Cigar & Spirits Magazine - Jan/Feb 2024

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

A ROYALE GOOD TIME WITH

MEAGAN GOOD

THE BEST CIGARS & SPIRITS OF 2023

J ANUAR Y / FEB R UAR Y 2024

PUBLISHED by TOP HAT MEDIA GROUP, LLC RANDY M. MASTRONICOLA EDITOR & PUBLISHER

SHAHID GHANI

JOE REDMOND

CHIEF FINA NCI A L OFFICER

CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

CODY CHO

AUDREY PAV IA

CHIEF M A RK ETING OFFICER

CONSULTING EDITOR

DERRICK RILEY

K IM CA MPBELL THORNTON

CHIEF DIGITA L OFFICER

EDITOR AT L A RGE

K EV I N K IM

MOLLY HEADLEY

DIGITA L MEDI A DIRECTOR

SENIOR W RITER

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MEAGAN GOOD

by John Russo CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sean Chaffin Molly Headley Greg Mays Audrey Pavia K HOSRAW MANSOORY SENIOR ACCOU NTA NT

BELLA JURDI

SIRVARD MANASYAN

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

EDITORI A L A SSISTA NT

HEATHER SCHAFNITZ ACCOU NTING

& A DMINISTR ATION K IBLER FOW LER & CAV E LLP OV ID RIJFKOGEL

LEGA L

A DVERTISING SA LES

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C&S

CONTENTS 12

THE LOWDOWN

LIFESTYLE

12

THE LOWDOWN

Yang Yongliang’s Majestic Fusion New Year Rum Resolution Sneaky Bling Zesty Zabaglione

40

SPIRITED TRAVEL

Exploring the Provenance of Beloved World Spirits

EXCLUSIVES

52

ON THE COVER

A Royale Good Time with Meagan Good

EXCLUSIVE

52

ON THE COVER

MEAGAN GOOD

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76

MAXIMILLION COOPER

One Helluva a Ride with Gumball 3000

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 86

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

76

MAXIMILLION COOPER

CIGARS

24

FEATURED PAIRINGS

Perfecto Pairings to Expand Your Palate

66

THE TOP 25 CIGARS OF 2023

SPIRITS

86

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Barrell Craft Spirits

40

SPIRITED TRAVEL

92 24

COCKTAIL CORNER

PERFECTO PAIRINGS

Soho Cigar Bar’s Jared Bailey

100

THE 2023 WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

92

COCKTAIL CORNER

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C&S

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Photo credit John Russo.

CLEAN SLATE NEW YEAR. SAME OLD THOUGHTS?

Some of us may already have had thoughts of “I’ve already blown my New Year resolutions,” or “I’m three weeks in and I’m ready for a vacation.” Etcetera.

It may indeed be a challenging year ahead, but let’s get our wigs on straight and take in some sage words from a few luminaries who might just be onto something.

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” -L.M. Montgomery “The beginning is always today. Life is about change. Sometimes it's painful, sometimes it's beautiful, but most of the time it's both.” -Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley “The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” -Maya Angelou “Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful.” -Prince “Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.” -Robin Sharma “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” -Ferris Bueller “Here's wishing you the bluest sky and hoping something better comes tomorrow.” -The Kinks “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” -Michael Jordan “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer How amazingly transformative would our lives together be if each of us could hit some of these high notes this year?

I wish each and every one of you much luck and love in 2024.

Sincerely,

Randy Mastronicola Editor & Publisher @cigarandspirits

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Photos courtesy of BPCM PR.

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YANG YONGLIANG’S MAJESTIC FUSION NEW Y EAR RUM R ESOLUTION SNEAKY BLING ZESTY ZABAGLIONE

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the lowdown

YANG YONGLIANG’S MAJESTIC FUSION Do you believe in magic?

As we enter the Year of the Dragon, consider that this fantastical beast is the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac. It stands for strength and luck, and requires a good dose of imagination to bring its fearsome beauty to life.

In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Maison Hennessy is launching an exclusive limited-edition collection in collaboration with visionary Chinese artist Yang Yongliang.

Named ʻDragon’s Odyssey,ʼ this collection blends traditional Chinese art with digital technology, resulting in an homage to the dragon that is classic with a touch of avant-garde.

From its serpentine tail and glistening fish scales to claws that would put any bird of prey to shame, the dragon is an amalgamation of powerful creatures and ancient legends.

Yongliang is known for the juxtaposition of elements in his work, merging Chinese landscape painting with digitalized urban scenes that splice together reality and dream. The resulting images force the viewer to look closer, and then closer again, to get through the layers into what is real vs. imagined, natural vs. man-made. In the context of these special editions, this technique brings forth a dialogue between traditional symbolism and digital art.

In 'Dragon’s Odyssey', three-dimensional relief details capture the teeth and scales of the dragons. The design was inspired by a memory of a dragon-adorned antique coin that Yongliang was given by his grandmother, which influenced the metallic tones and texture on the surface of the bottles.

The special-edition art bottles are available in three distinct variants, which reflect the aspirations of the new year. The red tone used on the VSOP bottle symbolizes joy and luck, while the gold on XO and Paradis represents prosperity. The latter is presented in a handcrafted porcelain decanter created by Bernardaud, the renowned French porcelain house, and housed in an oak display box. With only 485 numbered units available, the Paradis edition is also highly collectible.

The limited-edition collection, available for purchase on Hennessy.com, caters to those seeking a unique gift for the festive season or a symbol of celebration for the New Year. The VSOP is priced at $72, the XO at $265, and the Paradis at $8,800.

Each bottle will be available until the edition sells out.

Hennessy's collaboration with Yang Yongliang is not just a celebration of a new year but a blend of legend, innovation and the eternal appeal of magic. -Molly Headley

THE R ESULTING IMAGES FORCE THE VIEW ER TO LOOK CLOSER, AND THEN CLOSER AGAIN, TO GET THROUGH THE LAY ERS INTO WHAT IS R EAL VS. IMAGINED, NATUR AL VS. MAN-MADE.

>> Renowned artist Yang Yongliang.

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the lowdown

>> The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman is a world-class resort with spectacular ocean views.

NEW YEAR RUM RESOLUTION

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman’s new Rum Ritual is the perfect excuse for some New Year rest and relaxation.

When it comes to luxury in the Caribbean, few destinations compare. Nestled in the heart of the Cayman Islands, the Ritz-Carlton offers a blend of natural beauty, swanky accommodations, and exceptional culinary experiences.

Moreover, any island with a location called Rum Point means you’re sure to find some top-shelf darlings to fasttrack you into vacation mode.

Unlike the traditional puro pairings of cold-weather whisky and scotch, rum sings sunshine, just like the leaf. Renowned for its sugarcane plantations and distilleries, the Caribbean

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is the second-largest producer of rum in the world, after the Philippines, and the number-one producer of fine cigars.

The terroir inherent in the region brings an immediate synergy to any Caribbean rum and cigar combo. In addition, local makers tend to be passionate about both artisanal products, making gorgeous pairings a given.

The idea behind the Ritz rum experience is to give guests the chance to sample products that immerse them in the destination. The ritual begins at 6 p.m. each day in Silver Palm, the Lobby Bar at the hotel, with a cinematic opening of a 10-foot tall armoire, crafted by artist John Bird, that is stocked with the good stuff: aged rums and custom humidors.

Prakash Singh, one of the accomplished Silver Palm bartenders, specializes in introducing guests to the Caribbean's authentic tastes while considering their preferences and experience levels. "My favorite part of this experience," Prakash says, "is that it's an opportunity for them to savor the flavors of our region, appreciate the dedication of local artisans, and create lasting memories of their time in the Caribbean.”

Photos courtesy of Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman.

You’re probably holed up somewhere reading this; tucked under a blanket or two, perhaps still nursing an end-of-year hangover. It’s January, and everyone knows how January rolls. It’s cold. It’s dark. The festivities are over. The twinkle lights are slowly being snuffed out, and we’re left to stare down a tunnel of 31 days of boredom and the inevitability of broken resolutions. So instead of blathering on about keto diets and dry months, embrace the hedonism. There’s no better cure for the bummer of packing away holiday decorations than packing a suitcase filled with swimming suits, sunglasses, and fedoras. Are you feeling the Caribbean vibes yet?

the lowdown

RENOWNED FOR ITS SUGARCANE PLANTATIONS AND DISTILLERIES, THE CARIBBEAN IS THE SECOND-LARGEST PRODUCER OF RUM IN THE WORLD, AFTER THE PHILIPPINES, AND THE NUMBER-ONE PRODUCER OF FINE CIGARS. >> The Silver Palm Lobby Bar is stocked with an impressive array of aged rums and custom humidors.

One exceptional pairing he recommends is the Seven Fathoms Local Cayman Islands Rum, paired with St. Lucia's finest 35% white chocolate, enhanced by local sea salt. This delightful combination is complemented by the Sovereign #2 Robusto cigar, exclusively sourced from the Cayman Islands, offering an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

Expect other stand-outs such as a 1953 Damoiseau 31-year-old rum from Guadeloupe, which goes for $1,400 for 1.5 oz.; a Black Tot 50th Anniversary that blends spirits from Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad; and an Appleton Joy 25-year-old Jamaican rum with tasting notes of orange peel, ginger spice, and butterscotch.

The Silver Palm menu includes detailed information on twelve exclusive pours with tasting notes and recommended pairings with cigars from the DR such as the La Aurora Preferidos “Diamond” Perfecto, La Flor de Valerio Robusto, Torpedo or Servante and a selection of Arturo Fuente’s best, in addition to Cayman Island exclusives: Diplomat, Monarch and Sovereign. The Caribbean cacao, cigars, and rum are served on a pedestal carved from Caymanite, a semiprecious stone found only in the Cayman Islands, with warming shades of amber, rust and sand that complement the earthy spirits and sticks.

And if you play your cards right, a bit of that warmth (in the form of bottles and boxes) will make its way back home with you. -Molly Headley

>> A stay at the resort offers no shortage of rum and relaxation.

>> Bartender Prakash Singh, rum expert, presents a master class on Caribbean rum.

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the lowdown

>> Nike Air Mag Back to the Future

>> Louis Vuitton x Kanye West Jasper >> Limited Edition SS23 Louis Vuitton x Virgil Abloh Comic Motifs

>> Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans

>> Chanel x Pharrell x Adidas NMD Human Race

>> Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4

>> The Golden Ticket for Nike’s Wonka Dunk Lows

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the lowdown

SNEAKY BLING Do you remember Paul Simon’s hit song Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes? These rare kicks take it a step further than prophetic Paul could have imagined. More than shoes, they transcend functionality to embody culture, cool and even investment potential.

Sneaker culture sits at the intersection of urbanity, exclusivity and artistry. It’s about combining street with style and performance with creativity to make something that remains covetable for years to come. If you're a sneakerhead with a penchant for the finest things in life, the following collector’s editions ensure you’ll own a piece of sneaker history.

Nike Air Mag Back to the Future (2016)

Buscemi 100 MM Diamond

Inspired by the iconic self-lacing shoes from Back to the Future II, the Nike Air Mag Back to the Future is the holy grail of limited-edition sneakers. With only 89 pairs released to the public in 2016, these futuristic kicks combine cinematic nostalgia with next-level tech—they sense the wearer’s foot when they’re slipped on and automatically tighten to the foot shape.

Buscemi, a brand synonymous with luxury footwear, took bling to the next level with their 100 MM Diamond.

Released in 2017 for the launch party of the flagship Buscemi shop in SoHo, Manhattan, these sneakers are embellished with 11.5 carats of diamonds and 18-karat gold detailing. Originally retailing for $132,000, the cost of a pair—should you be lucky enough to find one—for your collector’s portfolio goes for upwards of $150,000.

Since the BTTF sneaks are now only available at auction, their prices vary wildly. Current listings are for anywhere from $23,000 on Sotheby’s to more than $150,000 on StockX.

Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans Have you ever dreamed of wearing gold bricks on your feet? Drake has. This custom pair, crafted out of 24-karat gold for a cool $2.1 million, was created in a one-off collaboration in 2016 between Drake's OVO brand and Air Jordan. The result? A dazzling and extravagant pair of sneakers that are so heavy, we can assume Drake only wears them to lounge on a velvet couch and drink tequila seltzers while staring at his feet.

Chanel x Pharrell x Adidas NMD Human Race Pharrell William’s partnership with Adidas has given birth to several limited-edition collectibles as well as his popular mainstream collections. But it's a rare fusion of street swagger and runway style that makes his collaboration with Chanel so noteworthy. These NMD Human Race originals were produced in a limited run of 500 for the Chanel pop-up store in Colette in 2017. Back then they were only available by raffle; now you’ll have to scour auction sites and hope to get lucky (or Happy, as Pharrell would put it.)

Going rates range from $8,000 to more than $20,000.

Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4 In a microedition release, rapper Eminem and workwear brand Carhartt joined forces to create the Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4. With only 10 pairs created for a 2015 eBay auction to benefit the Marshall Mathers Foundation, these canvas and cotton sneakers are coveted by collectors all over the world. A few pairs are up for auction at prices ranging from $21,000 to $30,000.

Louis Vuitton x Kanye West Jasper The Louis Vuitton x Kanye West Jasper is a high-top masterpiece—premium materials, intricate design and that iconic Louis Vuitton monogram embossed into the rubber soles. Named after Kanye’s barber, Ibn Jasper, the shoes dropped in 2009 in several colorways and sold out as fast as Kanye’ hit album Graduation.

Covet them in all-black suede? You’re looking at around $10,000. The patchwork version in cream, hot pink and copper goes for $12,000 at auction.

Limited Edition SS23 Louis Vuitton x Virgil Abloh Comic Motifs If you prefer new releases that you can wear rather than vintage finds to display, take a look at these Louis Vuitton basketball-inspired trainers designed by the late designer Virgil Abloh. Presented in the 2023 Spring/Summer show, these canvas shoes are covered with graffiti in Abloh’s signature luxury streetwear style. Due to the limited edition and the passing of LV’s famed artistic director, these sneaks have already started to rise in value from their starting price of $1,360.

The Golden Ticket for Nike’s Wonka Dunk Lows As part of the 2023 marketing campaign for Warner Bros.

Wonka movie, an extremely limited edition of five pairs of Willie Wonka-inspired Nike Dunk Lows were designed by lead actor Timothée Chalamet. Only available to five lucky winners of a promotional giveaway, these whimsical shoes are sure to command high prices if they ever make their way out of the chocolate factory and into online auction houses. –Molly Headley

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the lowdown

H IG H S T E A K S AT S C O T C H 8 0 PR I M E After being closed for more than two years, the famed Palms Casino Resort returned to Las Vegas this past fall. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Photos courtesy of Palms Resort.

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.

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the lowdown

Alena Kogottkova/Shutterstock.com

ZESTY ZABAGLIONE It’s a joy to pronounce many Italian words as you discover them. Zabaglione is one of those words. Say it with me. You know you want to: dza-ba-jo-ne. Love it, right?

Way back when, I discovered this curious Italian preparation at the iconic boho coffee house, Caffe Reggio in Greenwich Village. Sometimes a custard dessert, sometimes a hot beverage, zabaglione is made with egg yolks, sugar and a sweet wine like Moscato d’ Asti or Marsala. Spiking the zabaglione with cognac in lieu of wine is another option.

Rum and chilled espresso are superb variants as well. This light custard is nicely served out with strawberries, blueberries, peaches or raspberries.

Just a note: The Prosecco Zabaglione dessert version we just can’t get enough of lately is a sublime choice. There’s something about that prosecco pour into the mix (with some serious whisking) that gives it a festive flavor.

How’d this come to be? It’s been passed along that the Italian royal military general Giovanni Baglioni favored a version of the dessert because it simply sounded like his name, but it might have been born from the fact that his troops scored honey, wine and herbs while foraging throughout their travails. That said, Italians have eaten sweetened, alcoholic egg yolks long before Baglioni, so no one really knows for certain.

We encourage you to play around in your in your kitchen with the zabaglione. You’re mainly working with sugar, egg yolks and wine (along with a hearty wrist whisking), so have at it. Or hit your favorite restaurant up and see if they offer this light custard delight. And then again, there’s always that Greenwich Village sojourn.

The zabaglione is a delicious last course that smoothes the palate before smoking an after-dessert cigar. -Randy Mastronicola

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D A I K A N YA M A • M E L R O S E • N E W P O R T B E A C H • S O H O • A OYA M A • M A D I S O N S Y D N E Y • S A N F R A N C I S C O • R O D E O D R I V E • L O N D O N • PA R I S

W W W. D I TA . C O M

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FEATURED PAIRINGS

PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE

by Greg Mays

24 24 // CIGAR CIGAR & & SPIRITS SPIRITS

JANUARY JANUARY // FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2024 2024

COHIBA R I V IER A CU T T Y SA R K CE N TE NA RY General Cigar’s Cohiba line seems to be getting more experimental in recent years, with interesting plays on blends and the inclusion of tobaccos they haven’t featured before. The Cohiba Riviera, or “Purple,” is a cigar of two firsts: the first box-pressed Cohiba and the first Cohiba to use a Mexican San Andrés wrapper.

The result? Bullseye. Cohiba is typically priced on the upper end as a more “luxury” brand, and the sexy, crisscrossed purple on the band certainly presents itself that way. It’s available in toro, perfecto and robusto sizes. I had a great time smoking this toro to the nub.

On light, there are notes of spice—particularly paprika—with a general herbal feel as well. As you progress, a smoky profile stays with you, along with the herbs, which never become overwhelmingly earthy.

The Riviera was my go-to after a great dinner of Korean buldak, and though the spice had my tongue on the ropes at first, the Cohiba was able to bounce me back.

Since I was in the midst of a rich smoking experience, I thought that adding a glass of Cutty Sark, neat, would help enhance the pair. A 100-year-old brand, Cutty Sark has released an incredibly limited bottling of 23-year-old scotch under the moniker “Centenary.” Limited to 1,435 bottles and released at 53% abv (cask strength), Centenary is a treat that’s best enjoyed one small sip at a time. There’s a malty smoke nose to Cutty Centenary, and the flavor is deeply rich woodiness and soil. The finish is caramel and peach.

A cigar with an herbal profile together with a limited-edition Scotch that’s woody and rich is an extraordinary pairing. I found it relaxing, compatible and filling to the end.

SIZE: 6 ½ x 52 BOX-PRESSED TORO | WRAPPER: MEXICAN SAN ANDRÉS BINDER: CONNECTICUT–CONNECTICUT, HONDURAN | FILLER: HONDURAN, NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $29 | MSRP (SCOTCH): $1,000

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L A AU ROR A 120 A N N I V ER SA RY HE N N ESSY PA R A DIS Most cigar appreciators know by now that La Aurora is the original factory and oldest cigar brand in the Dominican Republic. Some things just seem to get better with age. To celebrate their 120th anniversary, they’ve released the 120. Like many La Auroras in the brand’s portfolio, it provides the consumer a fair price point for a premium artisanal cigar, offering expertly constructed and delicious smokes.

After dinner is my favorite cigar smoking time, and this cigar accompanied me through the night. I lit the fire table and cozied up for a long winter’s puff. The 120’s wrapper has a tacky, almost sticky profile to it, and on light there’s a bit of spice on the forepalate, followed by a bit of fruitiness. On retrohale, it’s all fruit with a vanilla finish—similar to a fruit cobbler.

I paired this special anniversary cigar with an elegant bottle of cognac: Hennessy Paradis. A blend of more than 100 Hennessy casks with cognac ranging from 25 to 100 years old, Paradis presented a warming and delicious pairing. The mouthfeel is rich and filling, with flavor notes of green apple and raisin with a long, dry finish.

Together with the La Aurora 120, Paradis makes for a lovely midwinter evening smoke by the fire and the lighter fruit-and-spice elements ensure this is truly a beautiful pairing experience.

Dessert never tasted or smoked so good.

SIZE: 6 x 58 GRAN TORO | WRAPPER, BINDER, FILLER: DOMINICAN STRENGTH: MEDIUM/FULL | MSRP (CIGAR): $15 | MSRP (COGNAC): $1,400

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BLENDED TO ELEVATE ANY DAY. INTRODUCING BARRELL FOUNDATION.

NOMOS LONSDA L E BR E N N E 10 L I M ITED EDITION It’s always an adventure when you’re handed a cigar from a brand you’ve yet to experience as you never know what to expect. I usually like to light it first and ask questions later, including everything from the blend to the price. Just enjoy it for what it is out of the gate.

And that’s what I did with the Nomos Lonsdale. Nomos, I’ve now discovered, started in 2021 by two lawyers in New York (nomos means law in Greek). A classic Lonsdale vitola is harder to find nowadays, after once being the world’s most popular size. This is the third vitola they have released, all under the single Nomos name.

There’s a sweet scent of the Cameroon wrapper on pre-light, and that sweetness remains once lit.

The flavor profile drifts between shortbread and pepper, some key profiles from both Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco, and burns great all the way to the nub.

I paired the Nomos Lonsdale with Brenne 10, a French single malt scotch that’s aged in cognac and new French oak casks for 10 years. Brenne has a fantastic fruit profile with a nose of apricot and a palate of mixed berries with mulling spices on the finish.

These two standouts made for a great afternoon pairing on the beach: the sweet spice of the Nomos combined with the fruity spice of Brenne are a light and flavorful afternoon treat.

SIZE: 6 x 42 LONSDALE | WRAPPER: CAMEROON BINDER: INDONESIAN SUMATRA | FILLER: DOMINICAN, NICARAGUAN STRENGTH: MEDIUM | MSRP (CIGAR): $15 | MSRP (WHISKY): $75

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$1 PER OLD FASHIONED WILL BE DONATED BY UNCLE NEAREST TO PROVIDE ONE FULL IN-STATE TUITION SCHOLARSHIP AT ALL ACCREDITED HBCUs, UP TO $1.4 MILLION

SCAN FOR MORE DETAILS

Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 50% and 46.5% Alc/Vol, Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. © 2024 Uncle Nearest, Inc. WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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EL SEP TI MO SACR ED A RTS DA V I NCI XO SIGNATU R E BY EL SEP TI MO COGNAC There aren’t many brands that feature vast lines of both luxury cigars and luxury spirits.

El Septimo is the exception to the rule in many ways in terms of product and company philosophy. Their line of accessories puts them further in rarefied air.

The DaVinci cigar is an homage to Leonardo da Vinci, creator of one of the world’s art masterpieces: The Last Supper.

This panatela is lanky and refined looking, soothingly oily in the hand and topped with a pigtail cap. The tastes informing the palate range from chocolate to light clove and citrus to leather at the finish. Surprisingly, the cigar has floral scents within its ample smoke output. The smooth draw is delightful.

Appropriately, the spirit of choice here is El Septimo’s XO Signature Cognac. It hits the right notes and mingles divinely with the Da Vinci cigar offering. It features complex scents and tastes of caramel, floral tones, sweet citrus, jammy raisins and a curious nuttiness throughout. The nuttiness and citrus were a direct hit to the target—with the mild/medium tastes of the cigar.

The Da Vinci and XO came through with light and sophistication. This tandem was as luxuriant as a pairing session could be. -Cigar & Spirits Staff 7 ½ x 40 LANCERO | WRAPPER: UNDISCLOSED BINDER: UNDISCLOSED | FILLER: UNDISCLOSED STRENGTH: MILD/MEDIUM | MSRP (CIGAR): $24 | MSRP (COGNAC): $350

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PA IR I NG SPOTL IGHT: JIM BA BJA K Photo courtesy of Deadly Grounds Coffee.

The Iconic Guitarist of The Smithereens Blows Up His Coffee Brand

I’ve been singer, songwriter and lead guitarist for The Smithereens going on 44 years now. I’m also the proud owner of Babjax Coffee.

My parents are from Europe, and my family owned Babjak’s Corner Tavern while I was growing up in Carteret, New Jersey. It wasn’t uncommon for my dad to let me have a sip of scotch or drink a little bit of wine with dinner on special occasions. By the time I turned 18, drinking alcohol wasn’t a mystery, and I had already developed a sophisticated palate. My dad used to kid me and tell me that I have champagne taste with a beer pocket.

When I was 10 years old, my mom introduced me to espresso, enhanced with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Sipping it made me feel like an adult. I used to love it when my parents entertained and shared cocktails with family and friends. I couldn’t wait to grow up.

Now I want to be young again!

That’s what music does for me—it brings me back to a simpler world.

Every time I’m on stage playing a concert, I feel like a teenager.

I’ve been a vinyl record collector most of my life, hence the appropriately named Babjax Dark Roast 45 RPM coffee we offer from our company. (We have a variety of blends with something for all java connoisseurs.)

I still listen to records nearly every day. Sometimes I’ll sit outside on the deck with my portable record player, drinking coffee and smoking a Padron Principe while listening to my favorite songs. Of course, as a professional musician, I have all the modern equipment to listen to music, but I still enjoy the ritual of putting the needle onto the opening groove of a vinyl record and letting it transport me to another time.

“ TH AT’S W H AT M USIC DOES FOR M E —IT BR I NG S M E BACK TO A SIM PL E WOR L D. E V ERY TIM E I’M ON STAGE PL AY I NG A CONCERT, I F EEL L IK E A TEE NAGER.”

My first introduction to cigars was on a trip with friends to see a hockey game in Montreal, Canada. I wanted to try a Cuban cigar while I was there, because Cubans weren’t available in the United States. I bought a Romeo Y Julieta that came in its own wooden box for $5.

That was a pretty hefty amount for one cigar back in 1976.

The Padron paired with my 45 RPM dark roast coffee is frequently at the top of my playlist. This legendary cigar is full-bodied, smooth and creamy. The complex flavors are earthy and nutty, with a subtle hint of chocolate. This cigar mellows out towards the end, so you can smoke it down to the nub if you take your time. It’s a great way to indulge yourself during the day or night when you pair a cup of dark roast with it. This is how I relax and float downstream. -Jim Babjak

babjaxcoffee.com @jimbabjak @the_smithereens_official

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Photo courtesy of Cindy Sivac.

Throughout the years, I’ve tried hundreds of different brands. The one constant for me is the box-pressed Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro. They are consistently perfect, burn evenly, and I’ve never had a plugged one.

DOWNTOWN’S NEWEST HOT SPOT MOXY LOWER EAST SIDE NEW YORK, NY New York City’s center of gravity has shifted decidedly toward Downtown. Younger travelers in particular are less interested in traditional draws like Rockefeller Center and Central Park, and more excited to experience “living like a local.” To them, the prospect of delving into a micro-slice of the city, be it the Lower East Side or East Village, is more appealing than a Broadway show — which is still just a short subway ride away. These urban explorers need a place to stay, and the series of Moxy hotels developed by Lightstone in New York City over the past few years has ser ved as their home bases for neighborhood after neighborhood from Times Square and Chelsea, to the East Village and Brooklyn.

In 2022, Lightstone debuted Moxy Lower East Side, a new 303room eclectic and stylish pleasure garden in the city’s most electrifying neighborhood. Inspired by the Lower East Side’s histor y as a crossroads of entertainment and culture, and its present-day role as an incubator of innovation, the hotel entices with endless amusements enlivened with the spirit of the absurd, among them, Sake No Hana, a modern Japanese restaurant; Silver Lining, a piano lounge; The Highlight Room, a rooftop bar; The Fix, an all-day café and Tao Group Hospitality. With interiors by Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group and architecture by Stonehill Taylor, the hotel’s design feeds the curiosity and dazzles the eye, layering references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social histor y with the vibrancy of today. Cleverly designed rooms, tech-savvy amenities, co-working spaces, and flexible meeting studios meet the needs of the pluggedin modern traveler, all at an affordable price.

The Lower East Side is home to some of the city’s most cuttingedge restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural institutions, as well as iconic historic landmarks. The neighborhood is an incubator for the avant-garde and an arbiter of what’s cool in NYC. Moxy Lower East Side puts guests at the doorstep of all of the neighborhood’s attractions — and reflects the variety and vibrancy of the Lower East Side with its own offerings.

BOOK NOW AT MOXYLOWEREASTSIDE.COM AND FOLLOW @MOXYLOWEREASTSIDE

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A L A DI NO SU M ATR A SE ÑOR R IO C A F É EL EGA NCI A Aladino (part of JRE Tobacco’s portfolio) continues to make quite a name for themselves by delivering what’s arguably the standard-bearer of Honduran handmade cigars. It also helps that legendary blender Julio R. Eiroa is the patriarch of this brand. Julio’s son, Justo, now carries the tobacco torch and architects the family’s blends.

This Aladino puts the brand in uncharted territory with its Sumatran wrapper. It’s a limited-edition offering and only available in a toro size. As mentioned, the wrapper is Sumatran, while the remainder is Honduran puro tobacco. There’s a salty note to the Aladino Sumatra when you light it, a bit like a seasoned steak before grilling. As you progress into the smoke, a distinct gingersnap note is apparent as a sweet but spicy treat.

I was due for dessert late one evening and chose that time to sit with the Sumatra. Its medium body worked well in the starlight, and a drink for my dessert was needed to complete the picture. I grabbed a bottle of Señor Rio Café Elegancia. Señor Rio is a tequila brand and use their blanco tequila as a base for this coffee liqueur.

While tequila is on the nose of Café Elegancia, the flavor is a tropical adventure with a sweet roasted coffee finish. Señor Rio recommends pairing their Café with a cigar, served simply on the rocks, and this is definitely the way to enjoy it. From Aladino’s ginger snap profile to Café Elegancia’s delicious coffee finish, this is a pairing that stands exactly how I need it–a deluxe dessert. This pairing was creamy (aren’t all Aladinos?) and delicious.

SIZE: 6 x 52 TORO | WRAPPER: SUMATRAN BINDER & FILLER: HONDURAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM MSRP (CIGAR): $16 | MSRP (LIQUEUR): $23

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TIME TO RAISE YOUR SPIRITS

E N J O Y R E S P O N S I B LY NOLET’S® Silver 47.6% Alc./Vol. (95.2 Proof) ©2023 Imported by NOLET’S US Distribution, Aliso Viejo, CA. *Per 1.5 Fl Oz. - Average Analysis: 117 Calories, 0g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat

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L A A ROM A DE CU BA M I A MOR CHICK E N COCK DOU BL E OA K W HISK E Y A famous brand from pre-revolution days, La Aroma de Cuba has been made by Don Pepin Garcia of My Father fame for several years now. An award-winning lineup with ornate and elaborate packaging, the LADC family has a lot of offer.

There is a slight box press to the robusto version of Mi Amor, which has a smooth and slightly toothy wrapper that’s rolled perfectly. There is a chewing tobacco aroma pre-light with overall sweetness on the nose. Upon light, a sweet and nutty flavor kicks in—like salted peanuts on vanilla ice cream. As you approach the halfway point, flavors become more coffee and leather, retaining a bit of the saltiness from the start.

I paired the Mi Amor with a whiskey I expected to complement its flavors well—Chicken Cock Double Oak 8-year-old straight Kentucky whiskey. Double Oak has a really interesting interaction with cigars, and I tried it with a few to see. This whiskey has some sweet notes followed by big woodiness, as can be expected from a double-barreled drink. However, when enjoyed with a cigar, it actually drinks quite dry and even woodier than sipped alone.

I found this made it a great companion to the Mi Amor, which brought sweetness and spice to the party while Double Oak brought spice and wood.

These two made for a very bold smoking experience—almost like another helping of dessert in its richness. I enjoyed these together with a group of friends over a late night out and it proved to be an experience that everyone relished.

SIZE: 5 x 50 ROBUSTO | WRAPPER: MEXICAN SAN ANDRÉS BINDER, FILLER: NICARAGUAN | STRENGTH: MEDIUM/FULL MSRP (CIGAR): $11 | MSRP (WHISKEY): $100 Greg Mays is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) and the Executive Editor of SimpleCocktails.net

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TEQUILA CABAL

THE GROWTH OF A NOBLE SPIRIT “CLASS IS EARNED, NEVER PURCHASED.” These are the words of CEO and founder Everado Gonzalez of Tequila Cabal.

When we sat down to speak with Everado, we learned the meaning of the Spanish word “cabal,” and how important it is to the integrity of the emerging brand. Cabal refers to diligence, sincerity of word and consideration of others. Cabal is nobility by way of action for Everado and generations of agave farmers at home in Mexico. “It’s how we interpret class. It’s earned each day through our actions."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Amabilia Suites Milano.

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SPIRITED TRAVEL

Exploring the Provenance of Beloved World Spirits

by Molly Headley

THERE ARE THOSE WHOSE TRAVEL PLANS INVOLVE SPREADSHEETS. They wake up at 5 am to get to the top tourist destinations before the crowds; pre-book museum fast passes; and hustle the day away to make sure that they don’t miss anything worth seeing, snapping and posting.

Then there are those of us whose ideal trips revolve around leaning back in a comfortable chair and sipping something strong and local, while taking in the vibe of the destination sip by sip. We want to visit the boozy birthplaces of history—where Napoleon Bonaparte served out cognac to boost the morale of his troops, for example, or perhaps a crawl through Winston Churchill’s favorite Houses of Bubbly.

There is, after all, nothing better than an immersive experience that combines a smidge of history and a strong pour to get deep into your chosen locale. Come along on a gin run through London, an exploration of Mexico’s agave gods, and an Irish whiskey that is born from both rock concerts and historic castles, as we pay homage to some of the best places in the world to get your drink on.

>> The luxury Amabilia Suites in Milan were curated by design icon Frederico Peri to pay homage to Milanese ideals of fashion, design and culture.

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>> El Tequileño quickly became the spirit of choice of the people of Tequila, Mexico when first introduced in 1959.

THE HEART OF AGAVE

>> There are many culturally-inspired cocktail choices at Rayo.

A Tour of Mexico through Agave Legends Thousa nds of yea rs before university students took up the spring break chant of ‘one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor,’ the Aztecs created pulque, the precursor to mezcal and, of course, tequila.

Various legends abound about Mayahuel, the Aztecg goddess of agave, but they all share a common theme—Mayahuel transformed herself into a rosette-shaped plant with razor sharp spikes to escape her evil grandmother.

Photo credit Billy McDonald.

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Various legends abound about Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of agave, but they all share a common theme—Mayahuel transformed herself into a rosette-shaped plant with razor sharp spikes to escape her evil grandmother and in grief her lover (or sometimes a lightning bolt) transformed her new body into the nectar of the gods—mezcal.

Rayo, located in Mexico City, takes its inspiration from this legend.

This sexy bar uses the lightning bolt motif and cocktails inspired by other famous Mexican tales (try the Soldado Medina based on the notorious Mexican Robin Hood José de Jesús Negrete Medina) to reinforce their connection to location.

“From the name of Rayo and the legend it represents, which ties into our niche and Mexican spirit-forward cocktails, to the genuine hospitality we deliver in the casona we’re in, which we proudly preserve, everything screams Mexico!” says Tito Pin Perez, creative director of Rayo, in response to a question about why provenance matters. To this

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end, Rayo boasts an impressive selection of no less than 46 mezcal varieties, in addition to numerous tequilas and lesser known agavebased spirits such as Bacanora. rayococktailbar.com

Where to Stay Casa Salles Hotel Boutique If your vibe is more laid-back than busy Mexico City, and you’re a tequila connoisseur, don’t miss a chance to stay in the tranquil town where it all began. Casa Salles Hotel Boutique in Tequila, Mexico, is located on the grounds adjacent to the famous Guarreña distiller y where the awardwinning tequila El Tequileño is made. Founded by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, El Tequileño has been made using the same process and the same attention to craft and quality since 1959. According to Gina Castillo, director of advocacy at Casa Salles, the people of Tequila embraced El Tequileño from the beginning, and it became the tequila of choice found in most households within 30 miles of the distillery.

Tour the distillery and then retreat back to Casa Salles to taste the spirits in cocktail form. casasalles.com

Photos courtesy of Casa Salles Hotel Boutique.

>> The Rayo has a worldclass collection of agavebased spirits to sample.

NOMOS CIGARS THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AVAILING ITSELF TO ALL, ONE CIGAR AT A TIME

www.nomoscigars.com

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>> The NoMad Hotel has frequently appeared in many ‘World’s Best Hotels’ lists over the years.

As the world becomes both more and less connected, these spirits and their provenance remind us of the importance of embracing the history and culture behind our favorite drinks. They offer a taste of the past, the present, and the future, providing a unique window into the soul of each locale, where the spirits you drink carry the essence of the places they come from.

Photos courtesy of NoMad Hotel.

>> A delicious Fords Gin Martini at the hotel’s Common Decency.

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>> The Sun Conure at the NoMad’s Common Decency is just one of a number of artisanal cocktails available at the famed bar.

LONDON’S GIN CULTURE The Drier, the Better Our favorite juniper-infused inebriant might have the name of a British city on its label, but London gin is actually Dutchborn. It came across the Channel in the late 1600s when Dutch King William III took the English and Irish thrones and introduced the spirit to his newfound subjects.

He even allowed them the right to homebrew if they liked, but it was London’s creative distillers that made the unique flavor profile that we know and love.

One such distillery, Thames Distillers, continues to carry the torch of London gin's legacy.

Here, Fords Gin is distilled, a collaborative effort between master distiller, Charles Maxwell, and gin expert Simon Ford. Fords Gin represents a modern take on a classic London Dry with a traditional base of juniper and coriander seed, balanced by citrus, florals, and spices.

>> The Common Decency bar was chosen as an homage to Oscar Wilde, who was once convicted of an affront to common decency where NoMad currently resides.

From Fords Gin, “respecting the origins of the spirit are what define a category, often grounded in the culture and traditions of a place, with decades or even centuries of evolution.” It is one of the select few London Dry Gins still produced in London. The Maxwells, Charles and George,

who oversee the distillery, bring with them the legacy of 11th and 12th generation gin distillers, their family crafting gin in London since the 1680s. Moreover, Fords Gin is created by the prestigious gin still producer, John Dore.

Where to Stay NoMad London To experience the essence of London and its cocktail culture, a stay at NoMad London is a must. This reimagined hotel is housed within the historic Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station in Covent Garden. Ranked as No. 46 in the World ’s 50 Best Hotels list, NoMad London’s cocktail program is backed by bartending geniuses Leo Robitschek and Liana Oster. Trot down to the hotel’s underground bar with a cheeky name. The Common Decency bar was chosen as an homage to Oscar Wilde, who was once convicted of an affront to common decency where NoMad currently resides. For a modern take on a gin cocktail, try the Princess & The Pea concoction made with Botanist gin, pear gastrique, lime, cucumber, and agave. thenomadhotel.com

Photo credit Mike Robbins.

The 007 Vesper Martini

For those who want to take their gin appreciation to the next level, Black Tomato's Martini Masterclass is led by 007 expert guide and mixologist Erik Lorincz, who consulted on the cocktail crafting in the film Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig. The masterclass delves into unraveling the iconic Vesper Martini, which was originally made with the now discontinued Kina Lillet. Participants have the chance to savor a true Vesper Martini crafted with the last remaining vintage of Kina Lillet, a privilege that only a fortunate few will ever enjoy. blacktomato.com/us/jamesbond

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Photos courtesy of Slane Castle.

Photo credit KMazur/WireImage.

Slane's representation of Ireland lies in its smooth and easy-drinking blend, created thanks to their triple-casked process. It’s perfect for classic whiskey cocktails, reflecting the convivial spirit of the Irish and their love for sharing quality spirits. >> U2’s The Edge rocking Slane Castle back in 2001.

>> Alex Conyngham is the co-founder of Slane Irish Whiskey.

>> Slane Castle in all its glory.

IRISH WHISKEY COUNTRY Rockers and Royalty

Even before the creation of the Slane whiskey brand, the family was no stranger to innovation. The Conyngham patriarch Lord Henry w a s t he f i r st to org a n i ze l a rge sc a le roc k concer t s at t he c a st le, welcoming thousands of music lovers and bands such as The Rolling Stones, Harry Styles, Queen and U2 onto the historic grounds.

whiskey cocktails, reflecting the convivial spirit of the Irish and their love for sharing quality spirits.

Where to Stay Slane Castle

The Castle includes four ensuite bedrooms that are pretty hard to come by, since they are booked so far in advance. However, if you have your heart set on sleeping on noble land, book a glamping experience at Rock Farm, an organic farm on the estate. Private yurts overlooking Slane Castle are nestled within a grove of trees on the property.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour and tasting at the working distillery on Saturdays and Sundays or go a step further with a Slane cocktail atelier. slaneirishwhiskey.com

Slane's representation of Ireland lies in its smooth and easy-drinking blend, created thanks to their triplecasked process. It’s perfect for classic

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Evangeline Mezza/Shutterstock.com

Alex Conyngham, co-founder of Slane Irish Whiskey, is proud of his brew. Created in collaboration with Brown-Forman, the spirit is, according to Conyngham, “rooted deeply in the land and the natural landscape that surrounds Slane Distillery. Here, we grow our own barley and source our water directly from the River Boyne, which flows right through the Slane Castle estate that has been owned by my family, the Conynghams, since 1703.”

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>> Slane Castle has a serene river near its grounds.

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>> Boutique meets luxury at the Amabilia Suites in Milan.

Photos courtesy of Amabilia Suites.

THE BIRTHPLACE OF CAMPARI

Where to Stay

Nothing to Be Bitter About Here

Amabilia Suites

It’s hard to imagine a time before Negronis, and even harder to go back before the tradition of a pre-dinner “aperitivo” was invented. Yet, everything is created somewhere, and in the case of the aperitivo tradition it all started in Milan at the legendary Camparino in Galleria bar in 1915. The elegant establishment, overlooking Piazza Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, was founded by Davide Campari, the son of Gaspare Campari who created the iconic red liquid. It quickly became a Milanese institution, which continues to this day with recognition by the World’s 50 Best Bar Awards in 2021 and 2022. Take time to explore the entire property, from the classic Bar di Passo with its gleaming polished wood bar and heritage mosaics to the newer Sala Spiritello, which focuses on modern style and food and cocktail pairings. camparino.com

With only four rooms, you can’t get more boutique than the Amabilia Suites located two minutes from Camparino.

The property features luxury suites, curated by design icon Federico Peri, each one themed to pay homage to Milanese ideals of fashion, design and culture. You can bring the flavor of Milan home with you with Camarino’s prebatched cocktails, too. Choose from the Cask Negroni, the Boulevardier, or an Italian take on the Margarita, available for purchase at the bar. amabiliasuitesmilano.com As the world becomes both more and less connected, these spirits and their provenance remind us of the importance of embracing the history and culture behind our favorite drinks. They offer a taste of the past, the present, and the future, providing a unique window into the soul of each locale, where the spirits you drink carry the essence of the places they come from.

Molly Headley holds a master’s degree in creative writing and Literary Criticism from the University of Oxford.

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

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>> Bartenders mixing up Campari cocktails at Bar di Passo. >> The Galleria’s Campari SeltzNegroni concotions are to die for.

With only four rooms, you can’t get more boutique than the Amabilia Suites located two minutes from Camparino. The property features luxury suites, curated by design icon Federico Peri, each one themed to pay homage to Milanese ideals of fashion, design and culture. >> The gorgeous Galleria features all-things Campari.

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PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. KETEL ONE Vodka. Distilled from Grain. 40% Alc/Vol. © Double Eagle Brands, B.V. Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso Viejo, CA.

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Interview

A Royale Good Time With

Meagan Good

by Randy Mastronicola with Molly Headley portraits by John Russo

EVEN AFTER A CAREER SPANNING THREE DECADES (a millennium in Hollywood), Meagan Good continues to surprise us.

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he had our attention back when she was 12 years old and throwing shade at Chris Tucker from under a side-slung baseball cap in the 90s hit Friday.

She had it again at 14 when she took on Samuel L. Jackson in the acclaimed indie drama Eve’s Bayou. Her recent roles as charmingly awkward Camille in Harlem and Darla, the purple-clad accidental superhero in Shazam! Fury of the Gods have officially cemented her star power. So what character is there left to play?

According to Meagan, the best is yet to come.

Her latest venture—launching a signature vodka in collaboration with St. Royale— takes her singular sexy spirit from screen to bottle. The vodka itself is all about contrasts, combining earthy green tea with the sweet vacation vibe of lychees in a sixphase distilling process that gets rid of the hangover-causing impurities, leaving us with a drink that’s as naturally cool and confident as Meagan herself.

We can’t wait to see where she goes next.

the INTERVIEW Cigar & Spirits Magazine: First of all, thank you for gracing our cover.

Meagan: Thank you for having me.

We work with many high-profile people who’ve entered the spirits arena. Why did you feel that this was a good time for you to get into it?

I think what got me excited was the idea of a vodka that’s clean because of the way it’s created. Then when we started talking about lychees, I was like, "Oh now, we're talking because that's my favorite fruit! That's my favorite martini!"

It seems you’re a bit of a vodka connoisseur. Do you enjoy your St. Royale straight or on the rocks as well?

I do, actually. It's crazy because it's that good. I've done the lychee vodka straight on the rocks. I've done it with some soda water without any flavor. I've done it with a little bit of Fresca and lemon juice.

You can add just a pinch of Drambuie if you’re feeling frisky. Will you be doing bottle signings, in-store consumer engagement in 2024?

Yes. I want to be as involved as possible, like really boots on the ground, because this isn't something that I've done before. Initially, I was like, "Yes, I like vodka a lot, but do I want to represent a brand? What if it's not that good?

What if I don't like the way it tastes?”

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Then I tasted it, and I was just like—and I'm not being sarcastic at all—“It is the best vodka I've ever had.” I want to be there when people taste it for the first time, to see their reactions, and hear what they think.

You have a busy schedule with your entertainment career, but consumer engagement makes a difference.

I think so. I think people can feel it if something isn’t authentic.

Do you think it’s possible to include your vodka in entertainment projects?

Yes, I think that there is. We've already been kicking around ideas. I have a film coming out with Tyler Perry called Divorce in the Black. I'm already thinking about ideas for great cocktails for the premiere. Maybe, something about my ex-husband, something about a ball and chain or freedom or whatever it may be. Something to just make it fun.

Then, it’s the same thing with Harlem. You've got these four women in their 30s, living life, experiencing love and relationships, nights on the town, and just figuring out their lives.

I think there's a way to integrate [the product] that's completely organic.

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“I’m a free spirit. I know hard work. I know dedication. I’m always going to go after what I believe and what I want, but I’m also one of those people like, ‘Let’s just see what happens.’”

add picture and quote here

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“I knew very young that I wanted to be an actress. I just didn't know how seriously I wanted to take it. It was a hobby. Other kids went to ballet practice or soccer, and my sister and I went to auditions.”

Talk to me a little bit about Harlem. What's coming up this season that you can divulge?

We ended on a cliffhanger last year, where somebody is pregnant. We don't know who yet.

We go back to filming in February, and I'm really excited about that because I love this show. I love this character, this world, and this friend group, but I don't know what to expect this season. I just know that it's going to be as great as, if not way better than, every other season.

You guys bring such an excitement to it.

Thank you. That makes me happy.

You started your career at 12 years old and have appeared in some critically acclaimed films ever since.

How do you stay connected to that initial inspiration?

I knew very young that I wanted to be an actress. I just didn't know how seriously I wanted to take it.

It was a hobby. Other kids went to ballet practice or soccer, and my sister and I went to auditions. I started when I was about four, doing extra work on Doogie Howser and Amen. I think I was around 12 when I realized, "I genuinely love this. I want to do this. I want to be a serious actress.”

That next year, I booked my first speaking role in a movie–Friday. Then the following year, I booked my first leading role.

I'm a free spirit. I know hard work. I know dedication. I'm always going to go after what I believe and what I want, but I'm also one of those people like, "Let's just see what happens."

In this season of my life, I still very much love acting, but I also love directing and producing. I think the vision’s stayed alive because it's had the freedom to change and not feel stuck or like “It’s my identity.” It's what I get to do for a living, and it's a wonderful thing. My identity is whatever’s in my heart and then, obviously, with God. I could be doing any job in the world, but I get to do something that I really love. I just want to be thankful. I want to be kind. I want to be humble. I want to help whoever I can along the way.

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Was there ever a point where you said, "Hey, I got this.

I've arrived.”?

I think I've had lots of moments like that at different times and for different reasons. With Friday, it was the first time I had lines in a movie." I was only Girl Number Two, but the movie ended up being a cult classic. It was Chris Tucker's first movie and people loved it. People remembered me as the little girl at the ice cream truck. I was like, "Okay, foot's in the door.”

I want to be here for as long as I'm here, playing this character that I love. I get to be quirky and awkward and do physical comedy, but I also get to do drama and come from the heart and be honest in those feelings.

Then Eve's Bayou. I didn't even know what an independent film was at the time, and it was so different from what people had seen in a lot of independent films, especially films with people of color, at that time. That was my first leading role as a teenager.

That's a great answer. [laughs] Thank you.

Waist Deep made me feel that way too. It was 10 years later, I was 24, but it was my first role as an adult, where I was the leading lady.

Shazam made me feel that way. I was like, "Yes! I'm finally a superhero!"

Harlem made me feel that way because I finally found a show where I'm not afraid of commitment.

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Do you have a specific role to date that you feel like it defines you?

I don't think I've had it yet. I think she's coming.

Have you talked about any expansion with [St. Royale]?

Or do you just want to get your sea legs and see where it takes you initially?

I think it's both. We've been kicking around ideas for different ways we want to get it into the world, and for the way we want to present it. We want it to be organic because if it's coming from the heart, if it's coming from a genuine place, it will go where it's supposed to go.

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“I would like my legacy to be loving people. I hope that people who come in contact with me feel loved and valued. That they feel like they've met a person who believes in them and believes that they can do anything they really desire in their hearts. I hope I give that to people.”

What else might be in the pipeline entertainment-wise for 2024? Anything else that you might want to share?

Well, definitely the movie that I just finished with Tyler Perry, which was great because I went through a divorce two years ago now. To be able to go into that space, I understood what the character was feeling, having her marriage end. It was very therapeutic in some ways, but also, it’s not our story at all. It was just a lot of fun and interesting.

to help usher some people in and help them have opportunities that they may have struggled to get, the way that I did. Just creating opportunity. I love to be a part of those stories.

Then I have a few other things I can't talk about just yet, but two or three other projects that I'm really excited about.

Cool. We’ ll sample some more of your brand at our offices and recommend the perfect cigar you can pair up. After hours of course…

Oh my gosh. I would love that so much.

Acting or directing?

Both. I directed a film for Tyler's company. He started an initiative to put up money for young filmmakers to come in and direct films under Tyler Perry Studios. He will distribute them. I did his first film out of the gate. I directed it, co-starred in it and produced it. It's called Russ and Drew. I'm really excited about it Women of color are being given more opportunities in terms of directing. Maybe the time is now.

I do feel like the time is now.

Do you enjoy a cigar now and again?

I do like a good cigar. I wouldn't say I'm an enthusiast, but I'll join the party if it's happening.

It's a tough job, but we’ ll do it. [laughs] Definitely. Thank you.

What would you like your legacy to be? What would that look like for you?

I would like my legacy to be loving people. I hope that people who come in contact with me feel loved and valued. That they feel like they've met a person who believes in them and believes that they can do anything they really desire in their hearts. I hope I give that to people.

I want to do it for the younger generation. I want

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

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

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C&S

CIGAR & SPIRITS MAGAZINE

As influencers in the cigar and spirits industries these past 14 years, we’ve had the good fortune of sampling the finest premium blends throughout the world, and we’ve relished sharing them with you. We encourage you to drink what we drink, and smoke what we smoke.

Our Cigar of the Year list features the most elite cigars in the premium artisanal landscape. We are certain you’ll enjoy each and every one of these cigars throughout the year. -Cigar & Spirits Magazine Staff

#1

EL SEPTIMO KOLOSSO AMETHYST PIRAMIDE 6 x 60 Piramide Wrapper: Undisclosed Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Undisclosed Strength: Medium Notes: This is a masculine torpedo with an evident scent of oily leather throughout and an abundance of smoke. The flavors are nicely finessed with complementary notes of anise, salted caramel and hints of marzipan at the finish.

The Amethyst is one of El Septimo’s standouts in its highly lauded and growing portfolio. It is a worthy successor to the #1 cigars we’ve passionately shared with our readership these past 14 years.

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Chepe Nicoli / Shutterstock.com

THE TOP 25 CIGARS OF 2023

PADRÓN FAMILY RESERVE NO. 95 MADURO 4 ¾ x 60 Grande Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

#2

Notes: A classically blended Padrón maduro cigar. It’s tasty, and never an overbearing maduro. The dark chocolate and ground almond scents and tastes are sublime. This highly lauded smoke features an effortless draw throughout the smoking experience. It is a timeless cigar.

LA AURORA 120TH ANNIVERSARY TORO 5 1/2 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Dominican Habana 92 Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican (Cibao Valley) Strength: Full

#3

Notes: La Aurora’s 115th Anniversary offering was the Cigar of the Year for this publication. The brand has created a more-than-worthy successor with its 120th cigar.

The blend comes through with tastes of hot chocolate and cashew from the start. The nuttiness intensifies as it serves up a smoky roasted honey taste at the finish. The hint of black pepper adds a bit of zing as well. The draw and burn are sublime.

AVO SYNCRO CARIBE TORO 6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Dominican Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium

#4

Notes: A cigar like milk chocolate and creamy cappuccino with a slight nougat aftertaste.

Leather, wood, and earthy aromas complement the experience as well as a pinch of pepper.

JRE TOBACCO ALADINO SUMATRA TORO

#5

6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Honduran Sumatra Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium Notes: The “new-gen” branding of this Aladino offering features a smoky, sweet maduro with creamy vanilla tastes throughout. The Sumatra-seed tobacco is tasty, timeless and new at the same time. There are myriad pleasant tastes, and the impeccable draw informs this expert blend.

FERIO TEGO TIMELESS PRESTIGE ESPECIALES

#6

6 1/4 x 38 Lancero Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: This elegant lancero delivers scents and flavors of earth and wood at the start.

The nuttiness makes for a tasty combination when it fuses with citrus and espresso. The Dominican and Nicaraguan filler offers a pleasant mouth feel. The burn is stellar.

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ROOM101 ROOM101 14TH ANNIVERSARY TORO

#7

6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Notes: This limited-edition Matt Booth offering is wrapped in a chocolatey maduro. The cigar is blended with fine notes of coffee, cacao, wood, and earth and balanced with a creamy smoothness. The smoking session surprisingly lasted nearly 90 minutes, and the burn held evenly throughout.

SERINO ROYAL MADURO XX 6 ¼ x 54 Wrapper: Ecuadoran Havana 2000 Oscuro Binder: Jalapa Criollo '98 Filler: Jalapa Criollo '98 Medio Tiempo, Estelí Corojo '99, Criollo '98 Strength: Full

#8

Notes: This lauded Serino is a beefy cigar with a pleasant aroma of charred mesquite.

The tastes are meaty and smoky and offer an espresso quality that sneaks up on you at the halfway point. The draw is sublime.

J.C. NEWMAN ANGEL CUESTA 7.25 x 57 Salomones Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Undisclosed Strength: Medium

#9

Notes: This Salomones is a smooth and masculine cigar in look and feel with simply excellent construction. The underlying earth topped with a jammy, marzipan note makes for a tasty session all the way through. The draw and burn are memorable.

HOOTEN YOUNG OPERATOR 6 ½ x 54 Royal Toro Wrapper: African Cameroon Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Undisclosed Strength: Medium/Full

#10

Notes: This Hooten Young features an inherently natural sweetness. It meshes nicely with tastes and scents of smoky toast, milk chocolate, baking spices and nuanced pepper throughout. The draw is wonderful.

OLMEC CLARO ROBUSTO 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Mexican–San Andrés Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan–Estelí & Jalapa Strength: Medium/Full

#11

Notes: This Olmec is a handsome box-pressed cigar. The tastes are replete with vanilla bean and light coffee at the start. The draw and burn are outstanding. The cigar ends with a honey and cinnamon finish. The ample smoke throughout was outstanding.

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The

TRUE SPIRIT of the WEST Distinctive from start to finish

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MY FATHER THE JUDGE TORO 6 x 56 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium/Full

#12

Notes: This stout My Father feels comfortable and oily in the hand. There are significant tastes of dark chocolate almonds, peanuts and salty caramel throughout. The smoke is ample and aromatic with a hay-like scent.

PLASENCIA COSECHA 149 SANTA FE 4 7/8 x 60 Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Full

#13

Notes: The cigar’s nutty and zesty citrus tastes are nicely layered with leather, earth and wood. It finishes sweetly and holds a perfect ash throughout the smoking session.

DAVIDOFF DOMINICANA TORO 6 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Dominican Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium/Full

#14

Notes: This handsome pigtailed Toro offers scents and tastes of delicious minty minerals and light pepper. The draw is perfect throughout. The tastes finish with hints of cardamom and almonds.

TATUAJE T110 TUXTLA 4 3/8 x 52 Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full

#15

Notes: The expertly crafted size of the T110 Tuxtla is unique. It has an oily and pleasant feel in the hand. Interestingly, the scents and initial taste are red wine and smoky bourbon. The cigar offers a stellar burn and finishes with spice and citrus, expertly crafted.

RAMÓN ALLONES 40 CARAT ER PAÍSES BAJOS

#16

7 ¼ X 50 Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba Strength: Full Notes: The sweet chocolate and leather mesh alongside strong earthy flavors. The draw is stellar, and the nuanced flavors at the finish of almond and honey make for a timeless blend.

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PLATINUM MEDAL Beverage Tasting Institute

94

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AGANORSA LEAF GUARDIAN OF THE FARM CERBERUS

#17

6 x 44 Lonsdale Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 2012 Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Notes: The Aganorsa Cerberus is a rustic cigar with scents and tastes of nutmeg, walnuts and citrus throughout. It finishes somewhat stronger with clove and pepper than the start, which is a good cap to the smoking session. There is an abundance of smoke to enjoy as well.

ILLUSIONE ALLEGRIA LONSDALE 6 ¼ x 44 Lonsdale Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

#18

Notes: This tasty Illusione is chocolatey with oatmeal raisin notes at the start. The leather and spice flavors pick up about halfway and make for a stellar cigar experience. It has a draw to die for.

COHIBA RIVIERA 6 ½ x 52 Toro Box-Pressed Wrapper: San Andrés Binder: Connecticut, Honduran Filler: Nicaraguan Condega, Nicaraguan Esteli, Honduran La Entrada, Honduran Jamastran Strength: Medium/Full

#19

Notes: The Riviera is the only box-pressed offering in the Cohiba line. It’s a handsome and refined cigar in the hand. This tasty cigar features a vanilla silkiness and it’s undoubtedly a creamy smoke with some earthy notes mixed in. The abundant smoke output has a pleasant citrus scent. The draw and burn are stellar.

DREW ESTATE CIGARS BLACKENED CIGARS “M81”

#20

5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf Filler: Nicaraguan, U.S.A. Pennsylvania Strength: Full Notes: The Blackened “M81” is a bold collab between Metallica and Drew Estate featuring a variety of well-crafted maduro flavors. The Blackened is a dark, rich and tasty cigar. It features scents and flavors of mesquite, charred beef, espresso and leather.

LE PÂTISSIER NO. 54 5 3/8 x 54 Robusto Wrapper: U.S.A–Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Nicaraguan–Jalapa Filler: Costa Rican, Nicaraguan–Ometepe and Pueblo Nuevo Strength: Medium/Full

#21

Notes: The 54 is such a handsome cigar given the unique quality of its size. The blend is crafted quite well, featuring an effortless draw and even burn throughout. There are hints of honey, citrus and vanilla that make for a sublime smoking session.

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ALEC BRADLEY MAGIC TOAST 5TH ANNIVERSARY

#22

7 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Honduran, Nicaraguan Binder: Honduran, Nicaraguan Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Notes: This elegantly wrapped cigar offers cocoa, wood, and cinnamon flavors, beneath an oily, ultra-dark-brown wrapper leaf. It hits a welcomed medium midday smoking experience.

NOMOS CIGARS NOMOS LONSDALE

#23

6 x 42 Lonsdale Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Indonesian (Sumatra) Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Notes: The smooth draw brings in cayenne-spicey tastes, sweet cedar and citrus hints.

The oil and leathery undertone are surprisingly sublime. The abundance of smoke, even burn and dark chocolate notes are memorable.

DON DOROTEO PIEDRA VIVA 5 ¾ x 54 Toro Wrapper: Cameroon seed (grown in Ecuador) Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Andullo Dominicana (Taino “Indian Tobacco), Corojo Dominicano, Criolla 98, Nicaraguan Ligero Condega, Nicaraguan Viso Condego Strength: Medium

#24

Notes: Don Doroteo released its “Salt of the Earth” line late last year. The Piedra Viva version features tobacco leaves aged seven years. It’s spicy and nutty at the start and features pleasant aromas and tastes of salty caramel and leather at the back-end. The cigar was a fine finish to 2023.

PLATINUM NOVA CIGARS LEO 12 6 ¼ x 56 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium

#25

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

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MAXIMILLION COOPER THE FAMED ENTREPRENEUR AND RACE CAR DRIVER TAKES YOU ON A HELLUVA RIDE WITH GUMBALL 3000 portraits and interview by John Russo

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Styling by Jennifer Austin Grooming by Michaela Limur Produced by Ken Waller at Photohouse Productions

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John Russo: Take us back to 1999 when you founded the Gumball 3000. Did you ever think it would be at the level it is now?

Maximillion Cooper: Before starting Gumball 3000, I’d been fortunate to have already had some incredible life experiences, mostly through racing cars and modeling for various fashion brands all over the world—traveling to incredible places and becoming friends with some of the biggest sports, pop and film stars of the day. Essentially, Gumball was my way of bringing together these eclectic friends I’d met across the fashion, music, art and automotive worlds with a vision to create a lifestyle brand that combined these passions.

It all started with that first road trip in 1999. While I couldn’t foresee how things would evolve, I had the constant drive and determination to make it succeed, and thankfully, its popularity continued to grow and grow.

Give us the prototype of the person who does the Gumball 3000.

The rally itself has become a “bucket list” event for the rich and famous, as well as being aspirational for people of all ages; but of course, the fairly large entry fee and sheer limited number of places available to participate each year means that a Gumball entrant needs to have the financial means to sign up. (The Gumball entry fee is approximately $100,000 per car.)

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Gumball attracts people from all backgrounds, nationalities, and walks of life. Still, usually, the most common denominator is that all participants are pretty successful in whatever field they are in and usually have a passion for cars. Hence, Gumballers are literally from rock stars to royalty, Oscar winners to Olympic champions, Forbes list to fashionistas, heads of industry and sports stars to social media’s biggest influencers.

Gumball appeals to those with a sense of adventure who thrive on challenges, love to explore the world, have fun and party with the mindset that life is for living.

In speaking with several Gumballers, it was refreshing to hear that many have been on multiple trips. It seems your base is very faithful to the rally. Why do you think this is the case?

While I often refer to the rally as a “once in a lifetime” experience, if you have the means, it can be enjoyed more than once…and especially as the route and experience are completely different each year, it will always have new appeal.

It’s an adrenaline-fueled roller coaster of a week that bonds people through shared adventure and a personal sense of achievement and can be quite addictive. It’s not a race; therefore, camaraderie develops between participants to help and look out for one another throughout the 3000-mile tour.

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I’M THANKFUL THAT THIS ENTIRE JOURNEY HAS BEEN FILLED WITH SOME GREAT MEMORIES, AND OF COURSE, THE PLANNING THAT GOES INTO EACH RALLY MEANS THAT I’M CONSTANTLY LAPPING THE WORLD, MEETING GREAT PEOPLE, SEEING AND EXPLORING NEW PLACES ALL THE TIME.

Many participants live incredibly busy lives, and so for several regulars, it’s also become an annual reunion that, for one week each year, provides complete escapism from regular life...and great opportunity to have some fun hanging out with friends!

You have created a community of people who love supercars and appreciate the finest things in life. Would you call the Gumball 3000 an exclusive club?

Most definitely, I’d go so far as to say it’s the most exclusive members club in the world. Since the first rally, we now have over 6,000 individual alumni members who have participated in the rally and are, therefore, part of this unique and powerful Gumball family.

Charity is a big deal for you. In 2013, you established the Gumball 3000 Foundation, a charity organization that helps kids. Can you tell me more about this?

By 2013, the Gumball alumni were already one of the most powerful and influential collectives of people that you could ever bring together and having built a popular youth culture brand with a global audience.

The Gumball 3000 Foundation was established to use its voice and the influence of its network to provide better opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

Over the following decade, our foundation has raised several million dollars and supported programs worldwide to give young people better opportunities through education, community and infrastructurebased projects focusing on sports, music and the creative industries.

Each year, we host two big fundraising events during the rally to allow our participants, alumni network and commercial partners to get involved. In partnership with Christie’s Auction House, we host an auction of pop culture and sporting memorabilia, followed by a celebrity football match.

The Gumball Goodwill football match is a huge spectacle where a Gumball All-Stars team plays against a World XI, with players on both teams coming from sport, music and entertainment. A few actual football legends on each team to show the others how to play: ticket sales and sponsorship revenue from the match

support the Foundation’s ongoing projects.

Do you have any partnerships in this effort?

We’ve partnered with several established charities and nonprofit organizations, including The Skatepark Project, Project Wreckless, Usher’s New Look, Laureus Sport For Good and The Prince’s Trust in the United Kingdom to facilitate many incredible programs.

The Foundation’s sports and creative focus allows us to work with our Gumball ambassadors and celebrities within these fields to help mentor, inspire and motivate the next generation of kids for their journey through life.

Gumball’s 25th anniversary is approaching. Looking back, what have been some of your favorite memories of the rally?

I’m thankful that this entire journey has been filled with some great memories, and of course, the planning that goes into each rally means that I’m constantly lapping the world, meeting great people, seeing and exploring new places all the time. If I were to pick just a couple of truly stand-out memories, I’d have to say that the experiences I had organizing the 2008 rally that started in San Francisco and crossed the finish line at the Beijing Olympic Games, with 24 hours in Pyongyang, North Korea, will never be forgotten—not just for the unique places and people I encountered, but for actually pulling it off!

Another stand-out year was the 2014 rally from Miami to Ibiza, where we flew all 120 cars mid-rally from New York to Glasgow, Scotland. The arrival into Regent Street in Central London on the drive down from Scotland was a truly “goosebumps” moment where over 500,000 fans lined the streets across London and cheered in every car. The scale of the crowd was overwhelming and an especially proud moment in Gumball’s home city.

Incredible. A few quickie questions…What’s your favorite supercar, make, model and color?

The 1997 McLaren F1 GTR “Longtail” (chassis 20R) Le Mans GT1 winner, in Gulf Blue with an orange stripe... currently worth over $20M!

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I MUCH PREFER AN ENDLESS SUMMER OVER MONTHS OF FREEZING TEMPERATURES, BUT AUTUMN IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR.

Italy or Greece?

Italy was our annual family vacation as a child. We’d drive there from England in my Mum’s tiny little Morris Minor (1960s British car), which undoubtedly gave me a love for road trips!

Drive or driven?

I love driving unless it’s in a city!

Sleep or party?

Of course, it’s a party. But after so much partying (and a 20-month-old son), I need sleep.

What's your favorite cigar?

The AJ Fernandez Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto Churchill.

Do you have a memorable locale where you've smoked a cigar?

Of course, it has to be in the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana.

What's your go-to cocktail of the moment?

An Old Fashioned whiskey.

Favorite destination for driving?

Either the vast open stretches of Death Valley in California or the Scottish Highlands!

Favorite jeans?

Vintage Levi’s.

Favorite place to escape?

The English countryside, especially the Malvern Hills, where I grew up.

Tennis shoes or dress shoes?

As a sneaker designer, I have to say tennis shoes, but I am a huge fan of dress shoes, too.

Soccer or tennis?

Soccer, but please call it football. I’m a huge Chelsea FC fan.

What should we be on the lookout for in 2024?

It has to be celebrating our 25th anniversary. We're excited to be hosting multiple events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone, including hosting a music concert at the Pyramids in Cairo at the start of the rally.

The rally will then follow an incredible route across the Middle East before flying the entire cavalcade of 120 cars, about 250 people, to land in Bangkok and continue on the rally through Southeast Asia before crossing the finish line at the Singapore F1 race...a proper once in a lifetime experience.

We'll also be releasing 25 brand collaborations throughout the year, ranging from an Asprey London silver cocktail shaker to a Gumball 3000 Special Edition AJ Fernandez cigar.

To learn more about the Gumball3000 tickets for the 25th Anniversary visit: gumball3000.com

Summer or winter?

I much prefer an endless summer over months of freezing temperatures, but autumn is my favorite time of the year.

John Russo | @johnrussophoto.com

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>> Joe Beatrice is the founder of Barrel Craft Spirits.

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Photos courtesy of Barrel Craft Spirits.

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ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

BARRELL CRAFT SPIRITS S

ince 2013, Barrell Craft Spirits has been gaining fame for its aged, cask strength whiskeys and rums. Recognized for its blending expertise, the company has received a number

of prestigious awards over the years. The brand’s small-batch and

by Audrey Pavia

single-barrel releases have become an influencing force in the American whiskey market. Its products are currently sold in 49 U.S. states.

Barrell Craft Spirits’ stated mission is to remain the most innovative, progressive and respected spirits brand in the nation by making bold choices and pushing the creative envelope every day.

We had a chance to talk to Joe Beatrice, founder of Barrell Craft Spirits, about the company’s continued quest to showcase the company’s elite spirits.

“WE CHOOSE COMPLEX FLAVORS THAT WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A SYNERGY, ALLOWING THE DIFFERENT COMPONENTS TO WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A COMPLEX FLAVOR PROFILE.”

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Please tell us about how you became the founder of Barrell Craft Spirits.

Joe Beatrice: I was captivated after tasting whiskey straight from the barrel for the first time. It was cask strength, completely unadulterated and not diluted with water. I was also inspired by Scotland’s longestablished independent bottlers, who elevated barrels of whiskey into something greater than the sum of their parts. So, rather than follow a traditional path and build a distillery, it became clear to me that blending with whiskey and other spirits was a point of differentiation, and I made it the chosen path when launching Barrell Craft Spirits in 2013.

I decided to release whiskey at cask strength, which no one else was doing at the time, and without chill filtration. I began to source whiskey and blend exceptional casks from established producers, bottle them at cask strength, and sell them as transparently as possible.

In the beginning, I received a lot of negative pushback about being a non-distilling producer of cask strength spirits, but now, there are several other companies that are following our lead.

How rewarding is it for you that you are the architect of Barrell Craft, and that it’s recognized as an exemplary brand in its category?

I’m extremely proud that today, Barrell Craft Spirits is a national brand that has won countless awards from the industry’s most prestigious competitions, and earned the respect and praise of the most esteemed whiskey authorities.

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Your sourcing combines the best of the bourbon and rye whiskey-making process. Can you tell us about it?

Blending whiskey is a true art that is just now getting the attention and recognition it deserves. The process of blending with whiskey involves constant experimentation and iteration. We choose complex flavors that work together to create a synergy, allowing the different components to work together to create a complex flavor profile.

Complexity in blending is built through diversity in whiskey.

The goal of blending is to express your creativity, while finding nuance and balance. Mastering the craft involves lots of experimentation and patience. Barrell Craft Spirits selects and blends whiskeys of different ages, and from different distilleries that explore different distillation methods and aging environments. When purchasing barrels, we look for those that have a flavor profile that we like, and that have a uniqueness and complexity that can be used as components in a blend.

We release our limited-edition bourbons totally pure, without chill filtration and at barrel strength.

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“THE GOAL OF BLENDING IS TO EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY, WHILE FINDING NUANCE AND BALANCE. MASTERING THE CRAFT INVOLVES LOTS OF EXPERIMENTATION AND PATIENCE.”

Who would you say is the typical Barrell Craft drinker these days?

Our customer is an open, interested and engaged whiskey fan. They prioritize great flavors and unique blending over all else. What’s exciting is that the American consumer is so much more sophisticated and educated about blending now than 5 or 10 years ago, so there’s an audience for our unique blended whiskeys.

In fall 2023, we released Barrell Foundation, the first Barrell Craft Spirits non-cask strength bourbon. We applied the same meticulous, scientific approach to blending that we put behind all our products to this 100-proof release. Our goal was to create a versatile, easy-drinking, full-flavored bourbon perfect for enjoying neat or over ice. It's also a natural choice for cocktails that benefit from a slightly lower proof. The lower price point along with the lower proof makes it a more accessible whiskey to people who prefer a lower proof and price.

What are the most popular sellers in the brand’s portfolio? Has the brand won any recent competitions?

Our most popular releases are our core whiskeys: Barrell Vantage, a blend of straight bourbons finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak, which are Mizunara, French and toasted American oak casks; Barrell Seagrass, a blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys, with each ingredient meticulously sourced and finished separately in Martinique Rhum, Madeira and apricot brandy barrels; and Barrell

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“OUR FLAGSHIP PRODUCT IS OUR BATCH BOURBON. BIG, BOLD, COMPLEX FLAVORS ARE THE FOCUS OF OUR BARRELL BOURBON BATCHES. EACH UNIQUE BATCH IS RELEASED ON A LIMITED BASIS, AND WHEN IT’S GONE, IT'S GONE.” Dovetail, which features woody bourbon finished in Dunn Vineyards Cabernet casks, Late Bottled Vintage Port pipes, and blackstrap molasses rum casks. Our flagship product is our Batch Bourbon. Big, bold, complex flavors are the focus of our Barrell Bourbon Batches. Each unique batch is released on a limited basis, and when it’s gone, it's gone.

Barrell Craft Spirits has won over 150 awards in the most prestigious competitions in the country. This includes a Double Gold medal at the Cigar & Spirits World Spirits Competition in 2022.

Please tell us a bit about your Gold and Gray Labels.

The Gray and Gold Label Series are the pinnacle of the Barrell Craft Spirits portfolio. These offerings are highly allocated, with small productions due to the age of the liquid being used in their creation. Each offering is old and layered, showcasing the best of Barrell Craft Spirits blending in a whiskey that can only be made this complex with time in the barrel. The component whiskeys are

aged up to 20 years, making the final blend significantly more elegant. The barrels harvested for these releases are selected for their refined properties and extraordinary flavor profiles, then blended and bottled at peak maturity.

What should we be on the lookout for in 2024?

We just completed the construction of our new blending and bottling facility in Louisville. This year we hope to open to the public with tours and tastings.

As far as products go, this year we debuted our Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series, a limited-edition series. We’ll be continuing it next year with two new finishes. This past fall, we released an Amburana cask finish bourbon, and a Tale of Two Islands cask finish bourbon that was finished in casks that we used to create our Tale of Two Islands Rum back in 2019. Everyone asks me which is my favorite of all our products, and I always say “it’s whichever one we’re currently working on” because we’re always focused on what’s next.

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 contributing writer for Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

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COCKTAIL CORNER Soho Cigar Bar’s Jared Bailey photos by Margaret Pattillo

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

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

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

Here are a few of Jared’s newest drinks—created exclusively for Cigar & Spirits Magazine—that you can work into your 2024 cocktail rotation.

Salted Caramel Cocoa Toddy Serves 2 Ingredients: • 3 oz Irish Whiskey • 1 pack hot chocolate • 8 oz water • 2 oz Baileys Salted Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur Directions: • in a saucepan bring 8 ounces of water to a boil • stir in hot cocoa mix, Irish Whiskey and Bailey's Salted Irish Cream • evenly distribute between two teacups • garnish with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and a pinch of salt

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M&H Manhattan Serves 1 Ingredients: • 1 oz. Heering Cherry Liqueur • 2 oz. straight rye whiskey • 1 bar spoon sugar syrup • 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters Directions: • combine all ingredients into a mixing glass and add ice • stir until well-chilled • strain neat into a coupe glass • garnish with an orange peel and brandied cherry

SOHO PRO TIPS Winter is here! It's a wonderful time to mix in seasonal ingredients (cherry, almonds, cider, cranberry) to any classic cocktail you’re building. Don't be afraid to experiment!

While we’re all familiar with staples like mulled wine, the Winter Rum Warmer plays off of that concept. However, it’s downsized to accommodate just one serving. Don’t hesitate to up this serving for holiday get togethers or downsize others to fit a more personal serving.

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U N C L E NE AR E S T.C OM Uncle Nearest has won more than 850 awards in the last three years.

Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 60.8%, 50% and 46.5% Alc/Vol, Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. © 2024 Uncle Nearest, Inc. SCAN FOR UNCLE NEAREST STORY

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Winter Rum Warmer Serves 1 Ingredients: • 2 oz dark rum • 1 tsp butter • 1 tsp sugar • 4 oz hot water Directions: • combine all ingredients into a saucepan • bring to a boil making sure to stir all the ingredients well • remove from heat when the sugar and butter are dissolved • pour into heat-proof cocktail glass • add 2 oz hot water on top • garnish with a lemon peel

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Smoky Almond No. 24 Serves 1 Ingredients: • 2 oz Adriatico Blanco Almond Milk Liqueur • 1 oz mezcal • .75 oz fresh lime juice • .5 oz agave syrup Directions: • combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice • shake until well-chilled • strain into a rocks glass over ice • garnish with a sage leaf

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JANUARY JANUARY//FEBRUARY FEBRUARY2024 2024

BUSHWOOD SPIRITS HAS BACKED UP ITS 2022 AWARDS HAUL WITH 3 DOUBLE GOLDS AND 3 GOLDS IN THE 2023 CIGAR AND SPIRITS WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION. THE TIME AND ATTENTION WE PUT INTO EVERY ASPECT OF OUR PRODUCTS CANNOT BE OVERSTATED, AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE LEGACY AWARD-WINNERS IN SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITION.

®

MAKE 2024 YOUR YEAR – BE THE BALL Bushwood.com

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Jag_c/Shutterstock.com.

CIGAR & SPIRITS MAGAZINE

THE 2023 WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION Cigar & Spirits Magazine received the highest number of entrants in the history of the competition in 2023.

Our tasting panel of connoisseurs sampled some of the most elite spirits from across the globe.

The scoring results were tabulated by a retired Ernst & Young Partner and Leader of Restaurant Practice ensuring the finest spirits were rewarded with appropriate placements. The results were submitted to the magazine’s editorial department for publication.

Based on ratings between 96-98

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Based on ratings 89-91

*The World Spirits Competition included paid entrants.

VODKA

Bushwood Looper Vodka

Elxr Holdings Sweet Grass Vodka

Deep Eddy Original Vodka

FLAVOR INFUSED VODKA

Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose

Ketel One Cucumber & Mint

Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom

Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka

Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka

Deep Eddy Lime Vodka

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GIN

Iron Fish Michigan Woodland Gin

Whitefish River Rock Gin

FRUIT LIQUEUR

Piñaq Original Passion Fruit

Piñaq Blue

Piñaq Rose

OTHER LIQUEUR

Evan Williams Egg Nog

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Rivulet Artisan Pecan Liqueur

Piñaq Colada

STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

Bushwood Front 9

Bushwood Long Ball Gold Label Cask Strength

Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon - 126.4

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

Evan Williams 1783

Evan Williams Black Straight Kentucky Bourbon

Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon - 124.4

Digits Bourbon

Bushwood Long Ball Gold Label Cask Strength

Bushwood Long Ball Gold Label - 100 Proof

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STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel

SMALL BATCH BOURBON (UP TO 11 YEARS)

Doc Swinson's Alter Ego Triple Cask Bourbon

Savage & Cooke Bourbon Whiskey Cask Finish

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Ammunition Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Doc Swinson's Tawny Port

Elxr Holdings Bradshaw Bourbon

SMALL BATCH BOURBON (11+ YEARS)

Larceny Small Batch Bourbon

Doc Swinson's Bossa Nova

Legacy Brand SPOTLIGHT

Cigar & Spirits Magazine would like to acknowledge the brands who

have won three or more Double Gold placements in the past five years. We

are proud to announce that each of these spirits companies have received the designation as a Cigar & Spirits Magazine Legacy Brand.

Iron Fish Gin

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition

Toasted Oak Whiskey

Ketel One Vodka

Tequila Cabal Blanco

Doc Swinsons Alter Ego Triple Cask Bourbon

Johnnie Walker Blue

Kamiki Intense Wood Japanese Whiskey

Papas Pilar Papas Pilar Legacy Edition 22

NOLET’S Gin

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AMERICAN BLENDED WHISKEY

Hooten Young American Whiskey Light

Toasted Oak Small Batch Whiskey

Iron Fish Mad Angler Bottled-In-Bond

Bernheim Original

Keeper's Heart Irish & American Whiskey

Keeper's Heart Irish Bourbon Whiskey

Pendleton

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Hooten Young American Whiskey Light

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Keeper's Heart Irish & American Whiskey

Pendleton Original

BLENDED WHISKEY

The Jrny 44 Canadian Whisky

Black Velvet Original

JAPANESE WHISKY

Black Velvet Reserve

SINGLE BARREL WHISKEY (UP TO 10 YEARS)

Kamiki Intense Wood Japanese Whisky

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey Barrel

TENNESSEE WHISKEY

Uncle Nearest Premium Tennessee Single Barrel Whiskey

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

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STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY

Bushwood Stillwater Rye

Savage & Cooke Rye Whiskey Cask Finished

Iron Fish Mad Angler Rye Whiskey

Doc Swinson's Alter Ego Solera Method Rye

Ammunition Straight Rye Whiskey

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey

Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey

Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Uncle Nearest Uncut & Unfiltered Rye Whiskey

Pendleton 1910 True Western Tradition

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AMERICAN SINGLE MALT WHISKEY

Savage & Cooke American Whiskey Cask Strength

Stranahan's Rocky Mountain

Stranahan's Sherry Cask

Stranahan's Diamond Peak

Stranahan's Blue Peak

Stranahan's Original

FLAVORED WHISKEY

Evan Williams Peach Infused Whiskey

Black Velvet Peach Infused Whiskey

Evan Williams Apple Infused Whiskey

Evan Williams Honey Infused Whiskey

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DARK RUM

Papa's Pilar Dark Rum

Papa's Pilar Sherry Cask Rum

EXTRA AGED RUM

Kamiki Minoki Extra Aged Rum

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Golden Age Spirits Marque Reserve Extra Anejo Rum

Papa's Pilar Rye Finished Dark Rum

Baluarte Quintana Gold/Dark Rum

WHITE RUM

Papa's Pillar Flagship Blonde Rum

FLAVORED RUM

BOUTIQUE RUM

Whitefish Rum with Spices

Lost Spirits Japonisme Rum

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100% AGAVE BLANCO

Otaca Tequila Blanco

Tequila Cabal Blanco

Compoveda Tequila Blanco

Compoveda Tequila Blanco Rosa

Senor Rio Blanco Tequila

Lunazul Tequila Blanco

Lunazul Tequila El Humoso

1800 Blanco

Lunazul Tequila Primero

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100% AGAVE REPOSADO

Compoveda Tequila Resposado

1800 Resposado

1800 Anejo

Senor Rio Resposado

1800 Cristalino Resposado

Lunazul Tequila Reposado

MEZCAL

Tequila Cabal Mezcal

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FLAVORED TEQUILA

1800 Coconut

1800 Cucumber & Jalapeno

100% AGAVE ANEJO

Senor Rio Anejo Tequila

Baluarte Tequila Azul Anejo

Gran Coramino Tequila Azul Anejo

Tequila Cabal Anejo

Luanzul Tequila Anejo

100% AGAVE EXTRA ANEJO

Compoveda Extra Anejo Azul Tequila

Jose Cuervo Extra Anejo Tequila

1800 Milenio

1800 Cristalino

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