Cigar & Spirits Magazine's May/June 2023 Issue

GARRETT HEDLUND DEEP DIVES INTO ACTING, MUSIC AND FAME

PUBLISHED by TOP HAT MEDIA GROUP, LLC

RANDY M. MASTRONICOLA EDITOR & PUBLISHER

SHAHID GHANI CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

CODY CHO CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

DERRICK RILEY CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER

KEVIN KIM DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

BELLA JURDI EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION & EVENTS

RYAN BARRETT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

JOE REDMOND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

AUDREY PAVIA CONSULTING EDITOR

ELISA JORDAN EDITOR AT LARGE MOLLY HEADLEY SENIOR WRITER

KHOSRAW MANSOORY SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

JIM TONER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR GARRETT HEDLUND by John Russo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kim Campbell Thornton

Sean Chaffin

Elisa Jordan

Greg Mays

Audrey Pavia

Matt Randolph

KIBLER FOWLER & CAVE LLP LEGAL

A TOP HAT MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION AND SALES OFFICE

1 Columbia Suite 130 I Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (855) 816-2553

Cigar & Spirits is published bi-monthly by Top Hat Media Group. Please send address changes to Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO Box 462484, Escondido CA 92046. ©2023 by Top Hat Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. For subscription information or change of address: Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO Box 462484, Escondido CA 92046, 855-787-7670, Email for subscriber questions – cigarandspirits@pcspublink.com

Subscription rate is $39.99 for six issues. Canadian and foreign surface, add $6 extra per year payable in U.S. funds.

Please allow up to 8 weeks for mailing of first bi-monthly issue to new subscribers. When changing address, give 12 weeks notice, and include address label from latest copy as well as new address. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services that we believe would interest our readers. Please view our Privacy Policy at tophatmediagroup.com/privacypolicy.html.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608, Registration No. R126851765. Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: IMEX Global Solutions, P. O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, CANADA. Printed in the U.S.A. April 2023 Volume 13/Issue 3

For Advertising: Advertising@CigarandSpirits.com | (855) 816-2553

Cigar & Spirits Magazine

@CigarAndSpirits

ABOUT

Cigar & Spirits Magazine met with multi-talented actor and musician Garrett Hedlund this past May at a stunning Spanish-style home in Los Angeles. The tranquil location proved to be the perfect setting for a sublime photoshoot and interview.

We’d like to thank photographer John Russo, digital technician Brett Erickson, producer Ken Waller, wardrobe stylist Jennifer Austin, assistant stylist Micah Riggins, groomer Barbara Lamelza and Cyndi Guagenti at the Initiative Group for their collaborative efforts.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A, E, I, O, U AND SOMETIMES WHY

Many of us will recall that alphabet memorization technique from grade school. It was the origin of how we started putting letters and words together. Recently, A and I have been two vowels that have invaded the public consciousness like never before. AI this and AI that. WHY?

About a month ago, out of the blue, a colleague asked if I would read a college admissions essay. I did and told him it was pretty good. But why was I reviewing it? He told me it was generated by an Artificial Intelligence app. It caught me off guard that AI could construct a fairly well-written essay. I subsequently mentioned this to a few other people, and they seemed to be more aware of this than I was. A couple of writers were dismayed, but I assured them I would never replace our flesh-and-blood writers with Artificial Intelligence—even though I suspect some scribes out there may be bots. Artificial Intelligence has been around since the 1950s. The first relatively successful program was written in 1951 by Christopher Strachey, and was subsequently developed and refined by others for decades thereafter. A few examples of how AI has enhanced our world are the development of tools for people with disabilities, cancer screening techniques and advancing methodologies to predict potential viruses with pandemic potential. Recently, there’s been a good amount of legitimate AI reporting in the media, but less credible media organizations and the usual social media misuse have counteracted those reliable news sources with scary scenarios where AI takes over the world. That’s not to say there isn’t potential that AI could one day diminish our personal and professional choices somewhat. Thankfully, diverse and learned people like Elon Musk, Bill Gates and others in our culture have stepped up to

Sincerely,

alert us of these possibilities, and they’ve also shared we can override potential devastation with science and education. Fears related to AI are understandable given the recent global events and challenges we’ve experienced the past five or six years. Most of us try to keep positive thoughts that we’re not entering a dystopian period, and our collective perseverance will carry us through. That notion has been hard to stay with at times these past years, but our faith in our humanness helps us rise above it.

Artificial Intelligence or not, people will never be replaced in the universal sense. We are flesh and blood; we have hearts and souls; we embrace our flaws believing we have the potential to become better than what we’ve been so far. I’m not ready to live in a Mad Max world, and I bet most others feel the same way.

The tenet that drives most of us is that acceptance, forgiveness and our ability to love will supersede whatever adversities we face. That our connection and humanness humbles and propels us to higher ground. What does AI or anything else here really have to do with Cigar & Spirits Magazine? Probably not so much other than I might one day become more dispensable as an editor and publisher.

AI will likely never depreciate our enjoyment of travel, fashion, entertainment and the cigars and spirits we relish. One of my goals with our publication is to remind us of the fun and finer things we can experience and expand on the humanness we desire to share with one another.

I hope you take some time out to decompress and enjoy the breezy content in this issue.

Randy Mastronicola Editor & Publisher

>> A much cooler-than-reality AI interpretation of me.

BRAINS OR SIGNATURE?

GAIR BAR IN DUMBO

SMOKE THIS CALL OF PORT

BRAINS OR SIGNATURE?

THE $10,000 GODFATHER PEN BY JACOB & CO.

F rancis Ford Coppola’s 1972 epic film, The Godfather, is regarded as the greatest movie in cinema history by critics, film scholars and millions of movie lovers throughout the world.

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone famously spoke what is arguably the most well known bit of dialogue in movie history. “My father made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

That was the first time “an offer he couldn’t refuse” was likely uttered in a movie or real life. People sometimes forget what led up to and followed that quote, and the context that triggered that unforgettable movie moment.

Pacino told a story to Diane Keaton’s Kay Adams, of how his father, Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, helped his godson (Al Martino as crooner Johnny Fontaine) be let out of a restrictive personal services contract. A contract Fontaine naively signed when he started his career and signed with a big-band leader. Don Vito offered the band leader $10,000 to release Johnny so he’d be able to pursue better opportunities in his music and film career. The band leader refused.

Michael went on to recall, “So the next day, my father went back, only this time with Luca Brasi. Within an hour, he had a signed release for a certified check of $1,000.

Kay asked, “How did he do that?”

And here it is: “My father made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

Kay asked curiously, “What was that?”

Michael said, “My father assured him that either his brains or his signature would be on the contract.”

The pen the band leader wisely chose to sign the contract with was most likely not a luxury pen. And certainly, not a $10,000 one at that.

In perhaps of what is a bit of an over-correction, celebrity jeweler Jacob Arabo has created two exquisite pens, made by Italian artisans from the finest materials to honor The Godfather.

BLACK ROLLERBALL PEN

Limited Edition: 499 Pieces

Cap & Barrel: Charcoal Celluloid

Trim: Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver

Price: $10,000

RED CELLULOID FOUNTAIN PEN WITH PISTON-FILLING MECHANISM

Limited Edition: 499 Pieces

Nib: 18K Rose Gold

Trim: Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver

Feeder: Ebonite

Price: $11,000

Arabo is a Russian immigrant, now a vastly successful jewelry designer. He has taken his family-run Jacob & Company from a humble studio in New York’s Diamond District to becoming a worldwide luxury brand.

He's created artisanal luxury watches and pens for mega-celebs like The Beckhams, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Pharrell, Elton John, Puff Daddy and others.

The Godfather pen comes in two variations, both of which feature the iconic puppeteer imagery movie logo. These writing instruments have been built with meticulous attention to detail by the Italian luxury pen manufacturer Montegrappa. This is somewhat of an homage given the Italian heritage of the film’s most important characters.

The ballpoint version is constructed from a dark Charcoal Celluloid with contrasting trim made from rose gold plated silver.

The fountain pen showcases an 18k gold nib and a piston-filling mechanism.

Each pen depicts imagery familiar to Godfather fans—a rose, a bullet and a unique revolver barrel. The collection is limited to 499 pieces per pen. You’ll have to pre-order to get in on what is sure to be a highly collectible item by Godfather fans across the globe.

-Matt Randolph jacobandco.shop

Photos courtesy of Jacob & Company

The intersection of Washington and Water streets in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass for the uninitiated) is considered one of New York’s most Instagrammable street corners. This is a pretty impressive feat considering how much New Yorkers love their street photography. Yet, despite its social presence, most visitors are just there to get the perfect frame of the Manhattan Bridge with some cool old buildings, rather than for the history of the location itself. The owners of Gair, an upscale neighborhood bar and restaurant that recently opened its doors on the corner, decided to put some hometown love into their venture.

Concept creator and designer Kevin Cimini chose the name Gair in honor of Robert Gair, the 1800s-era printer who invented the folding cardboard box and whose warehouse space occupied the very same corner. Doesn’t sound like the sexiest namesake for a glam new bar? Think again. Robert Gair’s invention became the backbone of the paper empire in America and put Dumbo on the map. It also made it possible for all of us to order delivery food while binge-watching Netflix. And what’s sexier than that?

The bar bills itself as having “the edge without the attitude,” and its Brutalist design speaks to that aspiration. From its concrete and basalt bar to leather and steel details, the vibe is upscale industrial–something that fits right in with the community that it sprang from. The idea of community is important for the Gair team. Whether customers pop in after snapping their all-important tourist pic, a long day of work in the area, or as their weekend neighborhood bar, Gair delivers on its primary mission–to serve elevated and crave-worthy food and drinks.

Nothing about Gair’s cocktails and small plates menu says cardboard cutout. The inventive drinks menu was curated by beverage director Robert Struthers, formerly of Dutch Kills and Nitecap. While Gabe McMackin, former executive chef at Troutbeck in the Hudson Valley and the Finch in Brooklyn, heads up the food. Expect to see lots of local offerings used in unusual ways, as well as international influences.

“Thanks to our Director of Beverage, Rob Struthers, a dive into Gair's backbar is certainly one of discovery,” says Kevin Cimini. “When developing our beverage program, he wanted to highlight lesser-known bottles for the public to experience something new without compromising on our high-quality standard. As an example, one of the four vodkas we carry is an African-based brand called Vusa. Only offered in a few bars across the country, it is distilled from sugar cane, making it a great option for those concerned about gluten.”

The bar also showcases local gins and beers, such as Pizza Rats Pilsner from Staten Island and Whale Watching DIPA from Queens, as well as an enviable selection of mezcal, rum, and brandy (including a stand-out mango brandy.) Rob and the team are happy to walk guests through the unique spirits Gair offers to find the perfect match.

During the summer, outside seating will be set up on a block-long stretch of Washington Street, which will be closed to traffic. Go for an Under the Influencer (Mezcal, passion fruit, cayenne, celery, lager) or a Phoney Negroni (if you’re looking for a zero-roof cocktail) and settle in for a night contemplating the American entrepreneurial spirit alongside some damn fine spirits. -Molly Headley gair-dumbo.com | @gair_dumbo

Photos courtesy of Gair

GAIR BAR IN NEW YORK’S DUMBO EDGE WITHOUT ATTITUDE

>> “Son of a Beach” is one of the many artisanal cocktails crafted at Gair.

>> Gair bar showcases some of the finest local gins and beers like Pizza Rats Pilsner from Staten Island and Whale Watching DIPA in Queens.

Photo credit Emin Kuliyev

>> You’ll experience gorgeous New York views at the crossroad between Front Street and Washington Street not far from Gair.

SMOKE THIS

Even if you pride yourself on your home mixology skills, you can up your cocktailian game by adding some extra appeal with a Stündenglass cocktail smoker. For those new to the process, these devices add some smoky notes to various libations by exposing those liquids to chilled smoke. Stündenglass offers some unique offerings in the smoker category with its Glass Gravity Infuser line. Part cocktail accessory, part science project, the infusers make use of pure fluid physics and a patented 360-degree rotatable design, cascading water, opposing airflow technology and gravity.

All this adds up to deliver stunning design, visual pizzazz and flavorful sipping.

Stündenglass Gravity Infuser ($599.95)

This is the company’s traditional smoker-infuser and the perfect product to test drive some DIY cocktail smoking creations. Users will find the machine easy to use with simple maintenance and cleaning procedures. The whole process allows for contactless consumption and each infuser is compatible for mixology, culinary, hookah, and aromatherapy. This is a great launching point to get the infusing party going.

Dr. Greenthumb's X Gravity Infuser ($599.95)

The built-in percolation system delivers water-filtered, cooled smoke. The Greenthumb was created in collaboration with Los Angeles rapper and entrepreneur B-Real of Cypress Hill. The modern design has drinkers not just taking a glass, but actually participating in the preparation–becoming a bit of a cocktail mad scientist. You may not be feeling “Insane in the Brain”, like the Cypress Hill Gang but this gravity infuser is plenty of fun.

Kompact Gravity Infuser ($599.95)

Want to bring some of the cocktail smoking experience on the road? Or perhaps you’re just out for some conversation and mixology with friends? The Kompact is designed as the name implies—a bit more compact and complete with a luxury carrying case. And while this version may be a bit small, Stündenglass doesn’t skimp on the features. Look for the same gravity system and impressive design as seen in other company offerings. Summer vacation is approaching, why not throw this one in the luggage with the sunglasses and swimsuit? -Sean Chaffin stundenglass.com

TOASTED BLUE HAWAIIAN SPRITZER

Ready to give that Stündenglass infuser a spin? Here’s a quick recipe for some great tropical tastes.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz coconut water or coconut rum

• 1 oz blue curacao liqueur

• 2 oz pineapple juice

• 1 oz. coconut milk

• 2 oz pineapple sparkling water

• unsweetened shredded coconut (with no additives or preservatives) for smoking

Directions:

• combine the coconut water or rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and coconut milk In a cocktail shaker with ice

• shake well and pour into a glass over ice

• top with a generous splash of pineapple sparkling water

• place in the beverage cloche and fill the smoking chamber with small pieces of unsweetened shredded coconut

• light the coconut with a torch and flip the Stündenglass until smoke fills the cloche with a nutty, toasted coconut scented smoke and remove the cloche

Garnish:

• pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry

Photos courtesy of STÜNDENGLASS

CALL OF PORT

The luxury of sipping a glass of port wine after a sumptuous meal is even more exquisite when capping it off with a fine dessert. Port is a great aperitif when served chilled or straight from the bottle—summer to winter.

For those not particularly familiar with port, the wine is a Portuguese specialty that’s made by adding a distilled grape spirit, typically brandy, to a wine base. Only wines that are produced in Portugal’s Douro Valley region can be labeled Port. All grapes must be grown and processed in this region.

Here we have some ports and desserts we’ve sampled that you can work into your after-dinner delight.

Sandeman 40-Year Tawny Porto ($249)

Sandeman leads with intensely deep aromas. It eases into complex flavors–fruity, nutty and even slightly spicy. It offers noticeable hints of vanilla, honey and oak. It’s everything you’d want in a 40-year port.

*Sandeman 40 meshes with crème brûlée to create a mind-blowing combo.

Niepoort Bioma Vinha Velha Vintage Port 2011 ($499)

This vintage Port is harvested from vines over eighty years old. The scent begins with a dark, earthy nose, and the taste has white pepper, minerals and fruit. It culminates with a sweet and rich fig finish.

*Enjoy this Reserve Port with cherry pie or dark chocolate brownies.

Fonseca Vintage Port 2017 ($299)

This critically acclaimed Fonseca offers aromas of jammy red berries and mineral notes. The taste develops with layered and complex waves of black berries, jam and hints of cedar. It culminates with a long velvety finish. This bottle will be in rarefied air if your inclined to age it for ten years.

*Homemade vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle a few spoonfuls with caramel and savor each bite.

Dow’s Fine Ruby Port (99.99)

Dow’s is aged for at least three years in oak casks. It’s exuberant and youthful on the palate and has noticeable raspberry, cherry and chocolaty flavors, with a clean finish and pleasant aftertaste.

*Pair this beauty with a dark chocolate souffle for the chocolate-lover in you. This is a memorable combo to fall in love with.

-Dave Johnson

CHOCOLATE SALAMI

If you ever find yourself in the wondrous country of Portugal sipping port, be sure to request chocolate mousse and Portuguese salame de chocolate a.k.a. chocolate salami as your dessert.

You can rest assured the dessert features no cured meats. Chocolate salami’s appearance is akin to salami, but incorporates coco, eggs and butter when prepared–truly sublime when enjoying your wine.

Cro Magnon/Shutterstock.com

>> Historic port wine ships with wine barrels can be seen anchoring nightly on the Douro River each night.

Candice Bell/Shutterstock.com

BLENDED TO NEVER BLEND IN.

PAST IS PRESENT Historic Mansions and a Glorious Waterfront Meet in Newport, Rhode Island

by Audrey Pavia

THE MOMENT YOU SET FOOT on the island of Newport in Rhode Island, you can feel history all around you. The Colonial-era homes, timeworn graveyards and a centuries-old harbor speak of a bygone era before America was a country, and when the clip clop of horses’ hooves echoed through cobblestone streets. And though modern times have clearly come to this quaint city, they take a backseat to Newport’s past.

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

>> Newport Harbor has a long and dramatic history.

Newport was founded in 1639, making it one of the oldest cities in America. Established by colonists who valued religious freedom, Newport welcomed Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Europe, and was also home to Quakers and Protestants. Benedict Arnold, great-grandfather of the infamous traitor by the same name, became the governor of Rhode Island in 1663, and Newport became the seat of the colony’s government.

During this period, most of Colonial America’s slave trading ships launched from Rhode Island, with Newport as a hub. By the late 1700s, slave trading was illegal in Rhode Island, but not before several prominent families made their fortunes from this sinister business. Many of the first abolitionists were based in Newport, and began calling for a ban on slavery well before the Civil War.

Along with slave traders, Newport was known for its pirates. Plundering ships on the east coast of Africa and the Red Sea, pirates sailed to Newport and spent their wealth, making them welcome visitors during colonial times. It wasn’t until their criminal activities turned on the town that Newport changed its tune toward these seafaring thieves. The public hanging of 16 pirates in 1723 was the beginning of the end of the pirate culture in Newport.

The American Revolution was fought in Rhode Island, with Newport playing a big role. In 1776, the British occupied the town, and used the White Horse Tavern— which still stands, and is the country’s oldest operating restaurant—as their headquarters.

The late 1800s and early 1900s saw Newport become a favorite summer spot for wealthy magnates, including the Vanderbilts and the Astors. These wealthy families built opulent mansions on Easton Bay, which still stand.

Today, visitors to Newport can experience the incredible history of this seaside city just by walking or driving through town.

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

VISITORS TO NEWPORT CAN EXPERIENCE THE INCREDIBLE HISTORY OF THIS SEASIDE CITY JUST BY WALKING OR DRIVING THROUGH TOWN.

>> The Cliff Walk provides views of Eaton Bay and many of Newport’s historic mansions.

>> Bowen’s Wharf is known for its many seaside shops and restaurants.

Downtown Newport is a great place to start a visit to the oldest part of the city. Walking is the best way to see this area because it gives you time to take in the sites while also avoiding the traffic.

Thames Street, a one-and-a-half-mile stretch between Farewell and Carroll, features pubs, restaurants, shops and historic homes built in the 1700s. You’ll also find museums, bed-and-breakfasts, marinas and public access to Newport Harbor.

Just off Thames, you can walk to the historic White Horse Tavern for a pint. Still operating as a restaurant, as it did in 1673 when it was built, the tavern hosted the Colony’s General Assembly, Criminal Court and City Council for more than 100 years. In 1702, the tavern became the property of William Mayes, a notorious Newport pirate. In 1972, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not far from the White Horse Tavern is Trinity Church, built in 1726. Step inside the church to see its beautiful chaliceshaped pulpit, which is the only center-

aisle, freestanding, triple-decked pulpit left in America today. Just outside the church is a dramatic graveyard, which dates back to the 15th century. Most of the headstones are no longer readable, but the sense of history at this site is undeniable.

A stone’s throw from Trinity Church is Newport Harbor, the city’s historic waterfront. One of the oldest working waterfronts in the U.S., the harbor is more than 375 years old. Once visited by pirate and slaving ships, the harbor is now home to a commercial boatyard as well as shops and restaurants on Bowen Wharf. The Newport Harbor Walk, a two-and-a-half-mile path through the wharf, provides a great way to see this important part of the city.

HOTEL VANDERBILT

When Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt donated $100,000 to build the Mary Street YMCA in 1908, in memory of his father Cornelius Vanderbilt, he likely never imagined it would become one of the most luxurious hotels in Newport.

The Colonial Revival-style mansion served as the YMCA headquarters or 65 years until it was purchased and re-sold, eventually becoming a hotel in 1995. Today, the Vanderbilt Hotel on Mary Street in downtown is decorated to commemorate the Gilded Age mansions throughout Newport.

The Vanderbilt Hotel, owned by Auberge Resorts, is home to The Dining Room, a cozy restaurant filled with leather club chairs, navy blue walls, and elevated New England pub-inspired cuisine. The bar at The Dining Room features a sleek, mahogany design, and serves cocktails inspired by tobacco heiress Doris Duke’s extensive travels throughout North Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim. For diners, certain cocktails, like the house martini with Stolichnaya, Sipsmith, rose water and gold leaf, are made tableside by the expert bartender.

DOWNTOWN

>> Thames Street in downtown Newport is home to museums, bed-and-breakfasts, shops and restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

>> The White Horse Tavern, built in 1673, is the oldest operating restaurant in the U.S.

Photo credit Audrey Pavia

Photo courtesy of The Vanderbilt Hotel

THE MANSIONS

At the turn of the 20th century, Newport was the summer playground to some of the wealthiest American families of the time. They built what they referred to as “summer cottages,” huge mansions along the water southeast of downtown. Many of these mansions are open to the public for tours, including these:

MARBLE HOUSE

Made from 500,000 cubic feet of marble, this summer home for the William K. Vanderbilt family was built in 1892 and contains the original furniture and décor the Vanderbilts enjoyed during their years in the house. This includes a ballroom with gold-lined walls, elaborately painted ceilings, and original fireplaces. Outdoors, the Chinese Tea Room features views of Easton Bay.

THE BREAKERS

Built in the late 1800s, The Breakers was the home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. High up on a cliff, The Breakers is located on 13 acres and is decorated with the original furnishings imported from France and Italy. The mansion contains 70 different rooms and has 45-foot-high ceilings in the Great Hall. Cornelius Vanderbilt’s great-grand children still live on the third floor of the mansion during the summer, when The Breakers is closed to visitors.

THE ELMS

Modeled after an 18th century French chateau, The Elms was built in 1901 and was the summer home of coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind. Indoors, it contains elaborate paintings, statuary and tapestries. Outside, formal gardens, terraces, pavilions and fountains make it one of the finest examples of the Gilded Age in Newport.

ROSECLIFF MANSION

Built by Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1902, a Nevada silver heiress, Rosecliff features a heart-shaped staircase and the largest ballroom in Newport. The mansion was modeled after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat at Versailles of France’s Louis XIV and other French kings. Rosecliff has been a popular location for filming, and appeared in The Great Gatsby, Amistad and True Lies

Another way to view the mansions of Newport is from the stunning Cliff Walk, a three-and-a-half-mile National Recreation Trail that winds along the coastline and past many of the city’s historic homes. Starting at the beginning of the walk on its most northernmost end, you’ll see views of The Breakers, Rosecliff, Marble House and The Waves, a mansion from late 1800s that has been converted to condominiums.

Newport offers all these incredible attractions and more. Whether you visit for a long weekend or two weeks, you won’t run out of historic sites to see, great food to eat and terrific adventures to have.

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

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

>> The Marble House was the summer home of the William K. Vanderbilt family at the turn of the 20th century

>> The Breakers, located on a cliff overlooking Eaton Bay, was built in the late 1800’s by Cornelius Vanderbilt II.

FEATURED PAIRINGS

PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE

by Greg Mays

LA AURORA 115TH ANNIVERSARY JACK DANIEL’S NUMBER 27 GOLD

The La Aurora 115th Anniversary is a highly lauded commemorative cigar and honored by many in the industry upon its mass release. (It was awarded Cigar of the Year by Cigar & Spirits Magazine in 2019.) The 115th remains a popular cigar, and pairs well with bourbon.

The cigar’s wrapper is aged and rough, with a pronounced low-wrapped cap. There are tons of sweet, aged tobacco notes on pre-light. Once you add flame, the cigar pumps copious amounts of smoke and flavors become mild, sweet hay. There’s a dusty profile here, something like an old saloon, with dry wood and deep clay notes. Halfway down, there’s a gumminess to the flavor and mouthfeel, a bit of nuttiness and dried fruit.

To accompany La Aurora’s 115th, I decided a very limited edition of an old favorite would mesh nicely: Jack Daniel’s Number 27 Gold, a $100 expression that’s only been released in select markets.

Jack’s Gold is a sweeter, richer whiskey than the Old No. 7. It’s aged in virgin white oak and finished in maple wood casks. There’s a smoother, woodier profile to this whiskey, and it definitely has a more premium, complex flavor profile.

Together with La Aurora’s 115th this is a sweet and rich pairing for both, enhancing those maple notes with the cigar’s woodiness very well. The pairing and sharing of this combo make for a wonderful after dinner experience with friends.

SIZE: 5.75 X 54 TORO I WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN I BINDER: BRAZILIAN FILLER: BRAZILIAN, DOMINICAN, NICARAGUAN MSRP (CIGAR): $12 I MSRP (WHISKEY): $100

ALEC BRADLEY PROJECT 40 MADURO WOODFORD RESERVE MASTER’S COLLECTION BATCH PROOF

The Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro is produced at the J. Fuego Cigar Co. de Nicaragua factory in Estelí and has 24-count boxes. The maroon and gold band design separates it out from the blue and white of the previous line so you’ll be able to pick it out from the pack at the retail level. The cigar is handsomely constructed. It’s a medium-plus maduro, and it has an eye-catching wrapper from San Andrés. It offers a Habano Brazilian binder, and an all Nicaraguan filler. We smoked the 5.5 x 50 size and it was a pleasure throughout. Our experience has been that it’s not a bad thing to take a bit of a break from stronger Maduro sticks now and again—clear your palate as such. Interestingly, that’s where a couple of us were at when presented with this newly released cigar. This Project 40 helped us get back on track because it wasn’t overwhelming in the least. As mentioned, it’s medium to full so it didn’t come in hot, but had some notes with zing. We sensed dark chocolate and light pepper throughout with some nuanced spices and earth at the close. That ash might just well still be holding strong.

Our instincts were on the mark when we paired it up with Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof—bottled at 123.6 proof. This expression is part of the annual Master’s Collection series, celebrating Master Distiller Chris Morris’ vision. The Woodford lines are always notable within the bourbon and whiskey category. The amber color is elegant and inviting to the eye. This Master’s Collection offered tasting notes ranging from clove to dark chocolate. Masculine leather to cedar. Oak to almond. The milky chocolate throughout mingled particularly well as we worked our way into the Project 40 Maduro’s light pepper and hints of spice.

The look and feel of both cigar and bourbon in hand (and taste) left us thinking we were onto something good here. We’ll be back. -C&S Staff

PROJECT 40 MADURO 5.5 X 50 I WRAPPER: SAN ANDREAS I BINDER: HABANO BRAZIL FILLER: ALL NICARAGUAN MSRP (CIGAR): $10 I MSRP (WHISKY): $140

DREW ESTATE UNDERCROWN 10 NOLET’S SILVER GIN

For the grand splash they’ve made in the cigar industry these past twenty years or so, Drew Estate has become a worldwide major player on the premium cigar landscape. They marked the 10th anniversary of their acclaimed Undercrown line with a premium, limited offering simply branded “Undercrown 10” a couple of years ago. 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: X 52 TORO | WRAPPER: MEXICAN SAN ANDRÉS BINDER: CONNECTICUT BROADLEAF | STRENGTH: FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $12 | MSRP (GIN): $50

ROCKY PATEL WHITE LABEL TEQUILA GRAN DIAMANTE AÑEJO

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 your 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

DIAMOND CROWN MAXIMUS BENRIACH MALTING SEASON SCOTCH

The initial glance at the MAXIMUS gives you the impression that this is a luxe cigar that will make for a great smoking experience. J.C. Newman collaborated with the Arturo Fuente family and the Olivas to develop a full-flavored cigar that can bear the Diamond Crown name—exciting stuff for cigar enthusiasts— luxe to the max. I wish you good luck getting the cellophane off fast enough. Filled with Dominican leaf and rolled in the Fuente factory, Oliva’s farm provided the special El Bajo Sungrown wrapper. On the initial light, you taste it: spiciness, some salty shelled peanut and a richness that the Fuentes and Newmans often deliver.

I paired the Diamond Crown with Benriach’s Malting Season, limitedrelease Scotch with bright and crisp notes of berry, light smoke and apple. Aged in oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, Malting Season highlights all that’s wonderful about Speyside malts—the lighter, cleaner warmweather Scotch. Also of note is Benriach’s new Smoke Season as well, a smoke-heavy peated whisky that’s great for the colder months.

Malting Season’s lighter and brighter notes balance very well with the peppery and salty notes in the Diamond Crown MAXIMUS. For those who prefer the Speyside region’s malts more, this is a special edition whisky that should absolutely be sought out. It’s a remarkable pairing.

SIZE: 5 X 50 ROBUSTO | WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN EL BAJO SUNGROWN

BINDER: DOMINICAN | FILLER: DOMINICAN | STRENGTH: FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $12 | MSRP (SCOTCH): $100

SKY SCENES THE BEST ROOFTOP BARS FOR WORLD TRAVELERS

by Molly Headley

THE CITY SPRAWLS OUT BELOW; its lights blooming like hothouse flowers amid the constant beat of the DJ. There’s a whir of excitement as conversations unravel, secrets are whispered, and deals are made over drinks. Somehow the air feels different up here, poised as we are at the intersection between metropolis and stars.

This is the rooftop life. From the vantage point of a sky-high lounge, it feels like an endless summer with the stresses of daily life just a bit further away. Grab your shades by day and your favorite puros and journey with us from swanky New York terraces to tropical Bali oases, as we take happy hour and cool-view nights to new heights. You have our permission to wear your sunglasses at night as well—as in Cory Hart’s 1983 hit “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night.”

Photo courtesy of Oberoi, Jaideep/Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

>> AER’s rooftop lounge is all about luxury with a laid-back vacation vibe.

MUMBAI AER at Four Seasons

There’s no place quite like India when it comes to stimulating the senses. Escape the clamor and humidity in the city below and head up to the 34th floor of the Four Seasons hotel in Mumbai’s commercial hub. AER guests have their choice of sea views or city sparkle depending on which direction they turn. Sure, it’s got all the ingredients for a great rooftop terrace—incredible views, a DJ pumping beats into the night air, cocktails aplenty. But AER goes one step further with an impressive array of whiskeys and cigars. Choose from Single-Malt, Blended Scotch, Irish, American, or Asian whisky or pick your poison from the cocktail and mocktail list. More of a beer dude? No problem. Order three beer buckets and get one free, while tucking into the cigar menu, which features Cohiba Robustos, Montecristo No. 1-5, Romeo y Julieta Churchills, Petit Julieta and a selection of Partagas. All good reasons for why AER is the only bar in India to make Asia’s Top 50 Bars list.

Dress Code: Smart casual—light luxury. fourseasons.com/mumbai

>> AER Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Mumbai is the perfect place for a sundowner with views over the bay.

BALI Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort & Spa

Bali’s iconic Rock Bar redefines the rooftop genre. Balanced 45 feet above the Indian Ocean atop natural rocks, the bar has some serious wow-cred. Turn in a 360-degree circle and all you’ll see are breaking waves, sunlit cliffs and party-goers reveling in the out-of-this-world vibe. Part prehistoric perch, part minimalist masterpiece—the architecture, created by Japanese architect Yashuhiro Koichi from SPIN Design Studio, highlights the bar, which in itself is a work of beauty. It’s crafted with thousands of layers of recycled glass canes. There are designated smoking and non-smoking areas, but no cigars sold on site. If you have a few days on the island, you can also check out more cigardedicated places such as Ku De Ta in Seminyak and the Viceroy Bar in Ubud.

Dress Code: Bali has a reputation for being extra chill, but the Rock Bar is more about the swank and swagger than your average beach bar. Their website specifically requests that guests don’t ruin the landscape by wearing tank tops, board-shorts or alcohol-branded attire.

ayana.com

Photo courtesy of Rock Bar at Ayana Estate

Photo courtesy of Rock Bar at Ayana Estate

>> Perched on the Jimbaran coastline, Rock Bar Bali is a site to behold.

>> Repeatedly voted one of the best hotel bars in the world and for good reason, Rock Bar is carved directly into the natural rock formations that line the beach.

CUBA

Havana Hotel Nacional de Cuba

It would be remiss to write an article about rooftop bars and cigars without saving a slot for Havana. The rooftop terrace on the top of the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, offers both stunning views of the Malecón seawall and premium Cuban cigars. Its glory might be fading a bit around the edges, with its crumbling 1930s facade and bathrooms that are a bit south of vintage-cool; but is there anywhere else in the world that has a bar named Churchill’s, not because it adds cachet to the branding but because Winston Churchill actually, really truly, stayed there? (Along with some other cool cats throughout history, such as Jean Paul Sartre and Francis Ford Coppola.) Pick up your sticks at the Habanos lounge downstairs and then head to the sky deck for a Cuban ron añejo and a date with history.

Dress Code: Tip your fedora and unbutton a few buttons on your shirt, and you’ll look the part. hotelnacionaldecuba.com

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Pavilion Bar

Forgo some of America’s most famous rooftop locations like Los Angeles and Miami for a bit of Southern charm. Charleston’s historic mansions, cobblestone streets and world-class food scene has already made the town a vacation bijou, but the combo of old-world elegance and beachy cool is also the perfect background for some rooftop lounging with a drink and a smoke. The sophisticated Pavilion Bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel maxes out on Charleston chic. It features the city’s only rooftop cascading pool with views of the historic downtown, fresh seafood and a classic boozy rum punch amongst other libations. Ask the staff where you can cut and smoke your stogie—cigars are only allowed in the western back portion of the terrace.

Dress Code: If you stay in the hotel, you can spend the day lounging in the pool, but don’t expect to belly up to the bar in the evening in flip-flops and a towel. After 5pm the terrace turns up the class and your clothing should too—no tank tops, sportswear, or cut-off shorts are allowed. Go for a breezy linen shirt and crisp chinos and you’ll fit right in. marketpavillion.com

>> Charleston’s Pavilion rooftop bar is renowned for its southern charm with an elevated experience. Photo courtesy of Pavilion Bar

>> The historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba offers stunning views for visitors throughout the hotel.

>> Bar Aire Mar (aka Churchill Bar) at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a must-see for rooftoppers or anyone who’s a cigar and Winston Churchill enthusiast.

LONDON Boisdale of Canary Wharf

While this isn’t the highest spot in London, it’s certainly a favorite terrace for cigar lovers. The vibe is Scottish highlands meets British library luxe. There are three Boisdales throughout the city, but their Canary Wharf location is a stand-out for its glamorous polished wood bar and extensive selection of some of the world’s finest brown liquors. The bar also has a walk-in humidor, a cigar library where guests can sample the wares before making a purchase, an oyster and caviar bar and regular live music acts. Check out the collection of vintage Cubans in the library and then head to the heated cigar terrace, where you can wrap yourself in a tartan blanket, throw down some Scotch and take in the bonnie surroundings.

*If you’ve got your heart set on a higher terrace, head to Skylight at Tobacco Dock, where you can challenge your friends to shuffleboard or croquet tournaments, watch sporting events, and even ice skate in the winter months. Smoking is allowed in the outside spaces but expect more cigarette smokers than lovers of the leaf.

Dress Code: On the smarter side. This is London’s business district, so expect to see suits peeping out from underneath those plaid blankets. boisdale.co.uk

Photos courtesy Boisdale of Canary Wharf

London’s Cabot Square from Boisdale of Canary Wharf’s rooftop terrace.

>> Guests enjoy their sticks in Boisdale’s Cigar Library and shop.

>> Ask to see the “Whisky Bible” at Boisdale’s. With more than 73 choices of Scotch and Whisky, you’re sure to find your poison.

A few gems can still be found without needing to drop a hefty member’s fee. Aretsky’s Patroon Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, located just three blocks from Grand Central Station, gets classic NYC just right with steaks, martinis, and a heated all-weather rooftop terrace dedicated to an after-dinner draw.

NEW YORK CITY

Aretsky’s Patroon

Lighting up a stick amongst like-minded connoisseurs is not an easy thing to find in New York, where smoking laws are tight—even in outdoor spaces. However, a few gems can still be found without needing to drop a hefty member’s fee. Aretsky’s Patroon Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, located just three blocks from Grand Central Station, gets classic NYC just right with steaks, martinis, and a heated all-weather rooftop terrace dedicated to an after-dinner draw. While its once enviable walk-in humidor has now been turned into a private dining space, Aretsky’s still holds true to its old school elegance where suit jackets and premium cigars are de rigueur.

Dress Code: What you might wear as a walk-in on Mad Men. aretskyspatroon.com

Photos courtesy of Aretsky’s Patroon

>> The environs at Aretsky’s Patroon are warm and inviting throughout the restaurant and rooftop.

>> The welcoming street view and elite service at Aretsky’s Patroon keeps regulars and tourists coming back.

>> The Big Apple city lights views at Aretsky’s are timeless.

MILAN

Ceresio 7

If old-school American cocktails mixed with Italian flair seem like they might be your thing, head to Ceresio 7 on the fourth floor of a historic 1930s-era building in the Garibaldi district. From the moment you step out onto the open-air terrace, it’ll be obvious that the space was designed with Milan’s fashionforward in mind.

Dsquared2, the designer duo behind the concept partnered up with the architectural firm Storage to create the one-of-a-kind space, which features two pools, a retro-sleek bar, a restaurant, and a dedicated cigar lounge, all overlooking the glammest of Italian cities. Order up an aperitivo. We recommend “Different Habits”—a killer combo of Macallan 12-yearold whisky, rooibos tea, IPA and honey reduction, and Oloroso sherry, and retreat to the dedicated cigar lounge for a puff in Milanese style.

Dress code: Fashion week chic meets pool party. Anything from Dsquared’s latest collection. ceresio7.com

These are just a few examples of the many rooftops around the world that offer vertigo-inducing views, well-crafted cocktails and a unique experience for both cigar connoisseurs and for those seeking to relax in style. As of the writing of this article, all the bars on this list are cigar-friendly, but smoking laws change as fast as a guillotine cutter gets the job done. It’s always wise to check with the wait staff before you light up.

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

Photos courtesy of Alberto Blasetti/ Ceresio 7

>> 1930s nostalgia meets 21st-Century chic at the glam Ceresio 7 in Milan, owned by designers Dsquared2.

>> The Cocktail artisans at Ceresio 7 have achieved rock star status.

Friends With Benefits

Pairing Wine, Cuisine and Truffles

by Kim Campbell Thornton

IT’S A COOL, FOGGY FALL MORNING in Italy’s hilly Piedmont region, filled with vineyards and forests. The church bell tolls bong, bong, bong, bong, bong. The top of a snow-covered mountain peeks out over the sea of fog. Truffle hunters and dogs stride through the landscape in search of edible treasure, an unprepossessing subterranean fungus that is a culinary delicacy, called “the jewel of the kitchen” by 18th-century French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.

It’s a poetic moment, comments Dino Borri, global vice president of artisanal Italian food and beverage marketplace Eataly, who has been hunting truffles since childhood, when he would go out with his grandfather in the Langhe area, home to the king of the truffles, the white truffle of Alba.

You may or may not be inspired to become a truffle hunter like Borri, but you can get to know the delightful world of pairing truffles.

Types of Truffles

There are more than 200 truffle species in the world, but only four have the aroma and flavor that make them in demand by chefs and food enthusiasts around the world.

• White truffles, also known as tartufo bianco d’Alba, are the rarest, most expensive and most aromatic. They are in season between late September and January.

• Black winter truffles, known as Perigord truffles in France, have a dark, deep, earthy, robust aroma.

• Black summer truffles are more delicate in aroma and flavor. They are available for a limited time–September to October each year.

• Burgundy truffles, so-called because they originated in the Burgundy region of France, pop up in the season in between black summer truffles and black winter truffles. In flavor and aroma, they fit between the lightness of the black summer truffles and the depth and richness of black winter truffles

Truffle Pairings

People have been savoring these gifts of the earth for millennia, since the time of the ancient Romans and Greeks, perhaps even earlier. When it comes to pairings, the phrase repeated over and over is “What grows together goes together.”

“Think of wines such as Barolos or Burgundies, known for their earthiness. It’s no coincidence that those wines are found in regions rich with truffles,” says Dave Persaud, vice president of marketing USA for truffle producer and supplier Sabatino Tartufi, founded 110 years ago in Italy’s Umbria region.

“Burgundy truffles originated in and around the Burgundy region of France,” Persaud continues. “Burgundy wines are often described in terms of the level of minerality and earthiness that the wines absorb from the soils, from that Kimmeridgian soil that they're grown on. Similarly, in Barolo, the soils are rich with chalk, limestone and various other sedimentary compounds that impact wine flavors. The same earthy components help pair the two together. I think that's where the chemistry, or I guess similarities between flavors, between earthier wines and truffles, works really well.”

While Burgundies and Barolos are classic pairings for black truffles, they are not the only wines to consider. Other possibilities include Northern Rhone Syrahs, such as Cote Rotie or the wines of Saint-Joseph, Chilean wines from the Colchagua or Aconcagua Valleys, and cooler climate wines from Oregon; Santa Barbara, Calif.; and Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley.

Maurizio Melanazio/Shutterstock.com Best Stock Photo/Shutterstock.com

>> You can feast noon through night on these beauties.

>> White truffles on a Piedmont tray look divine during fall vineyard leaves.

>> Truffle enthusiasts are encouraged to seek their own pairing preferences as well–red wine, champagne–just have at it.

“When the climate's a little cooler, you tend to get more earthiness in the grapes,” Persaud says. “I think that’s really where that pairing works very well; where the wines aren't quite as fruit forward, they're a little bit more balanced between structure and fruit, and so it helps pair a little bit better with the truffles.”

For Matthieu Nectoux, food and beverage manager at Coquillade Provence Resort and Spa in the Luberon valley of France, what makes wine interesting with truffles is the combination of their strength of character. “The distinct perfume of the truffle gives us inspiration for each pairing, such as the organoleptic concentration of an old Chateauneuf,” he says. “Together they play on one another to sublimate the tastes of each other.”

Consider the other ingredients in the truffle dish. With pasta or fish, opt for a white wine, says Josh Kukec, Wine Cellar Group wine advisor. Red wine pairs well with grilled meat, and sparkling wines with fatty ingredients such as sardines, tuna, milk, cream and cheese. “Never let the wine outshine or be underwhelming when pairing it with a dish,” he says. “Always try to make it an equal match in flavor and structure.”

The Istrian peninsula of Italy’s next-door neighbor, Croatia, is also a center for wine and truffles, in particular the medieval town of Motovun. It’s a place to explore truffles with local wines that you might not previously have experienced. “Pairing truffles with wine depends on the recipe and the time of year,” says Marko Fakin, key winemaker for Fakin Winery. “For example, local fuzi, a pasta dish sprinkled with white truffles in the fall and winter when they are in season is typically paired with aged Malvasia Istriana. Its minerality allows the truffle to shine. Or for a heartier meal, such as beefsteak with black truffles, we pair with Teran, the indigenous red variety from Istria, with acidity and tannins that round out the meat dish.”

Certified sommelier Jason Hedges, beverage director for L’Amico, The Vine, and Skirt Steak in New York City, likes to match aged Burgundy, with its earthy and musky notes, with black truffle-suffused dishes. “If the truffles are being prepared with grilled or braised meat, a Barolo or Barbaresco would be a sublime choice.”

At Bourbon Steak in Nashville, certified sommelier Kenton Embry notes that the wines of France’s Burgundy region and

Italy’s Piedmont share a number of characteristics. “They are aromatic, light-bodied and high-acid reds, and both have aromas of red fruits, mushrooms, forest floor and wilted rose petals,” he says. “It’s these specific aromas and flavors that complement the delicateness of truffles. These particular wines provide a platform for the unique aromas and flavors of truffles to shine through, while still adding complexity to the overall dish.”

Where they diverge is that Nebbiolo, the main grape in Piedmont, has a high tannic content. “Because of this, a nice Barolo or Langhe Rosso would go great with heavier truffle dishes and proteins,” he says. “Burgundy would be a great truffle pairing with lighter dishes and fatty cheeses.”

In Australia, which produces truffles as well as wine, Vasse Felix estate sommelier Evan Gill recommends wines with good aromatic intensity but not too much structure. “The earthy aromas and deeper, woodsy elements that develop in Cabernet Sauvignon over time work well with the inherent earthiness, mushroom and savory flavors of truffle,” he says. He also likes a well-structured barrel-aged Chardonnay for both black and white truffles. What about Champagne? A lot depends on the truffle. Aromatic white truffles can pair well with Champagne, Persaud says. “They tend to pick up very nutty notes, garlicky notes, and those match really well with the brighter flavors of Champagne, which are also counterbalanced by the yeasty notes and breadiness that Champagne can sometimes exude.”

Champagne isn’t a match for every truffle. Truffles with delicate or subtle flavors can be overpowered by the Champagne. When you’re eating a truffle dish, you want that flavor to build. Champagne, with its bubbles, can cleanse the palate, erasing the truffle flavor.

Chef Claudio Caverelli of Servia, a restaurant serving modern Mediterranean cuisine in Boston’s Financial District says, “The key rule to keep in mind when choosing a wine to pair with truffles, whether white or black, is balance. Neither of the two tastes can overpower the other, but both must work together to bring joy to the palate.”

Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning freelance writer who covers travel, cocktails and animals. Her current favorite cocktail is a Boulevardier and her favorite place to travel is anywhere she hasn't been yet.

>> Risotto and shaved truffles make for a decadent combo.

>> Black truffle sauce and fresh tagliarini pasta (a handmade egg pasta) is an Italian specialty.

>> Hand-made pasta with truffles and parmesan cheese are a culinary specialty in Istria, Croatia.

>> A Christmas feast with lasagna, tagliarini pasta with shaved truffles and beef carpaccio with truffles

INVITES YOU TO EXPERIENCE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS TASTING EVENT

the 12TH ANNUAL WEST COAST

CIGAR & SPIRITS TASTING EVENT

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE EXTRAVAGANZA

JUNE 10, 2023

4:00 - 9:00 P.M.

NEWPORT DUNES WATERFRONT RESORT & MARINA

PREMIUM CIGARS, CRAFT COCKTAILS, ORANGE COUNTY’S FINEST CUISINE AND COOL MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT IN A LUXE NEWPORT BEACH SETTING

GENERAL PRE-SALE TICKETS: $150

VIP PRE-SALE TICKETS: $250

EMAIL EVENTS@CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

OR VISIT CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

THE BILLIONAIRE BUYER$ CLUB THE WOW AND WHY OF LUXURY

by Sean Chaffin

Amos Dor/Alamy.com

>> The Villa Aurora Mansion is projected to sell north of $600 million at auction in 2023.

Lottery fever gripped much of the United States last November as millions of us bought tickets in the hopes of winning a jackpot that went north of $2 billion. Americans of all backgrounds dreamed of a massive payday, cashing in for megabucks and being able to indulge in luxuriant purchases (or a few gallons of gas). Would it be a villa in France? Or maybe a Lamborghini Diablo? Everyone can dream, but here’s a snapshot of how some of the world’s big money players actually spend their bucks.

16TH CENTURY ROMAN VILLA ($534,000,000)

Located near the central Via Veneto in Rome, Villa Aurora will have anyone living like an imperatore, but it will certainly cost you. The six-level property built in 1570 features 30,000 square feet of space offering extraordinary views of Rome as well as one-of-akind works of art and a deep history featuring some of Europe’s enduring cultural icons. There are numerous works from the Renaissance, including one of the only murals produced by Caravaggio and frescoed ceilings by Guercino. Roman ruins exist onsite as well including Julius Caesar's villa, where he’s believed to have romanced Cleopatra before his Ides of March assassination in 44 BC. Some of the guests at the property through the years have included Galileo, Goethe, Stendhal, Gogol, Tchaikovsky and Henry James.

The villa was in ill-repair these past few years—weeds covered most of the grounds for years as the property was tied up in an inheritance dispute. The property was owned by Serene Highness Principe Don Nicolò BoncompagniLudovisi, who died in 2018. The villa has been in his family since the 17th Century and his Texas-born widow, Princess Rita Boncompagni-Ludovisi, has restored some of the property and says more artistic treasures may still be undiscovered. After a drawn-out legal battle with the prince’s sons, an Italian court ordered last September that the compound must go on the auction block. The bidding starts at $534 million with incremental bids of $1 million.

>> The mansion boasts the only ceiling mural created by Caravaggio.

THE SUGAR SHACK ($15.2 MILLION)

Many Americans not well-versed in the art world may still be familiar with Ernie Barnes’ 1976 painting The Sugar Shack. The lively work features a view inside an African-American dance club, with many recognizing it as the cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1976 album I Want You. The painting also appeared in the closing credits of 1970s sitcom Good Times Last May, Houston hedge fund manager and high-stakes poker player Bill Perkins plunked down $15.2 million at Christie’s auction house to add the painting to his collection–even reportedly outbidding George Lucas and wife Mellody Hobson. The purchase marked a huge revival for the sale of Barnes’ works, with his previous record checking in at $550,000. The artist, who spent six years in the NFL, depicted the lives of Black people often using dynamic movement, dance and music. Perkins was thrilled with his purchase and put Barnes’ work on display for a time at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. “I grew up seeing this painting in almost every episode of Good Times,” he said in a video for the museum. “This is such a great masterpiece. I think others should be able to come see it, take a look at it and ask questions.”

KURT COBAIN GUITAR ($4.5 MILLION)

Owning an NFL team seems like a license to print money. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has used some of those profits over the last few years to build an extensive rock ‘n’ roll collection–particularly guitars. The businessman boasts some of the most iconic axes in rock history. Irsay’s collection features Bob Dylan’s 1964 Fender Stratocaster, David Gilmour’s 1969 “The Black Strat” Fender Stratocaster, Jerry Garcia's 1979 “Tiger” guitar and Prince's 1995 Yellow Cloud.

In May 2022, Irsay significantly added to his collection by purchasing rock icon Kurt Cobain’s guitar for $4.5 million. The blue 1969 Mustang Fender guitar was used in the 1991 Nirvana landmark music video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Given Cobain and Nirvana defined the grunge scene of the 1990s and altered the rock music landscape for generations to come, Irsay was certainly pleased with his purchase. He noted on Twitter at the time of the purchase: “I am grateful to the Cobain family for donating a portion of the auction proceeds to our Kicking the Stigma initiative on mental health.”

COHIBA HUMIDOR ($4.4 MILLION)

Cuba’s Habanos Festival saw a record auction price for a humidor at the annual event in March, the first held since 2020 because of the pandemic. The yearly benefit helps support the island’s struggling public healthcare system and Partagás Cigars served as the principal sponsor to help further the cause. This unique Cohiba humidor can store 500 cigars and was complemented by a luxury Audemars Piguet watch. There’s even more to this auction bonanza, the humidor was filled with cigars including limited editions like the Cohiba 1966. At this price, it’s definitely worth savoring every puff.

1952 MICKY MANTLE ROOKIE CARD ($12.6 MILLION)

Many young sports fans love collecting sports cards, living out their own diamond or grid iron dreams via a small piece of cardboard depicting their idols. It’s a fun hobby, but even most all-star players like Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers or Rob Gronkowski of New England Patriots won’t bring any real jackpot. And then there’s the Micky Mantle rookie card. The card was auctioned by Heritage Auctions in 2022 and sold for $12.6 million–making it the highest purchase of any sports memorabilia ever. The collectible was given a grade of 9.5 from grader SGC and dubbed the “finest known example” of a 1952 Micky “the Mick” Mantle card. The transaction easily surpassed the $7.25 million of a T206 Honus “The Flying Dutchman” Wagner card also sold in 2022.

1904 CAILLE BROS. FIVE-CENT ROULETTE ($246,000)

Gambling memorabilia may seem like a pittance compared to some big-ticket items, but the piece listed here represents a hefty sum for a classic and highly collectible early slot machine. The Caille Bros. Five-Cent machine was sold by Morphy Auctions in November and plays similar to a roulette wheel. The game features a rich oak cabinet with amazingly crafted decorative nickel-plated iron castings. Gamblers once deposited nickels into any of the seven-coin slots and pulled a lever to spin the wheel. A ball would bounce around the wheel under the glass, ultimately determining the payout. The vintage machine harkens back to its Las Vegas Club home in the 1970s, and this piece of Sin City history would be a great addition for any man luxury cave or game room.

1966 FERRARI 500 SUPERFAST SERIES II ($1.9 MILLION)

This classically cool, high-octane machine fetched seven figures in March at the Bonhams Amelia Island auction. These wheels would have any owner living out their own James Bond dreams. The car features brilliant Italian engineering with a 5.0-litre V12 engine with a five-speed manual transmission that tops out at 175 mph. For such an older automobile, this beauty has only 14,269 miles on the odometer. Series II features the highly sought-after Pininfarina design. Of a total production run of 48 in Series II, only 12 featured this design. This is the ultimate in performance and luxury car collectibles for Ferrari enthusiasts and reflects a tradition of car making that has gained plenty of attention whether on the street or grabbing the win at the Monaco Grand Prix. Any car fan would crave the green flag behind the wheel in this sleek machine.

Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions

1967 CARTIER CRASH WATCH ($1.5 MILLION)

Online purchasing is a fairly new trend in the world of highend luxury watches. And while prices for most elite timepieces have dipped in recent years, the second-hand watch market remains strong, according to the New York Times. More auction houses are embracing Internet sales to meet demand and Sotheby’s online-only watches reached $46.9 million in 2020, five times higher than 2019. The price paid for this Cartier Crash serves as an example. In May 2022, an online bidding war ensued via the online auction site Loupe This between bidders “swoop” and “sionofbo” for the rare 18-carat yellow gold Crash timepiece.

Late action saw 34 bids in 20 minutes and concluded with “swoop” coming out on top with a hefty seven-figure bid.

“Once the 10 percent buyer’s premium was added,” the Times noted, “the total was nearly double the highest result ever achieved at auction for the famously bent-out-of-shape timepiece, an icon of 1960s watch design.”

SHIPWRECK GOLD–INGOT & BROOCH ($187,200)

Many of us have dreamed of finding buried treasure or discovering a Spanish galleon full of riches. Those flush with cash can venture out for such excursions, or simply purchase a few items to live out their inner Indiana Jones. That was the case this past March when numerous items from the S.S. Central America went to the highest bidder at the Holabird Western Americana Collections auction in Reno, Nevada. The 280-foot steamship sank off the coast of South Carolina in 1857 during a hurricane. The Central America was dubbed the “Ship of Gold” when it was discovered in 1988 because of the trove of Gold Rush treasure on board. It included 21 tons of gold ingots, gold coins, and more, as well as more than 400 passengers who perished. “Historians say the ship's sinking triggered a New York banking panic that was part of a larger United States financial crisis known as the Panic of 1857,” the Daily Mail noted. Buyers in the auction not only snapped up relics, but some real pieces of history as well. A couple of items from the auction stand out including a 32-ounce gold ingot that fetched $138,000. San Francisco businessman Sam Brannan purchased an 18-karat gold quartz engraved brooch for $49,200. The piece of jewelry was reportedly given to his son’s teacher in Geneva, Switzerland, undoubtedly making for a memorable Teacher’s Appreciation Day.

CODEX SASSOON BIBLE ($30 MILLION TO $50 MILLION)

The Bible can mean big bucks, depending on age, rarity and historical significance. Sotheby’s in New York is set to auction off the Codex Sassoon this month. This bible is one of the oldest and most complete Hebrew Bibles in the world. The Hebrew Bible is made up of 24 books and has served as a foundation and inspiration for not just the Jewish faith, but also Christians and Muslims for centuries. The Codex Sassoon, named after a former owner of the work, dates back to the 10th century and is the earliest surviving example of a single codex containing all books of the Hebrew Bible. The book is owned by billionaire SwissLebanese investor Jacqui Safra and could become the most valuable historical document ever sold at auction—perhaps topping $43 million paid for a first printing of the United States Constitution in 2021.

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and editor based in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Sean has written for numerous publications featuring gambling, poker, travel, outdoor life and numerous other topics. You can follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions.

Photo courtesy of Loupe This

Photo courtesy of Holabird Americana Collections

Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT TEQUILA DON JULIO

A TIMELESS TEQUILA THAT CONTINUES TO RAISE THE BAR

by Matt Randolph

WHAT COULD BE BETTER than enjoying a timeless tequila? Knowing that tequila is the result of sustainable agriculture—a practice that ensures the earth’s natural resources are available for future generations.

Tequila Don Julio can claim both of these attributes. The brand is considered a classic premium spirit with a rich and distinctive taste. It’s also produced on the first agave plantation to receive the highest possible score using the Farm Sustainability Assessment, a way of determining the environmental friendliness of an agricultural business.

Produced at a 12,000-plus-acre farm in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, Tequila Don Julio uses high-caliber, fully matured and ripened blue agave. A team of distillers oversees the handcrafted process that’s used to create a consistent taste.

To learn more about Tequila Don Julio, Cigar & Spirits Magazine spoke to Christina Choi, senior vice president of tequila for Diageo North America, producers of the brand.

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: How rewarding is it that Don Julio is recognized as an iconic brand?

Christina Choi: Very much. Don Julio González followed his spirit more than 80 years ago, and that led him to spend decades perfecting his craft and creating one of Mexico’s most loved tequilas. Don Julio is now one of the world’s highest quality tequilas, and it’s still made using the innovative methods and processes that he implemented when he first embarked on his tequila-making journey. The commitment to those agricultural principles–always prioritizing the quality of our liquid and what our consumers are looking for–the brand has remained consistent in developing luxury expressions.

How do you spread the word about Don Julio’s efforts and remain an iconic, world-class brand? We’ve worked on building relationships with celebrities, influencers, trade and consumers and consistently showing up at cultural occasions and events. Connecting with A-list celebrities at the Academy Awards, involvement with the Neon Carnival during festival season, partnering with key cultural tastemakers like OJAS on exclusive collab drops and ushering in the next generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs with a grant program helps the brand’s profile remain high.

>> Christina Choi

Photos courtesy of Tequila Don Julio

>> Don Jose’s Rosado is aged in Ruby Port wine barrels in Portugal.

>> The legendary Don Julio cooked agave

What are the standards that inform the growth of the brand today?

We use Nielsen/NABCA data to analyze the brand’s sales performance and ranking within the industry, which reported that Tequila Don Julio net sales grew 20 percent. The brand was named the best-selling and toptrending tequila in the 2023 Drinks International Brand Report. Tequila Don Julio is also ranked the #1 luxury tequila brand, and our iconic Tequila Don Julio 1942 expression is the #1 luxury spirit. Additionally, we’re continuously driving brand equity in order to build upon the recognition we’ve secured while with our loyal brand fans.

What are the biggest sellers?

Between introducing the new Tequila Don Julio Rosado, bringing back our limited-edition marques like Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva and harnessing our liquid credentials to drive liquid with our core and luxury offerings, we continue to reach adult drinkers seeking premium quality products.

We’re also continuing to see success with the brand’s aged portfolio as consumers are becoming more involved in high quality tequilas and discovering their taste for more complex styles from a Reposado to a Cristalino. We’re proud that the brand is at the forefront of luxury innovation. Especially with Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino–Cristalino Añejo tequila is becoming a favorite among our consumers. We’re proud to have offerings for every type of drinker in our portfolio.

How does a new spirits enthusiast discover your tequila?

Quality and consistency remain a core focus, and when the liquid tastes as good as it does, people can’t help sharing it within their circle. This buzz has created a ripple effect over the past decade and we’re incredibly lucky that many of our influential and celebrity brand friends have shared our tequilas that motivate more people to try our brand.

We consistently show up in the culture. This brings new drinking experiences and high-quality tequila to consumers who may not have even realized that was what they were looking for. This helps us build higher-scale awareness and product affinity.

What should we be on the lookout for in 2023 and beyond?

We recently expanded our luxury portfolio by introducing Tequila Don Julio Rosado. The Reposado tequila is aged for at least four months in ruby port wine barrels from northern Portugal. It has a light fruit finish, a delicate pink hue and it’s exquisite.

The tequila category is constantly evolving, and we’re excited to see where it’s headed. Tequila Don Julio looks forward to continuing the brand’s legacy. We’re really proud of where we’ve come from and where we’re heading.

“WE’RE PROUD THAT THE BRAND IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF LUXURY INNOVATION.”

Matt Randolph is a freelance writer and editor living in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

>> Tequila Don Julio boasts generations of farmers dedicated to working the finest agave plants.

>> The Ultima Reserva is a special edition Extra Añejo.

>> A “Raise a Glass to Hollywood’s Biggest Night” tableau for the Oscars

GARRETT HEDLUND DEEP DIVES INTO ACTING, MUSIC AND FAME

by Randy Mastronicola | portraits by John Russo

INa way, Garrett Hedlund reminds me of Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. Obviously, not in the physical sense—that’s a Beauty and the Beast thing right there—but more in terms of how talent can sometimes sneak up on you.

Bird had a way of lulling his opponents to sleep by surveying the court, alternating the timing of his dribble and then—BAM—slipping right past them for a bucket. It was a sneaky first step.

While there’s nothing sneaky about Garrett Hedlund— he’s a thoughtful, gracious and open person to chat with—his career kind of sneaks up on you. One look at his CV and you realize those leading-man good looks and character-actor soul have been gracing screens now for nearly 20 years.

Garrett first jumped out at us in 2004’s epic film Troy Subsequent roles in Friday Night Lights, Tron: Legac y,

Country Strong, The United States vs. Billie Holliday and other projects have kept him in the public eye as an actor.

Garrett’s also an accomplished musician and singersongwriter. He has legit chops as a musician, so it’s not an actor’s dalliance with making music. He’s written and sung tunes for his acting projects like Country Strong and Tulsa King. Garrett’s got the passion, and the music’s in him.

Garrett’s projects for 2023 showcase his diversity with the return of Tulsa King with Sylvester Stallone on Paramount+, and films The Tutor and Desperation Road, where he’s co-starring Mel Gibson. He also has music projects ready to drop later this year.

We recently had the opportunity to shoot the breeze with Garrett, one of our favorite actors.

“I’VE KNOWN SLY SINCE I WAS 18. I WAS WITH MY TRAINER FOR MY FIRST FILM TROY. I WALKED IN AND SLY WAS IN THERE TRAINING. FROM THAT MOMENT ON, HE’D ALWAYS BEEN A BIG BROTHER TO ME. HE WAS ALWAYS CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT I WAS SHOOTING AND HOW THE EXPERIENCE WAS.”

THE INTERVIEW

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Some of us at the magazine are addicted to your show, Tulsa King . We’re thrilled you’re gracing our magazine. But I know this interview is huge for you in a cigar sense. Garrett Hedlund: Oh, definitely.

One of your cigar buddies on the show is Sylvester Stallone, but today you get to share a stick with the publisher of Cigar & Spirits Magazine [laughs]

The man, the myth. I’m just honored to say the least.

It’ll never get any better than this. Yes, it’s the epitome of a cigar experience—right here. [laughter]

It’s memorable for me as well. I know you have a lot lined up the rest of the year. Let’s talk about starring in The Tutor first.

We shot The Tutor last spring. It’s myself and a young man by the name of Noah Schnapp from Stranger Things. And Victoria Justice, who’s a wonderful actress. It’s a psychological thriller. I think all the actors involved were so devoted to their characters that it really comes off as psychological drama on the wheels of a thriller.

During COVID, I got reeled into thrillers and true crime and everything. I think in this film, everybody’s going to get exactly what they crave out of a good thriller and a little more.

We needed the escapism during COVID. Yes. Actually, when I finished reading the script, it really reminded me of thrillers that I loved along the lines of Primal Fear. I wanted to put a similar effort into the character and the role in this film. You don’t want the twists and turns to be so obvious, not be so forced and double underlined, but to really feel for each character. When you watch this film, I think you’ll feel that way. I think everybody was quite organic and quite natural, and added a great deal of humanity into the roles.

Audiences are sophisticated and they know when it’s authentic or bogus. Right. This one doesn’t feel cheesy. It’s kind of a rollercoaster with a slightly different twist than most have encountered in the past.

Your character in the film has a very different look than we see you now. I just had a vision. Jordan Ross, our director, let me fly with my instincts and intuition within it. I got out to location a month before we started shooting. I was out there and went to all the thrift stores and clothing stores and everything and picked out the wardrobe, which I’ve done many of times. Eventually, it came to a point where I had to shave this receding hairline.

That’s a commitment. [laughs] I know the movie has garnered wonderful reviews. Yes. Thank you.

You mentioned Jordan Ross. It seems you’ve been collaborating with other elite directors and actors like Taylor Sheridan and Sylvester Stallone on Tulsa King most recently. Taylor and I have crossed paths quite a few times and have flirted with working with each other on a few projects. The stars aligned on this. One of the producers, David Glasser, has been very supportive for a few years. In fact, he bought this film, Burden , that I did that I’m quite proud of. It was wonderful to get on set with him as well on this.

What’s it been like working with Sylvester?

I’ve known Sly since I was 18. I was with my trainer for my first film Troy. I walked in and Sly was in there training. From that moment on, he’d always been a big brother to me. He was always curious about what I was shooting and how the experience was.

I ran into him one Christmas and he said, “How was that film On the Road?” It surprised me that he wanted to know my experience. It made me love him even more. He’s very keen, very wise to who’s who and who’s doing what.

It must be even sweeter working on Tulsa King then. The experience has been fantastic. Paramount+ has been phenomenal. They put a lot behind these shows, Taylor Sheridan has proved over and over that the material he puts down just happens to turn to gold. He’s one of the best writers in the game, we also had Terrence Winter in on this.

Of Sopranos fame, of course. Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire. We essentially had the dream team on this.

It was picked up for a second season. Yes. I guess it’s my first series, but in the television world, the obstacle with the first season is really the introduction—grabbing the audience’s attention, making it full of surprises and then teeing it up to really get your hands dirty on the next season and the following seasons. We’re getting the opportunity to do that, which is going to be very exciting.

Desperation Road with Mel Gibson also hits in 2023. What was it like working with him?

Working with Mel was fantastic. We’d met years prior at a dinner, but just very briefly. We rekindled on this, which was actually a first deep dive of a meet.

We’re both passionate about this particular project. I signed on to it for about a year, I was really invested in it, and excited to bring it to fruition. I was really honored that Mel wanted to jump on. He plays my father.

We sat in a hotel room prior to shooting—discussing and reconstructing some of these scenes and just reading through them. It was a glorious experience. I think Mel’s not only one of the best of his generation, but one of the best there’s been. One of the bravest, most fearless. It’s impossible to work alongside him and not feel honored doing what you’re doing.

I noticed the three roles we’ve talked about are a nice stretch for you. You get to show some different colors?

Yes. The funny thing is a lot of times when this happens, one of those films tends to come out like two years later. One comes out, and the other one for whatever reason comes out a year later than the other. It’s happened to me before, and you’re like, “Shit. Nobody’s going to know we did this back-to-back.”

You have an acting career and you’re an acclaimed musician making records and videos. Is there a connection between crafting a great music performance and crafting a great film or television performance?

There’s an undeniable connection. It all just comes from an overwhelming compulsion to create. Acting, which was the first and foremost passion, was the first one that paved the way for me to work.

You started modeling and acting at a young age. Was the music always there?

No, not at all. I was in chorus in high school, but it was only because I thought I could get an easy good grade. [laughs]

I did this film, Country Strong back in 2010. I started prepping in August of 2009 and it was a journey. I’d never played the guitar before. I sang in chorus, the boys acapella group and stuff like that. I truly fell in love with the experience when I did that film. I grew up on a farm with one radio station that was country, and that was pretty much all you got. As a teenager, you get rebellious, you move to rock, rap and whatnot. I reeled it in on this film and came back to the country roots.

“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A WRITER. I’M ALWAYS WRITING ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON GEOGRAPHICALLY, PSYCHOLOGICALLY, WHERE I’M GOING TO, WHERE I’M COMING FROM, AND THIS AND THAT. ALL THESE THINGS SORT OF JUST EFFORTLESSLY TURN INTO TUNES.”

“THAT'S ALL I EVER WANTED WAS FOR EACH DIRECTOR TO KNOW THAT I HAVE NO BOUNDARIES. PLEASE, MARIONETTE ME.”

When I was in Nashville, prepping that film, I got up on so many stages, and just through living that life of an aspiring successful country musician—I loved every minute of it. I formed a lot of relationships with a lot of very talented musicians who became some of my strongest and truest relationships to this day. But I did put it away for a little bit.

But it pulled you back in?

Yes. I was writing from the moment of Country Strong. I was always writing. The first song we released last year and snuck out there was On the Road . I wrote it in 2011. I was never going to record it. I played it for a producer I’m working with, Luke Wooten, and he was like, “Why aren’t we recording this?” I was like, “It’s just the first one we put out, which was interesting.”

That’s a nice bit of validation right there. Yes. There’s so many of those moments. I did this film, Dirt Music, in Australia. Me and this beautiful gal, Julia Stone. We ended up writing a plethora of songs for that. We gathered so many but only used a couple for the film. Then there were all these ones left over.

I’ve always been a writer. I’m always writing about what’s going on geographically, psychologically, where I’m going to, where I’m coming from, and this and that. All these things sort of just effortlessly turn into tunes. There’s going to be a lot more coming out, and it just fills me full of joy to get them down. People’s reactions have been

so kind and sweet. I’d be denying something that fills me up so much if I didn’t.

We can get single-minded sometimes and forget to be open to other creative sides of ourselves. Definitely an openness to experience. After we did Country Strong, there were a lot of offers for record deals and everything. At that point, I was like, “No, it’s just a role.” That’s good news, they’re inviting us to come along, but maybe that just means I was good in the role. But then I said maybe I was depriving myself of something.

Maybe it was a little more fear-based of, “No, I’m not going to step out there and do this.” Over that time, I’d get up with Dierks Bentley and shows across the states and with Tim McGraw, and with a lot of other pals.

Not too shabby friends you have there. Yes. Tim’s my son’s godfather. He is one of my dearest friends, and he means a lot to me. He’s one that I run a lot of these songs by prior to getting out.

I know there are more music projects coming soon that you can’t talk about just right now, so we’ll follow up with you and keep our audience looped in. Most definitely.

I always love asking this one. Was there ever a moment in in your career when you thought, “You know what, I trust my instincts. I can do this.” The light switch went on. Yes. Like “I got this.”

Exactly.

It was around the time when I did this film Mudbound with Dee Reese, Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Mary J. Blige and Rob Morgan. Then shortly after that, I did Burden with Forrest Whitaker, Tom Wilkinson, Andrea Riseborough and Usher. It was backto-back with these two films. I was lucky enough to have two directors that really wanted to experience the characters through us. That's one of those things that you get out of it what you put into it. I'm proud of those two films back-to-back.

It was from that moment. Now at this point, I've worked with directors like Wolfgang Petersen, Peter Berg, John Singleton, Walter Selles, the Coen Brothers, Ang Lee, Steven Soderbergh and Joe Kosinski.

Validation that you’d arrived and subsequently had staying power. It was just a wonderful stamp of approval to follow your instincts and intuition. Now, it's time to fly. Before, after each take, maybe I'd be looking around or hoping and praying that they thought maybe I had boundaries, that I couldn't go further or do less. I couldn't be

more sadomasochistic, or I couldn't be more minimal. That's all I ever wanted was for each director to know that I have no boundaries. Please, marionette me.

[laughs] What a great way of putting it. We’re all fear-based to some degree. I think telling yourself “it’s time to fly” is a very powerful statement. Absolutely. I saw this video the other day and it really epitomized the description of this—the difference between a buffalo and a cow.

A buffalo and a cow walked into a bar. [laughs] Not quite. They can both sense when a storm's coming, but the buffalo runs towards the storm and the cow runs away. The cow keeps running, gets exhausted and drained. It's beat and it's weak and the storm hasn't even hit yet. It’s gone through hell before the storm even hits. Then the storm tosses the cow around, leaves him somewhere far away, whittled and weary. He went through the worst.

But the buffalo ran toward the storm. He was in the storm. It sucked for a bit, but he got out the other side and was happy again quite quickly.

I like throwing myself towards the storm.

Coming out the other side emerging stronger that you survived. Absolutely.

Randy Mastronicola is the editor and publisher of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

“I LIKE THROWING MYSELF TOWARDS THE STORM.”

AGING ROOM QUATTRO NICARAGUA CONCERTO

Churchill 7 x 50

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium/Full

94

Notes: This gorgeous Nicaraguan puro Churchill features a wrapper with an oily dark look and feel. It offers gorgeous undertones of earth, espresso and cedar. You’ll experience an ample amount of flavor and aromatic smoke of black licorice from this world-class cigar. A savory cigar for all tobacco appreciators.

AVO SYNCRO NICARAGUA SHORT ROBUSTO

4 X 52

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Peruvian

Strength: Medium/Full

90 CIGAR RATING

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

CALDWELL CIGAR COMPANY LONG LIVE THE QUEEN’S CLUB

6 x 56 Toro Extra

Wrapper: Cameroon

Binder: Sumatra

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium/Full

92 CIGAR RATING

Notes: This flavorful cigar leads with some spicy heat that eventually mellows out. The reddish-brown Cameroon leaf, an Indonesian-grown Sumatra binder and a combination of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers make for a truly diverse blend featuring creamy coffee, walnuts and salt. The draw and burn are stellar.

CASA 1910 CAVALRY EDITION AS DE ORO

6 x 54 Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Mexican San Andrés

Filler: Nicaraguan Estelí Ligero, Jalapa Seco and Viso and Ometepe Viso

Strength: Medium/Full

89

CIGAR RATING

Notes: This Casa 1910 is a creamy cigar with an abundance of smoke output. The draw was fine after some initial resistance. It has a complex and flavorful floral, nutty and cedar profile through most of the experience. You’ll appreciate the dark roasted coffee, leather and sweet mesquite on the back-end.

COHIBA SERIE M

6 x 52 Toro

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo

Binder: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Dominican (Piloto Cubano) and Nicaraguan (Estelí and Jalapa)

Strength: Medium

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.

CROWNED HEADS FOUR KICKS MULE KICK LE 2020

5 7/8 x 52 Toro

Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Full

88 CIGAR RATING

Notes: This toro is full-bodied and has flavors of wood, smoke and some raisin sweetness. The Mexican San Andrés maduro has an oily wrapper leading into Nicaraguan filler and binder–nicely blended. The draw was tight at the start, loosened up and distinct dark chocolate tastes were evident.

DAVIDOFF SIGNATURE NO.1 LIMITED EDITION

7 ½ x 39 Lancero

Wrapper: Ecuadorian (Connecticut)

Binder: Ecuadorian

Filler: Dominican

Strength: Mild

92

CIGAR RATING

Notes: The Davidoff Signature Series Limited Edition 2023 No. 1 is the perfect lazing in the garden cigar–relaxing and easy on the palate. It offers expertly blended notes of cedar, cream and bourbon. The draw is magnificent throughout this delicious cigar.

DON REYNALDO 70TH

6 ½ x 48 Belicoso

Wrapper: Dominican (Corojo)

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

89

CIGAR RATING

Notes: This is well-balanced cigar that hits the sweet spot–right down the middle. It offers scents of peppercorn and sticky white rice from the start. The unique tastes of buttered popcorn, cocoa and caramel make for an enjoyable smoking session. The burn was about as even as even can be—a very smooth cigar.

DREW ESTATE CIGARS BLACKENED CIGARS “M81”

5 x 50 Robusto

Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés

Binder: U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf

Filler: Nicaraguan, U.S.A. Pennsylvania

Strength: Full

90

CIGAR RATING

Notes: THE "M81" is a dark, rich and tasty cigar with a well-crafted diversity of Maduro leaves. The tastes are mesquite, charred beef, espresso and leather. It’s a wonderful match with a quality tequila reposado.

EPIC CIGARS LA RUBIA

5.5 x 52 Robusto

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian

Binder: Mexican San Andrés

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

91

CIGAR RATING

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.

EL SEPTIMO THE EMPEROR COLLECTION ALEXANDER III

6 x 54 Toro

Wrapper: U.S.A. Connecticut

Binder: Undisclosed

Filler: Undisclosed

Strength: Medium

Notes: This Costa Rican cigar has a distinct flavor of roasted peanuts throughout. It was tight and bitter at the start but softened in flavor and draw at the home stretch.

EMPERORS CUT NATURAL PLEASURE TORO

6 ½ x 52 Toro

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Ecuadorian

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium/Full

RATING

Notes: This finely crafted artisanal cigar has distinct tasting notes of buttered toast, coffee and caramel throughout the session. It’s a long-lasting smoke meant for a leisurely summer night. This cigar offers a fine draw and was such a pleasant surprise that it will consistently be in the rotation during warmer months ahead.

E.P. CARRILLO ALLEGIANCE CONFIDANT

6 x 52 Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium/Full

95

CIGAR RATING

Notes: The Allegiance Confidant is another recent standout in master blender E.P. Carrillo’s portfolio. Expertly crafted floral, spicy, earthy and leathery notes are the benchmarks hit throughout the first half. The nutty sweetness with finessed hints of red pepper on the finish take the cigar to rarefied air.

FRATELLO CIGARS BIANCO I

6.25 x 44 Lonsdale

Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Nicaragua, Peruvian, Pennsylvania U.S.A

Strength: Medium

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.

H. UPMANN MAGNUM 54

Robusto Extra 4 ¾ x 54

Wrapper: Cuban

Binder: Cuban

Filler: Cuban

Strength: Mild/Medium

93 CIGAR RATING

HVC BLACK FRIDAY 2022

5 ½ x 50 Robusto Extra

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Nicaraguan (Habano 92)

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Full

Notes: This HVC in the Black Friday line opens nicely with evident flavors of black licorice, coffee and spice. You’ll likely need to even out the burn lines but the pleasantly aromatic scent of clove offsets that bit of work.

JOYA DE NICARAGUA CINCO DÉCADAS EL CUMICHE

5 ½ x 52 Robusto Extra

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium/Full

Notes: The starting point of the vanilla and creamy flavor profile is well-balanced, and the cigar bounced from medium to quite full halfway through. This Nicaraguan puro burns evenly with espresso notes at the finish. It holds a lovely ash.

LA AROMA DE CUBA EDICION ESPECIAL NO. 4

7 x 49

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

93

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

LA AURORA 1903 CAMEROON CHURCHILL

7 x 47 Churchill

Wrapper: Cameroon

Binder: Ecuadorian

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

LA GALERA IMPERIAL JADE CHIQUITO PERFECTO

4 x 40/52 Short Perfecto

Wrapper: Cameroon

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Strength: Medium/Full

CIGAR RATING

Notes: Re-visiting this medium La Aurora Churchill was like bumping into a friend at a cigar lounge–familiar and finding out something new that might be going on. This tangy Churchill features interestingly finessed flavors of citrus, chewy dried fruit and cashews. The aromas of cedar and leather inform the cigar’s ample smoke output.

CIGAR RATING 87

CIGAR RATING

Notes: This inconsistent cigar has oaky, grassy and herbaceous tastes and scents. The draw fought back at points. That said, it worked just fine for a nightcap with a tequila reposado chaser.

MACANUDO ESTATE RESERVE FLINT KNOLL TORO

6 x 54 Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian (Connecticut)

Binder: U.S.A. (Connecticut Broadleaf)

Filler: Brazilian, Dominican, Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

Notes: Generally, you don’t think of wine when spirits companies collab with cigar brands, but the first-ever partnership for Macanudo matches well with Napa Valley’s Flint Knoll. It’s a handsome cigar. It appropriately offers a wet wine barrel taste with woody, cedar and cinnamon tastes to boot. It has an abundance of smoke output with an impressive burn.

PARTAGAS LIMITED RESERVE DECADAS 2021 TORO

6 x 52 Toro

Wrapper: Brazilian

Binder: U.S.A. Connecticut Habano

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium/Full

CIGAR RATING

Notes: This stout and earthy toro offers has expertly blended tastes of barbecue and salted nuts. The draw is wonderful, and you’ll experience distinct notes of cocoa, citrus and leather at the finish. Go with a cask strength bourbon and you’re ready for an early summer grilling session.

PICHARDO RESERVA FAMILIAR

6 x 52 Connecticut

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

91

CIGAR RATING

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.

PLATINUM NOVA CIGARS LEO 12

6 ¼ x 56 Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Strength: Medium

90

CIGAR RATING

Notes: The abundant flavors of graham crackers, brown sugar and cocoa inform this delicious cigar. The drawback was the re-light factor but the palate pleasure more than made up for a bit of inconvenience. Aromatic scents of cedar capped a very pleasant smoking session. 90

ROOM 101 FARCE NICARAGUA ROBUSTO

5 ¼ x 50 Robusto

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

89

CIGAR RATING

Notes: A handsome, healthy and earthy cigar with a little kick of pepper. Nicaraguan puros tend to build some citrus tang and this Room 101 falls into that category. The draw and burn were splendid.

FOR YOUR HOME BAR

ESSENTIAL SELECTIONS FROM ACROSS

THE SPIRITS UNIVERSE

TEQUILA CANTERA NEGRA AÑEJO

MSRP: $69.99 I ABV: 40%

Notes: Tastes of cinnamon, smoke and vanilla inform this tequila aged longer than 18 months. The finish picks up even more smoky notes.

CAZCANES NO.9 BLANCO TEQUILA

MSRP: $89.99 I ABV: 50%

Notes: No. 9 features expertly blended tastes of citrus, sweet agave, candy corn and black pepper. The floral finish is clean and earthy.

CINCORO BLANCO TEQUILA

MSRP: $72.99 I ABV: 40%

Notes: Aromatic with fresh agave, vanilla, salted peaches and strong pineapple. On the tongue, it’s creamy with a hint of white pepper and earth. The finish is white chocolate and key lime with distinct, pure agave flavors.

EMPIRICAL AYUUK TEQUILA

MSRP: $85.00 I 43%

Notes: Earth, dark red fruit and smoky mesquite create a unique blend. This tequila experience is wonderful served neat. The smoky finish sneaks up on you, a pleasant surprise.

RAVELLA TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO

MSRP: $280 I ABV: 40%

Notes: Ravella is a superior sipping tequila made of 100% Blue Weber Agave in Jalisco, Mexico. It’s complex with toasted almond, light caramelized agave and cocoa undertones. The finish is elite, sweet, full-bodied vanilla with a hint of raisin.

TEARS OF LLORONA EXTRA ANEJO TEQUILA

MSRP: $269.99 I 43%

Notes: The agave offers seriously spicy aromas. The flavor profile features caramel, oak and cinnamon. This perfectly executed tequila blend suits experienced palates as easily as those new to upscale tequila.

WHISKY

AMERICAN WHISKY

HIRSCH SELECTED WHISKEYS

CASK STRENGTH FINISHED IN COGNAC BARRELS

MSRP: $199.99 I ABV: 62.5%

Notes: The nose features dark plums and rich baking spices. This leads into wonderfully blended tastes featuring mild cinnamon and black cherry. This Hirsch finishes with a touch of heat. It’s a rich, complex and well-rounded spirit.

GRAIN & BARREL SPIRITS

CHICKEN COCK DOUBLE OAK

KENTUCKY WHISKEY

MSRP: $99.99 I ABV: 45%

Notes: Chicken Cock was established in 1856 and it’s one of the oldest whiskey brands. The Double Oak ages at eight years in American oak barrels. The flavors are robust and peppery at the start. It weaves into a smooth and silky caramel experience.

SCOTCH WHISKY

BALVENIE 21-YEAR-OLD PORT WOOD SCOTCH

MSRP: $249.99 I ABV: 43%

Notes: This gorgeous Balvenie is in rarefied air. It’s rich with honey, raisin and spice with a long and soothing finish. It’s easily one of the finest Port Woods on the market.

GLENFIDDICH 21-YEAR-OLD RESERVA RUM CASK FINISH SCOTCH

MSRP: $249.99 I ABV: 40%

Notes: The Reserva Rum Cask Finish is a rich, ripe Speyside whisky with exotic flavors of ginger, fig, lime and a vibrant spicy toffee warmth. It’s an exquisite, traditional whisky and global Glenfiddich enthusiasts will be pleased.

HIGHLAND PARK 18 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

MSRP: $164.99 I ABV: 43%

Notes: This Highland is a rich and extremely balanced single malt with a toffee sweetness. The smoky finish is produced by blending a significant percentage of the best first-fill European oak casks with sherry. This smooth Scotch is virtually flawless.

THE GLENROTHES 18-YEAR-OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH

MSRP: $209 I ABV: 40%

Notes: This complex and well-rounded expression is aged in first-fill wood barrels seasoned with sherry. It’s bottled with a natural color and the flavors of fresh ginger, pear and fragrant vanilla are sublime.

IRISH WHISKY DINGLE SINGLE MALT IRISH

WHISKEY

MSRP: $66 I ABV: 46.3%

Notes: The flavor profile features apples, caramel and raisins. The Dingle nose offers a combination of lime zest and mint, while the finish delivers a honey sweetness and mixed spice aftertaste.

METHOD AND MADNESS

IRISH WHISKY

MSRP: $80 I ABV: 46%

Notes: Rye & Malt is a distillate-driven whiskey. It bursts with floral notes and spice. The combination of rye with malted barley brightens the blend with flavors and aromas evoking lemon balm, white pepper, chili flakes and toasted wood with a lingering finish of spiced fruit.

BOURBON

BARRELL BOURBON BATCH 034

MSRP: $84.99 I ABV: 57.31%

Notes: The casks used to make Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 range in age from six to 15 years. The base is laid by high-corn barrels displaying browned butter and apricot, which are complemented by 8-year barrels with strong hazelnut and dark cherry notes. It’s a smooth and creamy bourbon.

BIB & TUCKER 6-YEAR-OLD SMALL BATCH BOURBON

MSRP: $54.99 I ABV: 46%

Notes: This B & T expression has received a variety of accolades in global competitions. It has a hint of pecan pie taste and chestnut finish, and the bottle itself is a symbolic nod to the turn of the century. It’s wonderfully balanced neat or in whiskey forward cocktails.

GARRISON BROTHERS GUADALUPE 2023 BOURBON

MSRP: $399.99 I ABV: 53.5%

Notes: The creamy Guadalupe leads with berry and mature peaches. The strawberry butter, spice and chocolate middle is tasty. The finish is unique with tastes of caramel and roasting coffee grounds.

WILD TURKEY MASTER’S KEEP UNFORGOTTEN

MSRP: $200 I ABV: 52.5%

Notes: This high proof blend of 13-year-old straight bourbon along with rye whiskey aged at eight and nine years is an inspired limited-edition mashup. It originated as an accidental mixing of young rye and mature bourbon at the Wild Turkey Distillery. It’s another benchmark in the brand’s history.

WOODFORD RESERVE HISTORIC BARREL ENTRY BOURBON

MSRP: $124.99 I ABV: 59.2%

Notes: This Woodford features tastes and scents of overripe bananas and a medley of cooked berry fruits. It’s balanced, rich and has a path of leather, coffee, and baking spices finishing with dark chocolate and minty flavor.

YELLOWSTONE LIMITED BOURBON 7 YEAR

MSRP: $149.99 I ABV: 50.5%

Notes: The rustic and rich palate of burnt sugar and deep caramel kickstarts this earthy spirit. The finish features a lingering essence of crème brûlée. Quite the sipper.

RYE 291 COLORADO RYE WHISKEY SMALL BATCH RYE

MSRP: $74.99 I ABV: 50.8%

Notes: The apricots, bold chocolate, cinnamon and dried fruit are just the start. You’ll hit scents and flavors of earth, grain, leather and mint. It’s a syrupy liquid that’s just right as a neat nightcap.

ANGEL’S ENVY RYE

MSRP: $98.99 I ABV: 50%

Notes: The complexity originates as the spirit matures up to 18 months in Caribbean rum barrels. Don’t let the high proof put you off–the combination of raw, spicy, and earthy rye with the mellow sweetness of rum finishing results in a smooth and palatable whiskey.

LOCK STOCK & BARREL RYE 16 YEAR

MSRP: $159.99 | ABV: 53.5%

Notes: Lock Stock & Barrel 16-year has a complex aroma that is closely woven together with notes of roasted acorns, sour grass, wild cherries, stewed blackberries, dried pears, and sassafras.

WILLETT FAMILY ESTATE BOTTLED RYE 4 YEAR

MSRP: $6 9.99 I ABV: 54.5

Notes: The deep amber hue with cinnamon, spice, and creamy vanilla aromas leads nicely. This Willett is gorgeous, rich and full-bodied. It hits all the notes of traditional rye flavors of pepper and sweetness and bourbon-like accents. The finish is long and velvety.

VODKA CHOPIN FAMILY RESERVE VODKA

MSRP: $129.99 I ABV: 40%

Notes: The spicy undertones play nicely off the soft and sweet scent. This excellent vodka offers a soft earthy sweetness, subdued licorice and clove top flavors. The finish is moderately lengthy and warm.

L'ORBE CAVIAR VODKA

MSRP: $344.99 I ABV: 40%

Notes: As the price point indicates, the L’Orbe is for true vodka connoisseurs. It features a fusion of buttery and nutty flavors, as well as an oceanic scent that’s found in L'Orbe Vodka x Caviar.

X MUSE VODKA

MSRP: $60.99 I ABV: 40%

Notes: This creamy X offers beautifully finessed pear drops, crunchy apples and traces of honey. The minty mouthfeel makes this a winner all the way.

KÁSTRA ELIÓN VODKA

MSRP: $51.99 | ABV: 40%

Notes: Full-bodied with delicate overtones of ripe olives, sophisticated with peppery undertones, and finishing softly and buttery.

“I look for inspo everywhere. If we're talking about packaging, I'll look at cereal, I'll look at any consumer product packaging, and I'll find inspiration from a mechanic standpoint to messaging to visual.”

FAMILY

CASH WARREN THE ENTREPRENEUR TALKS INSPO,

AND GIVING BACK

by Randy Mastronicola

CASH WARREN IS ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS. There’s nothing highfalutin about him like some Hollywooders who run in certain circles. Cash and actress Jessica Alba have been married since 2008. That’s no small feat in the entertainment industry. But Cash isn’t the type to beg off hard work. Evidently, that’s true of Jessica as well.

His hard work has garnered notice since he graduated from Yale in 2001. He’s taken ideas and turned them into projects for non-profits like LIFT, films, television shows, tech start-ups and clothing brands. He’s the guy who makes the idea come to life, gives it his all and gives a lot back.

He started the Pair of Thieves brand in 2014 with friends and partners Alan Stuart and David Ehrenberg. The company was originally created as a sock company, but the brand has expanded to men’s underwear and undershirts with new collections on the horizon. Their products are uniquely stylized and designed. The philanthropic company has donated millions of pairs of socks to the needy.

We caught up with Cash and he gave us some insight into his creativity, business endeavors and what’s at the heart of giving back.

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Thank you for sending some Pair of Thieves samples to us. The briefs are very comfy. They hold you just right.

Cash Warren: That's the goal. Your junk comfort is important to me. [laughter]

You’ve had such a diverse entrepreneurial background. You’re certainly not a 9 to 5 kind of guy. Right. That's not me sitting in an office. If there's one throughline in everything that I've done, it’s that I've always built cultures that were fun and cultures that were inclusive. I could love the toy industry for something new to try. I'm a big kid, and so if I were to pick an industry where I think I could wake up excited to go to work—it would be something in the toy or gadget world. That would be fun for me.

“I'm fortunate to be in a position where I can prioritize my family life and be with my family and so without a doubt, that gets top billing.”

>> High-profile Hollywood couple Cash Warren and Jessica Alba are a family-first unit.

Your family life is very fast-paced. For an entrepreneur who's married to a high-profile actor in the entertainment industry, how do you navigate all that?

I love being asked this question because I think it always gets asked to women more often about how they balance their professional and personal lives. As an active dad who’s very involved in my kids’ lives, I appreciate you asking that question.

For me, my family life is something that absolutely is the bloodline for my success and my happiness. I'm fortunate to be in a position where I can prioritize my family life and be with my family and so without a doubt, that gets top billing.

Wonderful. Talk to me a little bit about the inspiration to launch Pair of Thieves, and if you're still connected to that initial spark. I'm still very much connected to the original inspiration, and the original idea really was born out of a necessity for me. At the time, all the dress socks I wore were these thin nylon dress socks where my foot was always sliding around. I found myself always putting on a Nike Dri-FIT Running Sock underneath my dress sock. I was like, why can't I just create a product that combines these two?

That desire led me to the idea that we can build a new basics brand that really sits at the middle of performance, fashion and affordability. That trifecta very much still governs our day-to-day existence today. I think that we've managed to do all three relatively well.

Fortunately, we have very talented designers. We hand-draw all of our designs, all of our prints and patterns. We don't work with any third parties. I'm able to rely on them for that craftsmanship. I look for inspo everywhere. If we're talking about packaging, I'll look at cereal, I'll look at any consumer product packaging, and I'll find inspiration from a mechanic standpoint to messaging to visual.

Cereal boxes? I love it.

[laughs] I'm looking at tire treads for print and pattern inspiration. I'm looking at the shoe industry for technology and advancements and style and trend. I found that if I only look for inspo inside the sandbox we play in, we're going to

be a couple of years behind our competitors. We very much look like the customers, I guess. We know the consumers and talk with them.

Tell us a bit about Hustle. That collection is on the horizon. Yes. This is one of the collections that we built with consumer input and consumers in mind first. When I first built the brand, it was very much with me as the consumer and what my needs were. I've aged up over the last 10 years and our consumers have gotten younger. As a result of that, I'm no longer the target customer, which means that now I have to really listen and talk to my kids and talk to their friends. This product is our most performance-forward collection. It's still meant to be worn on an everyday basis, but we have all the bells and whistles that you would want if you’re super active. One of the things we learned about Gen Z is just how on-the-go that generation is and, how they're the best multitaskers in the world. This was something we just launched and I'm super pleased with the results so far. It's really exciting.

You companies are very philanthropic. Tell us about the Good Fits. I've always been philanthropic in my personal life. It’s super important for us to make the brand a reflection of the people that work with us when building a brand. Finding ways for us to give back and supporting those with need is critical. We started out with our donation program where we donated close to five million pairs of socks to families since we launched.

We then layered in Pride and LBGTQ youth with a partnership with the Trevor Project and that continues to be a very important cause we want to stand up for. We're a very diverse company not only from a socio-economic standpoint, but from a racial standpoint, from an identity standpoint and so it's important for everyone to know that we walk the walk, we don't just talk the talk, and that we back it up.

>> Pair of Thieves partners from left to right: Alan Stuart, Cash Warren and David Ehrenberg

You’ve advocated to alleviate the stigma around mental health issues… Yes. Mental health—with all of our causes–whether it's from one of my partners or me personally—everybody that's at the company, we want to speak to something authentically. We want it to be something that we truly do care about. We don't use it as a marketing hook. The first three or four years we were donating millions of pairs of socks. We didn't speak about it to the press at all. We just did it.

We just thought it was the right thing to do, and we thought there was a tactful way of doing it without talking about it. Today, the reason we're more comfortable talking about it is because we now have five years, six years of history of doing it and so it's not a promise of what's to come. It's what we've already done, and we will continue doing it going forward.

Your lines are sometimes fun, funky, edgy but very accessible… I'm very excited because last year we launched in Walmart and Nordstrom in addition to our other retailers. What's awesome about the brand is we play in every tier of retail, and the product is the same price. It's unique in apparel to have product that lives at a Macy's and also at a Target, and have that product be the same price. We would love to continue to double down on that. We have a sports collection coming out this fall that I'm very excited about.

Very cool. We are Cigar & Spirits. With your partners or with your colleagues or with Jessica, do you have that one favorite cocktail, or your go-to spirit?

My favorite spirit is whatever I didn't drink yesterday. [laughter] Lobos is a new favorite tequila of mine. I love the Reposado, and the Añejo is a delicious one for me. I love Japanese whisky. Suntory or something in that world really goes down smooth.

Japanese whisky has gone kaboom these last 10 years. Yes, I do love Japanese whisky. I normally just drink my alcohol on the rocks with nothing mixed. I've just started developing a little bit of a palette for mezcal. While I'm not having that straight up or on the rocks, I’m now making my cocktails with it, and I’m enjoying that.

Thank you, Cash. We’ll keep an eye out for all you have going on. Same. Thank you, Randy.

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

“My favorite spirit is whatever I didn't drink yesterday.”

>> Cash has been known to go big, aim high and give back throughout his entrepreneurial career.

GIFTIES FOR DADS AND GRADS

Spring is the traditional season for gift giving when it comes to Father’s Day and graduation presents. Whether buying for someone else or yourself, you’re in luck!

We’ve curated some items that anyone would love to have.

by Elisa Jordan

LARQ Water Bottle ($99)

The LARQ Bottle PureVis is a self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. It eliminates 99.8 percent of bio-contaminants, such as E. coli. Options to personalize the bottle with text are also available for a small additional charge. livelarq.com

Fizzics Draft Beer Dispenser ($125)

To create that draft beer experience at home, this personal beer dispenser converts a drink’s natural carbonation into uniform Fizzics Micro-Foam for enhanced aroma and flavor. All cans and bottles can be accommodated. fizzics.com

Wills Jacket ($598)

Handmade in Portland, Oregon, the Wills jacket by Ship John is created with sturdy 24-oz waxed twill to protect wearers from the elements. These jackets are in high demand with guys who appreciate cool, quality clothing so a deposit to secure a spot on the wait list is required. shipjohn.us

Role Club Custom Boots (inquire for price)

Handmade in Los Angeles by Brian the Bootmaker, Role Club creates boots tailored to the individual. Fill out the boot form online with foot measurements and select the style, heel, leather type, soles and toe box. A deposit secures a place on the wait list. roleclub.com

Sobro Smart Table ($799)

Not just any side table—this one comes with a cooling drawer for beverages and snacks, Bluetooth speakers, wireless charging for two phones, intelligent sleep mode, back accent light, and USB, USB-C and 120V Power outlets. sobrodesign.com

Crystal Tiki Glasses ($22.99)

Perfect for summer, nothing says outdoor parties like tiki glasses. Made from lead-free crystal, these glasses come two to a set. viski.com

Away Aluminum Suitcase ($745)

These large aluminum suitcases from Away are both luxe and practical. They look sharp but the exterior is also designed to withstand travel. Other features include two TSA-approved combination locks, upgraded 360-degree spinning wheels, hidden laundry bag for dirty clothes and slow-release handle. Available in silver, onyx black and rose gold. awaytravel.com

Tudor Pelagos 39 ($4,600)

Known for quality and craftsmanship, the Tudor Pelagos 39 appeals to watch collectors and non-hardcore enthusiasts alike. It’s slightly smaller than its siblings and features a relatively thin case, making it classic and discreet. tudorwatch.com

Bartesian ($369.95)

You don’t have to be a master mixologist to make drinks with the Bartesian cocktail machine. Pop in a capsule, select a strength and press Mix. Voila! The perfect cocktail is ready for you! It’s one of Oprah’s faves as well. bartesian.com

Made Worn Vintage Concert T-shirts ($175)

Everyone has that favorite comfortable T-shirt they hate to give up. Thanks to Made Worn, you can get brand-new shirts that look and feel like the ones you miss, but still created from the highest quality materials. An entire line of T-shirts recreating classic band shirts is perfect for the summer, which is traditionally concert season. madeworn.com

McRoskey Luxury Mattress ($16,600-$17,600)

Based in San Francisco, the family-owned company is known for meticulous American-made craftsmanship. Founded by two brothers in 1899, the company filed for two patents in 1931 to improve the quality and efficiency of tufting, resulting in stronger tufts and less needle work. The company uses all natural materials, such as fine-combed cashmere, locally and sustainably sourced alpaca fleece, Californiagrown Supima cotton and hypoallergenic EcoWool. mcroskey.com

Los Angeles-based Elisa Jordan is a freelance writer and Jedi Knight-level shopper. Her favorite watch is the Cartier Tank Must, small model with steel case.

BLUESMOKEATL

BlueSmokeATL offers an award-winning collection of carefully handcrafted luxury products including cigar pokers, jewelry and other awesome things. Since 2019, the BlueSmokeATL brand has focused on crafting creative and timeless smoking accessories with exquisite craftsmanship. These unique designs provide a smoker with an “Elevated Experience.” bluesmokeatl.com

• White Ankh Poker is adorned with rhinestones and an Ankh Charm. ($60)

• Too Many Skulls Poker has 4 SKULLS for the true skull lover. ($50)

• Sword Play Poker is as intimidating as it seems, but it's the perfect gift for that cool guy or gal in your life. It also comes in Black and White or Cobalt Blue.

>> LARQ Water Bottle ($99)

>> Fizzics Draft Beer Dispenser ($125)

>> Wills Jacket ($598)

>> Sobro Smart Table ($799)

>> Crystal Tiki Glasses ($22.99)

>> Away Aluminum Suitcase ($745)

>> Tudor Pelagos 39 ($4,600)

>> Made Worn Vintage Concert T-shirts ($175)

($60)

>> McRoskey Luxury Mattress ($16,600-$17,600)

>> Role Club Custom Boots (inquire for price)

>> Bartesian ($369.95)

Behind the Leaf Man on a Mission BRIAN DESIND OF PRIVADA CIGAR CLUB

by Matt Randolph

BRIAN DESIND’S PASSION FOR CIGARS is evident from the minute he gets started in a conversation, and he’s not shy about diving deep into the preconceived notions about the industry. He’s taken up this cause because he’s fully immersed himself in the culture of premium cigars and has developed relationships with artisans throughout the world. He’s become somewhat of a guardian of the wonderful world of cigars.

Brian developed the Privada Cigar Club in 2017. He’s the real deal when it comes to consumer tobacco education, and helping people know how they’re spending their hard-earned dollars for cigars.

Brian Desind is a man on a mission, and the backstory that led Brian to create Privada Cigar Club is cool and unique.

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: What was your background before creating Privada Cigar Club?

Brian Desind: I was an aspiring singer songwriter from the age of 14. I worked on my first demo at the legendary Sigma Sound Recording Studios in Center City Philadelphia and learned the ropes of recording and songwriting from Scott Storch. Scott is one of the most successful producers of all time. I was young and in the studio with legendary people like Quest Love, Kurrupt, Foxy Brown, Gerald Levert and many more. For the next 17 years I was either in a record deal or being mentored by LL Cool J who signed me to a multi album record deal and groomed me for the business.

That’s some list of luminaries… I did this while working any and every job I could find in New York City. I worked finance to sales to retail to you name it. There was no job I could not interview my way into and lose within weeks to months. My last job working for others—I was 31 years old—fresh off tour, I decided to quit music and my vices. I moved to Miami and became a chauffeur where I had the realization that I made the world’s

worst employee, so I decided to try my hand at running my own business. I started an auto transport brokerage and began to create success for myself as an entrepreneur.

That’s some road tour. What was the inspiration behind creating Privada Cigar Club?

The inspiration was that most of the American cigar market has no idea which cigars, manufacturers or tobaccos are special or not. I replaced a very expensive sneaker collection with a limited-edition cigar collection. I tried to get pricing for these amazing cigars, and the responses I got online in message boards, told me something was missing. The cigar culture had few people that knew good from bad and those who made the actual products. This industry has been commoditized from the beginning. Imagine, the world’s most time-consuming handmade product was treated like a commodity?

Oh, hell no, I had to change that. This was the beginning of Privada Cigar Club.

Photos courtesy of Privada Cigar Club

>> Cigars and collabs are Brian’s passion.

>> Being a successful entrepreneur in the cigar culture would bring a smile to most any enthusiast’s face.

What’s the basic premise of Privada Cigar Club?

PCC is the largest cigar subscription business in the world. It focuses solely on limitededition, rare and aged cigars from the world’s best manufacturers. PCC’s goal is to shine light on the people who actually make these craft products while educating the consumer on who these people are, what makes them unique and what the different types of tobaccos do in a cigar blend. What has organically grown on its own accord is the strongest community the cigar culture has ever seen. PCC has over 18,000 subscribers, some had never even smoked cigars before Privada launched. Privada is the craft cigar movement.

You’ve been a cigar enthusiast for a long time. Are there any iconic cigar industry figures you’ve met and what was that like?

There are too many to list and I actually feel bad not being able to mention them all. AJ Fernandez, Eladio Diaz, Henke Kelner, Erik Espinosa and Isaias Santana of D’Crossier have had the biggest impact on me. AJ Fernandez is always the first person I mention. I studied tobacco and cigars intensely for almost 10 years by the time we met, and he changed the way I saw and understood tobacco in one week. I can sit in front of a true master and surprise them with a piece of information that almost no gringos have. When you love tobacco the way I do, all the studying and hard work are a source of joy. When what feels like work to most is joy to you, you can excel in that thing. For me it’s tobacco.

Which collabs have been most rewarding? Do you have any others on the horizon?

Privada Cigar Club puts out nothing but collaborations and we do it 36 times per year in the actual Private Club. Then we do it again 24 times per year in the Limited Cigar Association which is now taking over American retail as the most exciting thing to happen in cigars since the ‘90s. Our entire business is collaboration of limited edition and aged cigars. So, yes, we expect some collaborations. [laughs]

What else would you like our audience to know about Privada Cigar Club?

PCC is the best source if you’re curious about cigars and would like to know the inside scoop. Truly understanding cigars and tobacco—from experience—not just reading information that exists out there. It’s almost criminal that we sell the cigars for so little. [laughs] By far, we provide the best education while being fun. It’s also an open door into the largest community of positive and passionate cigar smokers as well as insight into the manufacturers. My passion is sharing all the information I receive with my people.

Matt Randolph is a freelance writer and editor living in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

"WHEN YOU LOVE TOBACCO THE WAY I DO, ALL THE STUDYING AND HARD WORK ARE A SOURCE OF JOY. WHEN WHAT FEELS LIKE WORK TO MOST IS JOY TO YOU, YOU CAN EXCEL IN THAT THING. FOR ME IT’S TOBACCO."

>> Mentor AJ Fernandez has shared many “lessons of the leaf” with Brian.

>> Kicking back with a stick at the Privada Club studio is a nice way to cap the day.

e from Start to Finish

From the finest vineyards of Sonoma County to the fields of the Midwest, farmers provide the Ammunition for creating award-winning wines & whiskeys, but the relationship between these two show-stopping lineups goes far deeper than that.

Ammunition whiskeys are expertly-distilled and aged to perfection in precisely-charred American oak casks. From there, the whiskeys are artfully blended and finished in toasted French oak barrels that once held Ammunition Sonoma County Pinot Noir (Rye) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Bourbon) for a texture, flavor and finish unlike any other.

French Oak Pinot Noir barrels used to finish Rye

French Oak Cabernet barrels used to finish Bourbon

COCKTAIL CORNER

Soho Cigar Bar’s Jared Bailey

Jared Bailey is one of the premier bartenders in the cocktail capital of the world–New York City. He currently pours his wares at the historic Soho Cigar Bar in Lower Manhattan as head bartender and manager.

Jared has entered and won numerous cocktail competitions which inspired his knowledge of spirits and speed. He’s perfected the classic cocktails we’ve all come to know and love, and he’s a craft cocktail artisan who creates new adaptations of the classics.

Jared continues to be an in-demand media personality making national television appearances on FOX & Friends and featured in The Wall Street Journal. He’s also a Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist making him an expert at cigar and spirits pairings.

Here are a few of Jared’s newest spring drinks created exclusively for Cigar & Spirits Magazine that you can work into your cocktail rotation.

Raspberry Beret

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1/2 oz Aperol

• 1 oz grapefruit juice

• 2/3 ginger syrup

• 2/3 Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur

Directions:

• combine all ingredients into a shaker

• add ice and shake vigorously

• tumble into a highball glass

• top with club soda

Garnish:

• fresh raspberries

photos by Margaret Pattillo

Bespoken #2

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bespoken Rye

• 1/2 oz ginger syrup

• 3/4 oz Aperol

• 2 dash orange bitters

• splash tonic water

Directions:

• combine all ingredients in a mixing glass

• add ice and stir until well-chilled

• smoke a rocks glass with a burnt sprig of rosemary

• strain into the smoked rocks glass over fresh ice

Garnish:

• rosemary sprig

IT’S GINGER TIME

The recipes I created for this issue were made for warmer months, and I chose a theme using ginger for these craft cocktails.

Ginger is a basic and easy to source ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to play off of other ingredients. It added some peppery spice in the Lemon Pepper Style, and ginger was featured as a unique sweetener in the old-fashioned riff for Bespoken #2.

Home cocktailians shouldn’t be leery of trying new things when the inspiration hits and you want to show your friends your creative take on that classic cocktail.

Ginger Syrup:

• combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water and 1.5 cups of diced and peeled ginger in a saucepan

• bring the ingredients to a boil, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes

• keep covered for up to an additional hour

• double strain your ginger syrup into a container of your choosing

The Ginger Bob

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dark Rum

• 1 oz pineapple juice

• 1/2 oz lemon Juice

• 1 oz ginger syrup

• 3 dashes cocoa bitters

Directions:

• combine all ingredients in a mixing glass

• add ice and shake well

• strain neat into a coupe glass

Garnish:

• lime Wedge

Lemon Pepper Style

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dry Gin

• 3/4 oz lemon Juice

• 1 oz ginger syrup

• dash of pepper

• 3 drops B’lure Flower Extract

Directions:

• rinse a coupe glass with sweet vermouth

• combine all ingredients in a shaker

• add ice and shake well

• strain into the coupe glass

Garnish:

• lemon twist

TIME TO RAISE YOUR SPIRITS