION AND EXECUTE. NOW, I HAVE TO TRY AND HAVE THAT AND ALSO BE PROUD, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, BOY, IT'S GOT TO BE MARKETABLE. IF IT ISN'T MARKETABLE, NO MATTER HOW GOOD I THINK THIS IS, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK."
Francis Ford Coppola once told our magazine it’s all show biz. Movies, wine, building resorts. You bridge that with people who see it like you. I had to bring in the right producer so he could get my vision and execute. Now, I have to try and have that and also be proud, but at the same time, boy, it's got to be marketable. If it isn't marketable, no matter how good I think this is, it's not going to work. It's not a trend. It's so interesting. The layers of it all. Obviously, music— and now whiskey—informs your soul. Absolutely. If you tell that story, then it’s authentic. It will resonate with the consumer. They sense when it’s a money grab and they’ ll be put off. That's one of the first things that Shelly explained to me. “Mike, it won’t work if it looks like that,” he said. The big distributors I met with said, “You know what? It starts off big with celebrities. Then they do all these bottles, and then they can't get that shit off the shelves.” Certainly. They told me, “You got a good product, kid. Just take it easy. Let it go. It takes about a year to get everything into the stores.” Great advice. An excellent example of celeb brand authenticity is Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. They just live and breathe their Mezcal. Yes, I’ve heard that. Do you guys have any plans for consumer engagement? Get those boots on the ground? I just went out for two weeks. I did everything from going to SantaCon to going into all the bars. I have
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gone to the Spec’s, and I've gone to the Total Wines. I've met thousands of people. It’s just getting that liquid to lips. Again, it doesn't feel very different from the music business, because when I started in the music business, my publicist, Liz Rosenberg, would take me to New York. I would play two shows at the Blue Note, but it wasn't the shows even. Between those two shows at the Blue Note, she'd say, “Boy, come on down and meet these fucking people. You're going to say hello.” Then I would schmooze the room, and it's funny because they didn't buy my music as much as they bought me. Well, you had the chops to back that up. Thank you for saying that. You mentioned Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. They're megastars, but they're one of us. You know what I mean? That's the cool part. They are pissers. Genuine, and no star trips there. Ok, I'm going to switch gears. Let’s do it. You’re recent collab with Jason Derulo on “Spicy Margarita”? We are the collaboration that no one knew they needed, and no one had on their bingo card in 2024. [laughter] For me, it's not far off the mark, being a keeper of The Great American Songbook. I always knew the root of what I loved came from R&B, jazz, pop, rap—all of it. I love Jason, and I have a lot of respect for him. He’s an intelligent guy, and he's a great artist–writer, entertainer and dancer. He's got the whole package. This kid has created a massive business, a huge following, and very much a lot of it on his own.
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‘“I WAS IN THE CAR WITH MY WIFE. I TURNED TO HER AND SAID, “I'M ABOUT TO HAVE A BIG STINKING HIT ON THE RADIO. BOOM!”’ Photos courtesy of Full Coverage Communications/Fraser & Thompson.
I said to him, “This will work.” We figured out a vehicle to take what I do and mixed it with what he does. It’ll fit groove-wise. It won't be stuffing a triangle into a circle.
F & TEA by Michael Bublé and Fraser & Thompson Serves 1 Note: We encourage you to pour and make more for all. Ingredients • 11/2 oz Fraser & Thompson Whiskey • 4 oz iced tea • 1/2 oz lemon Juice Directions • combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker • add ice • shake vigorously • pour into a highball glass Garnish • Lemon Wheel
Abbondanza!
You got the best of both. Right away, he sent me back a demo. I was in the car with my wife. I turned to her and said, “I'm about to have a big stinking hit on the radio. Boom!” I came in, we did an interpolation, I rewrote “Sway”, obviously, and off we went. The hardest part for me was waiting for it to be released. It's funny because I would have conversations with people like Ryan Seacrest or people in my world, the music industry, and I'd go, “I got a big single coming.” They’d go, “Oh, good for you. What is it?” I'd say, “It's me and Jason Derulo.” Every time— whether it was Ryan Seacrest or whether it was Harry and Meghan—the first response was, “Holy shit, yes. Oh, my god.” Again, I was a bit surprised that people were that surprised. It’s a huge hit. So funny sometimes. I was talking to a respected cigar blender recently. I asked, "Do you ever feel it in your bones that you just created a great product?" That's how it was. Definitely. It was uniquely instinctual. It was like I knew the first time I heard it. I've
written some great songs, and for whatever reason, they didn’t go to the place I expected them to. I've had other songs that I didn't expect as much, and emotionally they reached people. This is one of those things where I find gratitude. That’s the key, right? Focus on what’s fuels your spirit and let go of the other stuff that creates resistance. So true. I have a one-year-old. Every day I take her—we got this duck pond—I walk her to the ducks. Well, about a week and a half ago, the first time I'm taking her to the ducks, and I start to play “Baby Shark.” She said, “No, no, no.” I tried to play Raffi, and “Baby Beluga.” She wanted “Spicy Margarita.” She wanted it 80 times. If you write a song and the kids get into it—that’s just “Wow!” for me She got the beat. [laughter] Switching gears for fun. I have a few either/or questions for you. The rule is you can't answer “ both.” Shoot. I know you’re a co-owner of the Vancouver Giants and a huge Canucks fan. Either/or? Scoring a goal for the Canucks in the Stanley Cup, or singing a duet with Frank Sinatra in heaven? Sinatra in heaven.
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“MY LEGACY WILL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH MY MUSIC. I KNOW IT...I THINK MY LEGACY WILL LIVE ON IN MY CHILDREN, IN MY KINDNESS, MY EMPATHY, AND THE GOOD I TRY TO DO.” Cool. You and I both share an Italian heritage. Spaghetti and meatballs, or pizza with sausage. Pizza with sausage. I know you said I couldn't answer both— that’s tough. Ok. I think I'm going to give you a pass on that one. Especially if it’s my nonna’s sauce. Nice. Leather jacket or Levi's denim jacket? Oh, I think leather jacket. Your favorite place to escape—ocean or mountains? Ocean. Chelsea boots or sneakers? Sneakers. Dinner and a night at the theatre, or movie and popcorn at home? Oh. Movie and popcorn at home. If I answered the other way, which my inside wants to answer, my wife would say, “You're a liar.” Exactly. [laughs] You’re a Vancouver boy. Obviously, it gets just a touch cold there. Summer or winter? Oh, winter. You’ve cemented your legacy as an artist. What would you like your legacy to be outside of music? My legacy will have nothing to do with my music. I know it. Maya Angelou said something like people may forget what you've done or said, but they'll never forget how you made them feel. I think my legacy will live on in my children, in my kindness, my empathy, and the good I try to do. What a wonderful world it would be if we all aspired to that? It's all we have. Really strong faith. I think my hope is that we all get to hang in heaven and sing with Frank.
Randy Mastronicola is the Editor & Publisher of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.
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C&S PROMOTIONAL
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C&S
ACROSS the CIGAR UNIVERSE As influencers in the cigar and spirits industries these past fourteen years, we’ve had the good fortune of sampling the finest premium blends throughout the world, and we’ve relished sharing them with you. We encourage you to drink what we drink, and smoke what we smoke. Here are some of our top-reviewed cigars over the past year and new releases that will add to your spring enjoyment.
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Chepe Nicoli / Shutterstock.com
For Your Humidor ESSENTIAL SELECTIONS FROM
ARTURO FUENTE DON CARLOS NO. 4 Size: 5 x 43 Petit Piramides Wrapper: Dominican Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium/Full
92
CIGAR RATING
Notes: A smaller sibling to the No. 3, the No. 4 has chocolate and spice notes from the 10+ years plus aged tobacco. There is a nice sweetness from the Cameroon wrapper, and it burns perfectly, as expected.
BLACK LABEL TRADING COMPANY SALVATION
91
5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown Binder: Honduran Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full
CIGAR RATING
Notes: The BLTC Salvation is a hearty robusto featuring tastes of cinnamon, espresso and brown sugar throughout the smoking session. Smoky cedar was evident at times as well. The smoke output was impressive giving off hints of mint in the air.
COHIBA RIVIERA
#19
6 ½ x 52 Toro Box-Pressed Wrapper: San Andrés Binder: Connecticut, Honduran Filler: Nicaraguan Condega, Nicaraguan Esteli, Honduran La Entrada, Honduran Jamastran Strength: Medium/Full
Notes: The Riviera is the only box-pressed offering in the Cohiba line. It’s a handsome and refined cigar in the hand. This tasty cigar features a vanilla silkiness and it’s undoubtedly a creamy smoke with some earthy notes mixed in. The abundant smoke output has a pleasant citrus scent. The draw and burn are stellar.
DAVIDOFF MILLENNIUM LANCERO LE 2023 Size: 7 x 40 Lancero Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Mexican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium
92
CIGAR RATING
Notes: A limited release for 2023, the Lancero LE is an amazing way to enjoy Davidoff’s legendary Ecuadorian “hybrid 151” wrapper. Tasting notes include pine, white pepper, and coffee. There’s a flawless draw to Millenium Lancero, a perfect balance between resistance and air flow.
DON DOROTEO PIEDRA VIVA 5 ¾ x 54 Toro Wrapper: Cameroon seed (grown in Ecuador) Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Andullo Dominicana (Taino “Indian Tobacco), Corojo Dominicano, Criolla 98, Nicaraguan Ligero Condega, Nicaraguan Viso Condego Strength: Medium
#24
Notes: Don Doroteo released its “Salt of the Earth” line late last year. The Piedra Viva version features tobacco leaves aged seven years. It’s spicy and nutty at the start and features pleasant aromas and tastes of salty caramel and leather at the back-end. The cigar was a fine finish to 2023. WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM
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DON PEPIN GARCIA VEGAS CUBANAS Size: 5 x 50 Invictos Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium
90
CIGAR RATING
Notes: To some a lesser-known Garcia family blend the Vegas Cubanas has been reintroduced this year with a showy green band. Tasting notes include cocoa and leather. Profile and build are a bit rustic, though the draw and burn are perfect.
DREW ESTATE LIGA PRIVADA H99 CONNECTICUT COROJO FLYING PIG Size: 4 x 60 Flying Pig Wrapper: U.S.A. Binder: Mexican Filler: Honduran & Nicaraguan Strength: Full
91
CIGAR RATING
Notes: It’s always a surprise how something with such an unusual vitola can burn so well and for so long. Formerly a 2023 Barn Smoker exclusive, the H99 Pig is now available at B&Ms. Tasting notes include grains, toast and earth.
DRUNK CHICKEN CIGARS MOTHER CLUCKER Robusto 5 ½ x 50 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Ecuadorian Strength: Medium/Full
90
CIGAR RATING
Notes: The Drunk Chicken robusto is expertly crafted. It offers notes of molasses, spice and some black pepper. It’s a rustic and tasty cigar with a jammy molasses undertone. There’s ample smoke output and the draw is relaxing and easy.
EL SEPTIMO KOLOSSO AMETHYST PIRAMIDE 6 x 60 Piramide Wrapper: Undisclosed Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Undisclosed Strength: Medium
#1
Notes: This is a masculine torpedo with an evident scent of oily leather throughout and an abundance of smoke. The flavors are nicely finessed with complementary notes of anise, salted caramel and hints of marzipan at the finish. The Amethyst is one of El Septimo’s standouts in its highly lauded and growing portfolio. It is a worthy successor to the #1 cigars we’ve passionately shared with our readership these past 14 years.
EPC ENCORE BLACK Size: 7 x 54 Torpedo Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium
94
CIGAR RATING
Notes: A maduro masterpiece from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper delivers rich notes of chocolate, coffee, and spice, while the Nicaraguan filler adds complexity and balance. This cigar is smooth, satisfying, and a must-try for maduro lovers.
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FLOR DE LAS ANTILLAS 10TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION Size: 6 ½ x 52 Toro Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium
93
CIGAR RATING
Notes: FDLA 10th Anniversary Limited Edition is a Nicaraguan puro that celebrates the acclaimed My Father line. It features a high-priming wrapper that gives it a fuller body and a darker color than the original blend. The smoke is smooth and complex, with notes of wood, pepper, leather, and cocoa. A superb cigar for a special occasion.
FERIO TEGO TIMELESS PRESTIGE ESPECIALES
#6
6 1/4 x 38 Lancero Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full
Notes: This elegant lancero delivers scents and flavors of earth and wood at the start. The nuttiness makes for a tasty combination when it fuses with citrus and espresso. The Dominican and Nicaraguan filler offers a pleasant mouth feel. The burn is stellar.
JOYA DE NICARAGUA CINCO DE CINCO Size: 6 ¼ x 46 Corona Extra Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full
91
CIGAR RATING
Notes: Cinco de Cinco celebrates the 55th anniversary of Joya de Nicaragua. Showcasing a Mexican San Andres wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers and binders in a soft-pressed format. The flavor is full-bodied and complex, with hints of cocoa and dark chocolate.
J.C. NEWMAN ANGEL CUESTA 7.25 x 57 Salomones Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Undisclosed Strength: Medium
#9
Notes: This Salomones is a smooth and masculine cigar in look and feel with simply excellent construction. The underlying earth topped with a jammy, marzipan note makes for a tasty session all the way through. The draw and burn are memorable.
JRE TOBACCO ALADINO SUMATRA TORO
#5
6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Honduran Sumatra Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium Notes: The “new-gen” branding of this Aladino offering features a smoky, sweet maduro with creamy vanilla tastes throughout. The Sumatra-seed tobacco is tasty, timeless and new at the same time. There are myriad pleasant tastes, and the impeccable draw informs this expert blend. WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM
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LA GLORIA DE CUBANA 8TH STREET Size: 6 x 50 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Dominican & Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full
90
CIGAR RATING
Notes: 8th Street is a limited-edition cigar that pays tribute to the brand's roots in Miami's Little Havana. Crafted at El Titan de Bronze, a renowned boutique factory, 8th Street uses a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. The wrapper is a flawless Ecuadorian Habano oscuro that adds a layer of richness and complexity to the smoke. The cigar delivers full-bodied flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, cream, and leather, with a touch of spice on the finish.
LA AURORA 120TH ANNIVERSARY TORO 5 1/2 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Dominican Habana 92 Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican (Cibao Valley) Strength: Full
#3
Notes: La Aurora’s 115th Anniversary offering was the Cigar of the Year for this publication. The brand has created a more-than-worthy successor with its 120th cigar. The blend comes through with tastes of hot chocolate and cashew from the start. The nuttiness intensifies as it serves up a smoky roasted honey taste at the finish. The hint of black pepper adds a bit of zing as well. The draw and burn are sublime.
LE PÂTISSIER NO. 54 5 3/8 x 54 Robusto Wrapper: U.S.A–Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Nicaraguan–Jalapa Filler: Costa Rican, Nicaraguan–Ometepe and Pueblo Nuevo Strength: Medium/Full
#21
Notes: The 54 is such a handsome cigar given the unique quality of its size. The blend is crafted quite well, featuring an effortless draw and even burn throughout. There are hints of honey, citrus and vanilla that make for a sublime smoking session.
MIAMI CIGAR CO. NM80 Size: 7 ½ x 38 Lancero Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full
94
CIGAR RATING
Notes: NM80 celebrates the 80th birthday of Nestor Miranda, the founder of Miami Cigar. A Nicaraguan puro made by My Father Cigars with a dark and oily wrapper, this smoke is medium-bodied and elegant, with flavors of espresso, chocolate, leather, and spice.
NAKED CIGARS BY KAFIE 1901 MADURO (LA AURORA FACTORY) Size: 7 x 47 Churchill Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Indonesian Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium
91
CIGAR RATING
Notes: Naked Cigars are quality cigars made from medium filler tobacco from Kafie's premium lines. The Habano Maduro wrapper adds a rich and dark flavor to the blend, which contains tobaccos from five different countries. The smoke is smooth and satisfying, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and spice. A great value for everyday enjoyment. 80 / CIGAR SPIRITS CIGAR & SPIRITS
MARCH MARCH // APRIL APRIL 2024 2024
NOMOS CIGARS NOMOS LONSDALE 6 x 42 Lonsdale Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Indonesian (Sumatra) Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium
#23
Notes: The smooth draw brings in cayenne-spicy tastes, sweet cedar and citrus hints. The oil and leathery undertone are surprisingly sublime. The abundance of smoke, even burn and dark chocolate notes are memorable.
MY FATHER THE JUDGE TORO 6 x 56 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium/Full
#12
Notes: This stout My Father feels comfortable and oily in the hand. There are significant tastes of dark chocolate almonds, peanuts and salty caramel throughout. The smoke is ample and aromatic with a hay-like scent.
OLMEC CLARO ROBUSTO 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Mexican–San Andrés Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan–Estelí & Jalapa Strength: Medium/Full
#11
Notes: This Olmec is a handsome box-pressed cigar. The tastes are replete with vanilla bean and light coffee at the start. The draw and burn are outstanding. The cigar ends with a honey and cinnamon finish. The ample smoke throughout was outstanding.
PADRON 1926 NO. 90 Size: 5 ½ x 52 Robusto Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full
93
CIGAR RATING
Notes: Padron 1926 #90 is a special cigar that honors the 90th birthday of Jose Orlando Padron. The cigar is a Nicaraguan puro in tubo packaging. The smoke is full-bodied and rich, with notes of cocoa, coffee, earth, and pepper. A masterpiece of craftsmanship and flavor.
PERDOMO 30TH ANNIVERSARY Size: 7 x 54 Torpedo Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Mild/Medium
91
CIGAR RATING
Notes: Perdomo 30th Anniversary features 15-year aged tobaccos from Nicaragua, aged in bourbon barrels for extra flavor and complexity. Available in Connecticut, Sun Grown, and Maduro wrappers, each offering a different profile and strength. 30th Anniversary is smooth, rich, and balanced, with notes of coffee, chocolate, spice, and oak.
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PLATINUM MEDAL Beverage Tasting Institute
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POINTS
Ultimate Spirits Challenge
DOUBLE GOLD
TO L
EAR N
OR
SC A N
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Pr%f Awards 2022
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PLASENCIA COSECHA 149 SANTA FE 4 7/8 x 60 Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Full
#13
Notes: The cigar’s nutty and zesty citrus tastes are nicely layered with leather, earth and wood. It finishes sweetly and holds a perfect ash throughout the smoking session.
PLATINUM NOVA CIGARS LEO 12 6 ¼ x 56 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium
#25
Notes: The abundant flavors of graham crackers, brown sugar and cocoa inform this delicious cigar. The aromatic scent of cedar capped a stellar smoking session.
RAMÓN ALLONES 40 CARAT ER PAÍSES BAJOS
#16
7 ¼ X 50 Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba Strength: Full Notes: The sweet chocolate and leather mesh alongside strong earthy flavors. The draw is stellar, and the nuanced flavors at the finish of almond and honey make for a timeless blend.
ROCKY PATEL DARK STAR Size: 6 x 60 SixSixty Wrapper: Corojo Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran, Paraguayan Strength: Medium
92
CIGAR RATING
Notes: The Dark Star is a medium-bodied cigar with a unique blend of tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Paraguay. The corojo wrapper adds a rich and dark flavor to the smoke, which has notes of spice, chocolate, espresso, and dried fruit. The cigar has a lingering sweetness and a balanced strength, making it a stellar choice for any occasion.
ROOM101 ROOM101 14TH ANNIVERSARY TORO
#7
6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Notes: This limited-edition Matt Booth offering is wrapped in a chocolatey maduro. The cigar is blended with fine notes of coffee, cacao, wood, and earth and balanced with a creamy smoothness. The smoking session surprisingly lasted nearly 90 minutes, and the burn held evenly throughout.
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UN C L E NE AR E S T.C O M Uncle Nearest has won more than 850 awards in the last three years. Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 60.8%, 50% and 46.5% Alc/Vol, Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. © 2024 Uncle Nearest, Inc. SCAN FOR UNCLE NEAREST STORY
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ESSENTIAL SELECTIONS FROM
ACROSS
THE SPIRITS
UNIVERSE 86 86 // CIGAR CIGAR&& SPIRITS SPIRITS
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FOR YOUR HOME BAR
AMERICAN-TENNESSEE WHISKEY KENTUCKY OWL MAIGHSTIR EDITION STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY MSRP: $139.99 | ABV: 50% Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition is a blend of multi-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbons with mash bills of corn, wheat and malted barley. This striking selection creates a vigorous, well balanced Scotch whiskey-inspired bourbon. A finish with a long and satisfying warmth, and lingering spiciness that is balanced with a subtle sweetness.
OLD ELK DISTILLERY LIMITED EDITION CIGAR CUT ISLAND BLEND MSRP: $139.99 | ABV: 55.85% Inspired by the warm glow of a smoldering fire, the sherry and Armagnac casks provide a rich color and complex flavor notes such as leather. The port and Cognac casks provide a smooth, velvety full flavor with spiced dark fruit notes. Excellently paired with your favorite cigar or standalone as your new favorite nightcap.
BUZZARD'S ROOST SIPPING WHISKEY MSRP: $39.99 | ABV: 52.5% With notes of caramel, candied pecans, milky tea and toasted white bread, the nose is filled with the wafts of these aromas. Despite its high proof, it feels smooth on the palate with a creamy and medium to full-body on the palate, with a hint of lively pepperiness. Finished off by caramel notes carried through to the moderately long finish and gentle tannins on the back palate.
CANADIAN WHISKEY BEARFACE MATSUTAKE MUSHROOM WHISKY MSRP: $44.99 | ABV: 42.5% The extreme northern climate amplifies how the whisky and wood interact, transforming the liquid inside, though it’s unique “elemental aging” process. Notes of chocolate aid in the toasty wood, baking spice, and assertive tannins on the palate, scattered by faint apple notes and a return of the dark malt flavors of the nose.
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BOURBON BIB AND TUCKER BOURBON MSRP: $54.99 | ABV: 44% With Tennessee aromas of vanilla, freshly mowed grass and leather-bound books. Notes of sweet fruit, vanilla beans, caramel and dried apricots dominate the palate, and are complemented by a subtle touch of ginger spice. The finish is complex and lingers, with hints of chestnuts and corn, pairing well with smoked meats, salty snacks and dried fruits.
PUNCHERS CHANCE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON MSRP: $29.99 | ABV: 45% A union of multiple years of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it's revered for its caramel, spicy, slightly sweet and creamy vanilla flavor notes. A complex oaky sweetness accompanied by orange, dark chocolate, leather and baking spices, finished by long, sweet maple and sugar notes.
WHEEL HORSE CIGAR BLEND WHISKEY MSRP: $42.99 | ABV: 50.5% Aged for over four years in its original oak barrels and then finished in a combination of sherry, port, and Armagnac casks for approximately 6 to 8 months. Having aromas of dark fruit, such as cherry and plum, with a light undertone of tobacco. On the palate, sweet brown sugar is balanced with rich coffee before revealing earthy notes of leather and dark chocolate, finished with complex flavors of mulling spice and roasted almonds.
REBEL SMALL BATCH RESERVE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON MSRP: $34.99 | ABV: 55% Rebel Small Batch Reserve highlights barrels handpicked by master distiller, each with distinctive honey and vanilla flavor notes unique to the original recipe. Blended in small batches, this bourbon promotes authenticity while daring uniformity.
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SCOTCH DEANSTON VIRGIN OAK C ASK STRENGTH SCOTCH WHISKY MSRP: $97.99 | ABV: 58.5% This exquisite malt is first matured in old bourbon casks, imparting a zesty character to the liquid. Notes of fresh citrus, honeyed barley and a subtle hint of smoke, fill the nose and enhance the palate with coffee sweets pop up first, followed by a dollop of cream and oak notes.
THE DALMORE 14 MSRP: $89.99 | ABV: 43% Matured in an American white oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in rare and aged Pedro Ximenez sherry casks with aromas of warm honey, dates, and Seville orange zest. The sundrenched, intense sweetness of the sherry wine adds delicious new layers of flavor and flawlessly complements The Dalmore’s house style and rich notes of citrus, licorice and caramel. With notes of figs, Medjool dates and maple syrup, The Dalmore 14 Year is ideal to cherish and enjoy with friends.
SMOKEHEAD ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY MSRP: $67.99 | ABV: 43%
Deeply rich yet subtly sweet, with enormous smoke and notes of sea salt and spice, this is a dynamic whisky that stands out from the crowd. An eruption of peppery, muddy warmth, eased by a honeyed sweetness.
BENRIACH SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY MSRP: $199.99 | ABV: 48.3% One of only seven distilleries in Scotland that uses 100% malted barley in their whiskies, this delightful Scotch is no different. Golden in color, the barley brings a subtle honey sweetness, alongside notes of orange, finished with hints of creamy vanilla.
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TEQUILA CENOTE TEQUILA CRISTALINO MSRP: $69.99 | ABV: 40% Notes: The award-winning Cenote Cristalino is a 100% blue agave crystal-clear Añejo tequila that’s matured for 12 months and smoothed by a proprietary cellulose filtration. Tasting notes are sweet vanilla, fresh herbs, and dark chocolate with a hint of cinnamon. The aromas of bitter orange peel, cinnamon, violet, and chocolate pot de creme are evident throughout. It offers a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a peppery, layered, medium-long ginger, butterscotch, and cream finish.
EL MAYOR TEQUILA LIMITED-EDITION EXTRA AÑEJO BOURBON BARREL AGED MSRP: $129.99 | ABV: 40% Notes: This El Mayor is aged for 39 months in American oak bourbon barrels and distilled from Blue Weber agave from the valley area of Jalisco, Mexico, creating clean, floral and spicy undertones. The full agave flavor has hints of floral and pepper. The finish is clean with a wave of dry heat and just a hint of pepper. It’s recommended to pair a glass of this formidable tequila with ceviche or sushi.
MANDALA TEQUILA REPOSADO MSRP: $99.99 | ABV: 40% Notes: The Mandala is smooth, soft and features a substantive presence of oak notes and cooked agave. It’s a stellar blend for both new and seasoned tequila reposado enthusiasts.
TEARS OF LLORONA EXTRA ANEJO TEQUILA MSRP: $269.99 I 43% Notes: The agave offers seriously spicy aromas. The flavor profile features caramel, oak and cinnamon. This perfectly executed tequila blend suits experienced palates as easily as those new to upscale tequila.
TEQUILA KOMOS AÑEJO RESERVA MSRP: $154.99 | ABV: 40% Notes: This Komos expression is hand-harvested from both the highlands and lowlands of the Tequila Valley in Jalisco. The piñas are roasted in traditional stone ovens, and the aguamiel is naturally fermented and twice distilled in copper pot stills. By masterfully blending the Añejo Reserva and aging it in French oak wine barrels, bourbon barrels, and sherry casks, the liquid takes on the rich chocolate and fruit flavors from the sherry casks. Coffee and caramel toffee notes are lifted by bright, citrus zest. A soft and full bodied flavor, with hints of hazelnut and dried apricots, finished off with a lasting, allspice, white pepper and luxurious amber notes.
TEQUILA OCHO PLATA MSRP: $46.49 I ABV: 40% Notes: Very ripe agaves and candied fruit are prominent on the nose, which is sweet and flowery. On the palate, there are flavors of citrus, cinnamon, dried fruit, almond, and a lingering trace of spearmint.
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VODKA BELVEDERE ORGANIC VODKA F1 LIMITED EDITION VODKA MSRP: $89.99 | ABV: 40% Made with a matte black finish and a featured logo with checkered flags hanging from the Belvedere B., this limited edition bottle is a standout. Gold accents sparkle in various spots to create a luxurious feel that complements the golden grain, with a hint of natural sweetness to the taste and offers a softer texture than other grains, which supports Belvedere’s refined taste.
PLAY HARD APPLE PRICKLY PEAR VODKA SELTZER MSRP: $16.99 | ABV: 4.5% Artfully crafted and imaginatively wrapped in Andy Warholinspired Playboy design, Play Hard Vodka Seltzers bring the fun and sophistication with a bit of refreshment. There are crisp apple notes that join the subtle, sweet appeal of prickly pear for a harmonious and fruity taste.
THREE OLIVES VODKA CHERRY MSRP: $12.99 | ABV: 35% A zero-sugar and gluten-free vodka that allows you to enjoy the rich cherry flavors as a shot, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail. Aroma displays a round, gently sweet ripeness of red cherries. Sits ripe on the palate, concentrated and accurately fruity with a jammy aftertaste.
KASTRA ELION VODKA MSRP: $47.99 | ABV: 40% Distilled from Greek olives, this premium sipping vodka originates from handpicked olives and is blended with curated grains and natural spring waters. It's an excellent choice to add to a Bloody Mary and great for martinis. This vodka lends itself to the premium quality of its origins and elevates any cocktail.
GIN HIGHCLERE CASTLE GIN LIMITED EDITION BARREL AGED GIN MSRP: $99.00 I ABV: 45% 90 Proof Notes: This limited edition is made with botanicals grown on Highclere Castle’s estate and barrel aged in French Armagnac casks, Scotch, and American whiskey barrels with notes of honey, smoke, and citrus. The gin embodies the spirit of ancient Egypt and Lord Carnarvon’s greatest adventure.
PINK MARMALADE GIN MSRP: $169.99 I ABV: 42% Notes: Traditional distillation methods are combined with cutting-edge, intriguing flavors to create this blend. It’s a dry and zesty gin produced by combining 13 carefully chosen botanicals with "Butterfly Pea" flower.
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RUM BACARDI AÑEJO CUATRO MSRP: $24.99 I ABV: 40% The Añejo Cuatro offers notes of mild vanilla, toasted oak and clover honey. Its profile is driven by oak contribution and highlights smoothness through aging with a golden apricot hue. It is a perfectly blended rum and is enjoyed immensely with light rocks.
CROSSFIRE RUM MSRP: $37.00 I ABV: 40% Crossfire Rum is rooted in rock and roll. It represents the edgy and timeless spirit of the Rolling Stones who helped create the blend. It’s packed with flavors of caramelized bananas followed by a gentle hint of tropical fruit–a blend of Caribbean rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic. This rum is a fusion of three distinct rum-making traditions that are perfectly aged for up to five years in charred oak barrels. It gives off a golden hue and imparts a depth of complexity and character that makes it ideal for sipping and mixing in a wide variety of cocktails.
ROLLING FORK AMBURANA ODYSSEY C ASK-STRENGTH RUM MSRP: $99.99 | ABV: 60.3% Aged for six months in Amburana oak casks, resulting in a balanced and approachable flavor profile. Signature notes of cinnamon and cocoa with a hint of cola, balanced by sweet vanilla and molasses from the rum itself and the toasted bourbon and rye whiskey casks.
RENEGADE SINGLE FARM CUVÉE: DUNFERMLINE MSRP: $69.99 | ABV: 50% A combination of column and pot-distilled cane rum that was then barrel-aged and blended to highlight the unique flavors of the sugarcane grown on Dunfermline farm in Grenada. Aromas of lemongrass, olive brine, and overripe tropical fruit are at the forefront with a faintly metallic, mineral note. Once sipped, the caramel and vanilla that one would expect from a Caribbean aged rum are far more pronounced.
RENEGADE SINGLE FARM CUVÉE: AURA MSRP: $49.99 | ABV: 46% Abundant in distinct cane flavors, the flavors are as striking. Derived from Grenada’s complex terroir medley, born of both pot still for gravitas and batch-column for elegance, Cuvée Aura features intense cane flavors at their most vibrant and authentic.
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C&S
>> Cristian Eiroa is the architect of highly lauded brands C.L.E., Eiroa and Asylum Cigars.
Photos courtesy of Creativas Group.
Behind the Leaf: Christian Eiroa
THE HEART OF HONDURAS by Randy Mastronicola with Molly Headley
94 94 // CIGAR CIGAR & & SPIRITS SPIRITS
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CHRISTIAN EIORA, the architect and namesake behind C.L.E., Eiroa and Asylum Cigars, carries the torch of a century-old legacy. His family’s narrative spans continents and eras, but always returns to one enduring passion—tobacco. The story started with his grandfather, who left Spain in the late 1800s to captain a transport ship for the Cuban Land & Leaf Tobacco Company and continues more than 130 years later with Christian, whose entrance into the entrepreneurial side of cigars began two decades ago when he launched Camacho Corojo cigars. After the sale of Camacho Cigars to Davidoff in 2008, Christian embarked on a new journey, creating C.L.E. Cigar Company, in 2012. C.L.E. quickly rose to prominence, driven by a blend of traditional craftsmanship, sustainability, and exceptional Corojo tobacco.
Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Please fill our readers in on your backstory. Christian Eiroa: I've been in the cigar business my whole life. My grandfather opened up his first farm in 1916 called Victoria del Corojo because Victoria was my grandmother’s name, and the farm was in the Corojo region.
When he got out of Korea, there was an embargo. There was no tobacco for the factories. That's when Angel Oliva hooked up with a guy named Tino Argudin. Tino Argudin was the guy who took the tobacco seeds out of Cuba in coffee cans. All the stories we’re told about, he's the one.
My father was with the pro-Fidel movement. He had to leave Cuba in 1958, because Batista was after him. He sought asylum at the Nicaraguan embassy and was able to get to Tampa. At the time, Tampa was where all the lead brokers were. Angel Oliva, the godfather of our industry, was the main lead broker. He bought a lot of tobacco from my grandfather and other growers in Cuba and would sell it to the machine manufacturers in Tampa.
He was like a godfather to my father. Took real good care of him. He invited my father to Honduras, and that's how I ended up there. This is where my father met my mother. I was born in Tegucigalpa, but I grew up in Danlí.
My father worked for one of my grandfather's customers at Perfecto Garcia factory in Tampa. He swept floors and did whatever he could. When the CIA started recruiting people for the Bay of Pigs Invasion, he answered the call. Fortunately for him and us, he never landed. He was on one of the ships and ended up serving the rest of the time that he committed to in Korea.
I've always been into tobacco. First as a farmer, like my father; then I got into the business in 1995, when I got my master’s degree. I love it in Honduras. I actually moved back three, four months ago. All of this is in your DNA. Bro, I’m like a fish in water. I thought I was going to work with them for six months and go back to Miami and become a realtor or something. But I really liked working in tobacco. At the time, there was a tobacco boom. But the boom ended in late '97. '98, was a very bad year for all of us. I moved from Honduras back to the US. After working in the farm, the factory, sorting, box factory, everything, I had to learn how to sell cigars, which for a person like me and the way I grew up was one of the hardest things to learn. What I realized is that I had particular knowledge that made me exceptionally good at selling cigars. I started at 22, so by the time I was 26, I was already a veteran in the business. How do you stay connected to that inspiration now that you've had 27 years in the industry?
I think everybody's different. For me, it's the sorting room. When I go to the sorting room and I smell the tobacco, something happens. I know exactly what I want the boxes to look like. I know what it's going to smell like. I know the feel. Hopefully, a customer will buy the product, open up that box and get that same feeling.
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Whatever keeps you connected—also keeps you out of trouble. [laughter]
Then of course, we did that dumb April Fool's, a 90 x 9, and that thing stuck too.
The first thing for staying out of trouble
People absolutely love that cigar. It's a phenomenal cigar—the 90 x 9. It really made everything very interesting for our company. It allowed us to present cigars like C.L.E and Eiroa to our customers in all different parts of the world. The thing I'm working on now is a seed called Pinareño, the original seed that Tino Argudin brought out. That seed is presenting a lot of challenges, but eventually, we'll get it done.
is to keep the wife happy. It's tough. This business is a lot of sacrifice for the family. Last year, I was traveling for 44 weeks. Good thing, 60% of that I was able to travel with her. I got into aviation, so I'm able to fly a lot of places. I probably spend only $15,000 or $20,000 more than I did when I was flying commercial. But I get back my time and my schedule. In terms of your three brands, give us a recap to your approach regarding the different lines. The authentic Corojo leaf, that’s really our main thing. We got it from Daniel Rodriguez, whose grandfather owned Santa Ines del Corojo, which is where the Corojo seed came from. We're the only ones growing the authentic seed, because it’s extremely hard to grow. Mainly because it wasn't designed scientifically, like the new seeds are developed.
I know you probably have a million but talk to me about that one memorable cigar moment where you go, oh, man, I just wish I could go back and relive that. I probably remember 10 cigars in my life. I remember I was in Jamastran at the farm, >> Christian is a revered cigar maker and regarded as “The Corojo King.”
If you smoke any one of my cigars, it has full body; it has that sweetness to it. We don't add anything to our cigars. It’s all entirely natural. We could make life a lot easier by switching to the new hybrids. We just stick to Corojo. Full body, creamy, sweet finish, that really is our signature.
What would you say was the most out-of-thebox, the most fun, craziest cigar that you guys developed? I wish I could take credit for this idea. Tom Lazuka started this thing. It was a 70 by 7 ring gauge. We weren't the first, another company had the product, but they were never in stock. We came out with a 70 x 7 and we killed the market. Asylum 13 was so successful that we ended up having 38 or 39 companies copying that product.
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Maybe we’ ll go there with Jeff Bezos. [laughs] Bro, oh yes. What would you like your legacy to be in the cigar world, and your personal legacy as well? I think it's more of an internal one. My father would always tell me, look, you got to be a tobacco man, and really be a part of this industry and understand everything about it, every single part about it. I'm a firm believer that we can't just take, take, take. My father tells me stories that when he first got here in the '60s, Honduras was beginning to go through an agricultural revolution and that there were trees that were 11 men wide. 200-year-old trees, these beautiful oaks and whatever other species that were there at the time. He tells me how these fields were all cleared out. I never got past that thought. One thing I’ve kept doing is searching for how to make things better. We became very clean in the farm and the factory. Bayer—we know them as an aspirin company, but they're really Bayer Crop Science. Bayer certified us under their better growing practices. We’re the only [tobacco] farm in the world certified by Bayer. Our soil has zero impact on the environment. We switched in the 1990s to the drip irrigation system. We consume a lot less water than normal. In our factory, we became solar last year. 54 percent of our power now comes from solar. We can't do more because the Honduran government doesn't buy power back from us.
You go to a cigar lounge, you and your buddy will smoke the same cigar from the same box, and you' ll have a totally different experience. How do you achieve that consistency? Listen, you can give a Honduran a piece of wood and a knife, and he'll carve the Mona Lisa for you, because they're just that good with their hands. In two or three weeks, they're rolling cigars already. It's just a matter of getting them up to speed. If there’s one thing that we stand out for in any of our products, it’s the draw. The draw is always very consistent. We keep this gauge, and the gauge has a certain pressure it has to draw on the machine. It's a very tight range.
That's funny, man. Assuming we're allowed to smoke in Mars. I'm pretty sure there will be a smoking ban.
If you're in a position to help people, you got to help out as many people as you can. and I came out with a cigar called 6040. 60 ring gauge with 40-year-old tobacco. I blended it with some Corojo. Man, I was so relaxed smoking that cigar. I think it was really long, probably 8 inches long. I remember being so comfortable smoking that cigar that it would fall out of my hand. How often do you go, all right, this one really hits me in a sweet spot, it resonates. You start thinking it’s a divine intervention experience. Oh, bro, the Eiroa Dark is my absolute favorite cigar. I can't make that many of them. This year, I think I'm only going to be able to make 35,000 or 40,000 of them. That is the one cigar, I’ll take if I'm going up to Mars.
Randy Mastronicola is the Editor & Publisher of Cigar & Spirits Magazine. 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.
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C&S PROMOTIONAL
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HOOKED on SAGE LODGE PARADISE IN YELLOWSTONE’S VALLEY
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estled in the striking hills of Paradise Valley, Montana, lies
that traditionally accompanies fly fishing. The angler of all classes, all
the angler inspired Sage Lodge Hotel. The magnificence
types, and all levels of experience is encouraged to experiment with the
of Paradise Valley is fully realized in this multi-faceted
sport. Those who have never fly fished can enjoy an introduction and
hospitality experience—where fly fishing is far from the
sampling of it outside of the confines of a traditional fly-fishing lodge.
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 is all not to mention the luxury lodging, full-service spa, and two restaurants, The Fireside Room, and The Grill.
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
For an adventure-based hotel, there is a wonderful combination of
through the property, which lands at an impressive 1,250 acres.
wellness and indulgence in self-care. Those wishing to get into the
There is no shortage of land to go enjoy—the Lodge holds 300 acres
park early could return to the serenity of the soaking tubs before an
on the Yellowstone River, and lodgers can expect frequent sightings
afternoon massage. Or perhaps a morning of cross-country skiing
of moose, elk and other animals throughout their travails.
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 wishing to try the
The setting and landscape at Sage Lodge is dramatic. Whether it is the sun peeking through clouds or lights shimmering off the river, the stunning experience Sage Lodge offers is undeniable. But don’t take our word for it. Book your stay at the Sage Lodge Hotel and find out for yourself. sagelodge.com
sport on their own terms. It desires to combat an unapproachability
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C&S
ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT
CUTTY SARK 100 YEARS ON, THIS HISTORIC SCOTCH IS STILL A “CUT” ABOVE
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utty Sark, the iconic blended Scotch whisky, turned 100 years old in 2023, and its worldwide
birthday party continues into 2024— marking a history, as well as a present, that defies convention and celebrates a
>> Manon Brochet, Cutty Sark’s senior brand manager.
spirit of adventure. Named after the famed 1860s-era threemasted British clipper ship that to this day
adorns its yellow label, Cutty Sark the whisky was created in the U.K. to be smooth, mixable and enjoyable to the American palate. by Kevin Kenney
Consider that, in 1923, the United States was in the heart of the Prohibition Era. There’s Exhibit A about Cutty’s rebel resumé. “Cutty Sark was deliberately created to defy conventions,’’ it says right there on the brand’s official website. Manon Brochet, Cutty’s international senior brand manager, agrees. “Cutty Sark is an adventurous, pioneer, optimistic and vibrant brand,” Brochet tells Cigar and Spirits Magazine. “For a century, Cutty Sark has been guiding adventurers from all continents and horizons: sailors, explorers, pioneers, pop culture icons, bartenders.’’
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Photos courtesy of Influence & PR.
“CUTTY SARK IS AN ADVENTUROUS, PIONEER, OPTIMISTIC AND VIBRANT BRAND. FOR A CENTURY, CUTTY SARK HAS BEEN GUIDING ADVENTURERS FROM ALL CONTINENTS AND HORIZONS: SAILORS, EXPLORERS, PIONEERS, POP CULTURE ICONS, BARTENDERS.’’ - Manon Brochet >> The iconic Tea Clipper ship in all her glory.
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“IN 1963, ASTRONAUT GORDON COOPER SMUGGLED A SMALL BOTTLE OF CUTTY ABOARD HIS MERCURY 9 ROCKET SHIP.” McCoy had a reputation for dealing in only the finest liquor—and hence, Cutty Sark became known as “The Real McCoy”…a sobriquet that’s grown beyond one whisky brand to define quality across a million realms. McCoy himself was caught and put out of business in late
T
1923—but Cutty Sark was just getting started. he Cutty concept was conceived at No. 3 St. James’s Street in London by Francis and Walter Berry and Hugh
Rudd, partners in Berry Bros. & Rudd—wine merchants since 1698, and suppliers to the
According to the company, when Prohibition finally ended in 1933, Cutty’s now-legal sales in the U.S. began their rise from 7,000 cases in 1934 to almost 81,000 cases two years later…on their way, by 1961, to a million cases. That made Cutty the first Scotch whisky to reach that
British royal family. It was there, as legend has it, that the Berrys and Rudd met with Scottish artist, sailing
milestone, en route to becoming the most popular Scotch whisky in the U.S. at the time.
enthusiast and eventual label designer James
Along the way, Cutty also made the jump from popular
McBey, with the conversation quickly turning
sales to popular culture—never losing its rakish,
to whisky…and to the boundless potential
convention-defying persona.
that lay in Britain’s one-time colonies.
In 1963, astronaut Gordon Cooper smuggled a small bottle
As Brochet tells it, Cutty was first exported
of Cutty aboard his Mercury 9 rocket ship. Cutty was also
to the Bahamas and Canada, where alcohol
featured in the James Bond movie Thunderball, the 1968
was legal. But it was also smuggled into
Steve McQueen film Bullitt, as well as in Martin Scorsese’s
the U.S. during Prohibition by Captain Bill
Raging Bull in 1980 and Goodfellas in 1990s. And it made
McCoy, who started “sharing” the brand
cameos in TV’s The Sopranos and Mad Men.
with smugglers in Rum Row, that area of the Atlantic just outside U.S. territorial waters.
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>> Cutty Sark’s 100th Anniversary whisky was launched near the historical Tea Clipper.
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oday, Cutty, under the ownership of the
“This statutory and audacious whisky straight from
French company La Martiniquaise-Bardinet,
Scotland is elaborated with commitment, precision,
is marking its centenary with an anniversary
and expertise by our Master Blender Stephen
limited edition, 23-year-old release of 1,435 bottles—
Woodcock and our great distillery teams in Scotland,’’
unveiled aboard the famous Cutty Sark ship in London.
says Brochet.
Each bottle is individually numbered, comes with a leather, sail-themed wrap, and is available in select U.S.
“Cutty Sark is a blend of the finest single malts and
markets.
top-quality grain whiskies matured in carefully selected
The company is also hosting more than a hundred
flavors of oak and vanilla, and first fill ex-sherry casks
tasting events across the country.
offering subtle notes of spices and dried fruits. One of
casks, with a majority of American oak casks that bring
“We are proud to work with such an iconic whisky brand to celebrate their milestone 100th anniversary,” says Jason Schladenhauffen, president and CEO of 375 Park Avenue, the U.S. importer for Cutty Sark. “As we travel the country hosting over a hundred tasting events, we raise our glasses with those who embody
Cutty Sark specificities is its 21-day marrying process of its different malt whiskies, allowing it to be filtered at a higher temperature to retain its smooth flavors.’’ Meanwhile, in celebrating its history, Cutty Sark is also looking to the future, to the next hundred years and beyond.
Cutty Sark’s ʻSpirit of Adventure,’ honoring a century of
Which is to say, don’t mistake its 100th anniversary trip
exceptional craftsmanship and timeless taste.”
back in time for a mere nostalgia show.
Yes…that taste.
“Cutty Sark adventures continue in the coming years
From the beginning and up to the present, Cutty holds true to its heritage of being lighter, smoother, mellower and more mixable than the bolder and smokier
with great new launches, activations and partnerships.’’ Brochet says. “Stay tuned.’’
competitors of its early years.
Kevin Kenney, Senior Contributing Writer to Cigar and Spirits Magazine, is a veteran journalist. He’s also written for United Press International and Fox Sports, among other ports of call.
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C&S
COCKTAIL CORNER
The Soho Cigar Bar Celebrates its 25th Anniversary introduction and photos by Margaret Pattillo
THE CELEBRATED SOHO CIGAR BAR is commemorating its 25th anniversary this year. Formerly known as Circa >> Soho Cigar Bar Tabac until 25 years ago, this iconic owner Lee Ringelheim. establishment exudes the ambiance of a 1920s speakeasy with a nod to Art Deco. It continues to be one of New York City’s must-visit cigar bar locales. The Soho Cigar Bar is one of six remaining establishments in Manhattan where patrons can freely indulge in eating, drinking and smoking indoors. The plush interior, a delectable small bites menu, and an extensive whiskey collection contribute to the allure of Soho Cigar Bar—making it one of New York's oldest and most revered landmark cigar bars and lounges.
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Can you imagine seeing Andy Warhol and JeanMichel Basquiat sketching and smoking in the back of the bar? Well, that and much more happened at this storied establishment. Regulars from as far back as the 1970s share tales about Saturday Night Live post parties and other unique anecdotes from inside the walls of the Soho Cigar Bar. Today, one might even spot a celebrity imbibing, smoking and enjoying some Sinatra tunes in a secluded corner. As a tribute to its 25-year legacy, owner Lee Ringelheim shares some of Soho’s top cocktails over the years, allowing devotees to recreate them at home until their first or next visit to the lounge.
Circa Tabac Serves 1 Ingredients: • 2 oz Monkey Shoulder Scotch • 1 oz Orzata Almond Syrup • 1/2 oz simple syrup • 1/2 oz lemon Directions: • combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice • shake until well-chilled • strain into a rocks glass over ice • garnish with lemon Note from Lee Ringelheim: The Circa Tabac cocktail pays tribute to our initial identity as a cigarette bar named Circa Tabac and has graced our menu for 25 years.
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French Dangerous Serves 1 Ingredients: • 1/2 oz Chambord Liqueur • 1/2 oz raspberry vodka • 4 oz Prosecco Directions: • combine Chambord and raspberry vodka into a mixing glass with ice • strain into a champagne glass • top with Prosecco • garnish with lemon twist
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Find your peace of mind. cigaroasis.com
Cosmopolitan Serves 1 Ingredients: • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz Cointreau orange liqueur • 1 oz cranberry juice • 1 oz lime juice Directions: • combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice • shake until the mixture is chilled • strain over a martini glass • garnish with an orange twist
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Kentucky Lemonade Serves 1 Ingredients: • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz lemon juice • 1/2 oz ginger liqueur • 1/2 oz simple syrup Directions: • combine all ingredients into a highball glass • stir briskly • fill glass with ice • garnish with mint
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PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. KETEL ONE Vodka. Distilled from Grain. 40% Alc/Vol. © Double Eagle Brands, B.V. Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso Viejo, CA. 114 / CIGAR & SPIRITS MARCH / APRIL 2024
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