May/June 2021 Issue Cigar & Spirits Magazine Ft. Pitbull

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MAY/JUNE 2021

LINCOLN SALAZAR RANDY MASTRONICOLA BREAHNA WHEELER

CEO & Publisher Editor-in-Chief Corporate Director Events/Admin.

JOE REDMOND

Art Director

MIYURI NORRIS

Director of Digital Media

AUDREY PAVIA

Consulting Editor

CODY CHO

Consulting Media Director

JOE BOSSO

Senior Writer

ELISA JORDAN

Senior Writer

CHRIS GOLDSHOLL LISA TURNBULL BAILEY KERWICK SHAHID GHANI NATALIE NICOL CARLY SCHEUER

Account Executive Administrative Coordinator Administrative Assistant Chief Financial Officer Legal Accounting

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joe Bosso, Sean Chaffin, Nick Hammond, Julie Harrington Giffin, Dave Johnson, Elisa Jordan, Greg Mays, Audrey Pavia, Breahna Wheeler

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

Headquartered at: 72 Argonaut Suite 130 | Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (949) 599-2760 Cigar & Spirits is published bi-monthly by Top Hat Media Group. Please send address changes to Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO BOX 92675, Long Beach, CA 90809. ©2021 by Top Hat Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

For subscription inquiries or changes of address: Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO BOX 92675, Long Beach, CA 90809 (you may email us at cigarandspirits@pfsmag.com) (888) 881-5861, or fax (714) 226-9789.

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Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: IMEX Global Solutions, P. O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, CANADA. Printed in the U.S.A. April 2021 Volume 11/Issue 3 For Advertising: Advertising@CigarandSpirits.com To Contact Us for Questions & Comments email: CustomerService@CigarandSpirits.com Letters to the Editor: Feedback@CigarandSpirits.com For subscription customer service: cigarandspirits@pfsmag.com

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER

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PITBULL MR. WORLDWIDE LIVES

Music, Passion and Tequila

INTERVIEW

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TOUCHING ALL THE BASES WITH MIKE PIAZZA

From America’s Pastime, to Life In Italy and Then Some

MAY/JUNE 2021 FEATURES

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MIKE PIAZZA

MVP CIGARS

Sticks Make Winning Taste All The Sweeter

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ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Where the Buffalo Roam An Iconic American Brand With A Worldwide Following

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WHERE WERE YOU WHEN?

1991: The Year Music Turned On Its Axis

LIFESTYLE

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REWARDS

THE LOWDOWN WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW

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RabbitAir A3 Air Purifier

Perfecto Pairings to Expand Your Palate

Artisanal Doughy Delights Cigars Mise en scène Save the Date

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DADS & GRADS GIFT GUIDE

They Want It. They Need It. They Deserve It.

ON THE COVER

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PITBULL

CASCATA GOLF CLUB

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The Eighth Wonder of the Golf World

CASCATA GOLF CLUB

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FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

Spring Cigar Buyer’s Guide

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FOR YOUR HOME BAR

Spring Spirits Buyer’s Guide

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FEATURED COCKTAILS

DADS & GRADS GIFT GUIDE

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FEATURED PAIRINGS

Five Springtime Cocktails to Sip This Season

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WHERE WERE YOU WHEN?

MVP CIGARS

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PERFECTO PAIRINGS

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ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT BUFFALO TRACE

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THE LOWDOWN

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE COSTUMES, KAZOOS AND JERSEYS LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO TAKE SERIOUSLY…

I RECENTLY ATTENDED THE FUNERAL of one of my very best friend’s grandmother. Her memorial wish was to have her friends and family dress in costumes at the service, or to wear a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey—her favorite football team.

As you can imagine, for some die hard football fans it was hard for them to grasp wearing a competitor’s jersey. For some, this was a very unorthodox request for a memorial. Typically, men dress in black suits, and women in long black dresses. I always found this to be depressing. This time it was much different.

I sat in the pew and watched a moving slide show of her life. This got me to thinking on her very unique last wish. The meaning behind that message—her last one to those lives she impacted—to those she loved. It showed such a beautiful spirit of kindness, fun and the generous amount of love she left behind. It was much more than a simple wish. I believe it was a statement to remind all of us to not always take life so seriously. And you shouldn’t let other people control your happiness— your great spirit of life.

Breahna Wheeler and “Old Granny” Mary Patricia Schusler

Her request showed she was someone who lived a very full life. We all know most memorials have weeping heads down because people are grieving.

This memorial, because of her last wish, people were smiling, laughing and telling stories about the good times. Don’t get me wrong, there were tears of sadness, mourning and hurt but it made all of us see her beautiful heart—that ray of sunshine that lived in her.

This issue is dedicated to Mary Patricia Schusler, better known as “Old Granny.”

I think we should all take a piece of this message into our lives. We should realize to not be so serious, enjoy the ride and especially enjoy the loved ones around us. I do promise you this—even though she will be missed—her spirit will live in each and every person she touched. Especially those closest to her—her family.

So, for any of us going through hard times like losing a loved one, let’s try to understand they’ll never be that far away because their spirit is always in the heart.

Lincoln B. Salazar

“Costumes always make life more fun. Don’t worry about what others think.”

May her legacy live through this note. May she live on forever.

Cheers,

publisher@cigarandspirits.com CEO & Publisher

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@cigarandspiritsmagpublisher

LOS ANGELES NYC

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SAN FRANCISCO TO K YO

SEOUL

NEWPORT BEACH SYDNEY

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C&S Photos courtesy of RabbitAir

R A BBITA IR A3 A IR PU R IFIER A RTISA N A L DOUGHY DELIGHTS CIGA RS M ISE EN SCÈNE SAVE THE DATE

RABBITAIR A3 Air quality is a concern for everyone, and even more of an issue for cigar smokers. Since 2004, RabbitAir has dedicated its time and resources to creating products that improve the quality of life by improving the quality of air. The company has proven to be a superb choice for those seeking out ways to improve air breathability in their homes.

The RabbitAir A3 Air Purifier offers the most oomph of all the products in their lineup. The enhanced engineering provides a 30% increase in capacity from the company’s highly successful MinusA2. This unit covers up to 1,070 sq. ft., filtering 8,560 cubic feet of air in 30 minutes. The A3 model’s high setting completes two entire air changes per hour.

WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW

by Joe Bosso, Julie Harrington Giffin, Dave Johnson and Randy Mastronicola

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RabbitAir’s highly lauded six-stage filtration system activates a carbon charcoal filter that effectively combats cigar smoke.

You should consider the Odor Remover option as well.

The unit is easy to operate, mountable and quiet. (It’s virtually silent when set at low speed.) You’ll sleep all the better knowing you’re in an environmentally serene air space.

The A3 doesn’t require gargantuan effort to maneuver. It’s about 20 inches high, and weighs in at a manageable 20 pounds. You can keep it close by near the sofa or desk, or mount it on the wall so there’s no temptation for pets and kids to fuss with it. The A3 is outfitted with wireless internet capabilities. The Bluetooth-enabled remote control provides the ability to monitor the air quality and control purification whether you’re in or out of the home. -R.M.

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Who doesn’t like hitting the local donut shop now and again? There’s no shortage of artisanal shops out there now, and we’re sure you’ll be able to search out an expertly crafted doughy delight in your neck of the woods. The following are examples of a few unique shops to whet your appetite.

Whether you live by one of these gems or not, you’ll surely become a sweet tooth regular somewhere out there in the donut-lovers’ universe.

SUGAR RUSH DONUT–MOBILE, ALA.

This Southern donut shop became a big hit with their decadent donut selections such as Red Velvet Cake, Strawberry Shortcake and donuts topped with Oreo cookies. Mixing in bacon, hickory-smoked Conecuh sausage and other unique takes on tradition have enhanced their reputation as well. They even make a giant King Cake donut for special order during the Mardi Gras time of year.

VOODOO DOUGHNUT–PORTLAND, ORE.

Voodoo Doughnut might just be the most famous of all craft donut shops in the United States. They make fun donuts like their popular Voodoo Doll donut, filled with raspberry jam and topped with a pretzel stake. It turns out this Portland classic became so popular that it now has many locations across the United States.

Photos courtesy of Sugar Rush Donut, Voodoo Doughnut, District Donuts, The Donut Pub and Duck Donuts

ARTISANAL DOUGHY DELIGHTS

DISTRICT DONUTS–NEW ORLEANS, LA.

Not to be outshined by local beignets, District Donuts makes donuts 100% from scratch– including their sprinkles. They have a few staple donuts, like glazed and cinnamon sugar, but they also feature six daily rotating wildcard donuts—from a catalog of over one hundred.

They also make killer sliders and breakfast sandwiches. Everything they do is top notch.

DUCK DONUTS–DUCK, N.C.

THE DONUT PUB–NEW YORK, N.Y.

Since opening in 1964, The Donut Pub has been bringing sweet treats to the Big Apple in a big way. With their decadent assortment of donuts like S’mores and Chocolate Caramel, to their delicious croissant donuts, The Donut Pub is a must-try for any donut doyen. Best of all, they offer nationwide delivery straight to your door via goldbelly.com.

Duck Donuts specializes in fresh, made-to-order donuts. You start with a coating (glaze, sugar, icings, etc.), pick a topping and then choose a drizzle, giving you thousands of potential combinations, served hot and fresh in just a few minutes. With several franchise locations under their belt, Duck Donuts may be the most prolific choice on our list. We think it’s a dark horse because it’s still unknown by many, but it’s coming up the rails.

-D.J.

Dream Big. Drink Responsibly. ©2021 RABBIT HOLE SPIRITS CO., LOUISVILLE, KY.

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CIGARS MISE EN SCÈNE Let’s face it. A great cigar and spirit pairing can make any occasion special—even a Tuesday afternoon. By creating a blend of cigar ambience and palate delights, you’ll heighten your smoking pleasure. (For expert cigar and spirits pairings, be sure to peruse Cigar & Spirits Magazine online for archived pairings.) First things first…

SLOW DOWN

If you’re pressed for time, fire up something small, like a mini cigarillo. Or better yet, save it for later; put aside some proper “me” time and do it right. Cigars are meant to be savored and appreciated, and each time you sit down with a premium smoke it should be a transporting experience, one that decompresses you from the rigors of business and everyday life as it re-aligns your mind and soul. So as you unwrap that luscious $20 cigar, treat it with the respect it deserves. Take your time. Give yourself a couple of hours to unwind while its magical components fill your senses. The rest of the world will still be there.

COFFEE

CHOCOLATE

While you’re savoring your coffee and cigar, a few pieces of chocolate can be a real kick. We can dispense with milk chocolate—that’s kid’s stuff. Think dark, intense chocolate high in cacao content. A trip to your local chocolatier will undoubtedly yield a plethora of brilliant artisanal choices, or you can order fantastic boutique sweets from Chocolate Moderne. (Their AvantGarde Bars are heavenly.) There’s no reason to turn up your nose at mass-market brands: Dive into Ghirardelli’s Chocolate Intense Dark Chocolate Variety Pack or maybe Taza’s Chocolate Organic Mexicano Disc (a little spice goes a long way). Raaka’s 100-percent Cacao bars offer a pure chocolate experience without added sugar. All cigar-worthy picks.

From Top: Luciano Marques / Shutterstock.com; Kristi Blockhin / Shutterstock.com; d.swe / Shutterstock.com

Let’s face it: Tea and cigars just don’t cut it. There’s something about coffee and cigars–they just go together like Tracy and Hepburn. If you’re into straight-up bold flavors, a cup of illy Intenso Ground Espresso does the trick every time. Should your taste run somewhere in the middle, then Starbucks’ medium-roast Pike Place blend pairs nicely–add a splash of cream and you’re all good. And if you’re all about keeping it mild, Green Mountain’s Light-Roast Breakfast Blend does the job.

TIP: Zing it up a bit with a hit off of a lemon wedge after indulging in a couple of pieces.

THE RIGHT PLACE

MUSIC

Suffice to say that the tunes you crank for working out aren’t going to be the same ones you play to unwind. For blissed-out cigar time, you can’t go wrong with the sounds of reggae (Bob Marley) or proper jazz (John Coltrane, Charlie Parker). If you want some smooth rocking, Roxy Music’s Avalon is truly transporting, or maybe Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here (it features “Have a Cigar”). Then again, why not stretch out with Mexican pianist Juan García Esquivel, the “King of Space Pop Bachelor Pad Music”? It doesn’t get cooler than that.

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With sure indications that the worst of the pandemic is on our rear-view mirrors, it’s entirely possible that your favorite cigar lounge is back up and open for business. Should you want to get out in the open, there’s nothing like stretching out in your back yard (time for that hammock!) with a good book and a fine cigar. Are you an apartment dweller? We recommend hitting the roof for a contemplative cigar session. Or you can do a 180 and bring up some Adirondack chairs for a spontaneous smoker’s club. Go ahead and pop on some of the recommended music above and light up with your buddies. There…you feel better already, right? -J.B.

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NATIONAL SPIRITS CALENDAR

Spirits originating from various regions around the globe are nationally recognized throughout the year in the United States.

American heritage liquors like bourbon, rye and moonshine get some coverage as well. We still have a ways to go in 2021. Our mission is to help you fill your spirits calendar with some of the more notable remaining libation days for the year. You’re welcome.

NATIONAL COGNAC DAY JUNE 4TH

Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard may not have a familiar ring to your ears. However, if you’ve enjoyed a glass of Cognac, then you’ve enjoyed the sweet juice of these exquisite grapes harvested from the wine region of Cognac, France. These three specifically approved grapes make up 90% of the grapes in Cognac production. The designations for Cognac define the length of time they are aged: VS (Very Special) aged a minimum of two years, VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) aged a minimum of four years and XO (Extra Old) aged a minimum of six years. A snifter of your best Cognac and favorite cigar beckons in early June.

NATIONAL BOURBON DAY JUNE 14TH

NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY JULY 24TH

Tequila is the official drink of Mexico. The export of tequila to the United States has been soaring since the early 2000s due to the advent of the super-premium category. Today, artisanal tequila continues to flood the market with creative production methods that add unique subtleties to tequila’s classic agave profile.

One fun fact about tequila is that the agave plant is not a cactus, it’s a succulent related to the lily family. Lime, salt and a good bottle of tequila for shots—now you’re cooking with hot oil. That being said, a classic Margarita is a worthy way to honor the day.

NATIONAL SCOTCH DAY JULY 27TH

Whiskey or Whisky? That is the question. The Scotch Whisky Regulations Act legally enforces the correct spelling “whisky” when referring to Scotch. It also stipulates the spirit must be produced and aged within the confines of Scotland’s border. Scotch must be bottled at 40% alcohol. If the final Scotch product is that of a blend, (for instance combining a 30-year-old Scotch with a 4-year-old Scotch) then the legal age required for labeling would be four years since you always reference the youngest spirit of the blend. Scotch neat or on the rocks works for most. Or you can go classic cocktail with a Rob Roy, Godfather, Rusty Nail, Scotch Sour or Penicillin.

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NATIONAL RUM DAY AUGUST 16TH

Spirits lovers in Cuba and the Caribbean are recognized for their rum passion the world over.

Rum has been an underrated spirit at times in the United States, but it’s now being discovered in droves. Sophisticated sipping rums have contributed to a recent uptick in rum’s popularity rivaling other desirable brown spirits. Sweet or dry, the flavors of rum are rich and varied—vanilla, toffee, toasted marshmallow, spice, tropical fruits (like banana and pineapple) and even herbaceous and grassy notes. A summer Mojito, or a Hot Buttered Rum in winter makes rum a win-win spirit.

Not your go-to spirit, but a curious one. Dating back to 1796, “Get 27” was the earliest known production of Crème de Menthe

by French Distillers Jean and Pierre Get (pronounced “Jet”). In contrast, pharmacist Emile Giffard made claims in 1885 as the inventor of the libation by experimenting with mint for its digestive properties which gained significant notoriety.

Crème de Menthe’ is a refreshing digestive that is void of cream (contrary to its name) featuring a vibrant green color and minty-spice profile. The spirit’s sustained popularity lives on in classic cocktails like the Grasshopper, and the more distinguished mix of the Stinger.

NATIONAL VODKA DAY OCTOBER 4TH

Classic. Dirty. Wet. Dry. These are terms we think of when it comes to the Vodka Martini. However, the vodka category now has a slew of ultra-premium vodkas that can be enjoyed in more simple forms, like on the rocks.

Its origin has been disputed by both Poland and Russia over decades and centuries. This once neutral spirit has gained enormous popularity in the flavored vodka category in recent years. Regardless of flavor, vodka remains the most mixable spirit, and it’s a favorite among cocktailians. Vodka consistently ranks as the best-selling spirit in the United States. A spicy Bloody Mary or a Vodka Martini with a twist works for us any day of the year.

NATIONAL MEZCAL DAY OCTOBER 21ST

Mezcal has recently experienced an unpredicted gain in popularity. Refined production has created an increasingly savory profile allowing a multitude of flavors to come through with subtle smokiness. The majority of Mezcal is produced from the Espadine agave but legally there is little restriction on how many species can be used. Mezcal has variants coming into play at different stages of production. The addition of herbs, fruits, spices and even fowl add to the uncommon mix. The infusion of chicken, duck, or turkey breasts is often reserved for special occasions. This is known as Mezcal de Pechuga. Mezcal is a fascinating spirit with surprising mixability characteristics. Try the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned using mezcal and mole bitters. It’s a delicious twist on a classic.

Crème de menthe: Tparker / Shutterstock.com; Vodka: Ultrashock / Shutterstock.com; Mezcal: Alejandro Morita / Shutterstock.com; Gin: lunamarina / Shutterstock.com; Champagne: Mariyana M / Shutterstock.com

The popularity of bourbon is timeless, and it holds the distinction as America’s Native Spirit through an Act of Congress in 1964. Its celebrated characteristics of vanilla, caramel and buttery sweet-cream are the prominent taste profiles. Heritage brands, artisanal small batch blends and uniquely crafted bourbons attract new and seasoned drinkers alike.

Since 1938, bourbon has been the spirit of honor as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby—the Mint Julep. An Old-Fashioned, a Brown Derby or a Sazerac will help you get your Mad Men on any day of the week.

Cognac: Evgenyrychko / Shutterstock.com; Bourbon: Ima_ss / Shutterstock.com; Tequila: Mikhaylovskiy / Shutterstock.com; Scotch: Tanyabilous23 / Shutterstock.com; Rum: J. Weston / Shutterstock.com

SAVE THE DATE

NATIONAL CRÈME DE MENTHE’ DAY SEPTEMBER 15TH

NATIONAL GIN DAY NOVEMBER 7TH

Gin is relatively new to the global celebration calendar much to the liking of juniper lovers. The spirit is a botanical celebration with an abundance of aromatic ingredients including lemon, coriander, orange, anise, lime, lavender and even almonds. The common denominator of all gin is the juniper berry. Gin is known as England’s national spirit, but its origins are from Holland. During the 17th Century Wars, English soldiers were introduced to a drink consumed by the Dutch known as Jenever— classically known for the Gin-n-Tonic.

Gin is a preferred base in a multitude of classic cocktails due to its aromatic nature. It adds zest to cocktails like the Martini, Negroni, Gin Fizz, French 75 and the Tom Collins.

NATIONAL CHAMPAGNE DAY DECEMBER 31ST

New Year’s Eve and Champagne are the quintessential celebratory pairing. It was invented by Benedictine Monk Dom Perignon, and has long been associated with prosperity and luxury.

Champagne in its most simple term means French sparkling wine. Having said that, not all French sparkling wine is Champagne. The difference can be found in the 1919 Treaty of Versailles defining the Appellation of Origin and the arduous production requirements that give Champagne its name. The strict adherence to the region of production—the seven specific types of grapes, harvesting methods, fermentation and aging—all contribute to Champagne’s festive and sophisticated effervescence.

Champagne isn’t a spirit in the technical sense, but Champagne most definitely bubbles over with spirit. -J.H.G.

New Jersey native Joe Bosso is obsessed with movies of the ‘70s, music of the ‘60s and cigars of any vintage. A graduate of NYU film school, Joe has written for TV shows you definitely know (like The Sopranos) and a few you might have missed. He spent 10 years in the record business and actually got to see a rock star trash a hotel room (identity withheld because, well, you know...).

Julie Harrington Giffin (aka Agave Love) is a Certified Mezcalier. Her branding and editorial originality is delivered with a charismatic and sophisticated confidence. Julie encourages the exploration of life’s more “spirited” pleasures to one and all.

Dave Johnson is a fragrance review critic and entertainer on the popular YouTube Channel, FragranceBros.com Randy Mastronicola is the Editor-in-Chief of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

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C&S OPOLJA/Shutterstock.com

E.P. CARRILLO PLEDGE SOJOURN IRON FISH FOUR CASK BOURBON E.P. Carrillo has become a staple of annual cigar awards lists, and some have appeared in this very publication’s top 2020 cigars. Carrillo enjoys a balance between his large production capabilities alongside his creations for the small-batch cigar community that has been on the rise for the past decade.

The robusto version of the Carrillo Pledge was one of our magazine’s highest-scoring cigars at 96, so trying the toro version was high on my list.

The dark wrapper gives a lot of dark chocolate on the cold draw, and the stick itself, from cap to golden ribbon band, is presented exceptionally.

On light, the Sojourn has notes of stone fruit, dry apricot specifically, and I was surprised to find it lesser-bodied than I expected. Often, I might expect a Nicaraguan cigar to be bold and peppery, but the wrapper and binder of the Pledge offers much more and tames an otherwise bold leaf.

As the Pledge smokes down, the fruitier notes become a tobacco-sweetness with a bit of vanilla, and I was again surprised to find the strength was milder still. This cigar is versatile in that it can be a golf course smoke, an afternoon smoke or an after-dinner smoke.

With flavor offerings like this, I paired the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Sojourn with an equally interesting bourbon: Iron Fish Four Cask. This blend consists of four bourbons which are each aged in rum, cognac, sherry and maple syrup barrels. The Four Cask is bright and fruity. Maple leads the nose with a peachy/white wine mid palate, followed by a dry sherry finish. The journey is a long one on each sip, and together with the Pledge, this is a fun and complex pairing.

6 x 52 Toro (Box Pressed) | Wrapper: Connecticut Havana Seed

FEATURED PAIRINGS

Binder: Ecuadorian | Filler: Nicaraguan | Strength Medium MSRP (cigar): $12 | MSRP (whiskey): $52

PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE

by Greg Mays

LA AURORA 1903 EMERALD PERFECTOS TANDUAY DOUBLE RUM

ARTURO FUENTE DON CARLOS NO. 4 NATURAL LEJANA Y SOLA MEZCAL An Arturo Fuente smoker knows the esteemed brand offers cigars that are famously complex, running the gamut from mild to full in the strength range. Fuente has offered a wide variety of classic flavors over many years. The Don Carlos No. 4 is no exception. It’s offered in a welcome diminutive format that’s easy to fit in in under an hour. Named for the late Don Carlos Fuente Sr., the No. 4 is capped to a slight tip, easy to cut and enjoy.

I smoked the No. 4 Natural Cameroon wrapper—a Maduro is also available. On the cold draw, the No. 4 natural is salted peanuts. While lighting, there are clove and earth notes in the smoke. This low-level spice continues to the halfway point, with a lot of subtle spices, plus some damp clay on the palate. A bit of breadiness comes in midway, like a spiced bread or drier cinnamon raisin bread. These notes continue to the finish, which is flavorful at medium strength.

I paired the Fuente No. 4 with Lejana y Sola Mezcal, an unaged “joven” mezcal which uses with Espadin and Cuishe agaves. The rising popularity of mezcal is a trend for spirits appreciators to keep an eye on. Lejana’s nose is exceptionally clean, almost like a premium vodka, with a slight trace of smoke. Sips of Lejana y Sola are clean as well, with notes of salt and minerals along with smoke on the finish. The earthiness of the Cameroon wrapper in the Fuente No. 4 meshes with the mezcal notes quite tastefully. You’ll enjoy the unique aspects of clay and limestone presented during this intriguing pairing.

5.25 x 43 Belicoso | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican | Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium | MSRP (cigar): $8.50 | MSRP (mezcal): $60

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La Aurora’s multi-colored perfecto tubos are some of the most recognizable and iconic cigars you will see in a tobacconist’s humidor. They always catch the eye. Thankfully, they always offer an incredible smoking experience, too.

Differentiated mainly by their wrappers, with subtle changes in the filler as well, there is a wide variety of flavor profiles to find in this timeless line.

The classic Emerald has a beautiful perfecto shape with a tight cap that cuts easily. On the light, there are initial notes of strawberry jam on buttered toast. While flavorful, this cigar is mild-to-medium in strength and can be retrohaled easily without a peppery tingle.

Smoking down the 1903 Emerald, I notice how very fragrant this cigar is.

There are some floral notes to go with the toastiness, then, very subtle vanilla and cinnamon. These perfectos smoke long, too, easily reaching 90 minutes or so. There’s a noticeable ramp as you smoke to the band in the strength, but it never really surpasses medium.

For a well-rounded pairing experience with the La Aurora, I poured a snifter of Tanduay Double Rum, a blend of 16 and 5-year-old Filipino rums that are then finished together in ex-bourbon casks. The nose and palate are mild and chocolatey, with a flavor and finish that is milk chocolate all the way through. These rich flavors and sweeter tasting notes make Tanduay Double a lovely, enjoyable pairing. I sipped and smoked these at 11:00 a.m., and found it to be a brilliant midday treat.

5 x 54 Perfecto | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown Sumatra Binder: Dominican | Filler: Dominican, Peruvian, Brazilian Strength: Mild/Medium | MSRP (cigar): $23 | MSRP (rum): $50

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DREW ESTATE LIGA PRIVADA T52 FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT The heart of the Drew Estate Liga Privada line is the T52 along with the No. 9. These are regular production cigars and stand near the top in price and quality of Drew Estate’s blends. Speaking of blending, Drew Estate has an incredible way of balancing the tobaccos they use from different origins, but I will get to that shortly.

Cutting through the oscuro-black cap is easy and smooth. This cigar is bold and peppery on the light and brings that signature DE smoke production with it. The fillers are both Honduran and Nicaraguan, which I tend to generalize as very earthy, very bold and peppery. Somehow, though, the T52’s sum is better than the parts. The cigar is most definitely earthy and peppery, but the billows of tasty smoke also deliver notes of caramel and dough as well.

A bold cigar should be paired with a bold spirit, and I poured a glass of Four Roses Small Batch Select. Neat works best here. The Small Batch Select delivers flavors of sweet orange (almost orange juice) and vanilla, mingling with the T52’s caramel notes perfectly. These two make for an extraordinary pairing experience. It resonates quite boldly, but it’s elevated and refined as well.

5 x 52 Robusto | Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan | Strength: Full MSRP (cigar): $16 | MSRP (whiskey): $55

AVAILABLE ONLINE EXCLUSIVELY AT WWW.PAPPYCO.COM

TOSCANO STILNOVO THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 17-YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT SCOTCH There’s a lot of history and legend associated with Toscano cigars, the rustic cheroots from Italy. Toscanos are uniquely designed to actually be cut in half in the middle or smoked all the way though. They’re famously constructed in a unique perfecto shape, tapered on both ends and not requiring a cutter.

The most interesting feature of the Stilnovo is that it’s the first Toscano to incorporate a binder between wrapper and filler. It’s a hybrid between old-school Italian cigar-making, and the handmade techniques utilized throughout the cigar world. The creation was Inspired by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, and Toscano Stilnovo is hand-rolled with the Caribbean technique by the Sigaraia of Lucca.

The Stilnovo is a fire-cured cigar, and doesn’t require humidity. It has notes of earth and spice, with a little dark chocolate underlying the earthiness. The draw is easy—Stilnovo smokes quickly, even if you choose the whole stick as opposed to half.

The Balvenie Doublewood 17 serves as a great tongue-pleaser with the Toscano Stilnovo.

Balvenie always delivers. Their Doublewood 17 has an intensely fruity and charred-wood nose, with flavors of spice and peppery vanilla, offering the chocolate of the Stilnovo a nice companion and balancing out the two nicely. There’s an underlying woodsy-smokey profile in both that creates a balanced and flavorful cigar pairing that’s a great postdinner experience.

Size: 6.5 x 40 (slim panatela/cheroot | Wrapper: USA Kentucky Maduro

THE STORY OF THESE HISTORIC BOURBON-BARREL-FERMENTED CIGARS STARTS, WHERE ELSE, BUT IN KENTUCKY, USA AND FEATURES KENTUCKY SEED AND KENTUCKY GROWN TOBACCO. ONCE GROWN, THE TOBACCO LEAVES ARE HARVESTED AND CAREFULLY SELECTED FOR TRADITIONAL KENTUCKY STYLE FIRE CURING. WE THEN TRANSPORT THE LEAVES, USED AS THE WRAPPER, FROM HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY TO SAINT JAMES PARISH, LOUISIANA. THIS IS WHERE THE TOBACCO UNDERGOES BARREL FERMENTATION. THE PAPPY VAN WINKLE BARREL FERMENTED CIGAR IS HAND CRAFTED AT LA GRAN FABRICA DREW ESTATE IN ESTELI, NICARAGUA AND FEATURES TWO WRAPPERS, "TAPA NEGRA”, THE KENTUCKY GROWN, BARREL FERMENTED LEAF BLENDED OVER A MEXICAN SAN ANDRES LEAF WITH AN ALL-NICARAGUAN BLEND OF WELL AGED, ROBUST & EARTHY TOBACCOS.

Binder: Kentucky-grown Italian | Filler: USA, Italian MSRP (cigar): $20 (box of three) | MSRP (whiskey): $140 Greg Mays is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) and the Executive Editor of SimpleCocktails.net.

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AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DREW DIPLOMAT RETAILER

DREW ESTATE | THE REBIRTH OF CIGARS WWW.DREWESTATE.COM #DE4L

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TACTILE TURN ZIRCONIUM SIDE CLICK PEN ($249).

This pen is elegant and simple—incredibly satisfying in both feel and sound. It has a durable two-piece

mechanism that withstands a lifetime of use. This is an extremely addicting pen. tactileturn.com

MACALLAN FINE OAK 21 YEARS OLD ($599).

This blend is matured for a minimum of 21 years in three exceptional oak cask types.

This complex combination of casks delivers an intense and rich flavor

profile with notes of vanilla and spice. themacallan.com

EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN ($4,995).

One of the 20th century’s most iconic and comfortable lounge chairs. It’s been a legend of relaxation for over 60 years. hermanmiller.com

KLIPSCH T5 II TRUE WIRELESS SPORT MCLAREN EDITION ($249).

DADS & GRADS GIFT GUIDE They Want It. They Need It. They Deserve It.

by Dave Johnson

RIDGE WALLET CARBON FIBER 3K ($125).

The minimalist RFID-blocking wallet uses elastic to expand to hold up to 12

IDs and credit cards. It’s minimalist without being limiting—carrying less but always having what you need on hand. ridgewallet.com

Klipsch teamed up with Formula One team McLaren to make a truly great set of

BOVEDA ACRYLIC HUMIDOR (199).

This gem is airtight and maintenance-free. The storage keeps sticks fresh for one year, and there’s nothing to add to the process except cigars. It holds up to 75. Dad or grad will be impressed. boveda.com

wireless earbuds, complete with carbon fiber case and wireless charger. klipsch.com

HAMILTON AMERICAN CLASSIC INTRA-MATIC CHRONOGRAPH H ($2,045).

This is a manual-wind movement of their IntraMatic Chronograph—one of the best in class for its quality and price. hamiltonwatch.com BOIS BLANC BY FRAPIN ($175).

Stylish, elegant and woody. Notes—mandarin, eucalyptus, rosemary, ginger, sage, violet leaf, guaiac

HIMEL BROS. HERON A-1 CUSTOM ($2,450).

wood and cade wood. parfums-frapin.com

This Cossack style was adopted by the American military and designated the ‘A-1.’ Its descendants became universal—

but the Heron is unique. It’s the finest A-1 money can buy. himelbros.com

WAYLAND BY THE JAMES BRAND ($189).

TJB’s interpretation of the Barlow design, the epitome of the American “folding

knife.” thejamesbrand.com PRIORITY BICYCLES PRIORITY 600 ($2,299).

An automotive-inspired all-road model with a Pinion 600% gear range performance for the daily commuter, road rambler, or gravel grinder in one precision package. prioritybicycles.com

PAPPY & COMPANY BOURBON BARREL AGED COFFEE ($22).

A sublime small batch, single-origin Guatemalan whole coffee beans aged in Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels. A hint of

bourbon creates the perfect medium to dark roast. pappyco.com

BIG GREEN EGG–LARGE ($899).

RANCOURT & COMPANY GILMAN CAMP-MOC ($250).

Maine’s iconic shoe is essential summer style. If you’re looking for that perfect all-around warm weather shoe, you’ve found it.

rancourtandcompany.com

Big Green Egg has over 40 years of mastering the recipe for versatility, fuel efficiency and easy usage of a kamado-style grill. It’s one of the best smokers on the market for cookouts,

pizza parties, sizzling eight steaks at once or an impromptu dinner for two. BigGreenEgg.com

SATCHEL & PAGE FOUNDER ($475).

Slim, minimalist briefcase for daily carry and travel for a 15-inch laptop. Heritage quality leather and materials. satchel-page.com

GIBSON 1958 LES PAUL STANDARD REISSUE ($4,999).

Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality and sound. This Reissue features the meticulous construction

methods of the famous ‘59 Reissues.

Historically accurate spec differences allow it to stand on its own. gibson.com

Dave Johnson is a fragrance review critic and entertainer on the popular YouTube Channel, FragranceBros.com

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C&S

FOR GENERATIONS

, New York baseball fans have cheered for a plethora of star and superstar catchers in the game’s history.

Take for example the New York Mets. The team was born in 1962, a few years after the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants moved out West in 1958. The Mets produced a couple of catching All-Stars like Jerry Grote and John Stearns through the years. The team raised the bar significantly with the acquisition of Hall of Famer Gary “The Kid” Carter in 1985. Carter played four seasons with the team, and would help lead the Mets to a World Series victory in 1986.

And then along came Mike Piazza.

TOUCHING ALL THE BASES

MIKE PIAZZA From America’s Past-Time, to Life in Italy and Then Some

by Randy Mastronicola / portraits by Sonny Senser

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The story is well known to baseball die-hards, so here’s the haiku version: Los Angeles Dodgers manager and legend Tommy Lasorda, as a favor to his friend Vince Piazza, drafted his unheralded first baseman son Mike in 1998. Mike was drafted in the 62nd round as the 1,390th selection. He converted to catcher at Lasorda’s recommendation to improve his chances of rising through the minor league ranks. He did that, and more.

Mike made his indelible mark as a superstar player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His rookie year was 1992. He played with the club until the start of the 1998 season amidst contract negotiations that eventually went south. The team decided to trade him to the Florida Marlins. (It was a mistake the Dodgers organization regretted for years.) He played all of five games for the Marlins before something magical happened for New Yorkers.

Mike was traded to the New York Mets on May 22, 1998.

He would go on to achieve even greater standing in a Mets uniform over eight seasons. Ultimately, he would enter the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and choose a New York Mets baseball cap on his plaque to represent his career achievements in baseball.

Mike is now the brand ambassador for TRUE Vodka. His affiliation with the company set the wheels in motion for our conversation.

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THE INTERVIEW Randy Mastronicola: Mastronicola: Full disclosure. I’m a New York Mets fan. I’ve bled orange and blue since I was a kid.

Mike Piazza: I get it. [laughs]

I know you split your time between Miami and Italy. Where do you live in Italy?

In Parma. It’s a nice area, even though my original ancestral heritage is from Sicily. Parma is more hospitable for Americans. Southern Italy is kind of agrarian, and very rustic.

How did your connection with TRUE come about?

Guys like you and me, and probably our friends, talk about our favorite cigars and drinks when we socialize. Our favorite wines, our favorite scotches. I think it’s really unique when people who are accomplished in various fields decide to get into the wine and spirits business. It’s not an easy business. Let’s be honest: there are a lot of really great products out there.

“…TRUE HAS DONE SOMETHING UNIQUE. IT’S MADE IN ITALY, IN THE MOUNTAINS IN ALTO ADIGE IN THE NORTH. THEY REALLY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO. THEY HAVE SUCH A CRAFT MENTALITY IN ITALY.”

It’s highly competitive.

Yes. I think people see it comes from passion with me though. It’s not just a sterile business thing. You take an active role in the product. I was fortunate enough to meet Vinny from TRUE [CEO Vinny Cotona]. We started talking.

He said, “Man, I’m launching this product. I think you’d be a great part of the company. It’s unique.”

The Italy connection was very organic to you. It’s a heritage spirit that uses purified water from the springs of Tuscany.

Yes. I think it’s a wonderful vodka. I love Grey Goose and Stoli, and all those vodkas that I’ve enjoyed before, but TRUE has done something unique. It’s made in Italy, in the mountains in Alto Adige in the North. They really are passionate about what they do. They have such a craft mentality in Italy. They don’t do things in big bulk. They do things the right way—the process, the uniqueness—it’s really something. There’s my connection to living in Italy, and being able to go to the distillery and see the process from A to Z.

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“THE ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT CIGAR GUYS IS THAT I CAN WALK INTO THE DAVIDOFF STORE ON FIFTH AVENUE, AND I CAN HAVE A CIGAR. THERE ARE COPS IN THERE, WALL STREET GUYS, HASIDIC JEWS, AND WE’RE ALL SMOKING. WE’RE ALL BROTHERS, AND WE’RE ALL TELLING STORIES, AND WE’RE ALL EQUAL.” The Italian artisanal aspect of it is going to capture people.

We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, we’re just making it our wheel. We’re just doing it with our own style. You do it from a place of passion because consumers are smart nowadays. They really can sniff out something that’s not coming from an authentic part. TRUE has been picked 9 out of 10 times in blind tastings.

I know it won a FESPA Award for bottle design in 2017 as well.

Yes. You can go to GrapeStars, too. [GrapeStars is an app for celebrity spirits—a direct-to-consumer sales platform.]

You’re a very genuine guy. That’s one of the reasons why you really captured New York’s heart. That works in your favor as an entrepreneur and brand ambassador.

Thank you. To be associated with something, you have to have certain criteria that will set you apart from other brands.

Let’s get to cigars. What are you favorites?

Yes, well, I’m just blessed. I’m from Philadelphia, but I went to school in Miami. I’ve been living in Florida more or less since 1987. I went to the University of Miami one year, and then I went to Miami Dade Junior College. I played with a lot of Cuban guys. You’re on a team, you become close. I would go over to their homes, and their abuelas would make us lunch. I would always see their fathers and grandfathers smoking cigars.

They would tell me about the industry. I really started becoming interested, and obviously, my grandfather smoked cigars. He liked Phillies. He used to bite the plastic tips off.

Many neighborhood guys smoke De Nobili or Parodi. The Toscanos—you cut them in half.

Yes, you break them in half like the Clint Eastwood cigars.

CIGAR OF THE DAY Cigar & Spirits Magazine selected the La Sirena Trident Churchill for the photo session. The La Sirena is aromatic, creamy and complex with tastes of pepper, oak, coffee, and a hint of chocolate creating a sublime finish.The cigar paired perfectly with TRUE Vodka on ice. The combination enhanced a memorable day in Miami Beach, Fla. with Mike Piazza.

You’d put it in your mouth, and might not even light up because you wanted to look tough.

Yes. [laughs] The one thing I love about cigar guys is that I can walk into the Davidoff store on Fifth Avenue, and I can have a cigar. There are cops in there, Wall Street guys, Hasidic Jews, and we’re all smoking. We’re all brothers, and we’re all telling stories, and we’re all equal. Another thing I love about cigars is that there are not many a-holes who smoke cigars. They’re all good guys.

There’s a total connection and appreciation.

I love sharing cigars with people who appreciate them.

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>> Mike Piazza going deep for one of his 427 career home runs.

I’m going to put you on the spot because you have a brand. What would your favorite pairing be currently?

I would start off with TRUE vodka and pair it with a Hoyo De Monterrey Double Corona Cabinet 50.

Very nice. Sweet and creamy chocolate.

PCN Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

That Cabinet selection has perfect consistency. A 99-Point cigar, one of the best cigars in history. Beautiful shape, beautiful size. You can take your time with it. You could watch a whole series on Netflix with it. It’s a beautiful cigar.

Let’s talk a little 2021 baseball. The Mets, of course. Are they going to be able to compete with the Yankees and the Dodgers now?

I think it’s awesome that Steve Cohen bought the team. I had a conversation today with a good friend of mine, an associate with the team. She told me the enthusiasm is incredible. People are interested in the Mets. The hype is really high. I’m very excited for the fans, because Mets fans are some of the most loyal in sports, some of the most knowledgeable in sports, and the most passionate in sports. Again, love or hate the Mets, you can’t deny the fact that the fans live and die with the team. I think that’s wonderful.

What’s your role with the team this year?

My role with the team is a little different. I’m like the team ambassador to the city. I can wear many hats. I always look forward to spring training. I can mentor a young, minor league kid who’s having trouble with his hitting. I can go to a children’s hospital, or dedicate a little league field. I can meet with the sponsors. I can play golf with the season ticket holders. That’s what I love to do. I enjoy my life. I’ll always love the game. I just want the best for the team, and I want to help in any way possible.

Any ideas on a World Series matchup this year?

I like the Yankees and Dodgers. The Padres are getting a lot of attention, too.

The Back of the Baseball Card MIKE’S POWER to right-center field made him one of the most

feared hitters during his era, and he finished his career with an alltime record for home runs as a catcher with 396 blasts—427 in total.

Mike is arguably the greatest hitting catcher of all-time.

• Lifetime .308 Batting Average • Totaled 1,335 Runs Batted In • Twelve-time All-Star selection

You were traded from the Dodgers to the Marlins, to the Mets in a twoweek period for a variety of players in 1998. You said, “At this point, I’m just counting bodies.”

Yes. [laughs]

They were trading you for all these different players—some big names like Gary Sheffield were in there.

I tell people all the time, “Man, I got traded for 11 guys in one year.” [laughter]

• Ten Silver Slugger Awards • The iconic “9/11 home run” is regarded as one of the landmark moments in Major League Baseball history.

• Mike’s jersey number 31 was retired by the New York Mets in 2016.

• Inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 (along with Ken Griffey Jr.)

Akashi city - Hyogo

• Popularized baseball in Italy via his involvement with the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic post-retirement

product of japan

I know you get asked about the 9/11 homerun so much. Indulge me.

Sure.

UPI / Alamy Stock Photo

That moment took the weight off everyone’s back in New York—the whole country in some ways. It was that moment where we could feel good again. Your thoughts?

Well, the most important thing for me is the joy and the inspiration that moment has given other people. I can only equate it to my faith in God. It’s almost impossible to experience that week the way we experienced it. Going

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yonezawa family, distillers since 1917

>> Superstars Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza were the only two players selected for the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Kimio Yonezawa, Master distiller & blender.

Imported by: Marussia Beverages USA | marussiabeveragesusa.com | Please Drink Responsibly

Hatozaki Highball 2 oz Hatozaki Finest whisky 1 oz Akashi-Tai Umeshu 3 oz Chilled Soda 1 tsp Ginger Juice Ginger thinly sliced for garnish @hatozakiwhisky

THERE’S NOTHING SMALL ABOUT THE FLAVOR Six distinct Bourbon recipes meticulously balanced for award-winning flavor -that’s how we handcraft Small Batch Select. With a rich, smooth taste featuring hints of raspberry, apricot and cinnamon, it’s more than a Bourbon - it’s an achievement.

to the hospitals, meeting with the families and then having to go out and play baseball. Just going through all the contortions of “What does this mean?” It’s just a baseball game. It’s not that important. And then realizing it is important.

People needed something to get them back to a small sense of daily life. Many families told me that.

They’d say their dad, or their brother, or their uncle would want them to come to a Mets game. That’s some heavy shit.

To be in the right place at the right time and execute—I’ve said this many times, and I’m telling you because I know you’ll understand—it was nothing short of divine intervention. God reaching through me, and allowing me to relax, and own the moment, and put a good swing on the ball.

Being open-hearted enough to receive it…

Yes. Exactly.

James Lipton used to do the Bernard Pivot questionnaire.

This is the short version for you. If there was one pitcher, living or dead, whose game would you want to call?

Al Leiter is my modern-day choice. I would love to have seen how hard Bob Feller threw, and I’d love to see what kind of heat he would bring—it’s legendary.

No question.

What about Satchel Paige or someone like that?

Yes. The coolest thing about being with the Dodgers when I was young and coming up, they had Roy Campanella and Joe Black. They would tell me Negro League stories. Johnny Roseboro was my first catching coach, and he would tell me stories about Satchel Paige.

He’d have the outfielders sit down in the infield, and

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strike out the side. He owned the right side of the plate.

They said he would practice by putting a bubble gum wrapper over the corner of the plate, and he would be able to hit it. That was the target.

I know you’re a big music fan. Who’s the rock star you would want to sit down and have some TRUE Vodka with?

Eddie Van Halen, who just recently passed. I met him one time. We were at a golf tournament. We didn’t play together, but after the round, we were talking.

Eddie was talking about baseball, and I was totally blissed out. I almost said, “Dude, do you want to hang?”

You’re a fan boy.

Yes. His passing was hard to take. This past year has been a year of difficulty, not only because of the pandemic, but because of so many amazing people we lost this year. Losing Eddie was sad for me because he was a true pioneer. He single-handedly redefined the instrument, and inspired so many people after him.

I have final question for you.

Sure.

I know you have a strong Catholic faith. What do you want God to say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

10 BOURBON RECIPES. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES.

I would like Him to say, “You made it by this much.” [laughter]

Randy Mastronicola is the Editor-in-Chief of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

Learn more about our 10 unique bourbon recipes at FourRosesBourbon.com • Four Roses Distillery LLC • Lawrenceburg, KY • Be mellow. Be responsible.

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C&S >> Michael Jordan celebrates after the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Championship Finals.

S. Butler-NBAE / Getty Images

MVP CIGARS STICKS MAKE WINNING TASTE ALL THE SWEETER

by Sean Chaffin

C

rowning achievement sports victories culminating with cigars and champagne being sprayed and guzzled have gone hand in hand for many decades. There’s no greater feeling for an individual athlete or a winning team than capping off a celebration with a cigar in a moment of glory.

Some athletes have fired up a lone victory stick while others have had the good fortune to do so multiple times. Here’s a look at a few for the ages.

MICHAEL JORDAN Basketball fans became reacquainted with the most famous man to ever wear Number 23 in 2020 with the immensely popular ESPN documentary The Last Dance. Most sports fans know Jordan is a renowned and dedicated cigar lover. In our book, his cigar passion only enhances his legend and the widely held belief that he’s the greatest basketball player of all-time. It’s been noted that he routinely indulges in as many as six stogies a day, and he’s had a lot of opportunity to celebrate in his illustrious career. Jordan is a five-time NBA MVP, a 14-time All-Star, and has six NBA championships under his belt. Let’s not overlook his iconic Air Jordan Nike sneaker affiliation, and his Charlotte Bobcats ownership stake.

Jordan began smoking sticks during the cigar boom of the 1990s. He’s said the Cuban Partagás Lusitania is his favorite cigar. Jordan became such a fan, a little flaming tobacco became part of his before and after routine of each home game. Chris Webber witnessed this first-hand as a member of the Washington Bullets before a playoff game in 1997.

“He’s smoking a freaking cigar before the game as if it’s over,” Webber said on The Dan Patrick Show. “I just remember how cutthroat he was and competitive he was.”

Jordan scored 55 points that night, swept the Bullets in three games, and won his fifth championship that season.

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Women’s Canadian Team: presstime / Alamy Stock Photo, Wayne Gretzky: REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

THE 2010 CANADIAN NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM YOGI BERRA

This Hall of Famer and cigar lover spent 13 years as the Yankees shortstop (1941-56), helping the Bronx Bombers to 10 pennants and seven World Series titles. Rizzuto was awarded the 1950 MVP and bonded with Yankees fans for generations, manning the mic as a broadcaster for 40 years. His catchphrase of “Holy Cow!” even made it into a plotline of a Seinfeld episode. After Yogi Berra’s wife gave birth to a son in 1951, the two pinstripe pals celebrated with cigars.

Who hasn’t heard a “Yogi-ism?” The famed Yankees catcher and manager may be known more for his turn of a phrase than his baseball skills. Berra gave the world quirky sayings like “Baseball is 90 percent mental, the other half is physical.” Another popular one: “It’s like déjà vu all over again.”

A smoke and celebration was also in store for Rizzuto in 1952. A press photographer captured Yankees second baseman Jerry Coleman lighting up a stogie for Rizzuto.

His wife had just given birth to a son. Whether on the diamond or in the broadcast booth, Rizzuto led quite a life in baseball–and a good championship-winning cigar made life even better.

Yogi is also the only catcher in MLB history behind the plate for a World Series perfect game, thrown by Don Larsen in 1956. That perfect cigar, however, was part of his regular routine. Lighting up a post-game victory smoke was all part of being a Yankee. Yogi was a 15-time All-Star, a three time American League MVP Award winner and a 10time World Series champion as a player. Berra was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972.

RED AUERBACH You can bet championship coach Steve Kerr or any other NBA coaches won’t be firing up a cigar on the bench anytime soon. Basketball legend Red Auerbach puffing away during games for the Boston Celtics in the 1950s and 1960s was part of the coach’s playbook. There were plenty of victory cigars because Red led the team to nine NBA titles. His smoking even included a bit of showmanship. Like a pro wrestler with a finishing move, Auerbach waited until the green and white held a secure lead to light up. As the Celtics closed out another win, the Hall of Famer enjoyed a nice Hoyo de Monterrey as the final minutes ticked off the clock.

Auerbach saw his cigar-smoking death blow as “the ultimate symbol of victory.”

Beantown fans loved Auerbach and area restaurants sported this unique smoking policy: “No cigar or pipe smoking, except for Red Auerbach.”

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S. Butler-NBAE / Getty Images

PHIL RIZZUTO

The XXI Olympic Winter Games in 2010 saw some controversy for the Canadian National Women’s Hockey Team. They defeated the American team 2-0 in winning their third consecutive Olympic gold medal, and an impromptu on-ice celebration took place about a half hour after the team won. There were at least 14 players exuberantly celebrating by drinking beer, bubbly and smoking cigars. One player, Rebecca Johnston, attempted to drive the zamboni. Marie-Philip Poulin, who scored both goals, was a month shy of 19 years old–which was under the legal drinking age in Vancouver where the games were held. Photos showed Poulin on the ice with a beer in her hand.

The arena was virtually empty when the raucous partying started, but International Olympic Committee officials were not pleased. They deemed the behavior inappropriate and not in line with promoting good sports values.

Canadian Hockey officials issued a statement saying the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team regretted the antics of the boozy victory celebration, and offered apologies to the International and Canadian Olympic Committees. Ultimately, there was no official investigation or sanctions imposed on the team.

BABE RUTH The Sultan of Swat made no secret of his love of cigars, fine food and women. He once said he liked to smoke “until I was blue in the face.”

The Babe was all in on tobacco–enjoying four or five smokes a day and licensing his image for a couple of brands including White Owl. Babe brought back bundles of fine Cubans during exhibition games on the island. Ruth loved cigars so much, some said he was disappointed getting traded from Boston to New York because he’d miss one of his favorite local brands.

WAYNE GRETZKY “The Great Gretzky” seemed to be playing a different game and at a different speed than others on the ice. Gretzky basically co-authored the NHL record book–holding the top spot for career points (2,857), goals (894), goals in a season (92), and numerous others. The Great One sliced through defensemen with regularity in his 20-year NHL career and cutting a premium cigar also became part of his winning routine.

No. 99 first lit up after winning the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. The team skated in the Cup in ‘84 and ‘85 and won again in ‘87 and ‘88. Celebrating that fourth championship victory with a stick sparked a lifelong love. Despite another finals run in 1992-93 with the Los Angeles Kings, that was his last Cup victory. But it definitely wasn’t his last cigar.

In 1932, the Great Bambino became the first player in baseball history to play in 10 World Series championships. The Yankees surprised Ruth with a silver cigar case engraved with signatures of the entire team. This unique cigar accessory is now displayed at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

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LEBRON JAMES Lebron James may have outdone himself in 2016 and chose a nice Yaxel Ortiz Y.O. Torpedo to mark the occasion. With his hometown Cleveland squad, James led the Cavaliers to one of the unlikeliest series comebacks in NBA Championship history.

Jeff Brady / NPR

Down 3-1, James averaged 36 points and 12 rebounds in the final three games to lead the Cavs to the title.

Facing that disadvantage usually means a team has zero chance at a comeback.

But it’s not wise to count “King James” out. The comeback became the first time in league history that a team overcame a 3-1 deficit in the finals.

That accomplishment called for an extra special smoke. He brought a title to a Cleveland fan base that just always seemed disappointed (see the Browns).

James changed that saying: “I came back to bring a championship to our city.”

Uncle Nearest won more than 50 awards and accolades in 2019 and more than 90 awards and accolades in 2020.

Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 50% and 46.5% Alc/Vol, Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. © 2021 Uncle Nearest Inc.

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A FUENTE STEPHEN CURRY

What look at sports and cigars would be complete without the cigar-chomping coach who led the 1985 Bears to the Super Bowl? Ditka starred as a tight end for the Bears, Eagles, and Cowboys before a successful coaching career.

Early in his career in the 1960s, Ditka fell in love with cigars–busting heads and catching passes by day and relaxing with a smoke at night. Those early cigars were mostly cheapies until his financial situation improved– winning Rookie of the Year can be a good start for future contracts.

A championship sweep, three titles in four years and a nice cigar.

That’s how Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry rolls. A longtime smoker, Curry has broken out stogies for championship parades and even disappointing losses. That streak of titles could have been an epic four-peat, but Lebron James engineered a huge comeback win for the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.

As a coach, cigars complemented the “Iron Mike” persona. That persona screams tough guy, but Ditka enjoys the finer things in life. In 2010 he teamed with Terlato Wines to produce eight labels highlighting his career with names like “The Player” and “The Coach.” A similar deal in 2012 with Camacho Cigars also produced the Ditka-inspired “Da Coach’s” cigars. They are still available–perfect for an afternoon on the couch with a beer and cheering on your favorite team like “Da Bears.”

“Saddest cigar I’ve ever smoked,” Curry told the San Jose Mercury News. “Usually you smoke a cigar when you win. That’s how terrible of a party it was…we had some real conversations that night about how much it sucked.”

After winning the title again in 2017, Curry broke out a special cigar meant for the title a year earlier. That included aromatic plumes during an NBA TV interview.

“The backstory is after Game 7 last year, I told one of my close friends to save this for a year from now to be able to enjoy the process and journey,” he said in post-game interviews. “I’ve been waiting a whole year to smoke this.”

MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ This Spanish golf legend boasts an impressive 40 years as a pro. His illustrious resumé includes 10 PGA wins and 21 European titles. For “The Mechanic,” a day on the course usually includes a glass of wine before teeing off. A cigar might also be in the mix. Jimenez enjoys a nice Cuban and regularly lights up during practice rounds for Pro-ams. Four or five smokes a day are all part of his routine.

While Jimenez doesn’t smoke cigars while officially competing, before and after rounds are fair game. After winning the 2014 Open de España, Jiménez noted the secret to his longevity: “There is no secret. Good food, good wine, good cigars, and some exercise!” Those are some words to live by.

Mike Ditka: Chicago Sun-Times file, Stephen Curry: Nhat V. Meyer / Bay Area News Group, Miguel Angel Jimenez: Isogood / Shutterstock.com

MIKE DITKA

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas. His work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions or email him at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net for story assignments.

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C&S >> The Buffalo Trace Wooden Bridge is surrounded by beautiful Kentucky foliage.

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT Photos Courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery

WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM AN ICONIC AMERICAN BRAND WITH A WORLDWIDE FOLLOWING

by Nick Hammond

THE DANGER, OF COURSE, IS TO REST ON YOUR LAURELS.

>> The Buffalo Trace Distillery Clubhouse

When your portfolio of brands contains a holiest of holies, which folk would gladly pawn their grandmothers to get their hands on, why pull a muscle trying to strain for more? I’m considering the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. It’s the only place in the world licensed to distil and bottle the cult-worshipped Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, which is produced in such quality and such small numbers, it’s a marketing man’s dream.

Maker of Pappy Van Winkle? That’s something worth building a distillery for, right there.

But Buffalo Trace–named after the old trail which runs to and across the Kentucky River where once mighty herds of buff roamed–doesn’t do laurel resting. Instead, the company owned by Sazerac, has embarked on a $1.2 billion expansion.

The oldest continuously productive distillery in the United States has architected mightily to future proof the business. To ensure that supplies of bourbon at last can match and outstrip demand. And although the brand has never faltered production during a remarkable 247-year life cycle by boldly marching on through war, prohibition, depression, acts of God and yes, pandemics–it’s always been chasing its tail to make more, more and more.

The construction of four, 22ft tall cookers has helped. These pressure-cook the milled grain before cooling and fermentation.

The new cookers give more than two and a half times more volume than the old ones. Production is ramping up.

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Add a $50 million highspeed bottling hall, new fermenting vats, cooling tower, three new barrel warehouses and plans for eight more fermenters, a new dry house and so >> Harlen Whe atley much more, and you can see the distillery behind Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, Bourbon Cream and Sazerac Rye among many others, is looking to the future–not just honoring the past.

“It’s very important for us to balance our legacy with innovation,” Buffalo Trace Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley, tells Cigar and Spirits Magazine.

He’s only the sixth Master Distiller at the company since the Civil War. “As we continue to expand our operations, we look to technology to ensure we keep our processes consistent with our standards. We also know there are endless tastes out there, so we continue to explore the whiskey possibilities. We listen to our consumers and see where it takes us.”

That balancing act between tradition and modernity; the old ways and innovation, are tied irreversibly to those folks who like their bourbon how they always like it–and those who don’t want to drink the same whiskey as their daddy did.

“Fortunately for us, we have the ability to appeal to a wide range of consumers’ tastes, with a portfolio of aged whiskies ranging from four years all the way up to 23,” says Wheatley.

“We also produce a vodka (Wheatley Vodka) from scratch on site. We’re known for our innovation and we release a few experiments each year in our Experimental Collection or through brand

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>> Exterior photo of the legendary Buffalo Trace barrels.

RUGGED COUNTRY

>> The Colonel Albert Bacon Blanton statue at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

“WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO BE CENTRALLY LOCATED IN EASTERN UNITED STATES. WE SEE FOUR SEASONS HERE; WE HAVE IRON-FREE WATER AND PLENTIFUL OAK TREES FOR OUR BARRELS. OVER THE COURSE OF THEIR 60-80 YEARS, THE TREES IN THIS AREA ARE EXPOSED TO OUR CLIMATE CHANGES AND THEY DELIVER THEIR UNIQUE FLAVOR TO OUR BOURBONS.” extensions like Weller additions of Full Proof, Single Barrel and CYPB, which keeps fans interested and engaged. One of our mottos is ‘honor tradition, embrace change’. We embody that every day by maintaining traditions of making bourbon the same way we’ve been doing it for more than 200 years, but also by incorporating modern technology and looking for ways to improve. Our Single Oak Project and our Weller ‘Craft Your Perfect Bourbon’ are two examples of bourbons created entirely from fan feedback.”

One of the things I love about both the cigar and the whisky/whiskey industries is the fact they have a heart; one that is irrevocably linked to their geographical footprint on earth and those people that work on and around it. Listen to Juan Martinez of Joya de Nicaragua tell you about Estelí and its climate and people, for example, and you’ll be left in no doubt about how closely the cigar brand is proudly linked with them both.

Continues Wheatley: “We are very fortunate to be centrally located in Eastern United States. We see four seasons here; we have iron-free water and plentiful oak trees for our barrels. Over the course of their 60-80 years, the trees in this area are exposed to our climate changes and they deliver their unique flavor to our bourbons. And, once the whiskey is in the barrels, the barrels themselves experience the environmental changes within our warehouses.”

The ceaselessly interesting interplay that occurs between wood, whiskey and local climate was examined in more detail by Buffalo Trace when a special, Roswellsounding warehouse–Warehouse X–was built specifically to monitor these changes.

In a series of experiments, all combining to create a 20-year cross-section, warehouse staff will monitor things like air flow, fluctuating temperatures, humidity and light. It’s this kind of dabbling–although of course, suitably scientific–which keeps the distillery at an exciting cutting edge.

“Then there are the farmers who produce our corn,” says Wheatley. “Corn is the main ingredient in our recipes. Those farmers also utilize Kentucky’s environment to deliver consistent, high quality non-GMO grains so we can keep our whiskey at the highest quality possible.”

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$1.2 Billion: The Buffalo Trace Distillery Expansion • The roof of the 1930s Mash House was removed to install the massive new cookers • Four new fermenters were added to the 1880s building and each of these 93,000-gallon vats are bigger than the existing 12 fermenters • A new cooling tower will cool down grains after they’ve been cooked into grains • The new $50 million bottling hall means increased efficiency and flexibility and went online just in time to offer vital hand sanitizer to worldwide organizations in response to Covid 19 • Three new barrel warehouses have been completed in the last year; each holds 58,800 barrels, cost $7 million to make and another $21 million to fill with barrels • Fifteen new barrel warehouses will be built on 200 acres known as Whiskey Farm, adjacent to the distillery • Every warehouse is heated in winter–a rarity in Bourbon • The visitor center recorded more than 300,000 visitors in 2019

EL ARTISTA CIGARS www.el artista cigars.com

The Brands of The Buffalo Trace Distillery As well as the world-renowned Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, Buffalo Trace makes a stable of interesting liquors. These include: Buffalo Trace Bourbon • Eagle Rare • Antique Collection • OFC Vintages • Experimental Collection • Single Oak Project EH Taylor, Jr • George T. Stagg • Sazerac Rye • Blanton’s Single Barrel • Elmer T.Lee Single Barrel • WL Weller

“ONE OF OUR MOTTOS IS ‘HONOR TRADITION, EMBRACE CHANGE’. WE EMBODY THAT EVERY DAY BY MAINTAINING TRADITIONS OF MAKING BOURBON THE SAME WAY WE’VE BEEN DOING IT FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS, BUT ALSO BY INCORPORATING MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE.” Four water sources are used at the distillery; reservoir, spring water, river water and municipal water. Some are filtered and used during the fermentation process, others are used to reduce the spirit to the correct bottle strength or to cool the distillate. Again, the links to local geography and what it can lend to the processes are unavoidable.

>> The silky bourbon tastes making its way from barrel to glass.

Kentucky is located on a layer of limestone, which itself is a superb natural filterer of water.

Numerous springs break through carrying cool, clear water, ideal for the preparation of whiskey– although many distilleries use municipal water, too. Part of the new massive Buffalo Trace refurbishment project will be to provide a new water treatment facility.

“Limestone adds nutrients like magnesium and calcium that yeast needs to thrive,” adds Harlen Wheatley.

Traditionally, Kentucky distilleries warehouse their barrels in seven story buildings to make the most of the air exchange and variations of temperature and humidity that the different seasons have on the maturing whiskey. With this multi-level approach, barrels can be judiciously swapped among the levels to ensure a higher level of aging–or maturation–consistency.

All of this boils down to a massive, complex, multi-layered approach that encompasses a revered past, a fast-changing present and an exciting future. It’s an unenviable project in many ways–but for Harlen Wheatley and his colleagues, it’s all part being in the Buffalo Trace family. An institution that just keeps on delivering the goods.

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

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W W W. D R E W E S TAT E . C O M

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C&S Photos courtesy of Espanita Tequila

Mr. Worldwide Lives

by Audrey Pavia

WHAT DO YOU DO when you’re a Latin music superstar who’s sold over 7.5 million studio albums and 100 million singles worldwide, and you also love tequila? You find a premium artisanal brand you really like, and you join forces with the company to let the masses know where they can find it. Espanita Tequila turned out to be the perfect fit, and Pitbull’s all in.

The game plan for the Grammyw i n n i ng r app er, si nger a nd song wr iter A r ma ndo Chr istia n Perez—famously known as Pitbull AKA Mr. Worldwide—kicked in last year. In 2020, Pitbull became the brand ambassador for Espanita, a handcrafted tequila with numerous medals and distinctions for quality, creativity of packaging, and value.

Although famous for his music, Pitbull immerses himself in a diversity of endeavors as well. He began a partnership with Horizon Media to launch 305 Worldwide, a multicultural marketing agency. He’s also a philanthropist, having helped establish Sports Leadership Arts and

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Management (SLAM!), a tuition-free public charter school for middle and high school students. The first school opened in 2013 in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, where Pitbull grew up, and the organization now operates nationwide, boasting a 96-percent graduation rate.

In April 2020, Pitbull released a single titled “I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem),” meant to inspire those affected by COVID-19. Pitbull is donating all proceeds from the song’s sales, streaming and YouTube video views to two non-profit organizations: Feeding America, which sponsors more than 200 food banks around the country; and the Tony Robbins Foundation, whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, the homeless, and the imprisoned population.

We asked Pitbull to tell us about his involvement with Espanita Tequila, and how he’s been faring during the past year through worldwide challenging times.

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ZUMA Press Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

>> Pitbull performed on Good Morning America in New York’s Central Park in 2019.

C&S Magazine: Tell us more about your involvement with Espanita. What’s your role with the brand?

Pitbull: I was first introduced to Espanita by one of my business partners. After I first tried it, I realized it was really great tasting tequila, and I was excited about getting involved with this brand as its global brand ambassador and creative advisor. Now, we’re partners and I’m looking forward to the journey together.

What inspired you to get involved with this brand in particular?

I was very impressed by the brand’s packaging. As an artist, creativity and ingenuity are very important for me, and I could immediately feel that synergy between the Pitbull and Espanita brands. I loved that each bottle had a celestial symbol for each step of the tequila maturation steps; it’s unconventional, and has deep meaning. The labels of Espanita are also informative about how tequila is made, and this is something you don’t see very often. When I tasted the tequila, I thought to myself, “This is a truly authentic, well-constructed tequila.”

This high quality has inspired me to get involved with the brand, and I’m looking forward to watching it grow globally. When I recommend Espanita to my fans, friends and business partners, I’m confident they will enjoy this tequila.

Where did your passion for tequila come from? Have you always been a fan?

I’ve liked tequila for many years but have developed a much deeper appreciation for this spirit over the last several years when traveling and trying different brands. It’s a pleasure to make a cocktail with Espanita.

This is a very versatile tequila: depending on my mood, I can enjoy it as a shot with lime and salt, and its’ a pleasure to make a cocktail with Espanita as well.

Either way, it always hits the spot.

I recently started to learn more about how traditional tequila is made, and I have an appreciation of the passion and commitment that’s put in making this spirit. It’s truly impressive. As Espanita’s global brand ambassador, I enjoy shining the light on the artisans and craftsmen involved with creating this exquisite tequila.

What’s your favorite expression?

I like all three age expressions, but if I have to choose just one, it would be Espanita Reposado. I like the freshness and aromas of agave in this tequila, and how it’s expertly combined with vanilla and toffee flavors that come from six months of aging in oak barrels.

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Do you use bar tools at home when making cocktails?

I’m a very simple guy. I don’t use any fancy bar tools.

I typically mix my drinks using two cups and pouring them back and forth. I enjoy my drinks chilled so I make sure to use a lot of ice.

What’s your take on craft tequilas, such as Espanita, from the point of being a consumer?

Craft tequilas offer consumers so much more with the flavor and aromas, thanks to being made with 100% blue agave using time-honored techniques.

Consumers who buy craft tequilas support the community of artisans and tequileros who keep the traditions alive for future generations to enjoy.

What would you say about the success of this brand?

Espanita is on fire! The team is taking it to new states and sales are growing. I am very excited about the progress we’ve made recently and with new marketing initiatives that we’re working on, we should see a lot of exciting developments in 2021.

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The Photo Access / Alamy Stock Photo

>> Pitbull performing with his back up dancers at 93.3 FLZ’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in 2016 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Is there a connection between collaborating on a finely crafted tequila and creating memorable music and other entertainment projects?

I’ve started to learn about handcrafted tequila comparatively recently.

So far, this journey has been absolutely fascinating. While I’ve always been fond of good tequila, I hadn’t realized just how much work and dedication goes into the creation of each flavorful drop, and how important each step of the traditional production process is.

I have tremendous respect for artisans and their commitment to their craft. Starting from picking up these perfectly ripe agave plants, harvesting them by hand, and slowly steaming them in stone ovens for many hours until they are cooked just right and release sweet aromatic juices—this is a true labor of love. Even preparation of harvested agave piñas for cooking is an art, and you have to split each huge agave piña—which are hard as a stone—in half. You have to carefully remove the center part, called cogollo, because if left untouched, it will impart bitter flavor to tequila. It’s so much easier and cheaper to process agave in a diffuser, as many commercialized distilleries do. But still craft distilleries continue to respect the traditional process and make their tequila in this tried-and-true way, where each step of this long, laborintensive process is perfected by generations of tequileros. They do it the hard way, because they want to make the best tequila possible, and they have passion for their craft.

The connection is passion. Passion and the desire to deliver the best possible product to your fans. To create music that’s memorable, that stays with people and hopefully changes something for better in their lives, you have to have passion and be totally committed to do your best for your fans. My philosophy is that patience, passion and perseverance are the keys to success. This is also true for crafting a fine tequila, such as Espanita.

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Name one city or country that really surprised you with their love of tequila and their cocktail culture.

I have to say Mexico, no matter what city we travel to: Monterrey, Mexico City, Tijuana or Guadalajara. In this country, tequila is rooted in the culture and is a respected spirit, with the expression of a good time.

Tell us more about your partnership with LiveXLive to share concerts during the time of COVID-19. How did the fans respond? Will we see more virtual concerts in the future?

Partnering with LiveXLive was great. We were able to give fans a true Pitbull concert experience in their own homes. Fans around the world were grateful to take a break and let loose. We’re always working on future endeavors when it comes to the live show experience. One thing that came out of the LiveXLive relationship with the launch of our PodcastOne partnership with the Pitbull “Negative To Positive” podcast.

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Serves 1

Ingredients: • 2 oz. Espanita Tequila Anejo • 1/3 oz. Cold Brew Coffee Syrup* • 4 dashes of Angostura Bitters • 2x2 ice cube • Cigar Leaf and Orange twist for garnish

Directions: • Add all the ingredients, except the garnish, to a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir for 20 seconds.

• Pour the mixture to Old-Fashioned glass over a 2x2 ice cube.

• Garnish and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Cocktail Cartel Photo credit @52chefs

You’ve been known to give amazing motivational talks on overcoming failure, self-discovery and success. What inspires you to motivate others to succeed?

Thank you for the compliment. It’s very much appreciated. What inspires me to motivate others has to do with my high school teacher Hope Martinez. Hope believed in me and saw the music talent I had yet to see in myself. If it wasn’t for her motivation, I may not be where am I today. I feel it’s an obligation to help motivate others: it can help them out of a challenging situation or give them hope for a better future.

CAFECITO OLD FASHIONED

Thank you for the first 25 years, looking forward to the next.

- Alec, Alan and Bradley Rubin

ALECBRADLEY.COM

ALECBRADLEYCIGAR

ALECBRADLEYCIGAR

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BOVEDA

PETE JOHNSON TA T U A J E

You’re famously known as Mr. Worldwide. How have you been coping with this time period in which being “worldwide” isn’t exactly possible?

I always say: In the word “impossible” is “possible.” That’s why I put out “I Believe That We Will Win,” which is really an anthem of positivity for getting through this time. Seeing first responders and fans around the world react to the message makes me feel so proud. Together, we will get through this.

During this time, I’ve also focused on giving back. I partnered with the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Hello Alice to start the Hispanic Small Business Center. It directly benefits Latino entrepreneurs to be able to keep their small businesses alive.

Where are you most excited to go to once we can all travel around the globe freely again? And what will you do once you get there?

I can’t wait to be able to travel around the world again.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to go around the globe and see so many different countries and experience so many different cultures. I can’t wait to be able to go to the Dominican Republic, Europe, the Far East or the Bahamas. Let loose with some Espanita, and have a good time.

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

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KETEL ONE

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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C&S

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CIGAR RATING

ALADINO CAMEROON ROBUSTO 5 x 52 Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Aladino is an earthy cigar. It has some black pepper and cinnamon tastes throughout. It offers an abundance of aromatic smoke.

CIGAR BUYER’S GUIDE RATINGS ARE BASED ON THE AVERAGE BLIND TASTING SCORES OF EACH CIGAR

BY A PANEL OF TEN CIGAR EXPERTS. THESE CONNOISSEURS POSSESS MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF COMBINED CIGAR-SMOKING EXPERIENCE.

To provide feedback on any of the ratings, or to offer your own opinions on any of the cigars featured, write us at: feedback@cigarandspirits.com.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and leave your comments: facebook.com/cigarandspiritsmagazine

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FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

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ASHTON CHURCHILL 7.5 x 52 Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Mild Tasting Notes: This easy peasy Connecticut is just the right fit when you want a long and light smoke. It’s earthy with nicely blended citrus notes.

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CIGAR RATING

ASHTON VIRGIN SUN GROWN 5.5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: Hazelnut, roasted coffee, nougat and cherry mesh pleasantly in this cigar. It features a superb draw.

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AVO SYNCRO NICARAGUA SHORT ROBUSTO 4 X 52 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Peruvian Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: A short and stout cigar with some zing. The cigar is woody, spicy and oaky with a very clean finish.

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BLACK LABEL TRADING COMPANY LAWLESS CHURCHILL 7 x 48 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Churchill offers vanilla notes that work freely with an effortless amount of billowy smoke. The chocolate and cedar finish is nicely blended.

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CIGAR RATING

CAO VISION VISION 7 x 50 Churchill Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This double Vision offers some coffee and spice throughout with a bit of a fussy draw at the start.

The sweet and charry finish is unique.

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CASA TURRENT SERIE 1942 TORPEDO 5.5 x 52 Figurado Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Mexican Filler: Mexican Strength: Medium

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Tasting Notes: The San Andres Maduro wrapper is deep and dark, features a delicious profile of earth dark chocolate and tasty spice.

CHARTER OAK HABANAO TORPEDO

HOOTEN YOUNG GOTHIC SERPENT

6 x 52 Figurado Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

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Tasting Notes: This is an expertly balanced smoke with earth, spice and leather. It’s surprisingly topped off with a creamy pistachio taste.

DAVIDOFF COLORADO CLARO DOUBLE R

HVC HOT CAKE LAGUITO NO. 4

7.5 x 50 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium

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4.5 X 52 Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full

Tasting Notes: This Double R has a handsome look to it, but it struggles to lead you into complex taste profile.

You’ll get some citrus and wood as you work it through.

Tasting Notes: This smoke has tastes of cashew and raisins that create a sweetly aromatic experience. The triple cap and oily feel of this cigar makes it all the more inviting. The draw loosened up after some initial tightness and then smoked through with a nice burn.

DIESEL ESTELI PURO ROBUSTO

JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTANO 1970 BELICOSO

5.25 x 54 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

EPIC CIGARS MADURO FUERTE 6.5 x 54 Compinche Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Binder: Cameroon Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Full

HIGHCLERE CASTLE VICTORIAN TORO 6 x 52 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Brazilian Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The dark wrapper of this toro is appealing. It had a stingy draw at the start–just a bit of effort was required to work through the first third. The short bread and toasty flavors are stellar as you reach the final third of the cigar.

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6 x 50 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium

Tasting Notes: This Charter Oak offering is delightfully tasty. There are abundant floral notes that mesh with charry toast, caramel and coffee.

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6 x 54 Figurado Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This cigar is an earthy smoke with hints of wood, molasses and dark chocolate. It features lush amounts of smoke with an even burn.

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JOYA DE NICARAGUA NÚMERO UNO LE PREMIER 6 7/8 x 48 Churchill Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The lightly colored wrapper and fan-tail cap make this such an inviting cigar. It’s sweet and a bit sticky (in a tasty way) at the start and hints of nuts, caramel and toffee are evident throughout. The citrus notes work in perfectly at the finish.

Tasting Notes: You have to love the pigtail and shaggy foot on this Epic Maduro Fuerte, and it has a kick to it.

It definitely has some oomph, but it’s not at all overwhelming. It features distinct notes of coffee, mocha and a hint of spice. There’s definitely some pepper and strong earth there, and the draw is thoroughly smooth and breeds a fine ash.

CIGAR RATING

6 x 54 Toro Box Press Wrapper: San Andres Maduro Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full

Tasting Notes: Tea and buttery toast make for a most interesting figurado. The cigar burns perfectly with elegant puffs of smoke that are aromatic with vanilla bean and cocoa powder.

Tasting Notes: This is a delicious and creamy cigar. It’s surprising throughout because the tastes are about as evident as possible in a cigar. Graham cracker, buttery short bread and coffee are all there for the taking.

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LA AURORA UNTAMED 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Dominican Strength: Medium/Full Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Tasting Notes: A potent, oily Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper conceals hearty long-fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua in the Untamed. There’s black pepper to greet you from the start with cocoa and subtle citrus overtones as well. It’s balanced with spot-on construction and a firm ash is another strong feature.

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LA GALERA HABANO PERILLAS 7.25 X 38 Panetela Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The Perillas is a nicely constructed cigar, very appealing to the eye. There’s a nice amount of brown sugar offset by leather and earth.

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MUWAT BAIT FISH 4 x 44 Petit Corona Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Brazilian Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The tastes are lively and expressive. Initially, the smoke ofered minty chocolate, wheat and almonds. The espresso finish is rich and warm.

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MY FATHER LE BIJOU 1922 CHURCHILL 7 x 50 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: Rustic earth, chocolate and cedar notes are evident throughout the length of the smoke. It evenly burns at an elite level.

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NUB CAMEROON 358 3.75 X 58 Gordo Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: Chunky, nutty and woodsy come to mind right off the bat. The bread and chocolate are surprising at the finish. The draw is excellent in this bulky and tasty gem.

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PADRON 1964 ANNIVERSARY SERIES A MADURO 8.25 X 50 Presidente Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This lengthy cigar is an almond delight. The nutty qualities mingle with chocolate and vanilla throughout. It’s an expertly crafted cigar steeped in Padron tradition.

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PLASENCIA ALMA DEL CAMPO TRAVESIA BOX PRESS 6.5 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Plasencia features the brand’s signature draw. Just a light pull extracts flavors of cedar, espresso, honey and dark chocolate.

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PUNCH SIGNATURE ROTHSCHILD 4.5 x 50 Wrapper: Undisclosed Binder: Connecticut Habano Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This is a reinvigorated, flavorful and complex cigar made in line with the classic Punch blend. It has delightful and evident tastes of cocoa, butterscotch and almonds.

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ROCKY PATEL QUARTER CENTURY TORO 6.6 X 52 Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Honduran Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This RP is a handsome cigar. It feels just right in the hand and burns magnificently. There’s some cinnamon and earth throughout.

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SOUTHERN DRAW QUICK DRAW CONNECTICUT CORONA GORDA 5.50 x 46 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Mild/Medium Tasting Notes: Tasty with elegant amounts of smoke. Woodsy, fruity with cherry being a most prominent taste.

The sweetness is offset with a touch of dark cacao.

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STALLONE CIGARS PALOMINO 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: USA Connecticut Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Stallone is a creamy and tasty cigar. It’s a medium smoke, with notes of toffee, butter and light coffee notes.

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STALLONE CIGARS ZAINO BROADLEAF 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Broadleaf USA Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Tasting Notes: This Stallone offering showcases a tasty and complex cigar. The full tastes are hearty with black pepper spice, cocoa and dried cherries. It’s a sharp-looking robusto that has an excellent draw.

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C&S Cozy Home/Shutterstock.com.

FOR YOUR HOME BAR

@CigarSpiritsMag

E11even Vodka

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Hecate Cacao Liqueur

@CigarSpiritsMag

MSRP: $49.99 | ABV: 50% Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Whiskey brand scores a hit with this 7 year-old expression. The new American Oak barrels deepen the flavor and fill the liquid with flavors of dark toasted wood. It’s on the bold side–complex–featuring a caramel finish that lingers memorably on the palate.

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The Macallan

MSRP: $36.99 | ABV: 40% E11EVEN Vodka was born in the Miami ultra-club of the same name. This smooth, silky vodka soon became the number one selling brand at E11EVEN beating out other leading brands four to one. Non-GMO, gluten free, no sugar and no carbs.

E11EVEN is a stellar all-natural vodka.

HEAVEN’S DOOR DOUBLE BARREL WHISKEY

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MSRP: $32.99 | ABV: 40% Monkey Shoulder is notable for its mixability. The blend offers a wonderful price point for new Scotch drinkers finding their way with the spirit. Monkey Shoulder Batch 27 is made from 100% malted barley, and aged exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels creating a superbly crafted spirit.

E11EVEN VODKA DISTILLERY E11EVEN VODKA

Heaven’s Door

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MONKEY SHOULDER BATCH 27 BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

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To provide feedback on any of the ratings, or to offer your own opinions on any of the spirits featured, write us at: feedback@cigarandspirits.com.

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Monkey Shoulder

SPRING SPIRITS BUYER’S GUIDE

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Bardstown Bourbon

HECATE CACAO LIQUEUR

MSRP: $29.99 | ABV: 35.45% This expression features raw Criollo cacao nibs from Peru and Ecuador paired with sustainably-sourced bourbon vanilla beans from Madagascar. There are robust dark chocolate flavors resulting in rich sweetness balanced with slight astringency. The full-bodied mouthfeel carries through to a tasty finish.

THE MACALLAN HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKEY 18 YEAR DOUBLE CASK

MSRP: $359.99 | ABV: 43% This expression is a flawless blend from dry Oloroso sherry seasoned American and European oak casks. Macallan’s double cask single malt is elegant and refined. There’s warm vanilla-spice, ginger and caramel notes. The flavors lead to a creamy finish with a touch of orange spice.

BARDSTOWN BOURBON FUSION SERIES #4

MSRP: $59.99 | ABV: 47.45% Fusion Series #4 features complex scents of apricot, black cherry and cinnamon.

It meshes nicely with the oak and smoke within this 13-year Kentucky bourbon.

There’s a rich maple and toffee coat on the palate and it leads into to a lasting, hazelnut finish.

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Ojo de Tigre

Purity Distillery Vodka Spritz

Lynxx Spirits

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Foursquare Rum

Hecate

OJO DE TIGRE ARTESANAL MEZCAL

MSRP: $32.99 | ABV: 40% The combination of Espadín and Tobalá agaves make Ojo de Tigre a top-notch tasting mezcal. It offers a tasty amount of smokiness. It’s a smooth spirit and features notes of green apple and citrus, followed by nuanced hints of cooked agave, caramel and smoked cocoa.

PURITY DISTILLERY VODKA SPRITZ 34 MEDITERREANEAN CITRUS

MSRP: $25.99 | ABV: 30% This award-winning vodka is distilled 34 times and has no artificial flavors or sweeteners. It’s a vibrant vodka with expressions of orange, grapefruit and aromatic bergamot. It pairs well with prosecco for a refreshing spritzer.

LYNXX SPIRITS SMALL BATCH STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

MSRP: $79.99 | ABV: 40% This single barrel straight bourbon is matured in new white American Oak charred barrels. The flavors are rich with notes of creamy vanilla and caramel on the nose with underlying nutmeg and cinnamon. The wheat’s Southern flavors make this an excellent choice as a single barrel straight bourbon.

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Purity Distillery Navy Strength

FOURSQUARE RUM DISTILLERY MARK XIV DÉTENTE RUM

MSRP: $71.99 | ABV: 51% Mark XIV is a single blended rum, consisting of rums from both the double-retort pot and traditional twin column coffey stills from Foursquare in Barbados. This is a creation of two single blended rums. It’s an exceptional cask series worth seeking out.

HECATE COFFEE LIQUEUR

MSRP: $29.99 | ABV: 23% This estate liqueur combines the intensity and richness of espresso with hints of lemon zest. Roasted walnut, chocolate, stone fruit, citrus and hints of flowers form the nose of this complex liqueur. There’s a mouthfeel reminiscent of Italianstyle espresso leading to a finish with a pleasant bitterness.

PURITY DISTILLERY NAVY STRENGTH ORGANIC GIN

MSRP: $36.49 | ABV: $57.1% Navy Strength Gin’s juniper features remarkable floral and berry notes. It finishes with a smooth botanical expression. It’s been highly lauded since its release, and it’s easy to understand why upon sampling this clean and aromatic gin.

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Air Company

Lost Lantern

Holmes Cay Single Cask

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Holmes Cay Jamaica Wedderburn

Hendricks Gin

AIR COMPANY AIR VODKA

MSRP: $75.00 | ABV: 40% Air Vodka is made from two simple ingredients—carbon dioxide and water. The quality is derived from the air and transformed into pure ethanol resulting in a crisp, clean, vodka that actually removes greenhouse gases from the atmosphere with each production. This carbon-negative spirit is here to stay.

LOST LANTERN SINGLE CASK SANTA FE NEW MEXICO SINGLE MALT

MSRP: $100.00 | ABV: 60.25% Sante Fe is a single cask malted barley whisky, smoked with mesquite and aged three years in American Oak—not too shabby. This blend has orange spice on the nose followed by expressive vanilla-spice and smoked-chocolate orange notes. It’s a refined malt whiskey with a mellow vanilla-clove and spice expression finish.

HOLMES CAY SINGLE CASK BELIZE RUM

MSRP: $119.99 | ABV: 61% Aged 15 years in ex-bourbon casks, this unadulterated cask strength rum is a pleasure from start to finish. The cherry nose makes way for the rich chocolate, tobacco, and deep fruit notes that linger into a tropical sherry finish. It’s a treasure bottle with only 912 bottles produced from four casks.

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New Riff

HOLMES CAY JAMAICA WEDDERBURN 2011 EDITION

MSRP: $106.99 | ABV: 59% Aged three years in Jamaica in ex-bourbon barrels followed by another seven years in the United Kingdom, bottled at cask strength, this medium rum profiles in classic Jamaican style. It has notes of vivid pineapple, oak with tropical fruit while providing hints of black pepper, spices and a leather-tobacco finish.

Another treasure bottle from Holmes Cay with production from four casks yielding 1,050 bottles.

HENDRICKS GIN LUNAR GIN LIMITED RELEASE

MSRP: $37.50 | ABV: 43.4% Inspired by the Lunar New Year and released under the glow of the first full moon in 2021, Hendricks Lunar Gin is a blend of floral and subtle citrus botanicals.

It has evident hints of apple and cucumber, and is further balanced by warm coriander, citrus and the ever-familiar juniper.

NEW RIFF KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON

MSRP: $58.99 | ABV: 50% New Riff’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey starts with a non-GMO mash bill that is 65% corn, 30% rye and 5% malted barley. Aged four years in a 53-gallon toasted and charred new oak barrel, this award-winning bourbon zings with silky vanilla-cream, butterscotch, dark berries and cloves.

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Foursquare Rum

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Coalition Whiskey Sauternes

NEW RIFF SINGLE BARRELL

MSRP: $45.00 | ABV: 55.8% New Riff bottles at barrel proof without chill filtration yielding a single barrel bourbon that is bold on butterscotch and spice, yet soft with a rich creamy mouthfeel. It’s aged four years in a 53-gallon toasted and charred new oak barrel providing an expressive award-winning bourbon.

LOST LANTERN AMERICAN VATTED MALT EDITION NO. 1

MSRP: $120.00 | ABV: 52.5% A first of its kind from the United States—Lost Lantern has produced a 12-barrel blend of hand selected single malt whiskies from six distilleries across the country. This is a unique blend of extraordinary flavors–a sophisticated palate pleaser.

MSRP: $114.99 | ABV: 61% From the island of Barbados, Redoubtable offers the unique blend of two 14-year aged rums infusing the expressions from ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Madeira barrels. Vanilla, coconut and hints of sherry leading to warm dark fruits, vanilla, and wood, make this a tasty sipping rum.

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FOURSQUARE RUM DISTILLERY MARK XV REDOUBTABLE RUM

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New Riff

Coalition Whiskey Pauillac

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Oregon Spirit

COALITION WHISKEY PAUILLAC BARRIQUES

MSRP: $89.99 | ABV:46.3 Coalition Whiskey is a comer. This Pauillac Barrique finish does not disappoint with expressions of rich blackberry, plum and cherry with a hint of coffee, spices and wood.

COALITION WHISKEY SAUTERNES BARRIQUES

MSRP: $89.99 | ABV:47.1 An elegant whiskey from start to finish. This 100% Kentucky Straight Whiskey is matured in sauterne barrique barrels offering an intensely fragrant nose and flavor profile of soft vanilla, honey, caramel and apricot. The result is a soft toffee and almond finish that rests beautifully on the palate.

OREGON SPIRIT WHEAT WHISKEY MSRP: $40 | ABV: 45% A rich and smooth whiskey with notes of cinnamon, sweet kettle corn and strong vanilla flavor on the palate.

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Havana Club

Woodford Reserve

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Dublin Liberties Keeper’s Coin

Dublin Liberties Fighting 69th

HAVANA CLUB TRIBUTO 2020

MSRP: $456 | ABV: 40% This rum marks the 5th anniversary of the Tributo Collection with a limited release of 2,500 bottles globally. It features a cherry amber color, with dried fruits, sweet caramel and bitter chocolate. There are notes of poached pears with hints of old leather, spices and smooth old cigar aroma.

The finish reveals tastes of chocolate and vanilla that showcase the rum’s natural aging.

WOODFORD RESERVE CHOCOLATE MALTED RYE

MSRP: $129 | ABV: 45.2% The Chocolate Malted Rye in Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection is a limited selection expression. The blend utilizes innovative bourbon-making techniques by toasting the rye grain long enough to achieve a chocolatey finish. It delivers as a unique and elegant sipping experience.

JOSE CUERVO RESERVA DE LA FAMILA

MSRP: $150 | ABV: 40% The dark amber hue of this fine reserva is an eye-catcher. The tastes and aromas feature warm hints of oak, almonds, apples, vanilla and cinnamon.

The toasted almond finish is long and silky.

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Fire Bear

DUBLIN LIBERTIES DISTILLERIES KEEPER’S COIN 16-YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT

MSRP: $159.99 | ABV: 46% The Keeper’s Coin offers aromas of soft toffee, fudge, toasted hazelnuts, and baked banana with sea salt caramel. On the palate, poached pear and big fruity notes of dried apricots dominate. The dark, auburn hue is imparted by Pedro Ximénez 250-liter hogshead casks in which the whiskey finally rests. The finish is smooth and rounded with honeyed sweetness.

FIGHTING 69TH IRISH WHISKEY

MSRP: $35 | ABV: 40% The Fighting 69th is matured in once-used bourbon casks for a minimum of three years, and finished in a variety of other casks like Port and Sherry Oloroso. It’s a uniquely finished blend that results in a fine distillate that is both of robust character and a full smooth finish. On the palate it has hints of nuttiness, butterscotch, and sweet notes from the port and sherry casks. The Fighting 69th Regiment’s Historical Trust receives a portion of the proceeds for each bottle sold.

FIRE BEAR CINNAMON & HONEY WHISKEY

MSRP $26.99 | ABV 35% Cinnamon and whiskey informs Boardroom Spirits Northbound bourbon to the delight of spice lovers. It’s blended with real honey and pleasant cinnamon for a tasty spirit. It’s serves deliciously cold in a shot glass, or substituted in your favorite traditional whiskey recipes for a cinnamon twist.

Live Epic, Smoke Epic.

CIGARS

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C&S nce a statement of rebellion and a cultural movement from the mid-1960s through the 1970s, by the 1980s rock music was beginning to grow over-produced and stale. With the launch of MTV in 1981, music became a more visual medium, in many cases emphasizing style, looks and fashion over sound and substance. It was the perfect backdrop to an era now remembered for three E’s: extravagance, excess and escapism.

But like any party, eventually the fun burns out and heads start to throb with hangovers.

O

In 1990, cracks began showing through the flashy façade of the previous decade. Albums such as Ritual de lo habitual by Jane’s Addiction and Facelift by Alice in Chains gained traction with fans hungry for something more genuine. The following year marked one of the biggest turning points in popular music: underground music overtook the mainstream. Bands that had once enjoyed popularity in their local cities were suddenly embraced by millions. Perhaps most famously, acts out of Seattle exploded on radio, MTV and in record stores.

Long isolated from trendy big cities, these bands reflected a realism more indicative of what was actually happening as

opposed to the glossy fantasies peddled by media. Heavier music reflected lyrics grappling with depression, drug addiction, politics, equality and nonconformity. It struck a chord. Soon “grunge,” a term none of the Seattle bands liked or used, was the word on everyone’s lips.

Rock music wasn’t the only genre experiencing a renaissance.

The long underground hip hop scene was gaining popularity, with the subgenre gangsta rap in particular exploring oppression, discrimination and street life in America’s urban cities. Like rock music before it, hip hop had started as a cultural movement and similarly began evolving to reflect issues happening in the artists’ communities, such as violence, economic collapse of the inner cities, drugs and politics.

By 1991, these elements came to a head with the types of albums released, changing not just music but culture as a whole. Not only had new genres grabbed the public’s imagination, several established bands had reinvented themselves just in time for music’s next big pivot. Here’s a look at one of the most influential years in music history thirty years later.

Time R.E.M. Out of

th

ic e hearts of mus ocketed into th yr sk ey th ith w e, e m Ti usic scen released Out of in the indie m When R.E.M. nearly a decade ng di hich also en w sp ,” r le te e af ny Happy Peop hi fans worldwid “S s ion,” ng so e th osing My Relig us. Thanks to massive hit “L e th a cult-like stat d an ts. ’s, ar 52 ch BU.K. album Pierson of the arts and 183 on ch featured Kate S. U. e s th es nsciousn t 109 weeks on and political co Out of Time spen , esented a social pr re . r Rock the Vote M fo E. R. ns of at era. Petitio th g The members rin e du th ic on us inted mainstream m e DMV, were pr rarely seen in vote through th to g in E.M. would er R. st s, gi ar re d .) Over the ye ed ss which supporte pa ll bi uding he the years, incl ’s packaging. (T of causes over back of the CD ty rie va a to hts. nd their names and human rig continue to le , animal rights ism in m fe , m lis environmenta

Released: March 12

Metallica M etallica

Metallica built Released: August 12 their name in th the thrash met in Los Angeles al sc en e of the early 1980 and then in th s, first e Bay Area, whe for their harder re they found sound. In 1991 a better home , they released turning point a self-titled albu from their signa m that was a ture thrash soun fans as “the Bl d. It was referr ack Album” be ed to by most cause of its blac a nod to The Be k cover art. (T atles’ 1968 selfhe ni ck name was titled masterp “the White Albu iece, which is m” because of sim ila rly called its white cover.) or hard rock, th More akin to he e Black Album av y metal debuted at No. 488 weeks on th 1 and logged a e Billboard 20 staggering 0 charts. The co propelled Met mmercial succ allica to supers ess not only tardom, but br and heaviness ought a higher to the mainstr le ve l of intensity eam. Metallica has been a stap le of commerci al radio and aren a rock ever sin ce.

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Pearl Jam Te n

Released: August 27

th Pearl Jam was the Phoenix ris in g fr om the ashes of M other Love Bo ne, one of Seattle’s most popular bands in the local music commun ity. After MLB singer and main song writer Andrew W ood died of a hero in overdose in M ar ch 1990, bassist Je ff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard formed a new band with a San Diego-b ased singer, Ed die Vedder.

The result was Pearl Jam, and their debut album, Ten, shook the m us ical landscape. Ten explored intens e, of ten dark, personal stories that co nt ra st ed with the upbe at party anthem s of th e 1980s. The entir e band becam e poster children for th e new “alternat ive music” sound that wou ld come to defin e the 1990s. In partic ular, Vedder, w ho was responsible fo r most of the ba nd ’s introspective ly rics, was the fo cus of acute media co verage.

ls. 1 and 2 usions Vo ll I r u o Y ses Use Guns ’n Ro 17th

of coming out rock bands am gl e Sunset e th th n path on ed in with ow p r ou ei gr th n ed te their oses carv Although of NR created s, Guns ‘n R in the 1980 for thrash, G d ic oo od 1987. w el in ly m ol on o H and to Destructi itty for glam Appetite for gr of e real in oo as r T . le fo p re g ri n e St rs were livi ake with th be qu h em rt m ea d l n age ba xiously to first musica e outlaw im ns waited an captured th usicians. Fa m g n li isappointed d gg Their songs d weren’t were stru an ey th m bu en al h l w ta mes 1 and 2. onumen Hollywood Illusion Volu top their m ur ld Yo ou se w U , ey ts. ce ed at on counterpar hear how th s were releas eir musical m th bu al om ic fr t ep Seattle, but when two selves apar aught from ad set them sl h on R e N G th , e n to surviv personality Once agai lowed them ded due to al lo p ty ci im ti ey en h .T Their auth e themselves uldn’t surviv ultimately co d. hin the ban conflicts wit

Released: Septem

ber

FOR PADRES, TOO. Nirvana Nev ermind

Releas

ed: September 24th Although Neve rmind was Nirv an a’s second albu indie label Sub m (Bleach on Pop being the first), it was th released throug eir first album h a major labe l (Geffen). Now money backin with big g them, Nirvan a was thrust in when the “Sm to the limelight ells Like Teen Spirit” video w rotation on M ent into heavy TV. A wave of media attentio lead singer/gu n followed and itarist/lyricist Kurt Cobain w as the voice of as singled out a generation, a title he was un with and contin comfortable ually tried to re ject. Some of th overshadowed at attention a masterfully w ritten album th inspiration from at drew punk rock and indie bands lik and the Pixies e R.E.M. . These elemen ts, combined w pop guitar hook ith Cobain’s s and Dave Gro hl’s heavy drum in a dark but m s, resulted elodic album, giving Nirvana a distinct and highly influen tial sound.

Spanish for “Two Cousins,” Dos Primos was dreamed up by cousins Jeff Worn and Thomas Rhett, who wanted to create a tequila that blended Mexican tradition with southern sensibility.

Celebrate the fathers in your life by gifting them a premium sippin’ blanco distilled from 100% blue agave grown right in the heart of tequila country.

D OSPR IMOST EQ UIL A.COM

DOS PRIMOS IS MADE FOR SHARING. EXPLORE AND ENJOY. @dosprimostequila PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Imported from Mexico exclusively by Dos Primos Tequila Co., St. Louis, MO. 40% ALC/VOL (80 Proof).

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More Bang In a year noted for many landmark alb ums, 1991 was filled wit h an impressive ran ge of stellar music. Th ese other worthy albums represent a deeper dive into a most memorable ye ar in music.

- Screaming Trees Uncle Anesthesia - Temple of the Do g Temple of the Dog - Primus Sailing the Seas of Cheese - Smashing Pumpkin s Gish

- Skid Row Slave to the Grind - Fugazi Steady Diet of Noth ing - Tom Petty

r Sex Magik ppers Blood Suga Pe i il Ch t Ho d Re

Into the Great Wide Open - Mudhoney Every Good Boy De serves Fudge - Cypress Hill Cypress Hill

Released: September 24th

é own for their risqu ppers were long kn Pe ili Ch t Ho d Re lec The rsonas and ec tic reof), outrageous pe the k lac (or , ire att stage k, psychedelia, punk which includes fun , les sty al sic mu d of mix of jazz. They ha the occasional dash alternative and even their hometown d a reputation aroun ing ild bu y wl slo been music enthusiasts with underground of Los Angeles and rough album. Blood y released a breakth the en wh ars ye for to the band while ght a new maturity ou br gik Ma Sex r Suga their unique style. groove to still keep gh ou en ing ain int ma mainstream the band their most The album also gave a dark ballad e,” idg “Under the Br te, da to ng so g d din soun with depression an thony Kiedis’s battle An r ge sin g lin tai de heroin addiction.

- Blur Leisure - Michael Jackson Dangerous - Ozzy Osbourne No More Tears - The Pixies Trompe le Monde - Prince Diamonds and Pearl s

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

dmotorfinger Soundgarden Ba

Released: September 24th

’s attle, Soundgarden s to emerge from Se nd ba e ier em cific pr Pa One of the released from the ier than the others av he y ctl d, tin or dis s album wa arden’s third rec rfinger was Soundg oto dm Ba ar. ed,” ye t hin tha uts Northwest ,” songs like “O on grew for “grunge ati cin fas sity c’s en bli int pu d but as the the sincerity an rist Pose” captured Ch s su “Je d an d ” ge ge ran “Rusty Ca ity of sound, which . The album’s divers ed guitarist pir ins s, that defined the era int po at ost psychedelic alm to y irk qu um,” to y from heav vy metal White Alb rfinger was the “hea oto dm Ba e jok in to ma il d Kim Thay ad singer an atles’ 1968 album. Le Be e Th to e nc cal ere vo ve another ref impressive four-octa rnell, thanks to his .

0s songwriter Chris Co 199 the of voice od out as a leading range, especially sto

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NAME

COLOR

SIZE

BOX OF

BUNDLE

BOOLIT

DARK

4.75 x 46

4.75 x 46

32 ct

TORO

DARK

6 x 52

6 x 52

24 ct

SIXTY

DARK

6 x 60

6 x 60

24 ct

SEVENTY

DARK

6 x 70

6 x 70

24 ct

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Strikes Black se 91…The Enemy yp al oc Ap y em Public En

Released: October 1st

ing their music as a en recognized for us be g lon d ha erican y em ics and African Am By 1991, Public En racism, socioeconom as ch su usions ics all top ck, ess Enemy Strikes Bla platform to addr , Apocalypse 91…The um alb to dio up e stu liv rth to of pressure culture. Their fou ikes Back, faced a lot Str e pir ’ Em ers e mb Th d me an up into the gro to Apocalypse Now this album dug deep for es em Th an s. d or rke It also ma its three predecess the Establishment. nfronted mistrust of gs for Apocalypse din or rec community and co l When the origina y. em En c naged bli Pu again. While they ma updated sound for choice but to start no d ha y a em on k En c too new efforts were stolen, Publi tape, much of their on sic mu ir y the em of En c rk. Publi to recapture some m their previous wo rking a departure fro Noise,” a move that the g rin different form, ma “B nd Anthrax for ba tal me ash thr th also partnered wi genres. ver for both music introduced a crosso

Tupac Shakur 2P acalypse Now

Released: November 12th With yet another alb um title referencing the movie Apocalypse No released his debut solo album when he w, Tupac Shakur was just 20 years old the life of many yo . 2Pacalypse honestl ung African Ameri y reflects can men in urban are Shakur grapples wi as of the time. In his th oppression, violen lyrics, ce, drug addiction acknowledging the and poverty, while contradictory views also of women in the hip President Dan Quay hop community. Th le denounced the alb en -V ice um as “irresponsibl exploring complex e,” but Shakur’s op sociopolitical subje en ne ss in cts turned him into one of the most inf luential and best-selling artists of modern music.

U2 Achtung Baby

Released: November 18th

r ark album in a caree U2 released a landm by, Ba ng htu for Ac n ow ith W e Irish band, kn seminal records. Th s also already filled with re and religion, wa rfa ics as politics, wa top ch su g to folk rin el sp plo ex from rock to go in multiple genres, g lin bb da ifting for sh e ted no d again, this tim 0s, the band pivote trial us ind to blues. For the 199 th electronic, d, eclectic sound wi ed the ict ed pr to a more lighthearte as though U2 influences. Almost sical mu g gin and alternative rock for the chan was perfectly timed make y rit xte de future, Achtung Baby and musical ntinual reinvention landscape. Their co all time. st versatile bands of them one of the mo

lifornia. Her nce writer based in Ca g music fan and freela lon life a is et of Nothing n Di da y Jor ad Elisa y were on the Ste the en wh w sho i gza a Fu geles. first mosh pit was at hemed tours of Los An , she gave rock ‘n roll-t 19 DVI CO to ior Pr tour.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE

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C&S Photos courtesy of Cascata

Cascata Golf Club The Eighth Wonder of the Golf World

by Breahna Wheeler

The Cascata Golf Club is located in Boulder City, Nev.—about 30 minutes or so from the Las Vegas Strip. However, it might as well be a million miles away.

Cascata has made indelible memories for golfers, tourists and celebrities the world over. Our group had the good fortune to experience the resort in perfect weather this past March.

Golfing at Cascata is a transcendent experience indeed.

Seasoned players (or anyone who’s ever picked up a golf club) have enjoyed the most luxe of luxe life golfing experiences since the year 2000. Cascata was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, and the design is flawless.

Cascata, is the Italian word for “waterfall.” The views that engulfed us throughout our time there were sublime. There’s a 418-foot waterfall cascading over lush mountainsides. We marveled at seeing water race through the practice facilities, making its way through the Tuscan-inspired clubhouse. The par-72 course has majestic vistas at every turn including the 3,600-foot peak at Red Mountain. “I’ve been blessed to have traveled to some of the finest golf courses and resorts in the world,” says CEO and Publisher Lincoln Salazar of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

“My time spent at Cascata was one of the most memorable golfing experiences I’ve had.”

There was no shortage of lush fairways, lakes and streams as we golfed and took it all in throughout the day. We made our way to cocktails at the Cascata bar. Not a bad way to cap it all off. cascatagolf.com

Breahna Wheeler is the Director of Events and Administration for Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

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C&S

FIVE SPRINGTIME COCKTAILS TO SIP THIS SEASON

by Breahna Wheeler

New Michae Peccatiello Jr/Shutterstock.com, Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com, malinkaphoto/Shutterstock.com, Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

FEATURED COCKTAILS

SMOKEY OLD FASHIONED Serves 1

Ingredients: • 2 oz. premium rye whiskey • ½ art demerara sugar syrup (or dissolved dark brown sugar) • 2 dashes of aromatic bitters • 1 lemon peel/zest • 1 orange peel/zest • 1 piece angelica root Directions: Ignite the dried angelica root on a heat-resistant surface.

Extinguish the flame with a rocks glass by placing the glass over the root. Stir all the other ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a smoked rocks glass with fresh ice. Squeeze lemon and orange zest over the cocktail and garnish.

THE SPICY SPIRIT OF BLOODY MARY

Serves 1 Ingredients: Garnish: • ¼ cup bacon infused vodka • spicy rim salt • 2 oz. chilled spicy tomato juice • 1 long stick celery w/leafy greenery • 1 tsp. Worcestershire • 1 slice well cooked bacon (cold) • ½ tsp. pure ground bottled horseradish • 1 large cooked shrimp (cold) • 2 dashes of bottled hot sauce • 1 parsley sprig (optional) • 3 pinches bacon seasoning • 1 green olive (optional) • 1 dash ground black pepper • 1 cherry tomato (optional) • 1 tsp. lemon juice • 1 baby sweet or dill pickle (optional) • 1 pinch salt • 1 pinch celery salt Directions: Cook the bacon strip so it’s done well to crispy and set aside.

Add horseradish, hot sauce, bacon seasoning, ground black pepper, lemon juice, salt and celery salt in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker and mix well.

Rim the cocktail glass in spicy rim salt, fill chilled highball glass with ice, and pour mixed cocktail into glass. Garnish glass with celery stick, bacon, shrimp and parsley, then place the baby pickle, green olive, and cherry tomato on a toothpick and add to garnish.

SPICY HOT JALAPEÑO MICHELADA Serves 1

Ingredients: • 2 limes (one juiced, one wedged-rim) • ¼ cup spicy hot tomato juice • 2 tsp Mexican-style hot sauce (Tapatío-preferred) • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice • 2-3 grinds fresh black pepper • 1 can or bottle light Mexican beer (12 oz) • Kosher or sea salt • 1 small sliced jalapeño • 1 tsp garlic salt (rim) • 3 tbsp Tajín chili and lime salt blend (rim) Directions: Combine the garlic salt and Tajín in a small, shallow dish in an even layer. Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with one of the juiced lime wedges, and dip the glass rim into the dish to create a salt rim. Add ice to the cocktail glass. In a cocktail shaker, combine lime juice, spicy tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, jalapeño juice, black pepper and a pinch of salt. Shake vigorously, pour into cocktail glass, add 2-3 slices of jalapeño and top with Mexican beer. Use the remaining beer to top off cocktail while drinking.

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THE COLD BLACK BREW

HOT TROPICAL SPLASH

Serves 1

Serves 1

Ingredients:

Ingredients: • 4 oz. pineapple Juice • 1 ½ oz. hot cinnamon vodka • 1 oz. ginger Ale • splash of grenadine • splash of maraschino cherry juice

• 2 oz premium smoked rum • 2 oz espresso cold brew coffee • ½ tsp vanilla syrup • 2 dashes of black walnut bitters • 1 pinch of cinnamon Directions: Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into a cocktail glass with ice cubes and enjoy.

Directions: In a whiskey glass with ice–add ingredients in the order of the recipe. Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry.

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