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4 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
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VAN HUGH C. DE WEEVER III
PUBLISHER
CONTENTS
6 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
52 ON THE COVER COLE HAUSER 34 THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK 10 THE LOWDOWN EXCLUSIVES 52 ON THE INTERVIEWCOVER COLE YELLOWSTONEHAUSER FEVER 30 COUNTRYINTERVIEWSTAR INGRID ANDRESS Good Person and Good Drink C & S LIFESTYLE 10 THE LOWDOWN High Steaks at Scotch 80 Prime I Hear a Symphony Casa Beatnik Hotel Empire Social Lounge 20 FEATURED PAIRINGS Perfecto Pairings To Expand Your Palate 34 THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK Four Days in Heaven
WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM / 7 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 CIGARS 66 FOR YOUR HUMIDOR Fall Cigar Buyer’s Guide 78 BEHIND THE LEAF Brothers in Business Alec & Bradley Make Their Mark 78 BEHIND THE LEAF SPIRITS 72 FOR YOUR HOME BAR Your Guide to Rocking Rum This Fall 80 ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT Pappy Van Winkle Carrie Greener Keeps The Flame 90 TOM DYER’S COCKTAIL CORNER Our Resident Cocktail Expert Shares His Flair. 90 COCKTAILCORNER 80 ICONICSPOTLIGHTBRAND
Let us make a better version of ourselves, ever mindful of the power of weaponizing our words. Every day we make choices. Let us try and make the right ones because in every moment, we have nothing to lose and everything to lose at the same time.
AS I CHOOSE THESE WORDS, I am overwhelmed by the power they wield in our everyday lives. Russian writer and Soviet dissident Andrei Sinyavasky said, “Words are not deeds.” This statement is accurate, but words can be weapons—to hurt, deceive, hinder or manipulate. We use them as easily as we roll them off our tongue. We regret them as quickly as we say them. We type them as quickly as we react to them.
Publisher
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C & S
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
WORDS…
Words are equally powerful in their ability to uplift, atone and heal. Whether the words remain in your head or are transcribed onto paper, they are what define us. Every day we have a choice of words, and a choice of thoughts. Our true freedom lies in choosing.
VanBest,Hugh C. de Weever III Cigar & Spirits Magazine
10 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 C & S ResortCasinoPalmsofcourtesyPhotos HIGH STEAKS I HEAR A SYMPHONY CASA BEATNIK HOTEL EMPIRE SOCIAL LOUNGElowdownthe
fter being closed for more than two years, the famed Palms Casino Resort returned to Las Vegas this past April. The new owners, California’s San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, have begun to deliver on their commitment to restore the casino to its former glory. The reopening of Scotch 80 Prime, a renowned Las Vegas steak house, has visitors savoring divine chops and seafood just like the old days. The extensive whiskey and wine portfolio is a major draw as well.
The menu features wood grilled prime, dry-aged steaks from American ranchers, Japanesecertified Wagyu steaks, and the finest sustainable seafood. There’s no denying the steak tartare, mouth-watering filet mignon and succulent lobster exceeds expectations as well.
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WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM / 11 the lowdown
The revamped design is classy throwback, and showcases an ornate bar and rich wood textures. Fine art is also highlighted throughout the establishment, adding to the high-end ambiance. A signature expansive window offers a brilliant view of the historic Flamingo Road.
Order a fine drink, experience the elite service, order that perfect steak and relish in the “something old, something new” aesthetic of Scotch 80 Prime. palms.com -Sean Chaffin
HIGH STEAKS AT SCOTCH 80 PRIME
The original Scotch 80 was built on 80 acres of land purchased by the city’s first mayor, Peter Buol, in the early 1900’s. The name derives from the initial Scottish investors who were key in getting the planned development launched. The neighborhood eventually featured some of Vegas’s most lavish homes. Howard Hughes, Jerry Lewis and former mayor and mob attorney Oscar Goodman and other notable people have called the area home at various points.
For patrons new and old experiencing the high life at the Palms, a visit to this revitalized steak house is a must-have dining experience after hitting the craps or blackjack tables. The chophouse is a quick jaunt from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, and Scotch 80 Prime comes with a bit of Vegas history tied to its name.
Of course, a great Scotch whisky is always a nice addition. You’ll have a million dollar selection at your fingertips, and the vintage wines and cocktail creations offer endless possibilities.
Vertu has re-defined the luxury mobile phone experience. The price points may not be in line with everyone’s wallet, but it makes for an aspirational item of distinction. vertu.com -Dave Johnson
Vertu has been the industry leader of luxuriant cell phones for many years, and the brand is recognized as an industry innovator with products ranging from watches to fashion. The Vertu Signature hit the market in January 2022, and clearly the company has taken the cell phone to a new stratosphere. They have several models in their line, such as the iVertu, Aster, Ayxta Fold and the Signature. They each offer incredible detail and plush finishing that’s unparalleled in the mobile phone industry.
the experience. The Aster P is made with the same elite craftsmanship as any ultraluxe watch. The phone features hundreds of high-precision metal components that are meticulously assembled by hand by their master artisans. It sports a Titanium Grade 5 alloy frame that’s twice as strong as steel but much lighter. It features an unprecedented 5-inch display made with 130kt sapphire crystal for superior strength, scratch resistant screen and state of the art visual clarity. Our favorite feature? There are exclusive ringtones for Vertu phones that are recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra that play through their high-fidelity speakers.
The Aster P in Gothic Lizard Red at $8,300 is the model that we got our hands on, and we’ll forever be spoiled by
The company has a 24/7 concierge service if you’re in need of any help with your device.
the lowdown
PhotoStockAlamy/GordonMisha
Their iVertu is their most accessible model in terms of pricing, and this is music to our ears. It has a base price of $2,900 for the standard phone. (Other items like the alligator leather model with 18kt gold and diamonds can hit $20,950.) The phone has four 64-megapixel cameras, standard lens, ultra-wide, telephoto (what they called a DOF lens) and even a macro lens for pristine close-up shots.
e’re always searching for items that typify luxury in their category. Whether it be DITA sunglasses, a Tom Ford suit, or Lucid Air electric car, there’s always some company making premium versions of just about anything of interest. The same applies with everybody’s can’t-livewithout device: the mobile phone.
W
>> The Vertu store in Milano, Italy
12 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 I HEAR A SYMPHONY
CASA BEATNIK HOTEL SPANISH BOHO AT ITS BEST
Just 20 minutes from the regional capital of Santiago de Compostela, visitors choose from 13 offbeat but luxurious suites, impressive yurts, two artisanal restaurants, craft cocktail bars and a working winery. Beatnik’s vineyard boasts the oldest vine in Galicia, a red varietal known as Cascón, which is more than 400 years old and produces a special red served exclusively at the restaurant.
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Travelers seeking bohemian elegance have a new boutique hotel to add to their Galician itinerary. Casa Beatnik, right in the heart of Spain’s Rías Baixas wine region, opened its doors to adventurers this past June. The hotel received immediate buzz due to its unabashedly nonconformist yet upscale aesthetic.
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Other amenities include saunas, a saltwater pool with daybeds, a wellness spa and more. The hotel staff offers guidance for some local exploration via walking tours of ancient cities, and provides recommendations to tranquilidad locales for countryside picnics with someone special. Winery experiences, coastal fishing villages and historic farms are just a short drive away, too. The El Camino de Santiago is a world-famous trail that passes right through the region, and makes for memorable hiking.
alicia is recognized as a popular vacation stop for travelers seeking out Spanish architecture, soaking in rich history, sipping cocktails in picturesque locales and enjoying some of the finest wine in the world.
Casa Beatnik hoteliers note, “Come along for the ride, we’ll look after everything else.” casabeatnik.com -Sean Chaffin
the lowdown BeatnikCasaofcourtesyPhotos
The hotel’s Tribu Restaurant is surrounded by the vineyard and lush gardens. It features traditional Rubia Gallega beef, fresh seafood, wild game and other regional tastes. Tribu’s wine cellar includes top-notch vintages representing the Iberian Peninsula and islands of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. But a glass of house wine is a must.
The auberge is the latest creation from the award-winning Bonhomme design studio and hospitality firm known for their colorful, romantic and sophisticated design philosophy. Casa Beatnik offers seven acres of bohemian luxury in the Spanish countryside for excursionists seeking an out-of-the-way getaway.
#OneLife CONNECTICUT & HABANO WRAPPER SPECIALmiamicigaSELECTIONr.com1-800-643-7209
EMPIRE SOCIAL LOUNGE
“We don’t make cigars or whiskies. We create experiences,” says Pete Berntsen, operating partner of Empire Social. “When you come to either location, you’re going to have an amazing time and forget about the outside world. You can have a great glass of whiskey or cognac, or maybe share a bottle of wine with an old friend–or a new one. And, of course, you can enjoy a brilliant cigar. We have quite a few.”
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“We have incredible theme nights and tastings, and we bring in some of the finest live music around,” says Berntsen.
lowdownthe LoungeSocialEmpireofcourtesyPhotos
C
igar smokers in the Miami area certainly have plenty of options when it comes to upscale lounges. Two locations—the Empire Social in Brickell and the Empire Social in Dadeland—should be at the top of their lists.
Beyond minor architectural differences, both spots offer many of the same amenities.
Situated in the financial center of Miami, the Brickell lounge caters to more of a well-heeled business crowd. “The layout of the place is sleek and sophisticated,” says Berntsen. “In fact, we probably over-designed it, but in a good way.” By contrast, the Dadeland lounge is more of a suburban hang. “It’s probably a little homier, a bit less formal. It’s got slightly fewer bells and whistles with less backlighting.” Visitors to the Fort Lauderdale area should keep an eye out for a third location coming soon.
With particular pride, Berntsen points to the ventilation system in both locations. “It’s the finest you’ll find anywhere,” he says. “You know how you go to other cigar lounges and you come out smelling of cigar and ash? You won’t have that at our Empire lounges. We spent a quarter of a million dollars on our 100-percent fresh air system to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. The minute we bring fresh air in, we're extracting the old air out. We get a lot of comments and compliments from our guests on how clean the air is.” empiresociallounge.com -Joe Bosso
Berntsen isn’t kidding. The Brickell and Dadeland lounges both offer guests 2,500 different cigars to choose from, everything from Davidoffs and Padrons to boutique brands. “You’re never going to come into one of our lounges and be told, ‘We don’t carry that,’” says Berntsen. “In fact, people are always commenting on how they discover something new here.” When it comes to whiskey, Berntsen speaks proudly about the menu. “We have over 230 whiskeys, fine and rare selections that are very hard to get—Dalmore 35, Dalmore 40s, Macallan and Macallan M. We even buy and sell rare whiskey.”
LIVE THROUGH FOLLOW JOURNEYOUR
BROADLEAF
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HEAVEN HILL HERITAGE COLLECTION
by Greg Mays
PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE 123rf.comcredit:Photo
I paired the Double Broadleaf with Heaven Hill’s new Heritage Collection, the first release of this barrel-strength bourbon. Using a corn-dominant mashbill, the Heritage Collection is aged over 17 years. Scintillating notes of leather and vanilla blend well with the cigar and the woodiness pairs extremely well with the barbecue elements of the AB Double Broadleaf. This is a perfect special occasion whiskey with a special occasion cigar to match. Overall, it’s a rich and flavorful experience.
5 X 50 ROBUSTO | WRAPPER: CONNECTICUT BROADLEAF BINDER: CONNECTICUT BROADLEAF, NICARAGUAN FILLER: HONDURAN, NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $10 | MSRP (WHISKEY): $275 C & S
FEATUREDPAIRINGSALECBRADLEYDOUBLE
The Double Broadleaf from Alec Bradley is a newly released cigar that’s housed in a gorgeous green box with a green and gold band to match. The Double Broadleaf is part of The Experimental Series by the brand. This addition has an aromatic chewing tobacco scent on prelight, and there’s a fair amount of upper palate spice once the cigar is fired up. As the smoke progresses, there’s a subtle barbecue flavor profile, much like slow-roasted brisket and hearty beef.
This cigar has a unique build as it doubles down from wrapper to filler: Connecticut Broadleaf wraps the cigar, and also binds it. Nicaraguan tobacco fills the cigar and binds it as well. So, while there are two instances of Broadleaf in this stick, there are also two binders.
WWW.UNCLENEAREST.COM Uncle Nearest has won a combined total of 352 awards in three years, including 191 in 2021 alone. Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 50% and 46.5% Alc/Vol, Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. © 2022 Uncle Nearest, Inc.
SIZE: 4 X 49 SHORT STORY | WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN COLORADO BINDER: NICARAGUAN | FILLER: NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM/FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $7.50 | MSRP (WHISKEY): $100
22 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
TOSCANO MASTER AGED SERIE 1 PRAGER ARIA WHITE PORT WINE
I paired the Rare Pink with Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. Larceny is a wheated bourbon, and that sweeter wheat profile makes for an extraordinary match. There are notes of honey and fig, which meld perfectly with the sweet waffle profile of the Rare Pink.
SIZE: 6 ¾ X 40 LANCERO | WRAPPER, BINDER, FILLER: KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, TUSCANY STRENGTH: FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $8 | MSRP (PORT): $80
I smoked the Rare Pink Short Story. It’s a diminutive cigar that surprisingly burns for well beyond an hour. The initial flavors are delicious stroopwafel and caramel, both bready and sweet. There’s a rich complexity to this cigar, but the flavor profile is distinct from many other Fuentes as they primarily use Nicaraguan tobacco for this series. As the smoke goes on, there’s a fruitiness that enters toward the nub, and the finish is excellent.
Prager’s Aria White Port has a rich nutmeg profile, with citrus and nuts in the finish. Made from Chardonnay grapes in the Napa Valley, Aria has an excellent balance of sweetness—like butterscotch tones, Asian herbs, allspice, clove and nutmeg. The sweetness and clove play masterfully against the strength of Toscano. This pairing caught me by surprise at how much it drew me in from start to finish.
Toscano Master Aged Serie 1 blends tobacco from Kentucky, Tennessee and Tuscany adding up to a cigar that smacks bold up against earthy tastes. The Italian wrapper is seriously espresso and leads with rustic notes. It’s certainly powerful, but it’s softened somewhat by the longer maturation process of the Master Aged line. The flavor is smooth and balanced with pleasing toasted aromas, typical of the series. The Kentucky fire-cured tobacco elevates this rustic beauty. It’s tasty, has some zing to it and offers evident black licorice and clove notes.
combination
There’s a lot of history associated with Toscano cigars. These iconic cheroots (see Clint Eastwood) can be cut in half and saved for later, or they can be smoked all the way through from top to bottom. They’re famously constructed as an earthy perfecto—classic sticks that are tapered on both ends.
distinctive,
This extremely satisfying cigar and bourbon is quite and makes for a generous reward for a midday break.
You’ve seen the call out in cigar publications for some time now: “The Pinks are Coming” featuring the iconic snapshot of Carlos and Carlito Fuente in the fields, only this time with pink guayabera shirts instead of white. Well, the Rare Pink line from Fuente is a fine experience, and you’ll find a very special cigar when you locate them online or brick and mortar.
A percentage of each box of Rare Pinks goes to the fight against breast cancer through The American Cancer Society—Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The Rare Pink cigar is a passion project, and this blend is quite exceptional.
ARTURO FUENTE RARE PINK LARCENY BARREL PROOF STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKY
Greg Mays is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) and the Executive Editor of SimpleCocktails.net
The Illusione brand, based in Reno, Nev., has made a substantial impact on the cigar industry through the flavor and complexity of their blends, unique branding and the presence of a larger-than-life owner. The brand’s Dion Giolito comes in at nearly 7-feet tall.
ILLUSIONE CRUZADO
6 X 56
$30
I paired the Black Diamond with something equally as beautiful in presentation: Mandala Extra Añejo Tequila. If you’ve seen this tequila in the stores, you’ve definitely admired its beautiful presentation. Packed in a slightly large (1 liter) hand-painted bottle, it’s a sight to behold. Mandala is a sweeter tequila, with notes of vanilla and honey, and as you would guess, that’s an excellent flavor profile to accompany the Black Diamond. Undercurrents of vanilla and sugar dance on the palate while the finish is sweet and nutty.
It’s easy to pair the Black Diamond and the Mandala as the two are so similar in their flavor profiles. The tastes fit well and these two make for a lovely pairing.
SIZE: 5 ¼ X 56 MARQUIS | WRAPPER: CONNECTICUT BINDER: DOMINICAN | FILLER: DOMINICAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $20 | MSRP (TEQUILA): $200
FIGHTING 69TH IRISH WHISKY
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SIZE: GORDO | WRAPPER, BINDER, FILLER: NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: MSRP (CIGAR): MSRP (WHISKEY):
$10 |
FULL
The Cruzado is one of Illusione’s core cigar lines, and it features a subtle black label and light wrapper. I chose the gordo vitola. It’s a stout cigar, and I settled in for a lengthy session. I lit the Cruzado, and instantly sensed notes of citrus and spice—very Christmaslike. This Illusione is quite bold with Nicaraguan tobacco all the way through, and there are touches of light spice along with a cashew cookie element that balances out the flavor. I paired the Cruzado with a whiskey that has similar character and strength: Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey. Fighting 69th is named for the “Irish Brigade,” a military unit founded in the United States in 1849. They’ve fought as an Army infantry regiment in all major military engagements from the Civil War to Afghanistan.
J.C. Newman’s family in Florida has had a very close relationship with the Fuentes in the Dominican Republic for decades. Many of Newman’s famous blends are at the hands of the Fuentes, and the Black Diamond is no exception.
The Fighting 69th has tropical notes of banana, citrus and some caramel added into the equation. The Cruzado cigar and this Irish Whisky made for an excellent fusion of tastes and scents. The Fighting 69th has a smooth, bright and clean finish. I’d recommend this combo as a nice cap after dessert.
J.C. NEWMAN BLACK DIAMOND MANDALA EXTRA AÑEJO TEQUILA
Aged and blended at five years, the Black Diamond is dark as night, and the wrapper has a bittersweet chocolate nose before lighting. On light, there’s an earthy high note and a long walnut finish. I’d suggest walnut as the prominent flavor here, though brown sugar does come along in the final third.
Smoke a Sure Winner Today! For orders and inquiries, please contact Zander-Greg Inc. at 888-662-5111 or visit www.zandergreg.com for more information.
C&S PROMOTIONAL
When we sat down to speak with Everado, we learned the meaning of the Spanish word “cabal,” and how important it is to the integrity of the emerging brand. Cabal refers to diligence, sincerity of word and consideration of others. Cabal is nobility by way of action for Everado and generations of agave farmers at home in Mexico. “It’s how we interpret class. It’s earned each day through our actions."
The culture of Jalisco, Mexico is the original culture of tequila. It’s also home to Campo Cabal’s agave fields, where the family agave harvesters work meticulously through a six-year process in developing the tequila.
Tequila Cabal is a gorgeous product from sip to style. Their award-winning “Cabal Horse Head” bottle designs are made from 100 percent recycled glass. This intense detailing aligns with the brand’s overall aesthetic. Everado wished to have the vessel for the tequila be just as well done as the tequila itself. He notes, “There’s a stigma within the tequila community that a nice bottle equates to a crappy juice. Because they invested in the bottle and not the juice. Why not have both?”
The final tequila product is forfeited if the farmers don’t pay constant attention throughout the process. In order to do right by the agave and the tequila, the core diligence of the Tequila Cabal culture is crucial. Everado compares this to raising horses. “To grow into a noble steed, a horse must be raised with love and care from a young age,” he notes. “The same is true for agave. To grow into a noble spirit, the agave must be raised with love and care from the start.”
Tequila Cabal offers Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo expressions. tequilacabal.com -Mary Jane Clark
Everado believes that cabal culture is what drives communication and understanding between cultures. While an understanding comes from Everado’s Mexican roots, he knows honesty and integrity can be found Theeverywhere.goalofTequila
TEQUILA CABAL
THE GROWTH OF A NOBLE SPIRIT
Cabal is to bring this global ideology of purity back into the spirit market. In late 2012, Everado was approached by a friend who was making RTD cocktails (ready to drink cocktails) and wanted to add in a tequila. After considering this collaborative project, he decided to start a brand of his own. Everado saw an opportunity to bring the culture of cabal to the United States. “Growing up, half in the U.S. and half in Mexico, I realized that tequila was going in a direction that felt unfamiliar. At home, there was always tequila in big jugs at parties and weddings. We understood the process, and we appreciated the taste.” He continues, “In the U.S., I noticed everyone taking tequila shots in a rush. Why are you drinking tequila if all you want to do is drink it fast and hide the taste? I wanted to make a tequila that people like to drink.”
“CLASS IS EARNED, NEVER PURCHASED.” These are the words of CEO and Founder Everado Gonzalez of Tequila Cabal.
Born with natural gifts, drawing from a variety of influences and supported by parents who taught her anything was possible, Andress possesses a unique and authentic voice. “I was lucky to grow up in a household where my parents didn't tell me I could or couldn't do things just because I was a girl,” she says. “It was very freeing and I got to try a bunch of different things.”
ngrid Andress is no stranger to challenging herself. She grew up hiking and snowboarding in the rugged Colorado outdoors, an active childhood she speaks about with appreciation. She’s also quick to acknowledge how music shaped her formative years, and her passion for creating it inspired her choice to pursue it as a profession.
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“TO ME, MUSIC BRINGS PEOPLE AND LIFE AND EXPERIENCES THAT ARE VERY SPECIAL. IT'S PRETTY CRAZY HOW MUSIC CAN BRING EVERYONE TOGETHERSOEASILY.”
Good Person and Good Drink
Country Star Ingrid Andress
Ingrid’s been a fan of Lone River Ranch Water Hard Seltzers for a while, and she’s recently become one of their brand ambassadors. This past August, she performed an intimate concert in Los Angeles, including songs from her new album, Good Person . Andress strives to connect with her audience, and there’s no better way to do that than singing live. After the Ranch Water lunch, we chatted about her love for crafting songs, listening to music and a good drink.
by Elisa Jordan
BeeOliviacredit:Photo
C & S
Country music is known for its storytelling and its sincerity. Can you take me through your songwriting process?
C&S Magazine: You seem to have developed a love for music at a young age. What influenced you?
GET TO WHAT I'M WRITING ABOUT INSTEAD OF KEEPING IT ON THE SURFACE. THAT'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT COUNTRY MUSIC.”
PowellCatherineCredit:Photo
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Pretty much everything. It brings so many experiences that I wouldn't have without it. Like for the Lone River launch, I would never have been in this situation. I wouldn't have met all these powerful, influential women had I not pursued my own dream and my journey to be my own business owner and write my own music. To me, music brings people and life and experiences that are very special. It's pretty crazy how music can bring everyone together so easily.
>> Ingrid performed at The CMA Fest this past year.
Yes. It usually starts with the actual events that happened in my life or to somebody that I know. I start writing down different ways it could be portrayed and different angles to look at it. That's what I've learned about writing country music is that it's always about the next layer of it. There's a surface way to talk about this, but there's also a real way to explain this and describe it, so I always push myself to be more vulnerable and to actually get to what I'm writing about instead of keeping it on the surface. That's what I love about country music. If it's at night, sometimes, tequila’s involved. Any type of tequila, really. It's one of those things!
What[laughs]does music bring to your life?
What a list that is. My neighbors used to burn me CDs, like mix tapes, so I would listen to all the different types of music. The stuff that stuck out to me the most was probably like John Denver, The Chicks, Whitney Houston, Garth Brooks, Amy Brandt, just really amazing songwriters and singers who were passionate. I love artists who you can immediately tell it's them when they start singing.
Ingrid Andress: Oh, so much. My mom started me on piano when I was six and music was playing all the time in the house. It just really spoke to me—all different genres, really. I loved listening to the lyrics of all these different songs and I was really obsessed with words. I guess that's why I'm a songwriter. It was just something very early on that just felt right and it was the one thing I liked doing over and over again.
“I ALWAYS PUSH MYSELF TO BE MORE VULNERABLE AND TO ACTUALLY
You mentioned songwriting and playing piano as a kid. Which singers and musicians have influenced you and your work?
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Ingrid Andress’ recently released second album, Good Person, follows the acclaimed Lady Like (2020), which was nominated for Best Country Album at the Grammys. Her hit song, “More Hearts Than Mine,” was similarly nominated for Best Country Song that year. Noted for honest lyrics and her own distinctive blend of country and pop, Andress has been building a reputation as a serious singer-songwriter.
>> Ingrid gives some love to Texas and Lone River Ranch Water.
It's nice to see women getting involved in the spirits industry.
I actually had Ranch Water and I bring it on the road with me, so it was just a natural connection. She was a fan of my music and I was also a fan of her company and her product. It was just a very natural hangout. We both have a lot in common and we're both striving for the same thing and her story is so personal with the family business. I love that she’s real about how she does things because I operate the same way.
You’re going to get rejected more than you are accepted, and that's all part of the process of making you stronger and tougher, and able to deal with people's crap. To me, it’s more of even if it feels like everyone's saying no to you, it just takes one yes to get things going. Not everyone has to like your thing, it just takes one person to get it going. Even if you feel like it's not going anywhere, it will if you keep believing in it yourself. You have to be your biggest cheerleader.
I agree. She said that she was one of the few women in the industry, and I was like, "That can't be right." That seems a little weird, but here we are.
You're still early in your career but you've had some pretty amazing success. What bits of wisdom would you like to pass along to others who have big dreams?
A Breakout Country Star
You’re now working with Lone River, which was founded by Katie Beal Brown. How did you connect with the company?
With the release of Good Person, Andress has hit the road opening for Keith Urban. “We haven't been able to tour for so long,” she says. “I'm honestly really excited to tour and get ready to put out my second album. I'm just happy to be out and about performing for people. If I can just keep touring for a long time, I would be very happy because I'm excited to play all of my new music.” -E.J.
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>> Ingrid appeared at a launch party for Lone River Ranch Water this past August in Los Angeles.
Elisa Jordan is a lifelong music fan. She writes about history, pop culture, architecture and pets.
FIRE-CUREDFLAVORIS HERITAGEOUR MAKINGMEMORIES IS AVANTIAVANTICIGARTRADITIONYOURCIGARAVANTICIGAR. (PH)CUSTOMERSERVICE@AVANTICIGAR.COMCOM570.344.8566|(FAX)570.344.0402 GET ONNEWSEXCLUSIVE&DEALSOURWEBSITE HISTORY MEETS QUALITY DARK FIRE-CURED CIGARS MADE WITH KENTUCKY TOBACCO
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>> The Granite Lodge is designed in the style of the great National Park lodges, and is the centerpiece of the Ranch at Rock Creek.
THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK FOUR DAYS IN HEAVEN
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by Audrey Pavia
>> The Buckle Barn dining hall features a custombuilt grill façade made from repurposed John Deer tractor parts.
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>> Guests enjoy breakfast and lunch inside the western-style Buckle Barn.
’VE SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS in my living room on Sunday nights ogling the beautiful cinematography of the Paramount+ streaming hit Yellowstone, yearning to be in the midst of those stunning landscapes. So when the chance came to sample some of Montana’s beauty in person this past spring at a five-star resort called the Ranch at Rock Creek, I did not hesitate.
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The contrast between the dry, brown hills of Southern California with the lush green mountains covered with pines and flowing creeks along Interstate 90 was our first clue we were now in a very special place.
It was late May when my husband and I flew from Southern California to Missoula, Montana—not an easy feat in these times of understaffed airlines and overbooked flights. Even though we ended up arriving in Missoula a day later than we had planned when we left our house at 3:00 a.m. to catch a 5:45 a.m. flight, the staff at the Ranch at Rock Creek had us covered. One of the friendly staff employees picked us up at our hotel the following morning, and we headed out on the 90-minute trek to the Ranch near Philipsburg.
>> The Silver Dollar Saloon features real saddles for bar stools.
RUSTIC LUXURY
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>>The historic Stables features accommodations for an entire family.
>> Rustic appointments like this antique clawfoot tub are common throughout the ranch.
Once we settled in, it was time for lunch at the Buckle Barn. A short walk from our room, the 5,500 sq. ft. dining venue and event barn boasts a modern kitchen and a wood fire grill. The custom-built grill facade is made of repurposed John Deer tractor parts, and the interior dining hall had the same warm, western feel we saw at the Granite Lodge and in our room.
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hen we arrived, the soothing energy of the ranch was immediately apparent. Located in a green valley surrounded by pinecovered hills, the scene was idyllic. The smell of crisp air was intoxicating as we left the car and walked up the path to the Granite Lodge, the main building located at the top of a rise overlooking the rest of the ranch. Built and decorated in the style of the great National Park lodges, the Granite Lodge is surrounded by an aspen-lined courtyard and flagstone path that leads to the Silver Dollar Saloon (featuring actual saddles for bar stools), a spa and a mercantile. When we stepped inside the lodge to check in, we found ourselves surrounded by custom-made furniture, woven textiles and frontier antiques, all providing a warm, western feel.
walls in the Wrangler. This original Historic Barn structure once housed a stable, tack room and hay loft, and our room was originally where saddles and harnesses were stored. The porch just outside our front door offered views across the lush meadow. We could hear the sounds of Rock Creek murmuring in the distance.
We stayed in the Wrangler suite, located in the Historic Barn, the original homestead building on the ranch, built in the late 19th century and renovated to accommodate three guest rooms. We were thrilled when we saw the rustic furniture, log bed posts and old western photographs carefully placed on the
Our cheerful server brought us a menu with a variety of gourmet options, including a Copper City Chop sandwich, Montana wagyu beef burger, fresh salad and more. Sourced from local farms, the ingredients were fresh and perfectly prepared.
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The Ranch at Rock Creek is open year-round and provides activities for all kinds of weather, including golfing, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling hayrides, biking, archery, hiking and more. The resort is located just outside the mining town of Philipsburg, Montana. The ranch is most easily accessed from the Missoula Montana Airport, and offers traditional lodging as well as glamping. -A.P. theranchatrockcreek.com
Visiting the Ranch at Rock Creek
>> Winter activities include snuggling up by an outdoor fire with a bottle champagne.of
>> Cozy sitting areas like this one in the Den are a relaxing feature at the ranch.
Bypattern.thetime we were done, I felt like I’d had the most fun of my life. My teachers were upbeat and patient, and
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COWS GALORE
We next visited the heifers—young female cows yet to be mothers— and found them to be quite playful, running alongside the ATV as we sped through their pasture. Our cattle experience culminated with a trip to see the Ranch’s three bulls. Although intimidating in appearance, they were actually friendly and docile.
Because Rob, Hailey and Bri thought I was doing well, they added some more cattle-moving exercises. As a group, we pushed the calves around the arena, and then graduated to moving them around three barrels in a cloverleaf
more than generous with compliments when I accomplished my goals. Of course, they had put me on a great horse, so I was destined to succeed.
Next, as part of the Ride Along With A Rancher activity offered by the Ranch, Rob, Hailey and I got into an ATV, swung by and picked up my husband, and then headed out to meet the Ranch’s cattle.
As we admired the all-black cows and their calves, Rob explained that the Ranch’s cattle are a cross between a Swiss breed called the Simmental and the popular beef breed, the Angus. They are bred for their meat quality as well as for their color because cows with black hides bring
>> Guests who like to ride can learn how to sort cattle.
fter lunch, it was time for our first activity. I had told our Ranch at Rock Creek hosts that I was an equestrian and wanted to have the full working ranch experience. While my husband went off to get a rifle shooting lesson, I was taken to the horse barn and arena just across from the Buckle Barn, and paired up with a grey Quarter Horse gelding named Fine China. Wranglers Rob and Hailey, who are father and daughter, and Bri, a wonderful horsewoman, informed me I’d be working some cattle with them in the arena.
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higher prices at market. The calves we were looking at had been bred using a variety of methods, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer and “live cover” (standard bull-on-cow action).
The Ranch at Rock Creek has a working cattle operation, managed by Rob and Hailey, on 6,300 acres. We headed away from the resort buildings and toward the fenced pastures where the ranch cattle live. Our first stop was the cow and calf pasture. A number of the cows had young calves by their sides, and after Rob poured a bag of cow treats on the ground, mommas and babies all came running. Some of the cows were friendly and let me scratch them behind the ears as they nibbled on the treats.
I spent the next hour and a half in the arena with about 12 older calves and my instructors, learning how to single out a particular calf and move her away from the herd. Since calves like to stick together, separating one from the group and keeping her away for even a minute is no small task. My teachers were excellent, and because I’ve been riding since childhood and had done a little bit of cattle work in the past, I was quickly moving calves around.
After getting back to our room and washing up, we headed to the Granite Lodge for dinner in the beautiful, western-themed dining room. Our meal featured pecan-smoked ribs, chicken and seafood, made from regionally and locally sourced organic ingredients.
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After breakfast, we walked over to the barn for a trail ride. Bri met us there with a mustang named Noble ready for my husband, and I got up on Fine China once again. We headed out on a trail that ran alongside Rock Creek for a while, and then climbed up into the pine covered hills. We were treated with views of the valley below and snowcapped Rocky Mountains in the distance as we walked the trail for nearly two hours.
After our shotgun lesson, we were scheduled for a cigar and spirits tasting on a nearby hillside, but the quickly changing Montana weather had other ideas. As the wind picked up and it began to rain, Rich drove us back to the Rod & Gun, where we found our tasting set up under the porch near a large stone fireplace. Here we sampled a Devil’s Brigade
Whisky, a Rock Creek bourbon aged in a barrel up on a nearby hill, and a Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon aged at sea. My husband paired the spirits with a selection of cigars. I fell in love with the Ocean Bourbon.
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After resting for a while in our room while the rain continued to fall, we hitched a ride from one of the ranch staffers up to the Granite Lodge for dinner. The menu was inspired by the cuisine Old West travelers would have experienced in a historic luxury train car, and featured chicken, beef and even elk.
I’d only held a shotgun once and was a bit intimidated by the gun, but by the time Rich had finished teaching me gun safety and the way to handle the weapon, I was shooting like a pro, taking down three of the five clay targets fired from launchers. My husband wasn’t quite as adept as I was, and we had a few laughs at his expense.
ur next day began with breakfast at the Buckle Barn, and included a number of tempting choices including ricotta blueberry pancakes, locally smoked bacon, a farm fresh egg scramble and as much coffee as you can drink.
"AFTER RESTING FOR A WHILE IN OUR ROOM WHILE THE RAIN CONTINUED TO FALL, WE HITCHED A RIDE FROM ONE OF THE RANCH STAFFERS UP TO THE GRANITE LODGE FOR DINNER."
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RIDING AND SHOOTING
Ranch guests. We were scheduled for a shotgun lesson, and met our instructor, Rich, who drove us up the hill to the Clays Range and a covered shooting stand.
After our ride, we had lunch at the Buckle Barn and then strolled over to the Rod & Gun, a log building that houses the firearms, crossbows and fishing gear for
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>> Fly fishing in nearby Rock Creek is one the most enjoyable activities at the ranch.
Instead of returning to the Wrangler afterwards, we headed up to the lodge. Our late arrival meant we had to switch to a different room for our last night. I was happy to do so because it gave me a chance to see yet more of the Ranch’s beautiful lodging. Our new room was on the second floor of the Granite Lodge. Called The Palomino, it featured a custom king canopy bed, antique horse-themed décor, and views of the nearby Sapphire Mountains.
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My husband and I were given waders to put on—a first for both of us—obtained our mandatory fishing licenses, and then got into a vehicle with Harry and Mitchell to find a good spot along the creek for fishing. The sun
>> The ranch sits on 6,000 acres located at the base of the John Long Mountains.
fter waking up in the beautiful Wrangler and then enjoying another wonderful breakfast at the Buckle Barn, we were excited for our morning activity: Frontier Skills. As we headed to the Rod & Gun to meet our instructor Jon, snow began to fall. Undaunted, Jon, my husband and I walked to the edge of the creek, where Jon showed us how to build a shelter using branches, explained that the most crucial elements of survival are shelter and water, and gave us pointers on how to keep from losing body heat when lost in cold weather. The wet snow made starting a fire impossible, but we learned the principles. After resting in our room for a while, we headed back to the Buckle Barn for lunch and then back to the Rod & Gun for our flyfishing activities. I had only done rod-and-reel fishing as a kid, and my husband had never fished at all, so our instructors Harry and Mitchell had their work cut out for them.
was out now, and the snow had completely melted, turning the busy creek into more of a raging river. For safety’s sake, we stayed close to the edge of the water and learned to cast our fly fishing rods—a very different method from rod-and-reel fishing. After a couple of hours, both my husband and I had caught some trout and whitefish, which we released back into the creek after admiring their unique characteristics. We also got a look at a young moose, who was browsing on the other side of the creek.
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FRONTIER SKILLS & FLY FISHING
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>> The ranch is rich with relics of the Old West, including covered wagons and a historic barn that now includes guest accommodations.
#s i p m an d a l a
>> Biking is encouraged at the ranch to cut down on motor vehicle use, and bikes are available to all guests.
Audrey Pavia is an award-winning writer and editor living in Southern California. She has authored twenty-three nonfiction books. Audrey is a consulting editor and frequent contributor to Cigar & Spirits Magazine .
began falling again as we walked to the Rod & Gun for our final activity: sapphire mining. The hills around the Ranch are filled with sapphire, and guests have the opportunity to find and keep sapphires they can pick out from soil taken from the mountains.
e woke up in The Palomino, knowing it was our last day at the Ranch. As we headed to the Buckle Barn for breakfast, I took a good look around at the stunning beauty of the valley, sad I’d soon have to Snowleave.
After lunch, it was time to head back to the Missoula airport. As we waited for our ride near the lodge fireplace, watching rain fall lightly outside, I knew I would never forget these four days at this incredibly special place.
Because it was snowing, our activity took place under the Rod & Gun porch next to the stone fireplace. Our hosts provided washed piles of dirt on a table before us, and gave us instructions on how to sort the sapphires from the rest of the rocks. I found about five small sapphires and was able to keep them as a souvenir of our trip.
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MINING FOR SAPPHIRES
PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY RESERVE CIGARS IS A CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN JONATHAN DREW, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF DREW ESTATE, AND THE VAN WINKLE FAMILY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO JULIAN “PAPPY” VAN WINKLE AND THE UNPARALLELED BOURBON LEGACY HE BEGAN CREATING MORE T H A N A C E N T U RY A G O . J O N A T H A N P E R S O N A L LY S E L E C T S T H E L E AV E S F O FR R U S E I N P A P P Y V A N W I N K L E ’ S F A M I L Y R E S E R V E C I G A R S . T H E BA R R E L F E R M E N TA T I O N P RO C E S S A G E S TO BA C C O U N D E R P R E S S U R E TO CAPTURE THE SMOKY COMPLEXITY OF FIRE-CURED KENTUCKY TOBACCO AS WELL AS GIVE IT ITS DARK AESTHETIC. METICULOUSLY CRAFTED COMPLETELY BY HAND AT LA GRAN FABRICA DREW ESTATE USING THE FINEST PREMIUM TOBACCO TRADITIONS OF KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA AND NICARAGUA.
THE SPIRIT OF A MASTER DISTILLER IN EVERY CIGAR THE REBIRTH OF CIGARS DREWESTATE.COM
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But talking to him in a studio in downtown Los Angeles this past April, you’d never know Cole was anything but a regular guy. Although his career includes roles in a number of films, including Dazed and Confused , Good Will Hunting and Tigerland , and he has become a household name playing Rip Wheeler in the Paramount+ smash streaming hit Yellowstone, Cole seems more like the kid who grew up hanging out with the cowboys in the bunkhouse instead of in the big house with the privileged folks.
We asked Cole about what it’s like to play Rip, his experiences working Taylor Sheridan, and what he has coming down the pike.
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COLE HAUSER COMES FROM MOVIE MAKING ROYALTY. The great-grandson of film mogul Harry Warner, a founding partner of Warner Bros. Entertainment back in 1923, Cole grew up in a family of actors, writers and producers.
COLE FEVERYELLOWSTONEHAUSER
by Audrey Pavia | portraits by John Russo
INTERVIEW
Cole Hauser: A good friend of mine, John Linson, who's the co-creator at Yellowstone, was friends with Taylor Sheridan, the writer. John sent me the script and said, "Take a look at [Kevin] Costner's kids and let me know." I read the script and immediately was drawn to Rip. I just thought he's a guy that over time can grow into an exceptional character. Taylor is such a great writer that I thought, “I'll get to know him and he'll get to know me, and we'll get along. He's a horse guy. I'm a horse guy.” I have a lot of friends down in Texas [where Sheridan lives], and just talking to Taylor for two hours on the phone, we saw eye to eye. Again, I saw the future of him, I guess.
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C&S Magazine: How did you come to play Rip?
Yes, one of my favorite films at that time was Sicario with Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro. An unbelievable cast, but Taylor’s writing—I thought he depicted the border and what was going on down there brilliantly. I was very interested in that place in America, the issues going on down there. I thought he did a wonderful job of creating that story and telling it.
INTERVIEWTHE
It turned out to be a great fit. Were you familiar with Taylor's work before you read that script?
You look like a seasoned rider on screen. Tell me about your horse background. I grew up on a ranch. I've been riding since I could walk. We used to have a pony named Cinnamon. He used to take me out to the Oregon countryside, and my mom would ring the bell every night as the sun was going down, and Cinnamon would walk me back. He'd lower his head and I'd slide down his neck. That was the beginning, and then I rode up until probably 11 years old. I then got away from it, and went and played sports and did other things. I eventually came back to it. It's like riding a bike. You remember. The sense of how horses are comes back to you, and the way you need to be with them. On this show, working with Jake Ream [Yellowstone actor and horseman], and with Taylor, they had me do every western riding discipline, from reigning to cutting, roping, using different saddles, different horses. That sped up the process in getting back into the feeling of being a great rider again. Now, I haven't ridden in a year-and-a-half, so I'm going to be sore as shit for a while.
Yellowstone fever seems stronger than ever with fans of the show. Yes. I'm excited any time that I get to go do this show. I love Montana. I have family in Montana. My dad's side of the family's been there since the 1800s, so I feel at home there, and I get to be in nature. It’s the best “office” in the world.
"I HAVE FAMILY IN MONTANA. MY DAD'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY'S BEEN THERE SINCE THE 1800S, SO I FEEL AT HOME THERE, AND I GET TO BE IN NATURE. IT’S THE BEST “OFFICE” IN THE WORLD."
McSherryErinHauser:ColeforStylistWardrobe LamelzaBarbaraHauser:ColeforGrooming
CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 INTERVIEWTHE
"TAYLOR’S DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF EXPLORING WHO RIP IS, WHAT GETS HIM GOING, THE BLACKNESS IN HIS HEART, THE RED THAT'S STILL THERE. IT'S BEEN FUN TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THOSE DIFFERENT COLORS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS."
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That totally disarms her. Exactly, right?
I wanted to ask you about Rip's relationship with Beth on Yellowstone . It's such a contrast between Beth's relationship with everyone else. Why do you think Rip has such a special place in Beth's hardened heart?
How do you connect to Rip's backstory? How does your history inform your interpretation of the character?
Well, that first episode, she was really mean to you. You just walked away. You looked at her and walked away. Yes. I'm like, "I don't need your shit. See you later.”
Do you have any other projects in the offing right now that you want to tell us about?
Yes, exactly. There's a lot of "Take 'em to the train station," "Send Rip" T-shirts and whiskey glasses for sale out there. Are you awed by Yellowstone becoming a cultural phenomenon? I've had that question asked a lot recently, and I'm not so much awed by it. I think when you have a grassroots show like this, that started very small and is built from the interior of the country out, and now it's finally seemingly hit California and New York, which took many years, then you've done it the right way. You've taken the stairs versus the elevator. Each year, we've taken those steps to really solidify not only our audience, but the love for the show.
Yes. I have many that I have been working on for the last eight, nine months. We’re just going out with a show called Chosin , which is about the Korean War and about the Chosin Reservoir, which is one of the most brutal battles in the history of our country against the Chinese. We’re developing a TV show, and it’ll be shot in Korea. Then, there's The Westies, which I wrote and am going to direct. It’s about the Irish mob in 1975 until the '80s, and the rise and fall of their reign in New York, and scaring the shit out of the Italians and the police for a few years. [laughs]
Yes. Because if you guys went head-to-head, that could get ugly. Yes. For example, when she gets pissed off, I start laughing at her. [laughs] It's like, "Okay, honey."
Yes. That's why God made Advil. Were you a fan of the Western genre before Yellowstone?
I've been a fan since I can remember. I love all Westerns, even Giant [a 1956 epic film starring James Dean]. Those kinds of Westerns, to the Spaghetti Westerns, to the old American and Hispanic Westerns. I'm a film historian when it comes to Westerns, so I love it.
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"RIP AND BETH HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER SINCE HE WAS AN ORPHAN CHILD AT THE AGE OF 12. EVERY PERSON HAS THAT SOULMATE, THAT PERSON WHO’S KIND OF THE YIN TO THEIR YANG."
But he's scary too at the same time. He's not one you would want to take on, that's for sure.
continued on page 62 INTERVIEWTHE
Rip is such an interesting character because he's terrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. He can be both things. Yes, and he has a big, big heart.
done a wonderful job of exploring who Rip is, what gets him going, the blackness in his heart, the red that's still there. It's been fun to be able to play those different colors throughout the years.
There's obviously a huge history between the two of them. Rip and Beth have known each other since he was an orphan child at the age of 12. Every person has that soulmate, that person who’s kind of the yin to their yang. The way I've tried to portray Rip with her is he's not interested in butting heads. He has a way of breaking down her seriousness or anger or emotion with either kindness or love. Those are the things that make them special.
His backstory has been one that's been worked on between Taylor and I. Taylor’s imagination and some of my past with my own family and my own father. Taylor has become a really good friend, and he knows a lot about my family and what I've gone through. He hasn’t used all of it, but he has used some of it to trigger certain things in me as an actor and also in Rip. Taylor’s
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There's also a film I want to do in Southeast Asia called Lost Soldiers, written by Jim Webb. It's basically post-Vietnam, about a former soldier who’s been working for the government bringing the North Vietnamese and Americans out of the war and into conversations about moving forward. Those are really the projects I'm focused on right now.
It’s part of the DNA. I didn't openly speak about that though when I was auditioning as a child. Nobody knew. I don't have the Warner last name or Sperling or anything.
Audrey Pavia is an award-winning writer and editor living in Southern California. She has authored twenty-three nonfiction books. Audrey is a consulting editor and frequent contributor to Cigar & Spirits Magazine .
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You're going to be busy. You’ve got to fit Yellowstone in there somewhere. [laughs] Yes, that's priority number one.
This was great, Cole. Same here. Nice to meet you.
Show biz is in your genes.
I have to ask if you guys get the chance to partake in any cigars or spirits on the Yellowstone set or after shooting?
It’s a blessing. When you think about what my family has been able to accomplish on the Warner side—they created sound and film. We wouldn't be here doing this without Sam Warner’s innovation, the Vitaphone. In many respects, they changed Hollywood. I'm very proud of that side of my family. I never had the chance to sit in a room with any of them, unfortunately. I did have a chance to know Milton Sperling [Cole’s maternal grandfather], who was a writer and producer who wrote some unbelievable films. He was essentially my dad growing up. I got to see him for the first 12 years of my life. Then, my mom [Cass Warner] is in the business. She's got Warner Sisters. She's developing a show right now with Warner Bros. about the family history. My dad [Wings Hauser] is a musician and actor. It’s all through my family.
There's a bunch of cowboys there, so to be honest, after a good day's work of running cows and stuff like that, they like to have some whiskey and beer.
We can’t wait for Season 5. [laughs] You and 300 million Americans.
Sounds great!
You have really strong Hollywood roots. Would you say that was a blessing or a curse when you decided to become an actor?
INTERVIEWTHE
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C&S PROMOTIONAL
Kemo Sabe has its finger on the pulse of what their customers are looking for. “Every little odd thing that happens with a cowboy hat, it started at Kemo Sabe. We are way on top of innovation for everything cowboy. Branding, distressing, flair or swag on the hats. I believe we’ve started it all,” she explains.
“We can customize almost anything, from buckles to boots to belts, you name it. The sky’s the limit,” Wendy offers. “You can’t walk into Prada and develop a bag in there, no way. But you can in our store. If your style is a full gator Hermes bag, we can make it. Anything you dream up. We want you to get that special thing.”
But while this experience draws people in, it’s the unmatched quality of Kemo Sabe’s products that turns them into customers. Customization is at the core of their business, giving their clientele ultimate creative power to design a one-of-a-kind piece unique to them.
MANY WORDS evoke the romantic spirit of the cowboy across the West. Grit. Courage. Bravery. Relentless. Kemo Sabe, a top-tier western wear brand, also embodies these traits.
KEMO SABE
TRUE GRIT WESTERN WEAR
The luxury western wear brand was originally founded by Tom and Nancy Yoder in 1990. They had one mission: turn everyone into a cowboy.
“Our products are timeless, artistic, beautiful and romantic. We are sticking to tradition, and all the really cool things about the cowboy.”
kemosabe.com
by Lexy Donaldson
“Fear is a silly emotion. Screw it. You’ve got to just go for it.”
“Their vision was always about getting non-cowboys to wear cowboy attire. I’m not talking about hokey cowboy attire. I’m talking about the real deal stuff—something that looks like your grandpa’s hat, or this buckle that has a patina. Something that when you look at it—you know its artistry.”
Despite Kemo Sabe’s commitment to evolving with the times, tradition remains at the heart of the brand. The company and its products are enduring despite hardships and transitions over the last thirty years.
What started with Yoder distressing hats in his garage has evolved into one of the most iconic storefronts in the West. With locations in Aspen, Vail, Las Vegas and an upcoming Jackson Hole location, Kemo Sabe’s line of premium hats, boots, apparel and accessories are beloved from celebrities to everyday cowboys alike. From day one, Yoder ran the business with the motto: Make The Customer Feel Important or “MTCFI.”
Growth is definitely on the horizon for Wendy and her team. The acquisition of their new Jackson Hole location is an example of her fearless leadership style. She drew in a realtor from a cowboy bar after spending just one day in the ski town to see store locations. “That’s the stuff,” she says.
“Our secret sauce is giving that experience,” explains Wendy. “It’s not about goods. If you are good at what you, are honest and helpful and explain things romantically… that’s the traditional way of doing things. Yoder really pushed that into our brains. It’s about making memories, and not just about buying something.”
“Going through the tough times and coming out better, that’s The Cowboy Way,” says Kemo Sabe current owner and CEO Wendy Kunkle. “Failure is not an option. We are going to kick some ass.”
66 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 Shutterstock.com/NicoliChepe Ratings are based on the average blind tasting scores of each cigar by a panel of ten cigar experts. These connoisseurs possess more than 100 years of combined cigar-smoking experience. To provide feedback on any of the ratings, or to offer your own opinions on any of the cigars featured, write us at: feedback@cigarandspirits.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and leave your comments: BUYER’SCIGARFALLGUIDE FOR YOUR HUMIDOR facebook.com/cigarandspiritsmagazine @CigarSpiritsMag @CigarAndSpirits C & S
Notes: Milk chocolate and cinnamon raisin tastes are featured along the first third of the cigar. There’s an ample amount of aromatic smoke output throughout. The close is sweet with caramel and more milk chocolate.
6 x 44 Wrapper:CoronaNicaraguan Corojo 2012
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaraguan
ALEC BRADLEY DOUBLE BROADLEAF
Filler: Columbian, Dominican, Nicaraguan, U.S.A.
COHIBA SERIE M
AGANORSA LEAF
Notes: The AB Connecticut Broadleaf leads with upper palate spice once the cigar is fired up. As the smoke progresses, there’s a subtle barbecue flavor profile, much like slow-roasted brisket and hearty beef. The blend is nicely executed, the burn is stellar and the draw is virtually perfect.
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Wrapper:ToroNicaraguan Corojo
FLACO MADURO LIMITED EDITION
Strength: Full
Notes: This handsomely constructed Lonsdale greets with cedar and oak. The initial tastes move along into grass and tea notes with a nutty finish. The Guardian features an impeccable draw.
ATL BLACK TORPEDO
6 x 52 Wrapper:TorpedoMexican San Andres
Connecticut Shade
5 x 50 Wrapper:RobustoU.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf
Strength: Medium
7 x 43 Wrapper:LonsdaleMexican San Andres
GUARDIAN OF THE FARM CERBERUS LONSDALE
Binder: Masaya, Nicaraguan
CASA CUEVAS
Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Strength:NicaraguanMedium
Strength: Medium/Full
AJ FERNANDEZ NEW WORLD CONNECTICUT
5 x 50 Wrapper:RobustoU.S.A.
Notes: This AJ is creamy and smooth. It features subtle tastes of green tea, cinnamon and cedar. It builds nicely from mild to medium as you work your way through the smoking session. The finish is nutty and sweet.
Filler: Dominican (Piloto Cubano) and Nicaraguan (Estelí and Jalapa)
6 x 52
90 CIGAR RATING 92 CIGAR RATING 93 CIGAR RATING 89 CIGAR RATING 90 CIGAR RATING 91 CIGAR RATING
Filler: Estelí, Jalapa and Pueblo Nuevo, Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaraguan
Notes: The construction and burn are excellent. This nearly two hour smoking session offered tastes of fruit and vegetal notes at the start. The oats and honey featured on the finish were a welcomed surprise.
Binder: U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf, Nicaraguan
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.
Strength: Medium
Strength: Mild/Medium
Filler: Brazilian, Nicaraguan
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan
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KNUCKLE SANDWICH MADURO TORO H
HIRAM & SOLOMON REVIVAL TORO
Notes: The Ma Deuce pays homage to the longest-serving weapon in the U.S. military arsenal—the .50 bullet. The Deuce smokes evenly with a fine ash. The floral and herbal notes play nicely off the peppery, chocolatey and creamy tastes throughout the smoking session. It’s a masculine cigar deserving of its name.
Notes: This Knuckle Sandwich is a handsome and flavorful cigar. The oily wrapper offers a great feel to the hand. The leather, earth, dark chocolate scents and tastes make for a delightful blend.
Notes: This Escobar is a blend of three vintage sun-grown and aged tobaccos from Nicaraguan soil. The draw is premium, and the smoke output is aromatic. The initial flavors are predominantly dark roast coffee and black pepper. The finish is subtle with hints of wood, leather and cedar.
Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Strength:NicaraguanMedium
MADURO DISTINGUIDOS ROMEO CIGAR
Notes: This H&S blend has a stellar profile. The sticky, slightly sweet mouthfeel and consistent burn are highlights. There are evident tastes of buttered bread and lightly salted nuts throughout the smoke. The finish is creamy and soothing.
89 CIGAR RATING 93 CIGAR RATING 91 CIGAR RATING 91 CIGAR RATING 92 CIGAR RATING 92 CIGAR RATING
FRATELLO CIGARS ARLEQUÍN
6 x 52
Strength:Filler:Binder:Wrapper:ToroEcuadorianMexicanSanAndresNicaraguanMedium/Full
Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Nicaraguan, Peruvian Strength: Medium
HOOTEN YOUNG MA DEUCE
5.5 x 52 Distinguidos Romeo
Notes: You’ll experience clearly defined notes of cinnamon, layered chocolate sweetness and Mediterranean spices. The draw is stellar, the cigar has ample amounts of smoke and burns nicely throughout.
OLD VIRGINIA TOBACCO 50TH ANNIVERSARY
ESCOBAR CIGARS
Wrapper: Ecuadorian, San Andres Maduro, U.S.A. Connecticut
Wrapper:ToroEcuadorian Habano
STILLWELL STAR AROMATIC NO. 1 6 x 52
6 x 54
6 x 58
.50 CALIBER TORPEDO
Notes: The cigar kicks in with a strong black licorice taste. The ample smoke solidifies the initial taste experience. Fortunately, the cigar mellows nicely and does justice to the pipe tobacco used in this line: Black Cavendish, Golden Virginia and Burley pipe tobaccos create an interesting experience as a flavored cigar.
Wrapper:ToroEcuadorian Sumatra Maduro
Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Dominican, U.S.A. Pennsylvania Strength: Mild/Medium
Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Strength:NicaraguanMedium/Full
Wrapper:PerfectoSanAndrés Mexico
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Binder: Indonesian Filler: Strength:NicaraguanMedium
ESPINOSA CIGARS
4 x Wrapper:54 U.S.A. Connecticut Havana Seed
LA GLORIA CUBANA CRIOLLO DE ORO TORO
LA GALERA ROBUSTO CONNECTICUT
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5 x 52
Notes: This robusto is certain to find its way into your morning rotation. The burn is even, and the aromatic smoke carries all the way through. The tastes of blonde roast coffee with cream, cinnamon raisin, rich cocoa and peanuts in the cigar make for a great way to kick-start the day.
Binder: U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium
93 CIGAR RATING 94 CIGAR RATING 95 CIGAR RATING 91 CIGAR RATING 89 CIGAR RATING 91 CIGAR RATING
Wrapper:ToroJamao Dominican
JOYA DE NICARAGUA NUMERO
5 x 54
AJ FERNANDEZ HERITAGE 6 x 54
Binder: Dominican Filler: Strength:DominicanFull
DIAMOND CROWN BLACK DIAMOND
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Strength:NicaraguanMild/Medium
5 x 50 Wrapper:RobustoEcuadorian, U.S.A. Connecticut Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Varied Strength: Medium
UNO L'AMBASSADEUR
H. UPMANN NICARAGUA
Strength:Filler:Binder:Wrapper:ToroBrazilianNicaraguanNicaraguanMedium/Full
Notes: This DCBD is a strengthened version of the 2016 release–hand rolled in Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic. The Connecticut Havana wrapper is tasty, with a blend of finely aged (five years) Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. The notes are salty, peppery and spicy with just enough walnut and brown sugar accents that make for a memorable smoking session. The smoke output is formidable.
Notes: There’s a bit of sweet tingle to this blend. Maple, milk chocolate and hints of clove make for a stellar cigar that finishes with surprising zest. The smoke billows elegantly throughout the experience.
J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR CO.
6 5/8 x 48 Lonsdale
Notes: This highly-lauded Joya is superb from start to finish–a creamy and delicious cigar. The sweet cream, vanilla bean, cashew and caramel tastes and scents are appreciated by those seeking a finely crafted morning or nightcap cigar. The draw is effortless.
Wrapper:ToroDominican (Criollo de Oro)
MACANUDO INSPIRADO JAMAO TORO
Notes: The Inspirado line has given cigar enthusiasts some hits and misses. Let’s place the Jamao in the hit category. The smoke is ample. The burn is stellar. The tastes of herbs, wood, cedar and tea make for a unique and flavorful smoke. It’s enhanced by a maple finish.
Notes: Tastes of leather and maple hit right off the bat. This LGC is nicely blended, and the oily wrapper is smooth in the hand. It has a midrange draw at the very start, but loosens up quite a bit. The finish is floral and sweet.
Binder: Honduran Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium
6.25 x 60 Figurado Maduro
PDR CIGARS
NAT CICCO FIFTY-FIVE
Strength:Filler:Binder:Wrapper:ValienteNicaraguanNicaraguanNicaraguanMedium/Full
MY FATHER CIGARS
Strength:Filler:Binder:Wrapper:RobustoNicaraguanDominicanDominican,NicaraguanMedium
5 x 50
Notes: La Libertad is a bold beauty robusto. There are distinct notes of dark almond chocolate, dark roasted coffee and molasses. The draw is effortless, and the bit of black pepper at the finish is a nice cap to the experience.
SIGNATURE LIMITED EDITION
Wrapper:RobustoNicaraguan, U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf
Notes: PDR (Pinar Del Rio) has a new name–PDR (Puros Dominican Republic). The PDR factory is located in the Dominican Republic, and the company wanted to align itself more closely with the DR vs. its Cuban roots. The robusto offered in the revamped El Criollito line is a balanced smoke, expertly blended with tastes of nuts, dark roasted coffee and a hint of cinnamon throughout.
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.
Strength: Medium
70 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 MONTECRISTO
5 x 54
EL CRIOLLITO
5 x 52
Wrapper:RobustoEcuadorian Criollo ‘98
Strength: Full
NAT CICCO CIGARS
LA DUENA
RESERVA FAMILIAR
6 x 52
PICHARDO
Filler: Nicaraguan, U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf
Notes: This is a toothy cigar, and the smoke output is outstanding. It features aromatic smoke that offers whiffs of black pepper and leather. The taste profile is complex—rich espresso, cinnamon, walnuts and hickory are all there for the taking.
VILLIGER CIGARS
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
LA LIBERTAD
Binder: Nicaraguan, U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf
Strength:Filler:Binder:Wrapper:ConnecticutEcuadorianNicaraguanNicaraguanMedium
Strength: Full Notes: The bold profile of La Duena is a perfect pairing with your java of choice. It’s sweet, spicy and bold with evident tastes of espresso, clove, allspice and rich mocha.
Notes: This Montecristo offering is blended by the renowned Grupo de Maestros, and that’s always a good thing when it comes to quality assurance. It’s expertly crafted with serious tastes of sweet earth, salt and dried fruits. The rich caramel taste and scent at the finish is sublime.
Binder: Indonesian Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Binder: Mexican Filler: Dominican, Ecuadorian Criollo ‘98
ESPADA 6 x 55
C&S 72 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 YOUR GUIDE TO ROCKING RUM THIS FALL FALL SPOTLIGHTRUM FOR YOUR HOME BAR
HAVANA TRIBUTOCLUB2020
MSRP: $456 | ABV: 40%
DOS MADERAS RUM
BARCELÓ IMPERIAL RUM
MSRP: $45.00 I ABV: 45%
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Notes: Don Papa’s flagship rum is aged seven years in an ultrahumid climate. The process intensifies the interaction between the rum and the American oak barrels, draws out the vanilla flavors from the wood and brings about its full-flavored taste with notes of honey and candied fruits.
BOUKMAN BOTANICAL RHUM
MSRP: $29.99 I ABV: 38% ABV
Notes: Boukman Rhum is infused with 7 botanicals: native woods and barks, bitter orange peel citrus, allspice, clove, vanilla, bitter almond and cinnamon. This rhum is gorgeous. The palate presents a pleasingly plush body with subtle spicy flavors of black pepper and clove married with racing floral and botanical notes. The rhum is complex and memorable.
DOS MADERAS 5+3
MSRP: $49.99 I ABV: 40%
MSRP: $31.99 I ABV: 40%
MSRP: $39.99 | ABV: 40%
BAYOU RUM SINGLE BARREL BATCH 001
Notes: This rum uses locally sourced sugarcane and copper pot stills from Louisiana. The Single Barrel Batch 001 was aged in previously filled rye barrels for two years and four months. There are hints of smoked oak, bursts of pepper and tropical fruits and has a complex palate of spice, oak, honey, pineapple and creamy banana with a balanced finish of spice, marshmallow and crème brûlée.
Notes: Dos Maderas is a blend of 5-year-old Bajon and Guyanese Rum that rests for an additional three years in casks of 20-year-old Palo Cortado. The palate is balanced with ripe fruit and tropical spice, layered over smoky oak with hints of sherry and a tobacco finish. This rum works equally well on the rocks, or as a mixer in rum cocktails.
Notes: This rum marks the 5th anniversary of the Tributo Collection with a limited release of 2,500 bottles globally. It features a cherry amber color, with dried fruits, sweet caramel and bitter chocolate. There are notes of poached pears with hints of old leather, spices and smooth old cigar aroma. The finish reveals tastes of chocolate and vanilla that showcase the rum’s natural aging.
Notes: Barceló Imperial is made from nectar of the best selection of Dominican sugarcane harvested on the brand’s plantations creating the ageing of Barceló’s finest rum reserves. The rum is naturally aged for up to 10 years in optimum climatic conditions— there’s harmony of color, fragrance and flavor to experience with this wonderful expression.
DON PAPA 7 YEAR OLD SMALL BATCH RUM
DON PAPA RUM
HOLMES CAY SINGLE CASK RUM BARBADOS 2005 LIMITED EDITION LUXURY RUM
HERCULES MULLIGAN HERCULES MULLIGAN RUM & RYE
Notes: The initial taste reveals a nectar-sweet quality, leading to a weightier body that’s formidable in character but not overbearing. The light notes of vanilla and wood hit the palate creating a spirit that’s an incredibly smooth offering.
Notes: KYLR Rum has created a clean, silver rum by using local ingredients and a distilling process that comes in at 12 times. This American rum has a moderate sweetness to it that can be tasted in the mid-palate area, imparted by the brown sugar. KLYR’S versatility makes it the ideal partner for soda and fruit. Enjoy neat, on the rocks, shaken or even stirred.
KIRK AND SWEENEY RESERVA RUM
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Notes: The Single Cask Rum starts with a nose of brown sugar and butterscotch and moves forward on the palate with notes of caramelized toffee, tangerine and vanilla. There’s a crisp mouthfeel leading to a light woody finish with a heft of peppery spice.
Notes: This rum opens with aromas of vanilla, tannins and sugar. It tastes as if toasted in Irish butter that melds with coconut, banana and cherry-almond pastry. The palate presents a delicate caramel butter, before a bright warmth leading to rich wood, a little more cherry-almond, then crushed cacao nibs. The delicious dessert notes fade into wood in the finish.
PANAMÁ PACIFIC RUM 23 YEARS
KOLOA KAUAI COFFEE RUM
MSRP: $38 | ABV: 43%
KLYR RUM
Notes: This rum & rye creation offers a mélange of honey, bitters and a ginger-forward experience on the nose. It has a complex palate featuring tastes as experienced on the nose, and this delightful Hercules Mulligan has a finish that closes with exotic fruits–warm and lengthy.
MSRP: $32.95 | ABV: 34%
Notes: The initial sips are bold and robust with espresso notes that are captivating and invigorating. The finish is dry with hints of light vanilla, stone fruit, hazelnut, and chocolate.
MSRP: $149 | ABV: 64%
MSRP: $27.00 I ABV: 40%
MSRP: $65 | ABV: 42.3%
MSRP: $39 | ABV: 40%
UNFORSAKENUNFORSAKEN-DARKSUMATRANAMEBOOLITTOROSIXTYSEVENTYDARKDARKDARKDARK4.75x466x526x606x704.75x466x526x606x70 32 ct 24 ct 24 ct 24 ct COLORSIZE BOX OF BUNDLE Dark Sumatra Nicaraguan binder and filler; barrel aged, medium to full body; extremely rich with notes of cedar, spice, roasted co ee and complex taste of sweetness.
Notes: This un-aged white rum is harvested from the brand’s oldest varieties—Cain, from Mamo Field, which stands on the terroir known as Boulders. On the nose, the rum is clean with mellow hints of caramel and vanilla. The palate offers a robust spicy-cinnamon to allspice flavor, but with soft undertones of a sweet roasted nuttiness. The spiciness creates a long-lasting finish.
Notes: This Papa’s expression is an ultra-premium sipping rum. It’s bold and complex (much like Papa Hemingway himself) with rich, caramelized oranges, maple, vanilla and toasted almonds that culminate in a velvety finish.
PUSSER’S RUM LTD. PUSSER’S RUM TRUE AGED 15 YEAR
MSRP $70 | ABV: 40%
MSRP: $35 | ABV: 57%
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PAPA’S PILAR DARK RUM
MSRP: $32 I ABV: 35%
Notes: This medium rum is round and fruity with a dark amber color, and aged for 16 years. It offers nicely balanced flavors of tropical dried fruits, toasted nuts and cooked pineapple on the nose. There are tastes of torched pineapple with a mellow blend of cherry and vanilla. It finishes with medium-long woody notes, raisins and a tropical zest.
TIKI DARKLOVERSRUM
MSRP: $65 I ABV: 50%
Notes: This Pusser’s Rum expression is sourced from some of the rarest rum stocks in the world, produced in 250 year old wood pot stills—only 3 in the world exist. This produces a full and round bodied rum—notes of burnt sugar, and dark dried fruits are abundant with an over-charred oak flavor. It has a pleasantly warm and smooth creamy vanilla finish.
NOTES: A complex, rich and masculine rum with hints of vanilla, dark fruit, molasses and spice. This Tiki clearly evokes flavors of the Caribbean Islands.
SELVAREY COCONUT RUM
DOUBLETANDUAYRUM EXTRA SPECIAL BLEND
MSRP $39 | ABV: 43%
MSRP: $49.99 | ABV: 40%
RENEGADE RUM PRE-CASK COLLECTION SINGLE FARM ORIGIN: HOPE
Notes: SelvaRey Coconut Rum is a two-year-old aged rum featuring hints of fresh coconut water, key lime pie, pineapple and tres leches. It’s a smooth spirit with a complex blend. It serves well with rum and a splash of soda, fresh juice or mixed in a Piña Colada.
>> Left to right: Bradley and Alec Rubin
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CigarsBradleyAlecofcourtesyPhoto
For Alec and Bradley, sons of Alec Bradley Cigars founder Alan Rubin, life in the cigar industry was not always written in the stars. When the brothers were young, they were peripherally aware of the ins and outs of their father’s company. In fact, what they remember more than anything, is a sense of antipathy surrounding the tobacco culture.
Mary Jane Clark is the Director of Events & Sales for Cigar & Spirits Magazine is the author of a book of poetry entitled Colors, The Limited Edition
by Mary Jane Clark
Alec recalls from his childhood, “Growing up with your family in the cigar industry is a strange thing when you’re a kid. For instance, I remember my dad couldn’t come to Career Day because he sold tobacco. I remember writing a paper in elementary school about the history of tobacco in the United States, and I got a bad grade on it purely because it was about tobacco. I certainly didn’t understand the negative outlook on it. Even in my youth, I felt that what my dad did brought joy to people.”
I
alecbradley.com
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certainly do complement one another as they have become a dynamic duo in the industry. Bradley focuses on branding and art—refining the artwork and image of the company. Alec enjoys the process of tobacco blending itself, and absorbing the culture at the factory. Alec & Bradley is a separate entity to Alec Bradley Cigars. The freedom this new line gave the brothers offered them the ability to thrive. Alec notes, “Our dad was slowing down from traveling at the time we started making our way. We began to go to all the events, meet people, show them who we are and what value we add to the company.”
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Alec, in comparison, felt the transition from part-time work with the company in college to full-time work after graduation was the most natural progression. What might not have been so natural, however, was finding a way to work in harmony with his brother. The brothers needed to adjust to one another’s different ways of handling some situations. “We are different in almost every way possible,” says Alec.
t’s an age-old tale—two brothers set out to imprint their vision on the family business, and meet challenges and success head on.
Alec continues, “Alec Bradley Cigars has created such a strong brand identity, and we don’t want to disrupt it. Our platform gives us the ability to introduce ourselves, and create based on our preferences.”
To date, they have released three blends. Blind Faith, Gatekeeper and Kintsugi. Each has received a high degree of acclaim within the industry and consumers.
This initial defense of the family company, and the industry itself, sparked somewhat of an interest in both sons. Although they were never pressured into working for Alec Bradley, they felt a slow and steady draw towards cigars. Bradley says, “There was a bit of a struggle. My dad was really trying to find his way within the industry. He started the company when Alec was
BEHIND THE LEAF BROTHERSBUSINESSIN
The brand’s growth was gaining steady traction by 2010. Bradley recognized the value of the family name. “To see our names on it was something unimaginable. Something clicked in me, and I realized that I was involved regardless. I wanted to learn more.” Bradley enjoyed cigars all throughout college, and when graduation came time, he realized there was no better choice than working at Alec Bradley. “Why wouldn’t I want to do this? It has my name on it. I love it. I get to work with my big brother, my dad and my grandfather. To work with three generations of family at the same time—even if it didn’t work out—I knew that time we’d have together was incredibly special.”
four and I was one. What we remember most is that the first ten years were a big push for him.”
The brothers quickly bonded because of their passion for cigars. They realized that stepping away from their family a bit to create their own identity would be the perfect way to make their imprint on the cigar world. Evidently, they most
The Rubin brothers remain steadfast in creating projects for the future of Alec & Bradley, but they’ve been spending much of 2022 working with their father to execute on Alec Bradley Cigars’ releases, including the recent launches of Alec Bradley Double Broadleaf, Project 40 07.70, Project 40 Maduro 07.70 and New-Mix Classics.
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ALEC AND BRADLEY MAKE THEIR MARK
It’s coveted because Pappy Van Winkle is sold in limited annual quantities. It’s not a brand that’s reached mythical standards for no good reason. The liquid matches the myth.
Making quality bourbon has been a family business for four generations. We had the opportunity to catch up with Pappy’s Carrie Greener. Along with her sisters, Louise and Chenault, they are the keepers of the flame. Their Pappy & Company store, based appropriately in Louisville, Ky., features product lines that commemorate and modernize all things Pappy. During our conversation, we were able to touch on the value of looking back at an iconic bourbon, and take a look at the future.
by Randy Mastronicola
T
HE BOURBON BOOM WE’VE EXPERIENCED in the United States this past decade or so just about rivals the cigar boom that occurred in the 1990s. There are hundreds of options for consumers to select from, but Pappy Van Winkle is the holy grail for many enthusiasts.
PAPPY VANKEEPSCARRIEWINKLEGREENERTHEFLAME
D oes a hypothetical $600 pour tickle your fancy? A record-breaking sale of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 Year took place at the 2021 Art of Bourbon Auction. It sold for $15,000. Not too shabby. There are a variety of expressions of Pappy if you can get your hands on them. They run the gamut. For example, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year ($899.99-$1,599.99) to Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Family Reserve ($5,000-$8,950).
80 / CIGAR & SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 C & S
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ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT
>> Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle’s legacy lives on at Pappy & Co.
>> The Pappy store in Louisville, Ky. is a must-see spot for Pappy Van Winkle fans across the world.
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>> Pappy Van Winkle is distilled and bottled by the Sazerac Company at the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
“PAPPY WAS A SALESMAN, A MAN OF HIS WORD, A THING.DOANDTOWHOCHARACTERTRUEWASABLEBEHIMSELFALWAYSTHERIGHT”
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C&S Magazine: Tell us about your current role with Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Pappy & Company.
Shutterstock.com/DellenvanKelly
wasn’t any merchandise associated with our family’s brand, and that's how we got into the business. We started creating merchandise branded with bourbon and the Pappy name, and then it just evolved from there.
Carrie Greener: I started this business in 2013 with my two sisters, Louise and Chenault (we are actually triplets). I like to say that I’m in charge of the “front facing” part of the brand. My primary role is in product development, but I also work closely with marketing, events, partnerships and general branding. Our bourbon brand is famous, but it's actually a small family-run business. We realized that there
How rewarding is it for you that Pappy Van Winkle is an iconic brand? Honestly, I don't often stop to think about it, but when there’s a special occasion or acknowledgement, it makes me realize how grateful I am to have this incredible family legacy. It’s
SMART. SIMPLE. SALT-FREE. INTEGRA-PRODUCTS.COM YOUR CIGARS. YOUR WAY. Regulate humidity at 69% or 72% RH. Integra’s salt-free and plant-based 2-way humidity control technology preserves the flavor, aroma, and quality of your cigars and will prevent mold & overdrying. FOR EVERY STORAGE SYSTEM. Multiple sizes are available for every storage application - travel caess, jars, zip-top disposable bags, humidors, or any other sealed container. CONVENIENT TO MONITOR. A Replacement Indicator Card comes with each Boost® pack to help you identify humidity levels. The pink dot on the card will turn light blue indicating it’s time to replace the pack. @integraproducts @integra_products USE INTEGRA-PRODUCTS.COMYOURC&SBOOST15CODE:FOR15%OFFORDEROFFERONLYVALIDON
It's our family’s name on the product, we are closely connected to our brands, so it's in our blood and all we know is what it takes to make such quality products. We feel very thankful that Drew Estate Cigars shares the same standards for excellence, so together we can offer a cigar collection like nothing else you’ll find in the premium cigar market.
“
>> Pappy and Drew Estate Cigars make for a powerhouse pairing any day of the week.
The values of our great grandfather Pappy are at the forefront of everything we do today. Pappy was a salesman, a man of his word, a true character who was able to be himself and always do the right thing. My grandfather, and dad carried on these same values, not by being told, but by seeing and doing. It's all they knew. Through building Pappy & Company and being fourth generation Van Winkles, we’ve realized that these values have also come naturally to us. It’s important to formalize them, and pave the way for future generations. We keep it fun. We are family-focused. We do the right thing. We put quality first. We hustle.
THERE WAS NO MASTER PLAN TO MAKE THIS ASPIRATIONALAN OR ELITE BRAND, SO I THINK WE’RE A GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN WITH HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND STAYING TRUE TO YOURSELF AND YOUR VALUES.”
not always easy, but I feel so thankful for the opportunity. The idea that we can impact so many potential customers beyond the bourbon consumers is really rewarding. It makes me feel like we are giving back to a greater community, and we’re extending our family’s values.
How does the Pappy Van Winkle legacy inform your goals with the brand today?
What are the aspects that make Pappy Van Winkle so sought-after, elite, aspirational and collectible?
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Well, I think it's a multitude of things. We have a real story. A real brand with a real person on the label, and a real family behind it. Consumers seek that in a brand, but it's hard to find these days. Also, the simple psychology of “you want what you can't have.” Because the bourbon supply can't keep up with the demand, there’s been hyperawareness and focus on a brand that makes an exceptional product. There was no master plan to make this an aspirational or elite brand, so I think we’re a great example of what can happen with hard work, dedication and staying true to yourself and your values. And while we appreciate the following that has made us a collectible and sought-after brand, we always try to stay humble to who we are.
Tell us about your passion for bringing fine cigars and bourbon to the world.
Pappy loved cigars, so it was a natural product extension for us. When it came to making the actual blends and determining what kind of cigars we wanted to sell, we knew it had to uphold the same quality and distinct flavor profile that our family’s bourbon possesses.
What should we be on the lookout for in 2022 and beyond?
Absolutely. We believe firmly that cigars and bourbon are meant to be enjoyed hand in hand. But we also don’t think or expect that it has to be PVW paired with our cigars. Given that we have two distinct blends: our Barrel Fermented and our Tradition, as well as an array of cigar sizes and unique limited-edition cigars, there really is a cigar style and pairing for everyone. For example, our Barrel Fermented blend pairs really well with rye. Its rich flavor profile is nicely complemented by the spicier flavor notes that rye possesses. However, our Tradition blend is a more classic cigar and pairs well with bourbon and American whiskeys.
number of limited release cigars that are only available for a very limited time in limited numbers. Our cigar accessories line was enhanced by the release of our custom humidors earlier this year as well. We’re excited to be launching a very special bar accessories collection early next year, pieces inspired by family heirlooms, yet made for everyday use and perfect cocktail and entertaining accouterments.
pappyco.com
Randy Mastronicola is the Executive Editor of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.
We’re also working hard to expand our culinary offerings. The quality of our barrels and the multitude of uses we’re finding for them after the barrels have been dumped are endless. They add a special flavor profile to the gourmet food products we create. These take time to develop, and we’ll never rush the process. We want to make sure that quality comes first, and that our family’s legacy and values stand behind anything we release.
>> Sisters, triplets and co-founders (left to right) Chenault, Carrie and Louise continue to honor the family’s bourbon legacy at Pappy and Co. by offering unique products to brand enthusiasts.
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It’s already been an exciting year for us. We recently released two new cigars, our Barrel Fermented Gordo and our Barrel Fermented Corona Viva, as well as a
Can you recommend a pairing for our readership?
PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. ©2022 Doc Swinson’s Bourbon & Rye Whiskey. Blended & Bottled by Distiller’s Way. Ferndale, WA.
Tom’s YouTube channel showcases his flair bartending skills and drink creations to the amusement of cocktail enthusiasts across the globe. He also manages five schools under the European Bartender School brand in London, Paris, Milan, Rome and Cape Town in South Africa.
TOM DYER’S
C & S DyerTomofcourtesyphotosAll
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T om Dyer has focused his dynamic skills as a professional flair bartender over the two decades he’s been in the drinks industry. He’s travelled the world—competing and placing first in over 80 competitions— including 10 United Kingdom titles and two World Championship titles.
Here are a few of Tom’s newest fall cocktails created exclusively for Cigar & Spirits Magazine that you can work into your own flair repertoire.
Cheers! COCKTAIL CORNER OUR RESIDENT COCKTAIL EXPERT SHARES HIS FLAIR.
Glass:
• 1 ¼ oz Muscatel Wine
• 1 oz whisky
• Coupe glass / vessel
Garnish:
Ingredients:
• Stir and strain
• Wood flavor smoke bubble / orange peel (optional)
TIP: Use a short glass if you want less cider.
Directions:
Garnish:
• ½ oz agave syrup
Ingredients:
• top with raspberry / blackberry cider
FALLING LEAVES
• 2 oz Ardberg Whisky
• ¾ oz Campari
Glass:
MOGRONI
TIP: Strain over ice if you want the drink to dilute more as you drink it.
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• Shake all ingredients, except cider. Strain over cubed ice in tall glass.
• Create an apple fan and add a blackberry.
• Tall highball
• 1 oz lemon juice
Directions:
Glass:
• 1 oz freshly juiced apple juice
Directions:
The Battle of the Bottle is hosted on “The Avenue.” This virtual cocktail competition platform allows cocktail creators the chance to earn TIP$ (real moolah) on their videos shown across the world. The free competition begins on October 3rd. Contestants have a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes, and a chance to win “Flavor Blasters”–the smoke bubble machine used in the Mogroni cocktail.
• the cocktailian with the most TIP$ wins Winners will be featured on the Libbey Glass website, and @libbeypro on Instagram. You can download "The Avenue Viewer" app or head to theavenue.live if you’d like to view the competitors, or participate in the contest. -T.D.
Ingredients:
• 1½ oz Tonic water
• Pour over ice and stir.
• Use a square piece of dark chocolate.
@europeanbartenderschool
• 1¼ oz Cognac
• 1 oz lemon juice
BATTLE OF THE BOTTLE
• post it to “The Avenue” platform
Directions:
• share your video with friends, family and colleagues
• 4 oz cold brew coffee
• Shake all ingredients together and strain over cracked ice.
POMMES FIGUE
Ingredients:
@tomdyerbartender
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• Create an apple wedge fan and a sprig of thyme.
THE SKINNY:
Garnish:
Glass:
• 2 oz Kraken Coffee Roast
• Rocks / Old Fashioned
• ¾ oz fig liqueur
• ½ oz thyme simple syrup
• Tall glass
• film yourself making a cocktail
Garnish:
CAFÉ DE MANHÃ
• 1 oz lime
WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM / 95
Tradition and passion are at the heart of Nobleza Tobacco. Kirk and his partner, Josue Arauz, traveled tirelessly throughout Cuba to find the most notable cigar rollers and relocate them to his plantation in Nicaragua. Kirk muses, “They work by the feel of their hands. It’s truly amazing.” Nobleza’s head harvester takes the process a step beyond traditional methods by incorporating astrology. Taught by his father, and his father’s father–Marlon Gonzales uses the stars and a sextant to determine the right time to harvest each batch of tobacco. This deep and unique dedication to the harvesting process truly distinguishes a Nobelza cigar.
NOBLEZA
M
It Was Written
At the core of Nobleza is passion–passion for the process, passion for the taste and passion for the product. noblezatobacco.com -Mary Jane Clark CIGARS In The Stars
C&S PROMOTIONAL
ost cigar connoisseurs experience a variety of feelings when enjoying a fine cigar. The aromatic smoke, drawing in the tastes and the relaxing experience of being in the moment all create a pleasant vibe for the smoker. For Nobelza cigar founder Kirk Garibian, however, it was love at first sight. He was raised in a family of cigar smokers, but he didn’t smoke his first cigar until the age of 24. He took a keen interest in watching a cigar roller hired for an event. Kirk recalls being so mesmerized by the craftmanship and delicacy of the process that he decided to give one a try. His love affair with cigars began right there and then. It was the precision of the rolling process that captured him, instilling in him a desire to start his own brand of beautifully crafted cigars.
DRINK HONORABLY™. UNCLE NEAREST PREMIUM WHISKEY, 46.5% ALC/VOL, UNCLE NEAREST, SHELBYVILLE, TN. © 2020 UNCLE NEAREST, INC. WWW.UNCLENEAREST.COM The premium whiskey from Tennessee as remarkable as the story behind it. Double distilled and charcoal mellowed for astonishing smoothness, then aged a minimum of seven years.
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