Cigar & Spirits Magazine- May/June 2022 Issue by Cigar & Spirits Magazine

MAY / JUNE 2022

LINCOLN SALAZAR RANDY MASTRONICOLA BREAHNA WHEELER JOE REDMOND RICK SOTO VAN HUGH MARY JANE CLARK AUDREY PAVIA CODY CHO ELISA JORDAN KEVIN KENNEY CHRIS GOLDSHOLL ELLIS AUGUSTINUS SHAHID GHANI CARLY SCHEUER

Founder, CEO & Publisher Editor-in-Chief Corporate Director Events & Administration Art Director Director of Sales Director of Brand Management Administrative Coordinator Consulting Editor Consulting Media Director Senior Writer Senior Writer Account Executive Administrative Assistant Chief Financial Officer Accounting

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR IAN SOMERHALDER AND PAUL WESLEY by John Russo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sean Chaffin, Nick Hammond, Elisa Jordan, Kevin Kenney, Greg Mays, Audrey Pavia, Matt Randolph

A L I N CO L N B L A K E S A L A Z A R P U B L I C AT I O N Editorial, Production and Sales Office

Headquartered at: 72 Argonaut Suite 130 | Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (949) 599-2760 Cigar & Spirits is published bi-monthly by Top Hat Media Group. Please send address changes to Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO BOX 92675, Long Beach, CA 90809. ©2021 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 inquiries or changes of address: Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO BOX 92675, Long Beach, CA 90809 (you may email us at cigarandspirits@pfsmag.com) (888) 881-5861, or fax (714) 226-9789. Subscription rate is $19.99 for 6 issues; $32.99 for 12 issues. Canadian and foreign surface, add $6 extra per year payable in U.S. funds. Single copy price is $5.99. 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. May 2022 Volume 12/Issue 3 For Advertising: Advertising@CigarandSpirits.com To Contact Us for Questions & Comments email: CustomerService@CigarandSpirits.com Letters to the Editor: Feedback@CigarandSpirits.com For subscription customer service: cigarandspirits@pfsmag.com Cigar & Spirits Magazine

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER

IAN SOMERHALDER & PAUL WESLEY A Brother’s Bond Born In The U.S.A.

LIFESTYLE

THE LOWDOWN WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW

Hennessy Decanter by Daniel Libeskind Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Golf Tech With Some Balls

THE DAKOTA LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

A Northern English Delight

TOM DYER’S COCKTAIL CORNER

Our resident cocktail expert shares his flair…

FEATURES

THE GOOD STUFF GUIDE

Summertime Items You'll Enjoy

BANG! YOU’RE OUTTA HERE

Big Shots Heard ‘Round the Sports World

AMERICAN CLASSIC CARS

ON THE COVER

IAN SOMERHALDER & PAUL WESLEY

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A Rich Auto History Preserved in Cuba

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BANG! YOU’RE OUTTA HERE

COCKTAIL CORNER

DAKOTA U.K.

THE LOWDOWN

INTERVIEWS

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

KIRSTEN VANGSNESS

Feminine Energy and Fine Spirits

THE GOOD STUFF GUIDE

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Clase Azul México

REWARDS

KIRSTEN VANGSNESS

FEATURED PAIRINGS

Perfecto Pairings to Expand Your Palate

FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

Summer Cigar Buyer’s Guide

FOR YOUR HOME BAR

Summer Tequila Spotlight

AMERICAN CLASSICS IN CUBA

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

LOYALTY, INTEGRITY, FRIENDSHIP, LOVE I KNOW OVER THE PAST 11 YEARS SINCE I FOUNDED CIGAR & SPIRITS MAGAZINE I have written many times about comradery, chivalry, manners, loyalty and life. I wanted to take this time to write to all of the amazing readers, subscribers, fans, team members, colleagues, family and friends for their consistent support and loyalty to me and the Cigar & Spirits Team. It truly has been a blessing to be able to hopefully bring joy in such a crazy world to some peoples lives. When we began the publication we had one thing in mind: we love cigars, we love spirits, but most importantly, we love the comradery that we all share over these things we love. Not just a publication, it's a lifestyle. Over the past 11 years this has not only been a business to me but a life of people around me that I have fallen in love with. It has become my life. We have stood by a simple concept of this lifestyle which has been broken down by our belief in a few simple words said but not always easily followed. Loyalty – We have believed amongst all code between family, friends, colleagues, Men and Women there must be unconditional loyalty. Now many can say they are loyal, in fact one definition of loyalty is Someone who is loyal is reliable and always true, like your trusty dog. Loyal comes from the Old French word loyal which means something like "legal," but if someone is only loyal to you because the law requires him to be, that's not true loyalty, which should come from the heart, not a contract.

Cigar & Spirits Magazine publisher Lincoln Salazar

Loyal is such a big word for me because loyal is not conditional. It does not mean if, how or when it means always and

Love – Showing unconditional love every day to our fellow

unconditionally. Are you loyal to the person or are you loyal to the

person. Love in what we do how we show it and who we are.

money? Or benefits? Only real loyalty will show during the times when the loyalty is needed in all its purity with no real benefit other than the loyalty you have committed to your friend. Integrity – How can you have loyalty without integrity? Integrity is easily said but not so easy to accomplish. Integrity are we keeping our word to our fellow man? Are we speaking only kind words when they are not around? Have we shown integrity in our loyalty? Friendship – We have events all year around and there is nothing like going and seeing old friends and making new ones. We are so blessed that we get to work every day with people we call friends from our office to our colleagues in the industry.

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Cigar & Spirits is all about friendship. Without loyalty, integrity, love how do you have friendship? I ask to those who are loyal raise their glass light the cigar and join me in a cheers to TRUE friendship.

Cheers, Lincoln Salazar Founder, CEO & Publisher Follow on Instagram

@cigarandspiritsmagpublisher

LOS ANGELES NYC

SAN FRANCISCO TO K YO

SEOUL

NEWPORT BEACH SYDNEY

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WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW HENNESSY DEC A NTER BY DA NIEL LIBESK IND PA R M IG I A NI FLEU R IER’S TONDA PF M ICRO-ROTOR GOLF TECH WITH SOM E BA LLS

HENNESSY DEC A NTER BY DA NIEL LIBESK IND Richard, Hennessy’s most elite and rare portfolio option, has collaborated with world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to create a newly redesigned decanter for “the masterpiece” of Hennessy’s Rare Cognacs. Libeskind is known for being the master plan architect for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site in New York City. His unique decanter concept is a tribute to the brand’s founder, Richard Hennessy. Hennessy was a brilliant collaborator and true entrepreneur. He elevated the brand from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most esteemed cognacs in the world. Fittingly, Libeskind’s work has been lauded for “believing in the future while honoring the past.” The newly designed decanter is made from absolutely clear Baccarat crystal that features bold architectural lines. The art piece is aesthetically brilliant—shaped upward and topped with an arrow cap, holding the rarest blend of eaux-de-vie. The company symbolically describes the collectible as “staring up at the future, ready to be a part of eternal stories.” The design sensibility of Libeskind’s decanter embodies that statement and is a testimony to centuries of Hennessy craft. The decanter retails for $7,000. hennessy.com -Matt Randolph

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PA R M IG I A NI FLEUR IER’S TONDA PF M ICRO-ROTOR Parmigiani Fleurier has been admired these past 25 years for their innovative and stylish watches. The company is led by founder Michel Parmigiani, and he’s complemented by a team of artisans who’ve made their mark in what’s becoming a luxe brand tsunami in the timepiece universe. PARMIGIANI FLEURIER’S new collection of watches within the Tonda family includes the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor, a slim, pareddown, high-end two-hander with platinum micro-rotor in stainless steel. It’s suitable for any occasion, and it embodies economical artistry with its compact excellence. Internally and externally, this timepiece concentrates on sartorial attention to detail. The Tonda PF Micro-Rotor presents itself in a minimalistic fashion. Its cool-toned aesthetics play into the polished and satinfinished stainless-steel bracelet and handknurled bezel. The newly designed PF logo is initiated into the Tonda collection at 12 o’clock—hours, minutes and the date are condensed into a slim monochromatic unit. The case back is composed of sapphire glass to prevent scratches allowing watch-wearers to see this enhanced mechanical layout. Parmigiani Fleurier is attentive to every component of their timepieces—down to the delta-shaped hands and its Grain d’Orge guilloche dial, originally inspired by Michel Parmigiani’s appreciation of the beauty in nature and the Golden Ratio. However, it’s just one of the 176 components featured on this timepiece, the impressive platinum 950 micro-rotor breathes life into the watch. The micro-oscillating weight is strategically integrated into the movement rather than lying on top of it; making it possible to

create this ultra-slim 3 mm thick self-winding engine making the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor a mere 7.8 mm on the wrist. Any watch’s rotor is crucial to generate power and maintain accuracy, and Parmigiani Fleurier scales down this function in this new PF703 movement without compromising quality and still ensuring a 48-hour power reserve. The Tonda PF Micro-Rotor joins three other models in this new collection including a split-second chronograph, an annual calendar and an integrated chronograph. The Tonda PF Micro-Rotor demonstrates craftsmanship and ingenuity. It’s an asset to any man’s watch collection. The Tonda PF Micro-Rotor in steel retails for $22,900 USD. It’s also available in solid rose gold for $53,900 USD. parmigiani.com -Matt Randolph

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Bushnell Tour V5 Shift

GOLF TECH WITH SO M E BA LLS With cold weather in the rearview mirror, many across the country will be dusting off the golf clubs to hit the links—cigars at the ready as well. It’s never been a better time to up your game by using new tech tools that will lead to longer drives, more accurate shots and perfect putts to scoreboard your buddies. Here’s a look at some tech gadgets and gizmos to usher in improved performance this season.

Approach S62 Golf Watch

APPROACH S62 GOLF WATCH ($500)

Impress your friends with this cool-looking, high-tech timepiece—a complete caddie right on your wrist. This watch does almost everything except actually strike the ball. You can make use of premium GPS golf technology including key information and course mapping in crystal-clear color. Take advantage of 41,000 courses, advanced data such as wind speed and direction, pinpointer, hazard and green view, and much more. Oh, and it can tell you the time too. garmin.com

Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater

MARK TECH LASER PUTTER ($117)

That massive drive or perfect pitch means nothing if you can’t sink that putt on the green. This cool tool attaches to a player’s putter, excellent for finding the perfect line when practicing indoors. Hopefully, that laser-like precision transfers to the greens when the big bucks (or at least some bragging rights) are on the line. marchtech1.com

Swing Caddie SC200 PLUS

SWING CADDIE SC200 PLUS ($350)

Whether you’re more of a George McFly or Biff Tannen on the tee box, the Swing Caddie will help get an added boost in distance and so much more. Players will find plenty of bells and whistles to monitor their complete swing and ball flight metrics. Pack it in the golf bag when you’re hitting the driving range or jump into Practice Swing Mode for checking out those speed numbers without even hitting a ball. Become a tee box terminator with the Swing Caddie. voicecaddie.com BUSHNELL TOUR V5 SHIFT ($400)

This range finder will not only give you distance to the flag, but comes with so much more. The device uses Bushnell’s PinSeeker technology with Visual Jolt, offering vibrating pulses and a flashing red ring when you’ve zeroed in on the pin. Players will find unmatched clarity and brightness. One big addition is the patented slope compensation. The Bushnell app also offers distances, hole layouts and threedimensional course views to shift your game into high gear. bushnellgolf.com

G O LF C A RT M UST-H AVES MR. HEATER GOLF CART HEATER ($94)

Stay warm even when your game hits a cold streak. This propane heating system packs a punch at 4,000 BTUs and comes with a cup holder adapter. It’s the perfect way to stay toasty while getting in some rounds no matter the season. mrheater.com DESERT FOX GOLD PHONE CADDY ($25)

A variety of golf apps are right at your fingertips with no worries of your phone crashing down to the cart path. The Desert Fox attaches to any cart and stays in place, and it’s fully adjustable to fit any phone. Check those stats and course conditions, just leave the emails and text messages for later. desertfoxgolf.com -Sean Chaffin

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Desert Fox Gold Phone Caddy

hooten young

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THE REBIRTH OF CIGARS | DREWESTATE.COM | #DE4L

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Friends Stock/Shutterstock.com

FEATURED PAIRINGS PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE by Greg Mays

ALEC BRADLEY TRILOGY NATIVE CAMEROON WOODFORD DOUBLE OAKED BOURBON The Alec Bradley Trilogy is a uniquely shaped cigar that’s recently been released. Packed in a box with individual cigar channels, the Trilogy series results in a triangle box-press, a unique visual for sure. The roll on the Trilogy is a bit soft, likely to accommodate and hold that unique press. The pre-light aroma of the Trilogy is both sweet earth and sweet tobacco, with touches of middle eastern spices. On light, this Alec Bradley delivers on that unique aroma with very fruity notes along with cinnamon, anise and Indian spices. This is a distinct flavor profile for sure, and Alec Bradley typically features complex blends in their cigars. The middle features a nice acidic note, much like the flavor of a tomato. I paired the AB Trilogy with Woodford Double Oaked, an equally complex and flavorful bourbon. Woodford Double Oaked delivers in exactly the way you’d imagine—lots of wood and spice. There are notes of apricot as well, and overall, the mouth on this bourbon is bold and pairs well with a flavorful cigar. The combination of this cigar and bourbon really offered quite the flavor journey, with spices being the underlying note and on top of that, a whole host of flavors to make this pairing special.

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ROCKY PATEL WHITE LABEL TEQUILA GRAN DIAMANTE AÑEJO Rocky Patel’s 60th birthday has come, and there have been several special releases from his brand as a celebration. The Rocky White Label has a large, ornate band and a white ribbon on its foot to celebrate. The nose on pre-light is honey and sweet tobacco, and on light, the notes transition to damp earth and wood. This is a surprisingly mellow smoking experience, particularly if you’ve smoked much Rocky Patel. The notes are mild and malty, with some nuts and cinnamon toast notes. The profile lends itself nicely as a coffee and wake-up cigar. I was not smoking in the morning, however, so I chose Tequila Gran Diamante Añejo Tequila, which exhibits great complementary notes to the Rocky, including chocolate, cinnamon and wood. Gran Diamante arrives in a velvet bag with a stunning hourglass-shaped bottle hiding within, a real treat and a big visual pop for you home bar. Combining the Rocky Patel White Label and Tequila Gran Diamante Añejo was a stellar pairing for sure–a sweet spot cigar along with a mild and a lovely sipper. It’s great for an early afternoon break that’s light and flavorful.

Size: 5 x 50 Robusto | Wrapper: Connecticut Shade | Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan | Strength: Mild/Medium MSRP (cigar): $20 | MSRP (tequila): $100

NAT CICCO FIFTY FIVE BARCELO ORGANIC RUM Nat Cicco, or National Cigar Company, has been quietly blending a handful of great budget sticks that you might have seen and smoked at your local cigar lounge. The brand celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, and this is their celebration cigar. It has a slightly higher price point than their standard blends. A figurado shaped cigar with a pretty sharp box press on top and bottom, the Fifty Five is a sight to behold—a chocolate wrapper with a beautiful shape showcasing a classic Nat Cicco band. On light, the Fifty Five is a bitter chocolate masterpiece, with lots of smoke output throughout. Through the transitions, there was a distinct Reese’s Peanut Butter cup note, and by the end, a great deal of chocolaty notes. I paired this special Nat Cicco with a neat pour of limited edition Barcelo Organic Rum. Barcelo has a very tropical nose, with tasting notes of vanilla and pear, followed by a long lemon finish. This is a delicious rum, and happens to be made in the Dominican Republic, that same terroir as the filler tobacco in this cigar. It’s truly a match with Caribbean flair. As both are enjoyed longer, the chocolate notes linger between both the cigar and the rum, and the pairing finishes satisfying and clean.

Size: 6.25 x 60 Box-Pressed Figurado | Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Indonesian | Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan | Strength: Medium MSRP (cigar): $16 | MSRP (rum): $25

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BECKHAM HOTEL LUXURY PILLOWS

These pillows are filled with a cooling gel fiber to keep sleepers from overheating during the night. They keep their shape by bouncing back after use, and are comfy for your head, back, stomach or side. They’re easy to wash and resistant to dust mites, mildew and mold.

KRISTOFF.COM WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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ROOM 101 HIT & RUN PART DEUX 2018 ROOM 101 GIN When I realized I was getting the chance to try the new, well-regarded, and a bit hard to come by Room 101 Gin, I reached deep into my humidor for a 4-year-old Room 101 beauty to pair—the Hit & Run Part Deux in “Almost Churchill” size. The craft cigar makers in the industry sometimes collaborate with one another. Hit & Run is an annual series that Matt Booth (Room 101) and Robert Caldwell (Caldwell Cigars) offer, and this is the second year’s release from 2018. The Part Deux is a leather and wood cigar, with notes of heavier and darker fruits as well. This cigar has aged well, too, and is both smoother and richer than I remembered from four years back. Now, I am a gin freak. The old-timey cocktail aficionados will tell you that gin is the base for many of the classic cocktail recipes: Martini, Tom Collins, Negroni, etc. My favorite gins are traditional and piney, and after my first sip of Room 101 Gin, I had to pick up my jaw from the floor. Notes of juniper, pine and peppermint merge into a bold and flavorful gin that is a perfect gin to pair with a cigar. I used it as a base for a gin Old Fashioned. In its ability to accompany a well-aged Room 101 cigar, I couldn’t imagine a better drink for the pairing. As the craft cigar and craft spirits industries mature, I hope to see more of this–an actual spirit that’s made by a cigar company, and vice versa. The pairing potential is absolutely boundless.

Size: 6.25 x 48 “Almost Churchill” | Wrapper: Habano | Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan | Strength: Medium/Full MSRP (cigar): $10 | MSRP (gin): $35

DREW ESTATE UNDERCROWN 10 NOLET’S SILVER GIN For the grand splash they’ve made in the cigar industry these past 20 years or so, Drew Estate has become a worldwide major player on the premium cigar landscape. They’ve marked the anniversary of their beloved Undercrown line with a premium, limited offering branded simply titled “Undercrown 10.” The cigar is modeled after the standard line of maduro Undercrowns, but sports a unique vertical ribbon over the cap to acknowledge this anniversary. On light, the Undercrown 10 provides exactly what I’ve come to expect from Drew: aromatic smoke output. Billows of smoke accompanied by a milder-than-expected flavor profile initially made me think of blueberries. This stick is understated, not showy, but complex and flavorful. Toward the end of the cigar, salted butter and cream took over my palate as I smoked to the nub. I poured a glass of Nolet’s Silver Gin to accompany the Undercrown 10, and it was an exquisite fit. Nolet’s is crafted in the oldest distillery in Holland by the legendary Nolet family. The brand has been lauded for being able to offer sophisticated flavors across the tasting spectrum with their signature notes of lemon, pine and rosemary. The flavors are distinct and sit delicately on the palate. This elite gin is flavorful, balanced and sublime when served on the rocks with a lemon twist. The pairing is currently in serious rotation in my home.

Size: 6 x 52 Toro | Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés | Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf | Strength: Full MSRP (cigar): $12 | MSRP (gin): $50 Greg Mays is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) and the Executive Editor of SimpleCocktails.net.

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THE GOOD STUFF GUIDE SUMMERTIME ITEMS YOU'LL ENJOY by Elisa Jordan

MILKY WAY 16 FOOT DOME TENT

DOM PÉRIGNON VINTAGE 2010

Celebrate! Highlights on the nose are green mango, melon, pineapple and orange zest. This bubbly is zesty, breathes with freshness and conjures jasmine and lilac. The palate is full and massive leading into a scintillating, saline finish. ($188)

This eco-friendly tent is designed to make little impact on the ground. Domes are constructed with 1 1/3 steel pipe with hot galvanized surface to withstand snow and wind. Covers are made of a waterproof, UV-protected, and are fire-retardant. You’ll need a full day to construct this beauty. ($5,999)

redwoodoutdoors.com

domperignon.com

APPLE AIRPODS MAX

Designed to work with iPhones, iPods, iPads, iPod Touches or Apple TV, the lifespan can last for up to 20 hours of use. The memory foam cushions offer a lot of comfort while you feed your head with music and more. ($549) apple.com

INDOOR INFRARED SAUNA OMEGA SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA 150M CO-AXIAL MASTER CHRONOMETER 41MM

This luxury timepiece features a handcrafted steel-on-steel design with a sun-brushed green dial. The “teak” pattern of the watch’s face was inspired by the wooden decks of luxury boats. ($5,700)

omegawatches.com

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The Dynamic “Barcelona” model features energyefficient panels for a wider, softer heat that distributes evenly up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Music is played through a built-in MP3 aux connection with speakers. It’s easy to install and ideal for bathrooms, basements, home gyms or garages. ($1,949)

dymanicsaunasdirect.com

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The Good Stuff Guide BUTCHER BOX SUBSCRIPTION

Boxes contain high-quality grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, crate-free pork or wild-caught salmon. Meats are frozen for freshness and mailed out every four weeks. Classic Box $137 (8-11 lbs.) Big Box $253 (16-22 lbs.) butcherbox.com

MASTER CLASS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

Never stop learning with renowned masters of cuisine, arts, entertainment and sports. Stephen Curry, Samuel L. Jackson, Carlos Santana and more. (180.00)

JURA E8 AUTOMATIC COFFEE MACHINE

Coffee enthusiasts will love this luxury coffee machine with 12 programmable specialties and eight programmable coffee strength levels. Other features include a 2.8-inch color display, intelligent algorithms to identify a user’s preferences, extra milk and shot specialties, intelligent water system, separate hot water spout and a professional aroma grinder. It comes in white, black or chrome. ($2,499) jura.com

masterclass.com

CRAFTHOUSE BY FORTESSA COCKTAIL SMOKING BOX

Just load the chamber with hickory wood chips and place a cocktail into the smoking box to add a smoky hickory flavor. A handheld smoker and hickory chips are included. The box itself is made of a stainless-steel frame with glass sides and a walnut base. ($299)

fortessa.com

TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET

GIBSON LES PAUL 60TH ANNIVERSARY STANDARD V1 DEEP CHERRY SUNBURST

The Mach3 Briar Wood Shaving Set is crafted from gorgeous Birch Wood. It’s razor handle design is smooth and steady, and the super badger bristle is the highest-grade hair available–a luxurious set that gives the best of shaves. ($513.00)

Three types of guitars were made in 1960 and all three have been lovingly recreated. Models made in the first part of 1960 (V1) have the same specs as the 1959 Les Paul. Models made in the middle of the year (V2) had thinner neck profiles, different knobs and bright colors, and models made in the last third of 1960 (V3) had even thinner neck profiles. ($6,499) gibson.com

yorkshireso.com

70MAI VACUUM PORTABLE CLEANER SWIFT

This vacuum is high-powered, battery operated, lightweight and cordless. Thanks to its 5000p suction with 32000rpm high-speed efficiency it will suck up any gunk that finds its way into your car. ($39.99) amazon.com Elisa Jordan is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. She specializes in history, architecture and pets. She is also a Jedi-level shopper.

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"BOURBON IS LIKE A SONG. THE MORE LIFE IT HAS LIVED ON ITS JOURNEY, THE DEEPER THE STORY, THE RICHER IT BECOMES." - BRAD PAISLEY

BLE N D E D I N KE N TUCKY

AG ED AC ROSS AM ER ICA

americanhighwayreserve.com American Highway Reserve. A Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies | 49% Alc/Vol - 98 Proof | ©American Highway, LLC. Bardstown, KY. WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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the

Blinking Owl

Feminine Energy and Fine Spirits by Audrey Pavia

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Photos Courtesy of Blinking Owl Distillery

Kirsten Vangsness

Kirsten Vangsness loves Orange County.

>> Left to right: Blinking Owl owners Robin and Brian Christenson and Kirsten Vangsness

YOU CAN HEAR IT IN HER VOICE when she talks about the small but prestigious region just south of Los Angeles. Famous for its beautiful weather, pristine beaches and being the home of the first-ever Disney park, Orange County is close enough to Hollywood to have some cachet, yet far enough away to have its own identity. One of the county’s oldest cities, Santa Ana, is home to a unique distillery called the Blinking Owl—a business that Kirsten also clearly loves. We sat down with Kirsten—known to Criminal Minds fans as FBI technical analyst Penelope Garcia—to talk about her work with the Blinking Owl. We learned during our chat that she’s a passionate spirits connoisseur and an astute cocktailian.

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Was becoming involved with a brand something you’ve always been interested in? Kirsten Vangsness: Yes. Pre-Criminal Minds, so pre-fancyday-job…What I love about this is that it’s a distinctly female story. I had to go see a pelvic floor physical therapist. In walks this woman with pink hair. She was the physical therapist in the sports medicine office. My therapist and I got on like gangbusters. We start talking, and we become friends by the end of this meeting. Which is really strange because I don’t usually become friends with medical professionals that are working on me. I don’t think she was like that either. At the end, she said, “You’ve got to come back a couple of times a month for a bit.” I said, “I can’t, I don’t have any health insurance. I shouldn’t be here now.” I told her I was a starving artist. I had written a play and was doing this little theater in Santa Ana. She said, “Give me tickets to the play, and come back next week.” I gave her tickets to the play, and she treats me for probably six to eight months or something. When she and her husband come to the play I have written, and see I’m doing this tiny theater, charging $10 a ticket, and that’s how I’m making my money, she points across the street and she says, “We live right there.” That was Robin and Brian [Christenson], and we became very good friends. Then I get a fancy day job on Criminal Minds. Seven or eight years ago, Robin says, “Brian wants to open a distillery.” By this time her medical thing has blossomed, and she’s

got offices and all this. They helped me by putting some money into a movie I made that Joe Mantegna was actually in called Kill Me Deadly. I thought, “How could I say no to them. It was like a no-brainer. I said yes.” Robin goes, “No, no, you don’t understand. We’re asking you for money.” I said “I know.” Robin says “No, Kirsten, it’s a lot of money, and you might not get it back.” I said, “Yes, I get it.” They gave money to do my independent film— talk about not getting money back! I said, “Absolutely, sign me up.” We thought we were going to have to get a bunch of other investors right then, but probably two days after that, the biggest hospital in Orange County ended up buying Robin’s practice. We actually were able to start Blinking Owl with just the three of us. What I love about Blinking Owl is we’re grain to glass. We know where that grain comes from. We are very invested in the Tehachapi Grain Project, and have been very involved in making sure the farmer experience is good. I love the female aspect of this because there are more women coming to the spirits industry, and the sourcing of it as well. Sometimes people jump on a trend, but it seems your team is really forthright about it. Oh, yes. Robin and Brian did exhaustive research. It was fun research. Who doesn’t want to go to Norway and try all the Aquavit? Things bled into other things. Brian was working as a graphic designer, so our graphic design is all Brian. Our bottles are designed for a female hand WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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Nice how it came together. On another note, you have a variety of expressions. Walk us through a little bit. I am your girl for this. We’re going to start with our gin. It’s a California Gin. It’s got a little bit of sage in the mash. It’s not super juniper. For gin lovers, it is lovely, elegant. Then we move into our vodka. It’s a neutral grain, but a little bit of malted barley in it. It’s a really good vodka. Then there’s our OC Orange. None of us were fans of flavored vodka, but felt like, “We should have one that’s Orange County.” We take 150 pounds of oranges, the whole orange, the peel, the pith, the whole thing and slice it all up. We soak it in the vodka. Then we pull it all through the still. I don’t know if it’s because they’re Orange County oranges, but it feels like an orange took you to Sonoma, Calif., in that part where you’re going through the orange groves. It’s like the whole orange just lives there, and it is a lovely thing to have on just a rock. >> Robin, Kirsten and Brian mixing it up at the distillery’s bar

Then there’s our Aquavit, which we went to Berlin for a spirits thing there. The Berlin International Spirits Competition?

because Robin was a physical therapist, and she designed those bottles herself. I do think that being in Santa Ana gives us some of the best water in the country because there is an underground aquifer here. This is the perfect climate to make bourbon because it gets cool at night and gets hot during the summer days. Has your palate changed while working with Robin and Brian? I don’t know if that’s true. I’m half Italian and half Norwegian, so my palate is just excellent from jump. I can’t help it. That doesn’t mean that I like fancy things though. That just means that I know something is good when it’s good. I think because we are good friends, we have a spirit of transparency, kindness and friendliness that I think bleeds through to the product line and when you come into the actual distillery. We’re very passionate about educating people. It’s like an adult Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We do tours. We explain how everything happens. It’s pretty exciting. Consumers can tell when a celebrity is paid to be the face of a franchise kind-of-a-thing. It’s also evident when it’s actually coursing through the brand’s veins a little bit. I think it’s a great communitybuilding thing. When the

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pandemic was happening, we were one of the first distilleries to just make hand sanitizer, and we gave it away for free to any nonprofit, any place that worked with kids, any place that worked with the elderly. We gave away truckloads of it. We sent a palette of it to reservations, not just in California. We could do that because we have this giant still, and we’re passionate about what we can do with it. I just love the whole thing.

Yes, it was. They have a whole section of just American brands, and we got invited, in 2019. A bunch of Norwegian people kept coming by and stealing tastes of our Aquavit. One of the guys came by and finally said to me, “We’re not telling anyone we’re doing this because you’re not supposed to make Aquavit this good.” It’s a nod to Brian’s Scandinavian roots, my Norwegian roots. I didn’t even know what it was before Brian and Robin shared it with me, but it was something that we could sink our teeth into and say we love, but also be distinctly a little strange and cool. That’s our Aquavit. It’s taken off the still at a different temperature than the vodka. It’s got a bunch of botanicals in it, and cardamom, caraway and dill. We put hibiscus in ours, which is the official flower of Santa Ana. We also put lemon peel. It’s an adventure in your mouth. We use fennel, not anise, so it’s not super licorice. It makes an amazing French 75. It makes a really fantastic Bloody Mary, and it’s a great digestive just to keep in the freezer.

I remember receiving a Blinking Owl press release about the hand sanitizer. You guys were right there at the start. Robin and I bought all the chemicals before everyone was buying them. It was right before shutdown, and we were talking about it. Robin said “We don’t really have the money right now.” I said, “I have the money. I just finished Criminal Minds. Let’s just buy the chemicals because people need hand sanitizer. Let’s just do it.” Then the day we did that, the day we made that decision, Orange County called and said they would get us an FDA thing right now because they wanted it for hospitals and places like that.

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>> The Blinking Owl is pristine throughout the facility.

EPIC PAGE 1 a e k o m S r e n n i Sure W ! y a d o T

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How about your bourbon and your rye? Our bourbon is a wheated bourbon. We realized that was just what we used to put more rye in it. Then we realized people were more attracted to just the wheated one. We’ve won a ton of awards on it. It’s super-smooth. I think the minimum of how long it’s aged is two years, but we’ve got longer now. Then we have a rye. Both of those are equally delicious, although I think I’m partial to the bourbon. Pick one that you prefer neat, one that you like with a couple of rocks and one that just makes an awesome cocktail. Oh gosh. Okay. Neat would be our bourbon, on the rocks would be our OC Orange or Aquavit. I think it’s a tie depending upon my mood. Cocktail… You mentioned that French 75. I’m a French 75 with Aquavit girl. Now I’m thinking about it, I do a lot of that. I’d like to try that ginger beer. It sounds really unique. Oh, it’s lovely. Some ginger beer, some OC Orange and some fresh mint you can slap in there. That is a delight. Women have been coming to the cigar and spirits world in droves recently. Can you appreciate a good pairing—a cigar and a spirit—or is that not on your radar? Truth be told, the only time I ever smoked a cigar is twice, and it was both times with Joe Mantegna. Joe is a friend of our magazine. I know he’s passionate about Arturo Fuente cigars. Yes. He had to talk me through it. I had no idea what was going on. I do find it very exciting to have more female representation of these things. What we gravitate toward, and I don’t even mean we gravitate more feminine things or not, or anything like that, I just think that the internal feminine in us gravitates towards the aesthetic, gravitates towards the beautiful, gravitates towards the balanced. That’s feminine energy, whether it’s in me or in anyone.

>> 2011 Criminal Minds cast in Season 7: Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness, Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Shemar Moore and A.J. Cook

Absolutely. I think that’s something we bring into the world. I think it’s a great, cool honor to be part of that group of people. Are there similarities between collaborating on an entertainment project and a project like the Blinking Owl? I love making things. I am a maker of things. The fact that I get paid to be on a television show and do that, it’s very exciting. A lot of times because I have something creative that I want to say, I end up doing things like making an animated film, directing the whole thing, or writing a play and taking it to Scotland myself. I tend to do those sorts of things because there is a part of me that loves to work. I love the work. For me, with the Blinking Owl, I get to participate. What I love about it is much like art; it should be for everybody. The Blinking Owl is for everybody. Where the Blinking Owl is, we see all walks of life, all ages. Yes, we’ve got the Instagram-worthy cocktails, and people come and they do that, but we also have teachers who are getting off work, and we’ve got guys who work at the garbage place next to it. All different kinds of people, all congregating in one place. Everybody gets to experience that. It’s not just exclusivity. That’s where I feel like it’s the same as entertainment because that is what is important to me about both. It’s the amalgamation of all these different things that makes the experience for the consumer… It’s community building. What’s on the horizon regarding entertainment projects, writing projects, anything like that we should know about? I made a short film that I finished in 2020, but the pandemic happened, called Curtains. I think I might get back on this show called Criminal Minds if they end up doing it, but who knows?

>> The Blinking Owl distillery has a comfy tasting room.

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Audrey Pavia has authored twenty-three non-fiction books. She is an award-winning writer and editor living in Southern California. Audrey is a frequent contributor to Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

RUGGED COUNTRY

EL ARTISTA CIGARS www.el artista cigars.com

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C&S

Photos Courtesy of Clase Azul México

>> Clase Azul Mezcal Durango

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

CLASE AZUL MÉXICO TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LUXURY TEQUILA AND CELEBRATING MEXICAN CULTURE by Matt Randolph

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>> A table setting at A Taste of Culture in Los Cabos

>> The Ultra is the crown jewel in the brand’s portfolio-14 years in the making.

>> Clase Azul Reposado

“WE EXIST TO CAPTIVATE THE WORLD through the magic of Mexican Culture, while transforming ourselves into better human beings.” That statement is a lofty goal from a luxury tequila brand, but if you acquaint yourself with Clase Azul you’ll soon realize the aspirational authenticity of that ethos rings true.

>> Marketing Director Jesus Martinez

Clase Azul is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. That’s an achievement in and of itself given the increasingly overcrowded tequila category. However, the company has gone well beyond staying alive, and has positioned itself to rest in rarified air as luxury artisans in the spirits industry. Clase Azul’s award-winning tequilas are industry benchmarks, and the brand’s mezcals have quickly gained traction in the resurgent mezcal landscape. Recently, we checked in with Clase Azul’s director of marketing Jesus Martínez, and he shared his thoughts about the brand’s past achievements and his goals for 2022 and beyond.

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Please tell us about how you became affiliated with Clase Azul México. Until meeting with Clase Azul in 2020, my professional experience was rooted in luxury fashion. Once I had a chance to learn more about Clase Azul, I immediately fell in love with the values and philosophy of the brand and company. I became incredibly excited about the opportunity to promote Clase Azul’s purpose as a Mexican-owned and operated luxury brand. How rewarding is it for you that Clase Azul has achieved iconic brand status? It’s an honor to see the global impact our brand is making with what we call our “conscious connoisseurs.” We strive to bring attention to the exquisite nature of Mexico and how our products, services and values reflect our desire to share the magic of Mexico with the world. Please share with our readership a bit about the history of the brand, and how that tradition informs the brand today. We are a fully Mexican-owned and operated luxury brand, established in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Arturo Lomeli founded the brand because he wanted to create exquisite spirits, and that’s what we’ve been doing for the past 25 years: offering the highest quality tequila and mezcal, created in our own distilleries with flawless attention to detail. One of our pillars is to honor our legacy by sharing the authenticity, artistry and heart of Mexican culture with the world. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, our goal is to become the first Mexican Luxury House, offering new experiences and products to those who seek heritage, culture and unique lifestyle offerings. Will there be any special events for the brand’s 25th Anniversary? We inaugurated our 25th anniversary by announcing the brand’s transformation from Clase Azul Spirits to Clase Azul México. We’ll continue to focus on high-quality spirits, but are moving into hospitality experiences as well, including some new offerings in Los Cabos and New York in the immediate future. We are planning to celebrate our brand’s transformation in a number of ways throughout the year, which will be revealed through upcoming announcements and of course, via our social media channels. Clase Azul’s bottle art—your decanters—have been lauded for their artisanal craftsmanship. What are the unique aspects that make Clase Azul collectible and sought after? Authenticity is key and we are promoters of Mexican artistry, whether it be our distillation process or the creation of our decanters. Our consumer is looking for something unique with the highest level of craftsmanship and quality. At Clase Azul México, everything we do has a human touch, and we are proud at how that cultural experience has been embraced and celebrated. Who would you say is the typical Clase Azul drinker these days? Why would a new consumer or a seasoned connoisseur select the brand? Our consumers are curious, adventuresome, have an appreciation for the arts, the environment and humanity among other things. We love that our customers share our product “icons” with their friends and family, creating special and exquisite moments. When luxury seekers try Clase Azul, they can expect the finest quality, beautiful craftsmanship, a captivating story and the opportunity to share the magic of Mexican culture.

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>> The artisanal process for Clase Azul’s bottle designs create collectible works of art.

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>> Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco shares her knowledge with team members to ensure quality.

What are the most popular sellers? We don’t define popularity by sales volume. Our products each embody a different profile and personality and each and every consumer will give you a passionate answer about which is their favorite. Our most well-known product is our reposado, which has brought attention to the delicious taste and flavor as well as the eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing blue and white decanter. Our mezcals, Clase Azul Durango and Clase Azul Guerrero— something we were lesser known for until recently—have begun to receive praise from the most discerning mezcal consumers, which is pleasing to see. Our limited editions, like Día de Muertos and Master Artisans are also highly coveted for many reasons, including the close connection to Mexican tradition they create with our customer. Please tell us about some recent awards that the brand has won. We are especially proud to be a recipient of the Butterfly Mark certification from Positive Luxury [a luxury certification agency in London]. The Butterfly Mark is given to luxury brands based on an assessment of their social and environmental impact that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to sustainability. One of the main objectives of Clase Azul is to generate a positive impact on the world. We strive to preserve our ancestors’ environment and cultural heritage and promote human growth inside and outside of Clase Azul. We have also been awarded the “Great Place to Work” certification for the past several years in a row, illustrating our dedication to a positive work environment and culture. What should we be on the lookout for in 2022 and beyond? We are excited to express our heritage in the coming years with new products and experiences that will expand Clase Azul beyond the world of spirits. We recently opened “A Taste of Culture” in Los Cabos, Mexico—a tasting experience tucked behind our current boutique. We are also in the final stages of opening “La Terraza,” a dining experience also in Los Cabos. New York City will soon see the “Clase Azul Loft” in Dumbo Brooklyn, with more projects to be announced throughout 2022 and beyond.

Matt Randolph is an award-winning editor and writer living in Santa Fe, NM.

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>> Clase Azul’s team members are dedicated to enhancing the brand’s prestige.

C&S

BANG! YOU’RE OUTTA HERE

BIG SHOTS HEARD ‘ROUND THE SPORTS WORLD by Kevin Kenney

THE assignment seemed simple enough—pick 10 (or so) all-

time, iconic sports moments and reminisce about them, have some fun with them…then let Cigar and Spirits readers relive them along with you. And then I started sifting through 50-plus years of my own sports-watching memories, and delving back into the history books for moments that thrilled earlier generations.

But hey, that’s why sports remain fun—because they can still prompt passionate debates. What follows is one longtime fan’s list of great moments—presented with the disclaimer that I’ve surely left out some gems that are special. So apologies in advance. Agree with them or disagree with them—but enjoy them…which is to say, enjoy them all over again.

/ CIGAR& &SPIRITS SPIRITSMAY/JUNE MAY/JUNE 2022 3838/ CIGAR 2022

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And then it became a question akin to ``Which of your children do you love the most?’’ It became a damn-near impossible task to list just 10 or so. How do you compile such a ledger without doing injustice to a lot of truly great moments?

HAIL MARY! It was the Hail Mary pass that did more than just win a football game. It was also the Hail Mary that put ``Hail Mary’’ into the American lexicon. On Dec. 28, 1975, Roger Staubach’s Dallas Cowboys trailed the Minnesota Vikings 14-10 with 24 seconds left in a divisional playoff game when the Dallas quarterback heaved a 50-yard prayer toward receiver Drew Pearson. The ball was actually underthrown, but Pearson snagged it at the 5-yard line, then scooted into the end zone for the winning score. “It was a Hail Mary pass—I just threw it up there as far as I could,” Staubach told reporters after the game. Next day, the headline writers grabbed hold of Staubach’s words—and an idiom was born.

THE CATCH THE IMMACULATE RECEPTION It was selected by the NFL Network as the greatest play in league history. But the Dec. 23, 1972, “Immaculate Reception’’ also remains, all these years later, one of the NFL’s most controversial plays. The Oakland Raiders were leading the Pittsburgh Steelers 7-6 with 22 seconds left in an AFC divisional playoff in Pittsburgh. On fourth-and-10 from his own 40, Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw threw the ball toward receiver Frenchy Fuqua, who was guarded by safety Jack Tatum. The two collided just as the ball arrived. The ball bounced off someone—it’s still debated who—and then ricocheted backward, where running back Franco Harris picked it up just before it hit the ground, then raced into the end zone.

Jan. 10, 1982, Candlestick Park in San Francisco, NFC Championship Game. The Dallas Cowboys lead the San Francisco 49ers 27-21 with 58 seconds left. On thirdand-3 from the Dallas 6-yard line, Niners QB Joe Montana scrambles out of the pocket, but his intended receiver, Freddie Solomon, is too tightly covered. Montana looks desperately for a Plan B and sends a high pass—a very high pass—to the back of the end zone in the area of Dwight Clark. Clark leaps, snags the ball on his fingertips and manages to get his feet down in bounds to send the 49ers to a 28-27 win that’s forever remembered by two words—”The Catch.’’ “I remember seeing the ball coming and thinking ‘Wow, that’s pretty high,’’’ Clark recalled years later. “Joe just put it in the exact spot that it had to be. Just another magical play by Joe.’’

After the extra point, the Steelers won, 13-7—but should they have? To this day, it’s unclear if the ball bounced off Fuqua or Tatum, and whether the play should have been allowed to stand as a TD. Under the NFL rules of the day, if the ball had deflected off Fuqua alone, it would have been an incomplete pass. If the ball bounced off Tatum, or off Tatum and Fuqua in any combination, it would be a legal reception by Harris. After much discussion among the on-field officials in those pre-video-review days, it was ruled a touchdown. Years later, Tatum admitted he wasn’t sure if the ball bounced off him. Fuqua, meanwhile, has never really addressed the subject—and then, why should he? It remains one of the NFL’s great controversies— and by the way, it also remains known among Raider faithful as “The Immaculate Deception.’’ WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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Nine years after Staubach-to-Pearson, another Hail Mary etched itself into the all-time annals—Flutie-toPhelan…“The Miracle in Miami.’’ On Nov. 23, 1984, Doug Flutie’s Boston College Eagles were playing the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes. BC trailed 45-41 with six seconds left when Flutie, from his own 37-yard line, heaved a desperation toss into the end zone—where somehow, some way, wide receiver Gerard Phelan caught it between two defenders, giving BC a shocking 47-45 win.

HAVLICEK STOLE THE BALL! It’s Game 7, 1965 NBA Eastern Finals between the defending champion Boston Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain’s Philadelphia 76ers in the old Boston Gah-den. The Celts lead 110-109 with five seconds to go. Philly’s Hal Greer looks to inbound the ball and give the Sixers one last shot to win. With Chamberlain closely guarded, Greer takes aim at Chet Walker. But the Celtics’ John Havlicek darts into the passing lane and swipes the ball, deflecting it to teammate K.C. Jones, who dribbles out the clock. As the Celtics’ sandpaper-voiced radio announcer Johnny Most described it, in one of the NBA’s legendary calls, “Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over! It’s all over! Johnny Havlicek is being mobbed by the fans! It’s all over! Johnny Havlicek stole the ball!’’ The Celtics would go on to win their seventh of eight straight NBA titles.

THE SHOT It’s the 1992 NCAA East Regional Finals, 2.1 seconds left in overtime, Kentucky leading defending champ Duke 103-102. Enter Duke’s Christian Laettner to end arguably the greatest college basketball game ever, and cap one of the NCAA tourney’s greatest single performances. Taking a 79-foot inbounds pass from Grant Hill, Laettner grabbed the ball near the foul line, dribbled once, spun and sank the buzzer-beater to send the Blue Devils to the Final Four Laettner finished the game 10-of-10 from the field and 10-of-10 from the line, and Duke went on to win its second straight NCAA title.

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HAIL FLUTIE!

ERIK ESPINOSA ESPINOSA CIGARS

T RY B OV E DA .CO M @bovedainc

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@bovedausa

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JORDAN’S JUMPER You could, of course, make an all-Jordan list, but we’re picking His Airness’ 1998, game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The Jazz, trailing three games to two and hoping to force a Game 7, were leading 86-85 with 18 seconds left when Jordan dribbled up court and sank a nothing-but-net 20-footer that gave the Bulls an 87-86 win for their third straight title and sixth overall. Jordan retired after that dramatic finish, so the jumper would have marked his final shot of his all-time career—but alas, he returned three years later for two additional, dreary, seasons with the Washington Wizards…a stint that will make nobody’s list of all-time great moments.

HONORABLE MENTIONS NOW WE CHEAT a little on this list, combining a bunch of great moments that would otherwise merit their own entries but for lack of space. But how can you not mention the following? • Yankee Aaron Boone slugs an 11th-inning walk-off homer to beat the Red Sox in the 2003 ALCS. • Yankee Bucky Dent cracks a three-run homer to stun the Red Sox in the 1978 AL East playoff game. • Mookie Wilson tops a dribbler down the firstbase line in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series that got through the legs of Bill Buckner, giving the New York Mets the victory and sending them onto a championship in Game 7.

CARLTON FISK AND HIS BODY ENGLISH The Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds were tied 6-6 in the 12th inning of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series when Sox catcher Carlton Fisk stepped to the plate in the wee hours of a chilly New England night and capped one of the great games in World Series history. Boston’s Bernie Carbo had tied the game in the eighth inning with a threerun homer—and Fisk provided the coda when he hit a pitch from Pat Darcy high and deep down the left-field line. The ball was curving foul— but Fisk, standing along the first-base line, waved his arms frantically in the direction of fair territory, “willing’’ the ball to stay in. It did–hitting the foul pole and giving the Sox a 7-6 win. Alas, for Red Sox fans, the dream ended a night later when the Reds won Game 7.

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• Bobby Thomson’s "Shot Heard ‘Round the World’’ against Ralph Branca gave the New York Giants the 1951 National League Pennant. • 19-year-old North Carolina freshman Michael Jordan’s nails a 16-foot jumper with 15 seconds left to give the Tar Heels the 1982 NCAA championship with a victory over Georgetown. -K.K.

KIRK GIBSON AND HIS BATTERED BODY It’s Game 1 of the 1988 World Series between the Oakland A’s and the underdog L.A. Dodgers. The A’s lead it 4-3 with two outs in the ninth, and the Dodgers have the tying run on base. Enter Kirk Gibson, hobbled by two bum legs, to pinch-hit against A’s closer Dennis Eckersley. Gibson wasn’t in the starting lineup—hell, he could barely walk. But Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda gambled and sent his rickety slugger up to the plate, hoping for a Hollywood ending. Gibson worked the count to 3-2 before muscling an all-arms homer to right that gave the Dodgers a 5-4 win. As legendary Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully described it, “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!’’ The blast seemed to take the starch out of the heavily favored A’s, and the Dodgers went on to win the Series in five games. •

BILL MAZEROSKI AND JOE CARTER Mazeroski and Carter are forever linked—the only men in baseball history to hit walk-off home runs to decide World Series championships. Mazeroski delivered for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 7 of the 1960 Series (off Ralph Terry)…while Carter did it for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 6 of the 1993 Series (off the Phillies’ Mitch Williams). As Jays’ radio announcer Tom Cheek called it, “Touch ’em all, Joe! You’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life!’’ The same could be said for Mazeroski.

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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INTERVIEW

IAN SOMERHALDER PAUL WESLEY A BROTHER’S BOND BORN IN THE U.S.A. by Audrey Pavia | portraits by John Russo

EARLY IN 2021, the Cigar & Spirits staff met with Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley to talk about the duo’s newly released spirit, Brother’s Bond Bourbon (March/April issue). During our conversation with Ian and Paul, we discovered not only their incredible passion for bourbon, but a willingness to do the hard work it takes to create and promote an exceptional spirit. A year later, we decided to revisit the actors-turned-entrepreneurs to see how things were going with Brother’s Bond Bourbon. What we found not only impressed us, but made us realize that Ian and Paul were as committed to their product as they appeared when the brand first launched in May 2021. The brothers-from-another-mother have been working hard to get their brand distributed throughout the U.S., so everyone from the first-time bourbon drinker to the life-long whiskey connoisseur would have a chance to try it. The result is one of the fastest-selling ultra-premium bourbon brands in the country, shipping 50,000 cases in the first four months of its release. But Ian and Paul are not the types to rest on their laurels. Inspired by their bourbon’s success, they’ve released a cask strength that’s ready to hit this summer, and a rye that will be available soon.

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Photo courtesy of Brothers Bond Bourbon

THE INTERVIEW In our most recent conversation, we talked about what success feels like in the spirits world, where Brother’s Bond Bourbon is going next, and a teaser about Paul’s upcoming role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Paramount+ streaming series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Congratulations on the successful launch of Brother’s Bond Bourbon this past year. How rewarding has it been to create a spirit that’s been so well-received? Ian: We just got gold in San Francisco, which is huge, but that doesn’t really mean anything. The greatest reception is customers and people like yourself. That’s the greatest reception, the people who really love bourbon and who don’t have any vested interest, other than it tasting great and sharing in that. It’s been mind-blowing for me. Paul: I liken it to the entertainment industry because that’s the only thing I really knew prior to this and probably the only thing I still know. When you make a TV show and you put it out there, you’re like, “I don’t know, is anybody going to watch this? Is anyone going to even appreciate it?” I’ve done a ton of those shows and movies that people don’t watch and don’t appreciate. When something does hit, the word “gratifying” is an understatement. You’re just really humbled by it. Did it take you guys by surprise that your bourbon got this big of a reaction? Paul: I knew we worked our asses off, and I knew our product was good, but taste is subjective. Also, in general, who knows? I don’t know. Maybe people weren’t in the mood for bourbon. I had no expectations. I was proud of what we created, but I had no expectations. Which is generally my outlook in life. Ian will attest to that. Ian: Actually, just to add to what Paul was saying, there’s a difference between being the stars of a massive hit television show, which we were, thankfully. At the end of the day, yes, you’ve helped create that character, but it’s owned by the studio, the network, the producers. They dictate, ultimately. You can kick and scream. Trust me, we did. You didn’t like a certain storyline or you didn’t like the way this was handled or that, but at the end of the day, they own it. It’s their property. This is at a totally different level. We created this literally from the ground up. We built this with our bare hands, with our team. It started with Paul, myself and Vincent [Hanna, co-founder and CEO of Brother’s Bond Bourbon]. Then Vincent built this amazing team around us. That, you cannot touch. That feeling of connectivity. It’s like having a child. It’s like having a baby. It’s amazing to see it now crawling and walking and talking. It’s mind-blowing.

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The bourbon category is really competitive. Sometimes there’s pushback in the industry because there’s so many celebrity brands nowadays. In this case, you guys are really personally involved. How are you able to get that across to people, that this isn’t just something that you put your name on? Ian: Hopefully by telling our story over and over again. Like with you. But it’s in the bottle. Paul: I think it’s through educational efforts like doing interviews. Or Instagram Live. We’re an independent brand. We’re not owned by any corporate conglomerate. We’re not funded. We do everything ourselves. It’s a little bit like a political campaign. You do a grassroots effort. We’re like that. We’re a political campaign. We go, we spread our message, we say our beliefs, we say what we stand for, and we hope that we build a community through that kind of an effort. Ian: This was never about diluting the bourbon category. This was about bringing new consumers to this category, to this amazing category that we love, ultimately. Again, like Paul said, it is through grassroots. Instead of a political campaign—instead of a political party, we’re a cocktail party. How about that? That’s good. Ian: Paul makes fun of me because he’s like, “Dude, you literally look like a Tupperware salesman.” I travel around with a freaking box of this bourbon because you got to know what it tastes like at 7:00 in the morning. You got to know what it tastes like at 7:00 in the evening. You got to know what it’s like after you have a meal. We never stop tasting it.

“CAPTAIN KIRK WILL DRINK BOURBON ON THE SHOW. THAT’S ALL I CAN SAY.” -P.W.

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This is a very special business and community and we don’t want to just show up. We want to exceed, and we want to give back to this community. It’s like [master distiller] Jim Rutledge said in the first Zoom I ever did, “If you are distilling or blending bourbon, you’re not competition. You’re community. You’re family.” This is a family, the bourbon community. That’s humbling, but man, you got to come out of the gate with quality.

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“WE CREATED THIS LITERALLY FROM THE GROUND UP. WE BUILT THIS WITH OUR BARE HANDS, WITH OUR TEAM.” -I.S.

There are a lot of celebrity-backed brands, and this is not celebrity-backed. This is celebrity-owned. Paul and I really try and not use that word “celebrity.” We actually make fun of each other a lot, but it’s like, I don’t know what else to call ourselves other than just “dudes.” You guys are really active on social media, and it seems your followers are especially excited about this. What do you think about that? How does that make you feel? Paul: Lucky. It’s one thing to get people excited about something because they know who we are and they want to support us. It’s another thing to get them to forget about us and get them just excited about the product. It’s like, yes, cool. It’s Ian and Paul. Alright, fine, that’s why they buy it initially. But then it’s “I’m going to buy Brother’s Bond because it tastes really good.” It’s really about the long-term goal. It’s not about the short-term goal. Ian: When people walk out of their homes, they have a vote on who they can spend their hard-earned money with. We can only hope to be that company. On a Friday night, we want them to vote for us because the flavor speaks to them, the story speaks to them. Every bottle that’s bought of this stuff is going to help us build up a big, big, big carbon capture system against climate change. [A portion of Brother’s Bond Bourbon proceeds go to support regenerative farming practices, which increases the drawdown of carbon from the atmosphere.] Have you been able to meet your goals as far as positioning the brand in retail and being in the global markets? Ian: Honestly, we have. We did exactly what we hoped we would do.

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Photo courtesy of Brothers Bond Bourbon

Paul: Shockingly, yes, but not even shockingly because you know what? I mean, shockingly always, because you want to stay humble and you want to always maintain realistic expectations, but we’ve also been working our asses off. We’ve been on every Zoom, we’ve gone all over the nation. We’ve met with every retailer. We go onpremise, we do virtual tastings. We’ve put in the work, and at the end of the day, that’s what’s going to make it happen. You launched recently... Ian: Our cask strength launched in June. Paul and I will be launching our bourbon in the U.K. around July as well. Tell me about the rye that’s slated to come out in September. Ian: Paul and I shot in Atlanta for 8 years, and our show [The Vampire Diaries] was the first one to really utilize the state tax incentives. It was a big hit, and a lot of other big productions came, and the economy in the city really took off. At one point when we were there during the first five or six years, Atlanta was named the fastest growing city in America. We watched this explosion of economy in Atlanta and in a lot of old cities. They ripped up all the old railroad tracks, and they built belt lines. Along them are restaurants, bars, just amazing stuff. Paul and I spent years riding our bikes and walking up and down the belt line in Atlanta, going to all the new restaurants. We knew all the owners, and just seeing people out smiling, riding bikes, dogs, kids, people drinking cocktails, and eating food out there. It was very special.

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For the rye, we knew we wanted it to come out in time to catch the very tail end of summer. When it’s still warm and people are really soaking it in before the leaves start changing. In October, the temperatures are going to drop. We’re really pushing hard to get it out for September. We’ll make it happen. We’re hell-bent on it. Paul, I have to ask you a Star Trek question. Of course. Paul: I’m glad it’s not a Vampire Diaries question. Well, it starts as one, but then it turns into Star Trek. You guys have had a bourbon connection in your show going back to The Vampire Diaries. Have you been able to work bourbon into your new role as Captain Kirk on the upcoming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? Paul: Without giving away too much, all I’m going to do is say is yes. That’s it? That’s all you’re going to give me? Paul: Captain Kirk will drink bourbon on the show. That’s all I can say. Okay. Is there anything else that our audience should be on the lookout for over the coming year or so? Paul: Well, for those who are looking in terms of other expressions, we have the, as we mentioned, the cask strength, the rye, we have bottled-in-bond and then we have an 8-year. We got a few things that we’re cooking up. For our friends that live outside of the U.S., just know that we’re working hard to head to international territories. We’re having some conversations with England, Canada and Australia. It’s making sure we have enough product, and doing it the right way.

Audrey Pavia has authored twenty-three nonfiction books. She is an award-winning writer living in Southern California, and a frequent contributor to Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

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C&S

SUMMER CIGAR BUYER’S GUIDE RATINGS ARE BASED ON THE AVERAGE BLIND TASTING SCORES OF EACH CIGAR BY A PANEL OF TEN CIGAR EXPERTS. THESE CONNOISSEURS POSSESS MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF COMBINED CIGAR-SMOKING EXPERIENCE.

To provide feedback on any of the ratings, or to offer your own opinions on any of the cigars featured, write us at: feedback@cigarandspirits.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and leave your comments: facebook.com/cigarandspiritsmagazine

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FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

ALEC BRADLEY CIGARS BLACK MARKET FILTHY HOOLIGAN BARBER POLE

6 x 50 Toro CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Candela Nicaraguan, Nicaraguan Maduro Binder: Sumatra Ecuadorian Filler: Honduran, Panamanian Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The Hooligan offers subtle vegetal tastes with earth and spice. It’s offset with nicely blended coffee and cream notes and cashews. The burn is even kicking off an ample amount of soothing smoke.

ALEC BRADLEY CIGARS TRILOGY EXOTIC MADURO

6 x 52 Triangle Press Toro CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This rich maduro cigar features notes of coffee bean, dark chocolate with almonds and nuanced hints of cayenne. The dark chocolate and subsequent leather tastes and scents made for an excellent finish. The draw is first-rate.

ASHTON CABINET SELECTION Très Petite 4 3/8 x 42 Petit Corona Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Mild/Medium

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: This “White Burgundy” Ashton abounds with tastes of rich soil and aged grapes. It’s shade-grown and undoubtedly creamy. It features aged Dominican tobaccos of four to five years. It has a creamy vanilla finish.

AVO SYNCRO NICARAGUA SHORT ROBUSTO 4 X 52 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Peruvian Strength: Medium/Full

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: A short and stout cigar with some zing. The cigar is woody, spicy and oaky with a very clean finish.

CAVALIER GENÈVE CIGARS BLACK II

6 x 52 Torpedo (soft box-pressed) CIGAR RATING Wrapper: San Andrés Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The Black II offers a pleasant maduro experience–not too heavy on the palate. The tastes pop with rich dark coffee, roasted peanuts and hints of salty caramel.

COHIBA SERIE M

6 x 52 Toro CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Binder: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Dominican (Piloto Cubano) and Nicaraguan (Estelí and Jalapa) Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This is an elegant and creamy cigar. There are evident tastes of wood and pine nuts at the start of the experience. It’s followed up with hints of sourdough, citrus, vanilla and light coffee from the middle forward.

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DAVIDOFF ROBUSTO INTENSO LIMITED EDITION 2020 5 5/8 x 52 Robusto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium/Full

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: The Intenso has a rounded head and veiny wrapper—quite appealing to the eye. The draw is superb. There’s chocolate, oak and leather on the palate with touches of anise and spice. The burn remains even throughout.

E.P. CARRILLO CIGARS SHORT RUN RETRO MADURO 2022

5 x 50 Robusto CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Honduran, Mexican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: White pepper mingles with flavors of creamy espresso, almonds, citrus and dried fruits. The draw was uncharacteristically uneven for a Carrillo cigar.

EPIC CIGARS LA RUBIA

5.5 x 52 Robusto CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Binder: Mexican San Andrés Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The Connecticut wrap and Colorado Claro colors make for a handsome cigar. It’s a tasty blend with sweet citrus, black licorice and rich coffee tastes.

FRATELLO CIGARS ARLEQUÍN OLD VIRGINIA TOBACCO 50TH ANNIVERSARY

CIGAR RATING 6 x 58 Perfecto Wrapper: San Andrés Mexico Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Nicaraguan, Peruvian Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: You’ll experience clearly defined notes of cinnamon, layered chocolate sweetness and Mediterranean spices. The draw is stellar, the cigar has ample amounts of smoke and burns nicely throughout.

FRATELLO CIGARS BIANCO I

6.25 x 44 Lonsdale CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Dominican Filler: Nicaragua, Peruvian, Pennsylvania U.S.A Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This a richly blended cigar. There’s a smoothness throughout this complex cigar. There are scents of roasted coffee, chocolate and cream, pepper and Mexican hot chocolate.

GRAN HABANO HABANO #3 5 x 52 Robusto Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Binder: Nicaraguan Habano Filler: Nicaraguan, Mexican, Costa Rican

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: This Gran Habano is rich, complex and unique with a hearty combination of coffee and spice flavors. It has hints of nutty smoothness with a long-lasting finish on the palate.

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H. UPMANN NICARAGUA AJ FERNANDEZ HERITAGE

6 x 54 Toro CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Brazilian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: There’s a bit of sweet tingle to this blend. Maple, milk chocolate and hints of clove make for a stellar cigar that finishes with surprising zest. The smoke billows elegantly throughout the experience.

KRISTOFF CIGARS GC SIGNATURE SERIES TORPEDO

6.25 x 52 Toro CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Honduran Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The cigar has a nicely rounded profile. There are bountiful tastes and notes of espresso, cedar and dark roast coffee. The citrus finish is a delightful cap to the experience. The draw is top-notch.

KRISTOFF CIGARS SUMATRA LANCERO

7.5 x 40 Lancero CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Binder: Brazilian Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Kristoff feels refined in the hand. Floral notes are airy with citrus and spice along the way. The cinnamon and creamy vanilla tastes cap a sublime finish with hints of tea and oak.

LA AROMA DE CUBA EDICION ESPECIAL NO. 4 7 x 49 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: The flavors are nicely finessed into the flavor profile on the No. 4. It has some hints of black cherry, lemon peel and grainy rice throughout the smoke. There’s a lot of oak in the scent of the smoke.

MAYA SELVA CIGARS FLOR DE SELVA COLLECTION NO. 20

3.5 x 56 Egoísta CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Honduran, Jamastrán Binder: Azacualpan, Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The notes are formidable on the palate with cedar, cayenne and musty earth. The draw was a bit of a struggle at the start, but it graded out after a couple of minutes.

MAYA SELVA CIGARS VILLA ZAMORANO

7 x 48 Churchill CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Sumatran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: There are determined aromas of earth and leather that make this cigar rather inviting. The evident vegetal notes of hickory, grass and hay are splendidly offset with a cedar sweetness.

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MONTECRISTO ESPADA SIGNATURE LIMITED EDITION

6 x 55 Valiente CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This Montecristo offering is blended by the renowned Grupo de Maestros, and that’s always a good thing when it comes to quality assurance. It’s expertly crafted with serious tastes of sweet earth, salt and dried fruits. The rich caramel taste and scent at the finish is sublime.

MY FATHER LE BIJOU 1922 CHURCHILL 7 x 50 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: Rustic earth, chocolate and cedar notes are evident throughout the length of the smoke. It evenly burns at an elite level.

NAT CICCO CIGARS NAT CICCO FIFTY-FIVE

6.25 x 60 Figurado Maduro CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Indonesian Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Full Tasting Notes: This is a toothy cigar, and the smoke output is outstanding. It features aromatic smoke that offers whiffs of black pepper and leather. The taste profile is complex–rich espresso, cinnamon, walnuts and hickory are all there for the taking.

OSCAR VALLADARES SUPERFLY MADURO 6 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Binder: Honduran Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Full

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: This Oscar is a very full blend. You’ll be on board (as we are) if you like a creamy cigar that’s peppery, spicy and features hints of cocoa. There’s a pinch of allspice, too.

PADRÓN DAMASO NO. 12 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Mild/Medium

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: The tastes of graham cracker, raisins and toast are nicely balanced throughout the cigar. The smoke is aromatic with hints of citrus. The No. 12 burned evenly throughout the experience.

PICHARDO RESERVA FAMILIAR 6 x 52 Connecticut Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: This toro is nutty and sweet to the palate. The draw is excellent. It finishes with fig, citrus and just a touch of earth to cap off a smooth smoke.

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Akashi city - Hyogo product of japan

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PLASENCIA CIGARS ALMA DEL CAMPO TRAVESIA BOX PRESS 6.5 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: This Plasencia features the brand’s signature draw. Just a light pull extracts flavors of cedar, espresso, honey and dark chocolate.

ROCKY PATEL CIGARS DISCIPLE

5 x 50 Robusto CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The Disciple features delicate notes of earth, sweet red pepper and a pinch of maple. The smoke picks up a little bit of steam as you work your way down to the nub with some white pepper and cedar.

ROMEO Y JULIETA ETERNAL

CIGAR RATING 6 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The RyJ is woodsy, floral and has a surprisingly gingerbread cookie taste added into the mix. The draw is perfect leading into an impressive ash.

VEGAFINA NICARAGUA

6 x 52 Gran Toro CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habana 2000 Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: There are tastes of red pepper, leather and hay with hints of milk chocolate throughout this cigar. The draw tightened up a bit on the back-end of the smoke. It’s an aromatic cigar with layered texture and a superb mouthfeel.

VILLIGER CIGARS LA LIBERTAD

5 x 52 Robusto CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: La Libertad is a bold beauty robusto. There are distinct notes of dark almond chocolate, dark roasted coffee and molasses. The draw is effortless, and the bit of black pepper at the finish is a nice cap to the experience.

VILLIGER CIGARS SAN’DORO COLORADO

5 x 50 Robusto CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Tasting Notes: The lauded San’Doro is an intense cigar, but smooth and tasty throughout. The construction and draw are excellent. The perfectly blended tastes are spicy, sweet cedar and earthy.

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SUMMER TEQUILA SPOTLIGHT

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TEQUILA SPOTLIGHT

TOP TEN TEQUILA BLANCO OTACA TEQUILA BLANCO

MSRP: $79.99 Otaca Blanco is a luxe triple filtered tequila. It’s best enjoyed straight, on ice or with a slice of orange. There’s no fussy aftertaste that’s sometimes associated with blanco.

CLASE AZUL TEQUILA BLANCO

MSRP: $114.99 This artisanal spirit is bright, crisp and fresh with evident notes of sweetness. This exquisite tequila is best enjoyed neat.

SIEMPRE TEQUILA BLANCO

Otaca Tequila Blanco

Clase Azul Tequila Blanco

MSRP: $40.00 There are complex aromas and flavors of spice, herb, pepper, brine and citrus with candied, floral notes and hints of caramel and sweet fruit. It’s made for sipping.

PARTIDA TEQUILA BLANCO

MSRP: $39.99 Partida is a real and fresh expression of blue agave. You’ll find hints of tropical fruits—peach, melon, pineapple and light touches of vanilla but overall cooked agave, sweet potatoes, black pepper, volcanic minerals and grapefruit.

CASA MEXICO TEQUILA BLANCO

Siempre Tequila Blanco

Partida Tequila Blanco

Casa Mexico Tequila Blanco

MSRP: $32.00 Casa Mexico is slowly baked in clay ovens, naturally fermented and double-distilled in stainless steel pot stills. There are earthy notes, crisp sweet citrus and hints of spice. It works for sipping or as the foundation for your favorite tequila-based cocktail.

CIERTO TEQUILA RESERVE COLLECTION BLANCO

MSRP: $69.99 Cierto Blanco is subtle and smooth. It features hints of fruit nectar and is lightly smoky in flavor. It’s nicely balanced and warming with a juicy, elegant finish.

MIJENTA TEQUILA BLANCO

MSRP: $49.00 This blanco features notes of honey, vanilla and caramel with flashes of tropical fruits–peach, melon, pineapple and light touches of soursop and cherry. Its finish is silky and fruity.

TEQUILA COMISARIO BLANCO Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Blanco

Mijenta Tequila Blanco

Tequila Comisario Blanco

MSRP: $49.99 This stellar blanco features lime zest and honeysuckle, with layers of pepper, earth and agave. It’s viscous on the palate with creamy vanilla, orange blossom and spice notes.

CASAMIGOS TEQUILA BLANCO

MSRP: $36.99 Casamigos Blanco Tequila rests for two months. It’s crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla and sweet agave. The finish is superbly long and tasty.

PADRE AZUL BLANCO

MSRP: $94.99 This blend is intense on the palate, with cooked agave and fruity notes that offer evident scents and tastes of smoke and earth. It features a sweet and powerful finish.

Casamigos Tequila Blanco

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TOP 10 TEQUILA AÑEJO VILLA ONE TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $49.99 The lauded Villa One offers sweet notes of rich caramel. There are evident scents of vanilla banana and wafer essences on the nose. The robust mouthfeel finishes with notes of smoke, dark chocolate and honey.

CLASE AZUL TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $529.99 The nose is layered with aromas of Mexican vanilla, cinnamon, apples and almonds. The cooked agave flavors of vanilla, caramel and various woods make for an ample finish. Villa One Tequila Añejo

Clase Azul Tequila Añejo

SIEMPRE TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $51.99 This añejo is aged for 24 months to give it an amber color and smoothness. There are alluring notes of toffee, salted caramel, chocolate, vanilla and peppercorns followed by a lasting-lasting, warm finish.

PARTIDA TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $52.99 The Partida is clean and full bodied, and has a pleasant spice on the tongue. It has flavors of black and green pepper, white oak, vanilla and maple honey.

CIERTO TEQUILA RESERVE COLLECTION AÑEJO Siempre Tequila Añejo

Partida Tequila Añejo

Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Añejo

MSRP: $199.99 There are warm toffee aromas, followed by butterscotch and subtle spicy notes on the tongue. You’ll find hints of smoke, which gives it a smoothness and sense of balance. The finish is somewhat sweet, with long notes of black pepper.

CORRALEJO TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $37.99 The palate is a bit more aggressive, with clearer black and red pepper notes, a darker caramel note vs. the lighter brown sugar evident on the nose, and a citrus note that adds acidity to the mix. This tequila is generally mild from the start, though the finish has some lingering heat and a pinch of vegetal agave.

PADRE AZUL TEQUILA AÑEJO Corralejo Tequila Añejo

Padre Azul Tequila Añejo

Casamigos Tequila Añejo

MSRP: $154.99 The Padre Azul is matured for at least 18 months in hand-selected oak bourbon barrels. It’s a complex and smooth blend. You’ll encounter notes of vanilla, chocolate, caramelized nuts and cinnamon.

CASAMIGOS TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $57.99 This tequila offers an expertly blended balance of sweetness from the blue weber agaves layered with hints of spice and barrel oak.

GRAN CENTENARIO TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $37.99 American oak barrels are featured in this añejo, offering aromatic notes of toasted oak, chocolate, caramel and nuts. It’s soft and complex with a slightly sweet taste and a balanced profile.

TEQUILA COMISARIO AÑEJO Gran Centenario Tequila Añejo

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Tequila Comisario Añejo

MSRP: $89.99 The notes of buttercream, dried papaya, caramel custard and nougat aromas follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity, medium-tofull body with lovely grilled pepper, mineral and mocha accents.

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2021

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2016

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2017

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2018

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2019

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BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2020

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TOP 10 TEQUILA REPOSADO SIEMPRE TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $44.99 This beautifully aged spirit offers notes of oak, fruity undertones, honey and vanilla underpinned by cooked agave. There is a smooth harmony on the palate, not unlike what shows in some very fine bourbons.

PARTIDA TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $44.99 Partida leads with a light amber color with golden tones. There are notable aromas of vanilla, cooked agave, caramel, butter, bourbon, hazelnut and almond. The aromas are subsequently confirmed in the mouth. Siempre Tequila Reposado

Partida Tequila Reposado

CIERTO TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: 99.99 This elegant Cierto offers aromas of smoky agave and nuts, along with papaya. On the palate this offers plenty of butterscotch, a full texture and a hint of milk chocolate. The finish is incredibly smooth.

MIJENTA TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $69.99 Mijenta’s Reposado is aged up to six months in a blend of American white oak, French oak and French acacia casks. It’s delicate with notes of bergamot, honey, preserved fruits and orange blossom flowers.

Cierto Tequila Reposado

Mijenta Tequila Reposado

Padre Azul Tequila Reposado

PADRE AZUL TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $129.99 The distinct notes of fruit compote, vanilla and cooked agave merge harmoniously. The velvety texture is sublime with a sweet and smooth finish.

MANDALA TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $99.99 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.

TEQUILA COMISARIO REPOSADO

Mandala Tequila Reposado

Tequila Comisario Reposado

Clase Azul Tequila Reposado

MSRP: $59.99 There’s a satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with anise cookie, herb and grilled pepper accents. This tequila finishes with a long, spicy sweet buckwheat honey and talc fade. This reposado is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

CLASE AZUL TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $155.99 This reposado is masterfully aged for eight months in American whiskey casks creating its unique hazelnut and vanilla flavors as well as exceptionally smoothness.

GRAN CENTENARIO TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $29.99 This reposado provides a touch of fruit on the nose, with sweet tones of cooked agave and light hints of oak, toasted almonds, vanilla and clove.

CABAL TEQUILA REPOSADO Gran Centenario Tequila Reposado

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Tequila Comisario Reposado

MSRP: $79.99 Cabal Tequila Reposado is stored in charred American White Oak Bourbon Barrels for eight months. Notes of oak, sweet vanilla, and subtle nuttiness, highlights the exquisite quality of this rested and wellrounded tequila.

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TOP 5 TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO CIERTO TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO

MSRP: $249.99 This Cierto expression is ultra-luxe tequila. It’s a great balance of wood and spirit on the tongue, while maintaining a soft, smooth texture. It’s classy and restrained, with a soft and gentle finish.

MANDALA TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO Mandala Tequila Extra Añejo

Cierto Tequila Extra Añejo

MSRP: $189.00 This blend is aged 7 Years in French White Oak Barrels. It’s dark Amber in color with intense fruits and toasted oak on the nose. The finish is sweet with hints of oak and vanilla.

PARTIDA ELEGANTE TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO

MSRP: $399.99 Dark amber color and high-density body denote the long aging process. Aged at a minimum of 40 months, Elegante is an Extra Añejo. Its complex aromas come with deep notes of toasted oak, dark chocolate, coffee and ripe banana. The palate entry is slightly toasty, peppery and spicy. Every sip of Elegante confirms not only the initial aromas but also new and different flavors such as agave, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, butter, maple, almonds, hazelnuts, black pepper, citrus flowers and more. This tequila lives up to its name; it is simply elegant in all senses.

Partida Elegante Tequila Extra Añejo

CABAL TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO

MSRP: $299.00 This tequila is offers a multi-layered palate of sweet oak, pepper and butterscotch. It finishes with a robust and lingering complexity highlighted by notes of vanilla, oak and sweet cooked agave.

Cabal Tequila Extra Añejo

FUENTESECA RESERVE EXTRA AÑEJO

MSRP: $264.99 This Fuenteseca features a moderately spicy nose, rounded with notes of butterscotch. The taste is oaky vanilla, but the agave still comes through nicely—leaving a soft, long finish with distinct hints of coconut.

Fuenteseca Reserve Extra Añejo

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UNFORSAKEN UNFORSAKEN - DARK SUMATRA Dark Sumatra Nicaraguan binder and filler; barrel aged, medium to full body; extremely rich with notes of cedar, spice, roasted coffee and complex taste of sweetness.

NAME

COLOR

SIZE

BOX OF

BUNDLE

BOOLIT

DARK

4.75 x 46

32 ct

TORO

DARK

6 x 52

24 ct

SIXTY

DARK

6 x 60

24 ct

SEVENTY

DARK

6 x 70

24 ct

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C&S

>> Classic American cars create

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iconic sights throughout Cuba.

MAY/JUNE 2022

American s r a C c i s s Cla o History A Rich Aut a b u C in d e v r e s e Pr

by Sean Chaffin

munism. The United stions of hardline com ba t las ’s rld wo e th of time uba is one fixed in a Marxist-style

y be and while the island ma kens back to a States embargo continues A bit of Americana har . ain -Castro existence rem pre a of ts nan rem rn neighbor rp, the wa h the country’s nor re no tense relations wit we re the en wh ars. nd isla time on the gambling and great cig e fun in the sun, casino som for nd isla the to and yanks flew in r wheels, a big international trade? Fou volution capitalism and -re pre of bol sym s throwback to a thi a , What’s remain on the island ousands of classic cars Th de. pri of trade nty ple engine and facturers, could freely ies, including auto manu pan com can eri Am en for wh ny are jewels different time ain on the island and ma es later, these cars rem of $30. ry with the country. Decad an average monthly sala ere many people have wh y ntr cou a in s ilie fam e cruisers. of these steel and chrom visitors can get a glimpse and a van Ha d se preun the aro A quick trip erally thousands of scene like no other. Lit a ers off ba Cu s, car For lovers of classic ger history lesson. small part of a much lar —a ain rem s icle veh 0 196 of Cuba. “It Reimer, author of Cars ssic car buff,” says David cla the for ners.” se adi par a “Cuba is person and talk to car ow s rolling car museum in thi see to e tim in k bac was truly a step

Martin Krzyzak/Shutterstock.com WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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>> 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

John Rizzo/Shutterstock.com

>> Various classics transport tourists and locals alike.

E R U T L U C R A C N A B CU T

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of the country. It diminishes it.” New cars were nearly impossible to find, but as Cuban incomes declined, many no longer had the means

to purchase a new ride anyway. Many of those classics from

the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s remain as if they just rolled off the showroom floor. And

while communism may be the official policy of the ny Cuban government, ma sleek nders have turned those capitalism-minded isla ique into taxis, offering a un sedans and convertibles e. rid a ch s looking to hit opportunity for tourist can nate about their Ameri “Cubans are very passio es. tus symbol,” Reimer not classics and they’re a sta ke ma e om chr hly-polished “Brilliant colors and hig in de pri at e Cubans take gre these beauties shine. Th ise t enthusiasm as they cru their rides and share tha .” for the ride of their life around picking up fares

Anton Zelenov/Shutterstock.com

part of life for many alking cars is a regular there are as many Cubans. Experts estimate cars in Cuba with half of 60,000 classic American other 25 percent date to those from the 1950s. An a t are from the 1930s. In the 1940s and 25 percen exist, t sn’ doe lly property virtua country where private to n tio down from genera these vehicles are passed nist falling outside commu generation—somehow nt control. dictates and governme evy pristine model of a ‘57 Ch Looking to check out a gie sto a ride and smoking a Bel Air? How about taking bet convertible? It’s a good in a 1951 Buick four-door to trip a on os can hes Ameri visitors can find these coc the island nation. t to Cuba in 1898 and The first car was brough er ies were the main provid American auto compan to ing 1918, accord of autos for the island by , Ford, Chevrolet, Buick m. CubanPrivateTravel.co oughout lerships popped up thr Dodge and Cadillac dea ,000 000 of the country’s 143 the country. By 1956, 95, of one e am ., and Cuba bec cars were from the U.S , American cars. However the biggest markets for icial U.S. n changed that. The off Castro’s 1959 revolutio n and Castro placed his ow embargo began in 1962 ts. par cars and auto embargo on American e,” provide jobs for anyon “The Cadillac does not to the Cuban people in Castro noted in a speech alth does not increase the we July 1959. “The Cadillac

w w w. n a t c i c c o . c o m

Top: Anton Zelenov/Shutterstock.com, Bottom left: Possoh/Shutterstock.com, Bottom right: Kamira/Shutterstock.com

>> An American beauty against the pink Cuban sky

>> Blue Ford Fairlane

Rolling On

>> Classic beauty in Old Havana

ichael Shapiro is the aut hor of Under Cuba’s Ho od: What Cubans Say About Their Old American Cars. He’s see n the Cuban love for their car s first-hand, whether sho win g off a shiny Ford taxi to visito rs or loading up the fam ily in that 1955 Buick for a trip to the beach. Keeping those wheels in motion comes with considerable effort however. After dec ades of use and plenty of miles , owners often need to po p out that original engine for a rep lacement—which is eas ier said than done in Cuba.

“Some of them have the ir original motors, but many of them, especially those used for taxis, have been switch ed over to diesel motors because it’s mu ch more economical tha n gas,” he says. Maintaining cars that dat e back as many as nine decades running on an island of limited means isn’t eas y. Heading down to the local O’Reill y’s or AutoZone isn’t an op tion. Parts are difficult to come by and repairs or updates require some real resourcefulness. Spa re parts are either made by hand, reengineered from oth er vehicles, or brought in by “mules” at great expense (i.e. having a relative or friend bri ng in a spare part from another cou ntry, often the U.S.). “They do a lot of intere sting, innovative things ,” Shapiro says of islanders’ efforts at kee ping their rides runnin g. “One of

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the verbs that’s most com mon in Cuba is "resolver ", and that just means to resolve a problem. Because Cuba is a country with limited economic resources, they’ve com e up with many strategies to keep those cars running. “The main one is to ma ke parts themselves. Th ey have very talented machinists wh o specialize in specific par ts, be that brakes, wheels, chrom e work for bumpers or physical body work and every imaginab le part of the motor—f rom the block itself to the carburetors. Pick a part and somebo dy specializes in how to make it basica lly with existing mater ials and technology. It is amazi ng.” These island engineers use existing online spe cs for classic cars to fabricate parts thems elves. Given those exact specifications, they use materials on han d for these DIY automoti ve projects. Cubans simply figure out a way (resolver) to keep their cars running, even having a relative help out on occ asion. “It’s not unusual to see somebody coming into the airport in Havana with two tires for example,” Shapiro says. “That’s the only way they can get them, is to have someone dec lare them as extra luggage. They’re very inv entive, very smart and ver y creative.”

UNCLE NEAREST

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Top left: Des Harwood/Shutterstock.com, Center: Eric Laudonien/Shutterstock.com, Bottom: Diy13/Shutterstock.com

>> A meticulous old

Jaguar as taxi

Keeping It Classic made some n recent years, Cuba has c restrictions. In efforts to ease economi the ban on foreign 2016, Raul Castro lifted those from the cars and parts, including to purchase those U.S., but being allowed ds to do so are two cars and having the fun different things.

ty Florida. Despite that hef ret price, Milian didn’t reg n. the decisio my “I will do anything for s family,” he said. “And thi is a good option for my a.” wife and kids in Havan

The overwhelming highly regulated and Imported cars are still ’t afford an ned ow ps shi majority of Cubans can dealer very expensive, with all re are considerable $80,000 car. Until the ment monopoly by the state. That govern , most islanders changes in the economy Cuban auto certainly doesn’t benefit car market, making are shut out of the new ced at twice what pri are s car ny Ma . ers buy s even more critical. those inherited classic pay and often only American buyers would scavenging and Owners will continue eeled citizens can the country’s more well-h ts to keep booking getting creative for par s. The same goes afford a new set of wheel a few extra bucks. fares with tourists for government as well. the by d sol s car d use for e through Havana’s For car lovers, that rid o divides wh , lian Mi do lan Or n an automotive In 2020, Yoa historic streets may be told i, am Mi and a van Ha hor David Reimer his time between dream come true. As aut for out g pin cam of the greatest place on Reuters his own story says: “Havana Cuba is He . car a buy to e car buff.” days to be the first in lin the planet for the classic Land ota Toy 1 201 a d gge sna ultimately ut double what Cruiser for $80,000, abo 90 miles north in s. could be expected only ears in numerous publication o, New Mexico. His work app dos Rui in or edit and ter wri rTraditions. Sean Chaffin is a freelance to him on Twitter at @Poke @sbcglobal.net or reach out ffin cha sean at him il ema You can

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>> A purple 1950s Dodge

>> American beauty , palm trees, the evening sun and Cu ban colonial architecture

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Hear The Man’s story at: www.arturofuente.com/theman WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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C&S

Photos courtesy of the Dakota U.K.

THE DAKOTA LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

>> The Dakota offers luxe-comfortable rooms like the Classic Double.

A Northern English Delight by Nick Hammond

NICK HAMMOND samples the fare of a Northern English boutique hotel—and enjoys the relaxed welcome to be found at its well-stocked cigar lounge… Sometimes it’s just good to get away for some fine cuisine, a new cigar experience and local exploration. We’ve spent more time at home than ever before in recent times; not least I, who was used to heading out on a new adventure on a regular basis. I’d forgotten just how important this exploring is to my particular brand of creativity. Without it, my inspiration withers. I hadn’t really realized this until I’d got back on a place once again after a two-year hiatus and was overwhelmed by the imagery, color and glory of travelling to another exotic country. I needed no airports though to head up to Lancashire to run the rule over the cigar facilities of a Manchester hotel—just a quick and pleasant train trip. The Dakota brand has been quietly gaining admirers at its high-end offerings in Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh and here in Manchester, where I’m greeted by the anticipated sheen of rain on its meandering streets as I step out of Manchester Piccadilly Station.

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>> The Terrace Humidor offers an ample amount of Cuban cigars to choose from.

>> The Dakota Grill offers world-class fare and artisanal cocktails

>> The cigar sommelier service is first-rate at the Dakota.

Manchester was a major driver of Britain’s Industrial Revolution

shops and an array of

and this is still evident in every cobble and brick. Despite massive

bars and unusual eateries.

reinvention over the last 10 years—the skyline now features

You’re sure to find at least

obligatory skyscrapers and weird and wonderfully shaped office

a little of something that

blocks—much of the city still remains in stasis; caught between

you like here; rambling

the transmogrification of an industrial past and an inventive,

bookshops, quirky eateries,

entrepreneurial present.

old pubs and boutique

The Dakota is an imposing building a mere few minutes’ walk from the station and if you avoid the rumbling trams and the incoming

stores selling anything you can think of.

football fans heading to Old Trafford and Manchester United, you’ll

After a ramble to orientate

walk up to it past a tell-tale car park of Range Rovers and Porsches.

myself, I settle into a

There’s a lot of new money in Manchester these days. It’s important that it’s spent in Manchester too, and during my brief stay, the place is packed from start to finish; it’s trendy, dark, soft-

suitably quirky bar for a couple of pints of wellserved Guinness—a perfect kickstarter for the evening’s festivities.

furnished corners are filled with folk intent on drinking, dining,

I return to the Dakota filled with the simple joy of being out and

meeting and, yes, smoking all hours of the day or night.

about somewhere new. We’ve been deprived of this common

The Dakota brand is certainly cigar-friendly–there’s a beautiful piano-lacquered, double wardrobe-sized humidor in the Grill

human pleasure for far too long. After a freshen up, it’s time for one of my favorite moments, wherever I might have laid my hat.

and, despite the worldwide shortage affecting the supply of Cuban

The bar is amply stocked and I tentatively enquire about the

cigars, it remains impressively stocked.

possibility of acquiring a Perfect Manhattan. Thankfully, this

But before that delight, I’ve time to explore the nearby Northern Quarter and the luxury of my lofty suite. Student life drives a lot of the joy and can-do attitude this part of town exudes. It’s louche in a laid-back, attractive way, with plenty of abandoned buildings and murals alongside funky boutique

request is warmly received and the resultant drink is quickly and skilfully crafted. The Manhattan remains, for me, the King of the Cocktails, with its hint of sweetness and counter-balance of sourness and this bourbon example is served quite correctly, in a coupe glass and with maraschino cherry. A great way to start a meal.

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Now, my cup overflows. I’m quickly scouring the interior of that aforementioned lacquered humidor. When sampling in a new place, I like to let the cigar sommelier take the lead—it’s a good indication of how your “average” customer is served, and if I feign a little ignorance of what’s on offer to get a good show of the advice and knowledge on offer, I hope Dakota will forgive me. I’m pleased to notice that both Davidoff and Plasencia cigars are represented and I am eventually recommended a comprehensive breakdown by my host, who eventually selects for me a Cuban La Gloria Cubana Britanicas Extra, the Regional Edition for 2017 which actually has not been around that long. The Cigar Terrace is fantastic—spanning as it does two sides of the hotel, and being completely covered and heated whilst still retaining its outdoor status. It’s a light, comfortable, airy and pleasant place to enjoy another tipple as my cigar is clipped and lit for me. The draw is a little tight, but the stick performs perfectly adequately and subsequently smokes slowly yet rewardingly. The evening’s Manchester United match has finished and it’s pleasant to see well-behaved Reds in their home shirts enjoying a postmatch cigar. This is a Manchester hotel for sure, and it knows it.

>> The environs throughout the Dakota encourage inviting spots for conversation and cocktails.

Despite its prestige, it’s an informal and welcoming environment for all from business colleagues to lovers.

And start a meal I shortly do, opening the batting with an astounding King Scallop dish with pork cheek and coriander— sweet, vivid and unctuous, this is the work of a thoughtful and skilled chef. A glass of similarly astounding English fizz accompanies it and it’s a delight to see—and taste—how the English wines of the southern chalkland downs have come on

My suite is a large and sumptuous affair, with a powerful shower and oodles of light switches which I inevitably fail to fathom before climbing into bed and quickly dropping off. The light conundrum gets worse in the night as I stumble to the bathroom in inky blackness, barking my shins and feeling blindly along the walls for a switch that’ll help.

leaps and bounds in recent years. It wasn’t long ago when the mere

I like a dark room, but you know that feeling when you wake in

mention of English wines made Frenchman snigger—but now

a strange bed and can’t think for the life of you where you are?

the major Champagne houses are buying as much land as they

Discombobulating in the extreme, and I eventually plump for

can over here. Global warming has created the perfect conditions

leaving a bathroom light on and the door ajar to avoid further

for creating artful wines in southern England and if you get the

mishaps. The hotel is quiet, the temperature cool—and I am soon

chance to taste them, you’d be a fool to miss out.

back under the influence, waking only to check the time in case

I am cajoled by Tom Husted, the Head of Food and Beverage

I’ve slept the day away.

here, into tackling a rib eye steak—a touch prosaic for a night out I

Thankfully not, and there’s time for more exploring before

always think, but I can’t refuse a good steak when it’s described as

heading back south. I brave the tram and spent some minutes

“the best I ever had.” And a good steak it indeed is, marbled with

tootling around the city centre and its landmarks—and I couldn’t

fat and served with lashings of greens and a decadent couple of

leave without a trip out to Old Trafford itself, marvelling at how

beef bones, sawn into small portions and roasted to reveal their

the Theatre of Dreams rises out of the earth seemingly in the

gooey, beefy and redolent marrow. Heaven. Another Simpsons

middle of a working class housing estate. It’s a “proper” old football

English wine is served with the beef—this time it’s a red Pinot

ground this, not one of your new out-of-town soulless jobs.

Noir. Now I can believe in English sparkling wine—but red?

A tour of the stadium is just $36 and well worth the money; we get

My fears are unfounded. This is superb; light, velvety and rich,

to sit in the changing rooms, in the dugout and the press room

with oodles of hedgerow and, surprisingly, more than enough

where the manager gives post-match conferences. There’s a café, a

body to pair with the aged steak. Another find worthy of note and

detailed museum, and, of course, the poignant Munich Tunnel in

it’s not devastatingly expensive, either. I make a mental note.

which a single candle burns perpetually in memory of those killed

Inbetween courses, there’s a sneaky taster of the Prawn and

in the plane tragedy of 1958.

Monkfish Curry special—hot, zingy and palate awakening—and

The Dakota Hotel is smart without being jacket and tie smart,

then a pretty little bourbon caramel to finish, along with a glass

and the service is both attentive and informed. The Dakota Grill

of Sauternes to even up the score with our French cousins. A

boasts the best steak in Manchester, but that does it something of a

meal to be proud of.

disservice; it’s much, much more than that.

Nick Hammond is the UK’s premier cigar writer, a winner of the inaugural Spectator Cigar Writer of the Year Award and a regular contributor to cigar publications around the world. He also writes extensively on travel, luxury, food, drink and The Good Life. His new book, Around the World in 80 Cigars: The Travels of An Epicure, is a must read for every cigar lover and world traveller.

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PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY RESERVE CIGARS IS A CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN JONATHAN DREW, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF DREW ESTATE, AND THE VAN WINKLE FAMILY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO JULIAN “PAPPY” VAN WINKLE AND THE UNPARALLELED BOURBON LEGACY HE BEGAN CREATING MORE THAN A CENTURY AGO . FOR USE IN

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C&S >> Tom Dyer holds the distinction of being a two-time World Champion flair bartender.

Cocktail Corner

94 // CIGAR CIGAR & & SPIRITS SPIRITS 94

MAY/JUNE 2022 2022 MAY/JUNE

Photos courtesy of Tom Dyer

Tom Dyer’s

Our resident cocktail expert shares his flair…

om Dyer has focused his dynamic skills as a professional flair bartender over the two decades he’s been in the drinks industry. He’s travelled the world—competing and placing 1st in over 80 competitions—including 10 United Kingdom titles and two World Championship titles. Tom’s YouTube channel showcases his flair bartending skills and drink creations to the amusement of cocktail enthusiasts across the globe. He also manages five schools under the European Bartender School brand in London, Paris, Milan, Rome and Cape Town in South Africa. Here are a few of Tom’s newest cocktail creations you can work into your own flair repertoire.

Cheers! Ancho Margarita Serves 4

Ingredients: • 1 ½ oz gold tequila • ½ oz Cointreau • ¼ oz Ancho Reyes Verde chile liqueur • 1 oz lime juice • ½ oz bell pepper syrup

Directions:

• Add all ingredients into a large pitcher • Fill with ice / Stir and churn well • Add a few slices of lime

Garnish:

• Spice red pepper half rim

TIP: Add a pinch of salt into the drink and shake, not on the rim. It will add more depth and flavor.

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Clearly a Mezcalita Serves 1 Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz mezcal • ½ oz Cointreau • 1 oz Supasawa cocktail mixer • ½ oz sugar syrup

Directions:

• Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker • Shake with ice • Double strain into a chilled cocktail dress

Garnish:

• White coral

TIP: You can make the same cocktail with lime juice instead of SUPASAWA.

Azedo Cherry Serves 1 Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz cachaca • ½ oz Kirschwasser cherry brandy • 8 lime wedges (eighths) • 2 teaspoons castor sugar

Directions:

• Cut a lime into eighths • Add lime wedges and sugar into the glass and muddle • Add crushed ice and other ingredients • Mix and churn with a spoon • Cap with more crushed ice and garnish

Garnish:

• 1 cherry

TIP: You should muddle well to help the sugar dissolve.

Algarvian Breakfast Serves 1

Ingredients: • 1 ¼ oz dry gin • ½ oz pisco brandy • ¼ oz dry vermouth • 2 teaspoons of pumpkin jam

Directions:

• Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker • Shake well with ice • Strain into a chilled coupe glass

Garnish:

• Dehydrated lime wheel with a toasted walnut

TIP: Pumpkin puree will also work.

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