Cigar & Spirits Magazine: September/October Ft. Anthony Anderson

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

INTERVIEW

ANTHONY ANDERSON

THE STAR OF black-ish TIME TO LIVE THE DREAM

FUENTE

2

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

FUENTE

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/3

C&S

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

LINCOLN SALAZAR RANDY MASTRONICOLA AUDREY PAVIA

CEO & Publisher Editor-in-Chief Consulting Editor

JOE BOSSO

Sr. Contributing Writer

KEVIN KENNY

Sr. Contributing Writer

JOE REDMOND BREAHNA WHEELER MIYURI NORRIS CODY CHO

Art Director Director of Events/Administration Digital Media Director Cigar & Spirits Magazine Web

AL CASTELLANOS

Account Executive

MATT RANDOLPH

Special Sections

SHAHID GHANI

Chief Financial Officer

CARLY SCHEUR

Accounting

NATALIE NICOL

Legal

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Troy Anthony, Joe Bosso, Sean Chaffin, Dave Johnson, Elisa Jordan, Kevin Kenney, Audrey Pavia, Kim Campbell Thornton

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: 11 Orchard Road, Suite 106, Lake Forest, CA 92630 (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. ©2020 by Top Hat Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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

Subscription rate is $19.99 for 6 issues; $32.99 for 12 issues. Canadian and foreign surface, add $6 extra per year payable in U.S. funds. Single copy price is $5.99. Please allow up to 8 weeks for mailing of first bi-monthly issue to new subscribers. When changing address, give 12 weeks notice, and include address label from latest copy as well as new address. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services that we believe would interest our readers. Please view our Privacy Policy at tophatmediagroup.com/privacypolicy.html.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608, Registration No. R126851765.

Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: IMEX Global Solutions, P. O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, CANADA. Printed in the U.S.A. August 2020 Volume 10/Issue 5 For Advertising: Advertising@CigarandSpirits.com To Contact Us for Questions & Comments email: CustomerService@CigarandSpirits.com Letters to the Editor: Feedback@CigarandSpirits.com For subscription customer service: cigarandspirits@pfsmag.com

Cigar & Spirits Magazine

4

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

@CigarSpiritsMag

NEW UNCLE NEAREST

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition also delivered three medals to Uncle Nearest in 2020. A Double Gold for 1820 Single Barrel and a pair of Gold awards for 1856 Premium Aged and 1884 Small Batch.

Drink Honorably™ Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, 50% and 46.5% Alc/vol, Uncle Nearest, Shelbyville, TN. © 2020 Uncle Nearest, INC.

W W W . U N C L E N E A R E S T. C O M

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/5

C&S

contents ON THE COVER

60

ANTHONY ANDERSON

The Star of black-ish Time To Live The Dream

LIFESTYLE

10

FALL STYLE STATEMENT

Mixing In Scarves With Flair

14

THE LOWDOWN WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW

Smokin’ Hot Smoking Jackets Get Saucy With It A Cut Above Cigar Knives Mini-Me Wallets

52

MAKING GOOD TIME

The Growing American Watch Scene

56

60

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

ON THE COVER

ANTHONY ANDERSON

INTERVIEWS

44

THE GUY IN THE SUIT

Joe Bonamassa’s Blues With Bad Intentions

FOR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CONTENT FIND US AT CIGAR&SPIRITS ON YOUTUBE.

102

BEHIND THE LEAF

He’s Got The Beat Nick Perdomo Jr. Talks Sticks

Publisher Lincoln Salazar Anthony Anderson

6

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

september/october 2020 REWARDS

36

TOBACCONISTS

32

FEATURED PAIRINGS

Perfecto Pairings To Expand Your Palate

112

72

FALL COCKTAILS

FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

Autumn Cigar Buyer’s Guide

82

94

NO GUTS, NO GLORY

FOR YOUR HOME BAR

Autumn Spirits Buyer’s Guide

112

THE FLAVORS OF FALL COCKTAILS

Five Savory Sips Of The Season

FEATURES

20

TRICKED OUT HALLOWEEN GETUPS FOR CIGAR GUYS

Treat Your Inner Cigar Icon With Style

44

JOE BONAMASSA

20

TRICKED OUT HALLOWEEN GETUPS

24

THE HIGH ROLLER LIFE

Gambling Destinations Across the Globe

36

52

ONE CENTURY AT A TIME

The Legacy of Old World Tobacconists

USA WATCHES

94

24

NO GUTS, NO GLORY

THE HIGH ROLLER LIFE

Forty Years of MMA Heavy Hitters

10

STYLE STATEMENT

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/7

C&S

publisher’s note Reaching Out I can only imagine what each person, family member and business owner is going through right now as our country and world goes through this tumultuous year. It could be emotional or physical issues as we work our way through these times–and each of us has our own thoughts, our own opinions, and our own reasoning behind why we think and believe what we do. It can be challenging for some of us to be patient and compassionate with one another. During these times–as hard as it is–we must show compassion for one another. You never know what is happening in someone’s personal life, and the struggles they could be experiencing.

On a lighter note, it’s the concept of patience that makes me think about how creating a premium cigar or an amazing libation comes to be. The aging process, the fermentation process, the distilling– there is so much patience and care for each cigar and spirit that comes from factories and distilleries to our lips.

Taking the time to share a cigar and spirit with your friends and loved ones, or just asking them “Are you ok?” is now more important than ever. Telling them how much you love them, telling them they should know they are not alone is so important as well.

I’ve always said: “If we stuck all the politicians across the globe in a room and they shared a cigar and a drink–we could solve all the problems in the world.” Taking the time it takes to finish a cigar would help bring us together.

Patience is like a fine cigar. It takes time to make, and it takes time to smoke. Let us show more than ever–compassion and patience to one another. And most of all–love.

We have been very blessed here at Cigar & Spirits Magazine. I feel blessed to be sitting here and writing to you. Our team and families are healthy, and all of us are able to continue working. We are thankful for these blessings. It is because of this–we want to say to anyone who might need someone, a cigar, or someone to share a cigar with–please reach out to us here at Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

It’s about people first, and our doors are always open.

We humbly thank you for being here with us through this time.

Feel free to email us at publisher@cigarandspirits.com.

May you all be healthy and happy.

Lincoln B. Salazar CEO & Publisher

Follow on Instagram

8

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

@cigarandspiritsmagpublisher

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/9

C&S

FALL STYLE STATEMENT

MIXING IN SCARVES WITH FLAIR

by Troy Anthony

F

10

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Design Pics/Alamy.com

all has arrived and most of us are updating our closets to prepare for a colder climate.

We all have our own way of staying warm but do we all have a finger on the pulse when it comes to staying stylish? Some may pivot to a nice flannel sport coat, reach for their favorite leather jacket, or just hang out in your coziest sweater. All the above qualify as great looks but really come to life with a nice scarf, which adds more style and warmth. We’re here to show you how to work a scarf into your look in order to enhance your personal style.

>> Troy Anthony: Vest $625, Sneakers $395, Shirt $325 Burberry Scarf $470 34 Heritage Jeans $195 Spivey Cufflinks and Bracelets $200 each.

Movado watch $550 Gladson Ltd. Hat $295

>> Troy Anthony: Bamboo Jacket $2200, Tie $135, Cotton Chino $475 Di Bianco Wingtip Shoes $1095 Loro Piana Wool Scarf $550 Edward Armah Pocket Square $80

Photos courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli, Troy Anthony, Di Bianco, Loro Piana Gismos, Isaia, Rye 51; Burberry, 34 Heritage, Spivey, Movado, Gladson Ltd.

>> Rye 51 Richmand Cashmere Vest $299

>> Brunello Cucinelli Zip Sweater $995

>> Isaia Quilted Vest $1450

P

ersonally, I love flannel sport coats in fall and winter even on the West Coast. A scarf will perfectly complement the look on a very chilly day. You can still add something to your look with a light weight scarf if you tend to run a bit on the warm side. The same goes for those of us who run cold; a warmer, heavier scarf is great for this and can be styled in many ways. You can wear the jacket buttoned with a long scarf draping down along the lapels or wear it tied in a knot and worn closer or away from your neck similar to casual tie looks. A pro tip for this look is that you can wear the scarf even if sporting a necktie but remember to be aware of clashing patterns between the two.

>> Troy Anthony: Tie $130, Flannel Sport Jacket $2050, Pocket Square $75 Di Bianco Single Monk Strap Shoes $1095 Cucinelli Scarf $595

Another great look with a scarf is a vest, which can be styled in multiple ways depending on what you are going for. If you want to be very dressy and pay homage to traditional sartorial style, you can wear your vest completely buttoned up with a tie underneath and the scarf loosely knotted. Also, no tie, open collar and the scarf tucked into your shirt is a great look as well, especially for a heated outdoor deck in Vail, Colorado, or a similar climate.

A look that is often forgotten is the puffy vest, which can be dressed up or down, and worn in almost any climate depending on the weight. This is one of my favorite looks as it can be worn so many ways that it really stretches your wardrobe.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 11

>> Gimos Leather Jacket $1595

>> Gimos Brown Leather Jacket $1395

>> Yves Saint Laurent Motocycle jacket $4400

F

or myself, I love the looks we just talked about because I run cold, but if you run warm you may be reading this thinking, “These are a lot of layers.” Fear not, I have you covered as well. The perfect way to shed layers without being “that guy wearing shorts” in New York in November is to grab a sweater in the moderate to heavy weight range. You can pair this with a nice flannel trouser or robust denim and you are golden, especially once you complete the look with your scarf of choice. Whether you are in the elements or just hanging out at your local watering hole, the scarf is an easy way to add and remove a layer for warmth. It can benefit as an ice breaker when you match color pattern as well.

Every man should own a black leather jacket, whether it’s covered in zippers or has more of a minimalist vibe. Whatever your flavor, the leather jacket is a great way to layer and be complemented with a scarf. Now let’s pause for a moment, as the jacket can also be brown in a mid to dark shade. I will say the brown leather jacket should and is normally the second >> Brunello Cucinelli option or for someone who wants diversity in his leather jacket Cashmere Scarf $595 collection. The great thing with leather jackets is you can be as badass or under the radar as you want. I invite you to have as much fun as your personal style will allow with the scarf, trouser, and shirt combination. Low key personalities should start with a white shirt, black trouser or deep indigo denim, a nice black double monk strap shoe, your black leather jacket, and then complete it with a mid grey or charcoal scarf for that pop of color. If you want to go the advanced route you can start with the black leather jacket, a shirt with a subtle pattern, a have a bit of fun with the pants. You can go with a wide stripe trouser, windowpane or plaid with fun color scheme. Cap the look with your solid colored scarf to match the deco in your trouser.

A black Chelsea boot with a complementing color is a fine choice to complete the look.

The scarf is a great accessory for the fall to enhance your style and add functionality at different levels. It can be something cool you wear just to showcase your personality or something totally necessary for your own warmth. Whichever route you choose, have fun with it and make it your own, whether you are a minimalist or adventurous type it will be your style statement of the day.

Troy Anthony is a men’s and women’s custom clothing designer based in Los Angeles, focusing on suits, shirts, and jackets made in Italy. He has 10 years of clothing experience and has very close relationships with mills in both Italy and England, and that knowledge informs his personal style and writing. troyanthonyclothing.com

12

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Photos courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli, Gismos, Schott, Yves Saint Laurent

>> Schott NYC Moto Jacket $900

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 13

C&S

WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW

by Dave Johnson

SM OK IN’ HOT SM OK ING JACK ETS GET SAUCY WITH IT A CUT A BOVE CIGA R K NIVES M INI- M E WA LLETS

14

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> Neal and Palmer double-breasted

Photos courtesy of Derek Rose, Duke & Dingham, Paul Stewart, Dolce & Gabbana, Neal and Palmer and Oliver Brown.

THE HUMBLE SMOKING JACKET IS A TIMELESS PIECE WITH A LOT OF PERSONALITY AND USEFULNESS, AND WE THINK IT’S WORTH THE HUNT. >> Duke & Dingham

>> Dolce & Gabbana

>> Derek Rose

SMOKIN’ HOT SMOKING JACKETS One article of clothing that doesn’t get enough attention is the smoking jacket.

Popularized by Frank Sinatra, Hugh Hefner, Cary Grant and Fred Astaire, the smoking jacket is a classic piece with timeless style, but it also serves a purpose: It keeps the smell of smoke off your clothes. But even better, this accouterment can be your stylish sartorial ace in the hole.

>> Paul Stewart Velvet Jacket

The smoking jacket as we know it now began its journey in the seventeenth century and was more like a gown or a robe at the time. Today the smoking jacket has evolved into different branching styles: the sash or smoking jacket robe, and the dinner jacket style. A few notable features of a smoking jacket are its shawl collar, velvet or silk fabric, traditional color pallet and turned up cuffs.

The main application of the smoking jacket is to prevent smoke or ash from getting on your clothes, but over the years, its application began to be used with more formal events.

With the sash variety, you’ll find these traditional qualities to be more common, with the added qualifier of it being more of a robe with a tie-down waist. You find these mostly in colors like navy, burgundy, dark green and black, but many companies change up textiles or patterns. These are almost exclusively

used in the home and aren’t meant to be used at formal events, but you could wear it at a private party at home or hanging out with friends. A few notable choices in this sash style are the Derek Rose Smoking Jacket ($700), the William by Duke & Digham ($399) and the Velvet Smoking Jacket by Paul Stuart ($995).

The dinner jacket style, however, has a wider range of appropriate styles and occasions. Some of the same hallmarks of the traditional style still apply here: shawl collars, velvet fabric and dark colors. But the construction is more like a dinner jacket or blazer, and it has buttons or clasps in lieu of a sash tie. Since this is more of a fashion-forward style, you’ll see a lot more variety in textiles and patterns. Because of that, it has a lot more utility and can be used for many occasions when you want to add a bit of a relaxed, classy edge to your look, and it can even be used for more casual black-tie events. Some noteworthy examples of this style are the Dolce & Gabbana Jacquard Tuxedo Smoking Jacket ($3,895), the Neal And Palmer Double-breasted Smoking Jacket ($1,900) and the Oliver Brown Pembroke Smoking Jacket ($619).

Today if you look for a “smoking jacket,” you probably won’t find many choices available, and that’s a shame. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll be rewarded with a piece that adds panache with every puff of smoke. The humble smoking jacket is a timeless piece with a lot of personality and usefulness, and we think it’s worth the hunt.

>> Oliver Brown Pembroke WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 15

>> Ssamjang

The word “sauce” has a special place in our hearts. If you are drinking, you’re “on the sauce.” If you are feisty, you’re “saucy.” And if there is an ineffable, magical X-factor somewhere, it’s “the secret sauce.” Author Harold McGee wrote, “Sauces help the cook feed our perpetual hunger for stimulating sensations, for the pleasures of taste and smell, touch and sight. Sauces are distillations of desire.” So let’s talk about some of the best sauces to make at home.

You would be hard-pressed to find a single restaurant that doesn’t offer a flavorful sauce to accompany their menu. We love sauces. They are why we fell in love with food. These five are a great starting point to exploring more of the world’s great saucy flavor.

SSAMJANG

>> Bèchamel

If you are familiar with Korean barbeque at all, you know that this cuisine is especially known for its cornucopia of sauces at every meal. It’s one of the joys of eating Korean food. And although we could make this entire article about Korean sauces alone, one noteworthy sauce you can incorporate in your food is ssamjang, which is a spicy savory sauce made with chilis, soybean paste, garlic and onions. Add this to some grilled beef or pork and use it for lettuce wraps or Korean style tacos. You can even add this to sauce short ribs for a delicious Koreanstyle short rib dish.

MOLHO APIMENTADO

This Brazilian spicy sauce is made from chilis, onions, peppers and tomatoes and is a very popular sauce in Brazil. Use it as a marinade for steaks and meat, season some rice, or put it in a bowl as a dipping sauce. It’s very spicy, so if you are a pepper fiend and you like it hot, this is a great sauce to learn. What we like about it is that it’s useful in a variety of dishes, it’s easy to make, and it offers a Latin flavor with a unique flavor profile.

BÉCHAMEL

>> Hollandaise Sauce

One of the five mother sauces in French cuisine, béchamel is a great sauce to have in your cookbook and is the basis for many great dishes. A béchamel is a white roux that consists of equal parts flour and butter, then add milk. By adding cheese to your béchamel, you now have a Mornay, which is amazing in pasta dishes like lasagna and macaroni and cheese, and it makes the best cheese sauce imaginable. The béchamel is a great sauce platform to create other great sauces and is one to keep in your repertoire.

HOLLANDAISE

Another one of the French mother sauces, hollandaise is a sauce that you can use as-is. It’s an emulsion of egg yolks and clarified butter, then finished with lemon and is great for eggs benedict, fish and green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. But hollandaise is still a mother sauce, so you can easily change it into other sauces. Simply add chervil, tarragon and shallots to your hollandaise to transform it into a béarnaise sauce that is fantastic on steaks and vegetables.

>> Marinara

MARINARA

It’s all too common to see store-bought marinara used in pasta dishes when real marinara tastes better and isn’t difficult to make. The fundamental recipe is just tomatoes, onion and garlic, but you can also add other herbs, spices and wine. Make a magnificent marinara for the perfect pasta dishes, pizza and meatballs. But if you use marinara as a base, and slow cook it with ground beef or pork and some milk, you now have a Bolognese. Now add that with your Mornay that you already know, and you have most of your lasagna already made. Marinara is a versatile sauce indeed.

16

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Chayut Kataweteebup/Shutterstock.com, Reysa Marris/Shutterstock.com, Albert Gonzalez/Shutterstock.com, beats1/Shutterstock.com, VI Studio/Shutterstock.com

GET SAUCY WITH IT

>> Molpho Apimentado

>> Siam Knives Cigar Cutter

>> Le Petit by Les Finnes Lames Photos courtesy of The Benchmade Aller Fuller, Les Fines Lames, TOPS 208, Victorinox and Siam Knives.

>> TOPS 208 Clipper

A CUT ABOVE CIGAR KNIVES There is an old episode of Good Eats with Alton Brown on the Food Network in which he railed against “unitasker” tools that did only one job, such as egg slicers or barbeque meat shredders. He proposed getting tools that did more than one job—multitaskers—to add value in the kitchen. Today we’re going to talk about another unitasker you might want to replace: the cigar cutter. And why you might want to replace it with the ultimate cigar-lover’s multitool: the cigar knife. >> Victorinox Cigar 79

The Benchmade 381 Aller Fumée Cigar Cutter Folding Knife ($160). This compact, everyday carry knife is based on Benchmade’s popular Aller knife but has a cigar hole and a modified chisel-ground S30V steel blade better suited for slicing cigars. But it has a few other discreet tools, making this a truly great knife, tool and cigar cutter all in one short but sweet package.

One of the finest knives in its class is the Le Petit by Les Fines Lames ($149).

This friction folder is made in France and comes in a variety of handle materials (Padauk pictured). One great design feature is that the cigar indent is on the outside of the frame, doing double-duty as a finger choil for extra grip. It is a truly classy cutter for all cigar connoisseurs.

For tactical knife fans, look no further than the TOPS 208 Clipper ($230).

Inspired by TOPS’ very first knife, the Clipper has all the trappings of highquality tactical folders, such as G10 handles, S35VN steel tanto blade, Cerakote liners and leather sheath. It even has a bottle-opener. It’s a knife-lover’s dream but is also a wicked cigar slicer.

The Victorinox Cigar 79 Swiss Army Knife ($79). There is something supremely nostalgic about using a Swiss Army Knife, and the fact that they are just as good today—if not better—is a testament to Victorinox. The Cigar 79 is the perfect multitool with all the (15!) tools you need to enjoy a drink or smoke. And with a blade under three inches, it’s legal practically everywhere.

One fixed blade option is the Cigar Cutter from Siam Knives ($130). A fixed blade is a no-nonsense knife with no moving parts to adjust, meaning fewer things to go wrong. Thankfully, this blade does everything right, with its carbon steel blade, wooden handle and leather sheath.

We don’t know if these choices will get Alton Brown’s seal of approval, but these are some of our favorite cigar knife multitaskers, and we think they’re sharp in all the right ways. >> The Benchmade 381

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 17

>> Das Offene Meer Nimitz

>> Fantom 1

MINI–ME WALLETS We pull out our wallets to pay for something every day. And each day we either love or hate the wallet that holds our cash. Maybe it’s old and falling apart, maybe it’s a clumsy design, or maybe it’s so large and bulbous, it feels like a boulder in our pocket. Either way, a new wave of modern minimalist wallets is here, and they each want the opportunity to keep your cash in style and comfort. >> Jackson Wayne Slim

The Bellroy Slim Sleeve ($79) is one of the slimmest, sleekest wallets we’ve laid eyes on. This compact wallet holds up to 12 cards and folded bills, and it has a quick pull-tab for your most used cards. It folds into a familiar bifold shape, and is made with very supple, soft leather. It also comes in quite an array of colors. It’s a featherweight wallet and feels equally at home in your back or front pocket.

>> The Bellroy

Next is the Das Offene Meer Nimitz wallet ($79). The Nimitz is a variation of its highly popular Gun Deck wallet and is a unique minimalist wallet with a folding design. It’s made of Italian vegetable tanned leather, and comes in several colors.

The Nimitz features many pockets on the inside and outside due to its two-toned leather construction. Each wallet is made by hand, and each one is perfect.

The Fantom 10 S Wallet ($77) is perfect for the gadget fan. The Fantom has a very interesting design that comes in a colorful all-metal chassis, making it RFID blocking. But on top of that, it has a lever that automatically fans out your cards for easy access. There are optional accessories like a money clip or the must-have coin holder, which inserts into the frame. It comes in three different sizes for your desired amount of card space.

For those who want luxury and a phone wallet, go with the Louis Vuitton iPhone Bumper ($450). Since you probably already own a phone, this is an easy way to rid yourself of bulk, but in the most fashionable way possible. It’s very slim, holds a few cards and cash, comes in a few iPhone sizes and is made of a pebbled leather.

>> Louis Vuitton iPhone Bumper

With these choices, it’s easy to ditch your old George Costanza wallet and replace it with something smaller, lighter and enjoyable.

Dave Johnson is a fragrance review critic and entertainer on the popular YouTube Channel Fragrance Bros. To see more, visit FragranceBros.com.

18

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Photos courtesy of Bellroy Slim, Jackson Wayne, Das Offene Meer, Fantom 10 and Louis Vuitton.

The Jackson Wayne Slim Wallet ($89) is a modern-style wallet with a classic look and construction. It’s a great design with its nine card slots and middle cash pocket—quite a lot for such a small package. Made with the absolute best quality leather and components, this leather wallet is as tough as a bank vault.

But it looks and feels even better, making this the perfect pocket luxury.

MEET THE FOURTH ROSE Our new Small Batch Select is rich and non-chill filtered with a flavor all its own. The first permanent addition to our lineup in over 13 years, it is composed of six distinct Bourbon recipes, all hand selected by Brent Elliott – Whisky Magazine’s 2020 Master Distiller of the Year.

10 BOURBON RECIPES. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES.

FourRosesBourbon.com • Four Roses Distillery LLC • Lawrenceburg, KY • Be mellow. Be responsible.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 19

Pictorial Press/Alamy.com

C&S

TRICKED OUT HALLOWEEN GETUPS FOR CIGAR GUYS TREAT YOUR INNER CIGAR ICON WITH STYLE

by Elisa Jordan

INVITED TO A HALLOWEEN PARTY AND WANT TO INCORPORATE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY? WE HAVE YOU COVERED. HERE ARE SOME COSTUMES THAT WILL REVEAL YOUR HIDDEN PERSONA AND REQUIRE CIGARS AS A FINISHING TOUCH.

CLINT EASTWOOD

In the 1960s, Clint Eastwood revitalized his career and the western genre when he traveled to Italy and starred in a series of movies directed

by Sergio Leone. To recreate a version of Eastwood’s mysterious nameless character, you’ll need a brown hat, poncho and boots. If you want to go the extra mile, wear a leather belt and vest. Whatever you do, though, don’t smile. Just squint and puff.

>> Clint Eastwood as he appeared in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966).

20

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Roger Tillberg/Alamy.com

>> Although any version of James Bond looks debonair, it’s the Roger Moore movies that are most closely associated with cigars.

Moviestore Collection Ltd/Alamy.com

>> Wearing a Wolverine costume will bring out the badass in you.

JAMES BOND

Of all the actors to portray legendary British spy James Bond, it’s the Roger Moore movies that are most closely associated with cigar smoking. Cigars were a hobby of Moore’s offscreen and he incorporated that love into his interpretation of the character. A tuxedo or suit and tie is the quickest way to represent the always well-dressed secret agent. Accessorize the costume with a nice watch, good cigar and martini. Shaken, not stirred.

WOLVERINE

The beloved Marvel Comics X-Men comic book character was brought to life by Hugh Jackman in movie adaptions. As many fans have noted, the comic book and movie versions of Wolverine look distinctively different. When following the lead of Jackman’s Wolverine, retractable claws, mutton chops, brown leather jacket, white tank top, boots and cigar are the main style signatures. This costume is so popular that items relating to Wolverine costumes can be easily purchased online.

>> Groucho Marx distinguished himself from brothers, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo, with his over-thetop moustache, eyebrows, glasses and cigars.

GROUCHO MARX

Roger Tillberg/Alamy.com

One of the most famous cigar smokers of all time, Groucho Marx was rarely seen without one during his career. As one of the Marx Brothers comedy team, he began smoking cigars as a teenager while performing in Vaudeville so he could take a puff if he forgot a line. In the early days, he only had the money for nickel cigars.

In the 1930s and 1940s, he moved up to Dunhill 410s.

Groucho also did commercials for Doncella Cigars. To dress as Groucho, wear a dark suit and get your hands on glasses, bushy eyebrows and a mustache. Or you can simply buy the classic plastic Groucho nose, glasses and mustache set that are available most anywhere.

Tip: For some good clean fun, grab up three madcap friends and re-create all four Marx Brothers. Let the Halloween hijinks begin.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 21

>> Suiting up like Sir Winston Churchill is a smart and cool choice.

WINSTON CHURCHILL

>> Al Pacino as Tony Montana–psycho killer and cigar smoker.

SCARFACE >> Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) can be seen smoking cigars throughout The Sopranos.

TONY SOPRANO

From the moment fictional mob boss Tony Soprano appears in The Sopranos opening credits, the first thing audiences learn is that he is a cigar smoker. Tony (played by James Gandolfini) is seen puffing a stogie while driving through the New Jersey Turnpike on his way into New Jersey from New York.

Costume designer Juliet Polcsa based Tony’s wardrobe on what real mobsters were wearing at the time, which included colorful short-sleeve, button-down shirts that became a staple on the show. (It has been noted that real-life mobsters communicated to Gandolfini they did not approve of Tony wearing shorts in Season 4: Mafia Dons do not wear shorts.)

Al Pacino created one of the most iconic movie characters in history when he starred as Tony Montana in the Brian De Palma-directed Scarface. Tony is seen wearing a number of memorable outfits during the course of the movie, including suits and tuxedos. If you choose a suit, wear a vest and keep the top buttons open to enhance your machismo. A gold chain and an eye-catching watch are a must.

Polcsa purchased many of Tony’s shirts off the rack from companies like Nat Nast, Burma Bibas and Genelli. You can accessorize your look by adding a gold chain, gaudy watch and pinky ring. And be sure to ask the host to serve some “gabagool.”

22

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> Edward G. Robinson dressed in the title for the classic gangster film Little Caesar (1931).

EDWARD G. ROBINSON

Easily one of the most famous tough guys of Hollywood’s Golden Era, Edward G. Robinson was famous for starring in gangster and film noir movies. He played the title character in the groundbreaking Little Caesar (1931) and quickly became one of the most imitated actors of all time. Even Bugs Bunny had a run-in with a cartoon version of Robinson. For a Robinson-style gangster, wear a snappy vintage-type pinstripe suit, waistcoat, tie and fedora.

Elisa Jordan is a freelance writer who writes about history, architecture and lifestyle topics. She was named after the song “I Still See Elisa” sung by Clint Eastwood in Paint Your Wagon.

Winston Churchill: David Cole/Alamy.com, Al Pacino: Allstar Picture Library Ltd./Alamy.com, Tony Soprano: ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy.com

Perhaps no one is more synonymous with cigars than British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who has an actual type of cigar named after him. Churchill picked up the hobby as a young man in Cuba while serving in the British Army. Now considered one of the twentieth century’s most gifted orators and important statesmen for his leadership during World War II, Churchill relied on cigars to help with the stress of his demanding career and public life. He smoked throughout the day and was also known to supplement his cigars with stiff drinks, although his masterful pacing enabled him to partake without getting drunk. To dress as this iconic world leader, Churchill was known to wear suits with bowties and, as the fashion of the time dictated, a hat.

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

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 23

C&S

THE HIGH ROLLER LIFE Gambling Destinations Across the Globe

by Kim Campbell Thornton

24

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

M

ADE IT BIG IN TECH? Just won the lottery? Come from old money? If you’re looking for a way to blow some bucks on a grand scale, casinos around the world are anxious to help. And they have a special welcome for high rollers—“whales” in gambling parlance—the people who lay down five- and six-figure bets at a time without batting an eye and collect handsome rewards from casinos in the process.

While Las Vegas might be the first place that comes to mind when you think “high roller,” plenty of places around the world are equally if not more attractive to high-end gamblers with a penchant for luxury and a lust for international destinations. Exotic settings, islands in the sun, aristocratic haunts: All have one thing in common—the lure of the tables. Here are six luxe locales that draw stars—think Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Lady Gaga, Bruce Willis—spies (fictional and otherwise), socialites and highflyers.

Starting clockwise from top: Michael Mulkens/Shutterstock.com, Marco Rubino/Shutterstock.com, Christina A./Shutterstock.com, Michael Mulkens/Shutterstock.com

>>The majestic front view of the landmark casino at Monte Carlo.

>>Le Casino’s classic roulette table.

>> The Monte Carlo Casino features the opulent Grande Theatre de Monte Carlo.

>> Glamorous Monte Carlo in Monaco is situated at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera.

MONACO Parked in front are Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, and stretch limousines. Tourists snap photos in front of the fountain or line up to tour the interior. It’s arguably the most famous casino in the world.

Who doesn’t know of the Casino Monte Carlo? Even disguised as “Royale-Les-Eaux” in Ian Fleming’s first Bond book, Casino Royale, the Belle Epoque beauty is instantly recognizable from the many movies in which it has played a supporting role: Bond movies Golden Eye and Never Say Never Again, 2010’s Iron Man 2, 2004’s Ocean’s Twelve, and the animated Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. And in real life, racers in the Monaco Grand Prix sweep past the Beaux Arts façade.

It’s not just in the movies that the rich and famous frequent the Casino, which was founded 157 years ago in 1863 after previous casino ventures failed. The goal was to bring in revenues to support the royal family, and the Principality, a task it still achieves today.

Surrounded by gardens and with a sweeping terrace facing the Mediterranean Sea, the Casino de Monte Carlo is the largest and most famous of Monaco’s five casinos.

The recently renovated Place du Casino harks back to 1930s glamour, and it’s no surprise that players can dine at the Alain Ducasse Michelin 3-star restaurant Louis XV. The Casino draws a high roller crowd to its backroom Salons Privés, where after 10 pm, coat and tie are required to enter. Known high-limit players also have access to four “super private rooms.” And although not specifically designed for it, the Casino’s extra-wide roulette tables can help make for easier social distancing going forward.

Try something new—and old—with a game of Trente et Quarante. Also known as Rouge et Noir (Red and Black), it’s not a type of roulette but a 17th-century card game that is seen primarily in European casinos.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 25

GERMANY

>> American roulette tables at the Florentina Room at Casino Baden.

Agefotostock/Alamy.com

The spa at Baden-Baden, built around 12 natural hot springs the Romans called Aquae, has attracted aristocrats and people of wealth since the early nineteenth century (even Queen Victoria went there).

And how better to keep wealthy aristocrats playing in your Black Forest spa town than to build an accompanying casino? One that actress Marlene Dietrich, who rose from chorus girl to screen legend, declared “the most beautiful casino in the world.” Modern-day celebs who’ve visited the quaint and charming Instagrammable German cultural capital include Bono, soccer star David Beckham and his glamorous wife Victoria, and Presidents Clinton and Obama.

Designed in 1824 and known for its old-world style (think gold leaf, glittering chandeliers and scarlet carpets), the high-stakes Casino Baden-Baden represents old-school gaming at its best. Rich in tradition, it features roulette, blackjack, poker and other classic table games, as well as slot machines. For high rollers, the Club Bernstein, rocking a royal purple décor, offers an intimate setting for play.

Dress for the occasion: Men are required to wear a jacket, preferably with a tie. Take a guided tour during the day if you want a more casual experience.

But there’s more to Baden-Baden than hot springs and casino action.

Gamblers with a cultural bent have access to a world-class opera house, art museums, wineries, and fine dining, while those who prefer life outdoors can enjoy golf, tennis, hot-air ballooning, horse-racing, a rose garden with more than 400 varieties, and of course a traditional biergarten, the Gasthaus Lowenbrau. To get there, fly into Stuttgart and take the train.

>> The timeless Marlene Dietrich graced “the most beautiful casino in the world.”

>> The Casino Baden restaurant where sophisticates the world over take a break to gear up for gambling.

volkerpresseur/Alamy.com

26

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Farizun Amrod Saad/Shutterstock.com

>> The Merlion fountain at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The Merlion is a lion-headed imaginary creature viewed as a symbol of Singapore.

>> A gorgeous summer panorama view of the Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge and the Museum of Art and Science.

Kanuman/Shutterstock.com

>> A beautiful night washes over the Supertree Grove in the Graden in Singapore.

SINGAPORE This island city-state is known for Singapore Slings, street food, and a super-clean environment, but did you know that it’s also a gambling hotspot? Arising on land reclaimed from the sea, Marina Bay Sands—a skyscraping complex combining a luxe hotel, shopping, signature restaurants helmed by top chefs, and a theater with international acts— dominates the skyline. Its three 55-story towers are topped by the surfboard-like SkyPark deck, and houses a four-level casino with exclusive salons for high-limit players and a nonsmoking floor (essential if you want to escape the smoky atmosphere). Bring your passport. Locals must pay a hefty fee to enter, and you won’t be allowed in without it.

While MBS draws a large share of high-end gamblers, it has competition from Resorts World Sentosa, located on Sentosa Island off Singapore’s southern coast. Built at a cost of nearly $5 billion, it includes multiple hotels (each with a unique theme and personal butlers), a Universal Studios theme park, the world’s largest oceanarium, and a casino with more than 500 table games (including Singapore’s only Texas Hold ’Em room) and more than 2,400 slots. For something different, try your hand at Sic-bo, a Chinese game played with three dice.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 27

28

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Photo courtesy of Casino de Ibiza

>> The elegant gaming rooms at Casino de Ibiza are inviting to gamblers across the globe.

Clockwise from top: Alex Tihonovs/Shutterstock.com , Photo courtesy of Casino de Ibiza, Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com, Photo courtesy of Casino de Ibiza,

>> Cala d’Hort Beach with a view of the mysterious island of Es Vedra on Ibiza Island.

>> One of the sexy gaming rooms at Casino de Ibiza.

>> The cobblestone streets and sights of old Ibiza make for a romantic walk.

>> Ferran and Albert Adria have created cocktails and gastronomy delights at the casino restaurants.

IBIZA One of Spain’s Balearic Islands, set in the Mediterranean Sea off the country’s eastern coast, Ibiza has a dual personality, drawing not only party animals but also seekers of sun and solitude. For the jet set, there’s Casino de Ibiza, with a global-chic vibe that’s a breath of fresh air after the glittering gold and crystal of other casinos.

It offers a luxury gaming room for players of roulette, blackjack, Caribbean stud, and a no-limit cash game of Texas Hold ’Em poker.

A VIP slot area is available for those who wanted to play for higher stakes in a quieter area. Gambling gastronomes will appreciate the food and cocktails created by molecular gastronomy masters Ferran and Albert Adria.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 29

>> A stunning display of yachts and boats moored in turquoise waters during Yac ht Week in Italy.

JETSETTER JAUNTS YACHT WEEK

If you’d prefer a more intimate cruise with just a few of your best friends, plus a captain and hostess to handle the sailing and cooking while you play, you don’t have to spend massive amounts of money to charter a yacht. Instead, sign up for The Yacht Week, held in such sailing hubs as Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Italy, Thailand, and the British Virgin Islands, depending on the time of year.

Chart your own destinations for the weeklong event, whether your interests lie in sunbathing, snorkeling, day trips at each destination, or dancing the night away at hosted Yacht Week parties. Costs start at $600 to $1,000 per week, plus transportation, fuel, and—and if you don’t want to sail or cook for yourself— crew costs. Even with those add-ons, it can still be a bargain when you split the costs among seven of your best friends. You can also buy your way onto someone else’s yacht if you can’t talk your own besties into joining you. Fair warning: If you’re not in your 20s and 30s, you may not enjoy Yacht Week.

THE AMERICA’S CUP

The 36th America’s Cup, scheduled for March 6-21 in Waitemata Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand, marks the 170th year since the iconic race first began in 1851, making it the world’s oldest international sporting competition. First called the Hundred Guinea Cup by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Great Britain, the race around the Isle of Wight was won by a schooner called the America, from New York City. The trophy took on the name of the winning vessel and the contest has been called that ever since, no matter who won. The New York

BAHAMAS

30

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Yacht Club held the trophy from 1857 until 1983, the longest winning streak ever, when it was nabbed by the Royal Perth Yacht Club on the yacht Australia.

Next year, Emirates Team New Zealand are defending the cup, challenged by Team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Also competing are the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic, the Long Beach Yacht Club’s Stars & Stripes Team USA, and the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Ineos Team UK. Auckland is nicknamed City of Sails for good reason: It’s known for superb sailing conditions, sport-fishing, dolphin and whale watching, snorkeling and scuba diving, not to mention the beauty of the Bay of Islands, the Bay of Plenty, and Hauraki Marine Park. But there’s plenty to do out of the water as well. New Zealand’s largest city is home to numerous galleries, museums, boutiques, restaurants and, of course, wineries.

You can book race-day experiences that include being on the water, plus city and market tours and cooking lessons, at $1,305 for a full day of guided enjoyment. luxuryescapesnz.com

>> The wondrous Atlantis Hotel and Casino on Paradise Island.

GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock.com

A little closer to home, high rollers and rated casino players check in to Cain at The Cove, an ultraluxury resort that’s part of Atlantis, Paradise Island, for its poolside gaming, beach cabanas and personal butlers. But guests at any of the Atlantis hotels can enjoy the 50,000-square-foot Atlantis Casino, a tribute to the mythical underwater kingdom featuring lifesize ancient ship models, a Temple of the Sun, and Chihuly glass—not to mention more than 800 slot machines, 85 table games, and a race and sports book for betting on major sporting events, including horse racing. In the high limit room, minimums start at $100 and can peak at $10,000 or more. High rollers can expect invitations to live performances and other events.

SARASTOCK/Shutterstock.com

AFTER YOU’VE WON BIG MONEY FROM YOUR GLOBAL CASINO TRAVELS, YOU CAN PARLAY A BIT OF YOUR TAKE AND EXPERIENCE THESE GEMS AS WELL…

Jack Hong/Shutterstock.com

>> The lit up Grand Lisboa Casino stands tall in the center of Macau City.

SHIMMI/Shutterstock.com

>> The House of Dancing Water in Macau is a must for tourists.

Remy Mackie/Shutterstock.com

>> The Macau Skyline is a sight to behold.

MACAU This island gaming capital on the west side of China’s Pearl River Delta has gambling revenues seven times greater than Las Vegas and is nicknamed the gambling capital of the world. By day, the former Portuguese colony is defined by the blue-and-white ceramic tiles adorning so many buildings, but it glitters at night, never more so than at its numerous casinos. Hot spots that attract high rollers include The Grand Lisboa, Macau’s tallest building and boasting the world’s largest LED dome; City of Dreams, with its Michelinstarred restaurant (Alain Ducasse’s Morpheus—where I would go simply for the Pierre Herme Lounge, featuring the inspired macarons and other sweet creations of the eponymous patissier) and House of Dancing Water stage show; Wynn Palace, featuring four 3,900-square-foot penthouses and 24-hour butler service; and the Venetian Macau, which dwarfs every other casino in the world.

The Venetian’s exclusive Paiza Club offers private gaming rooms and 24-hour dining. When they’re ready for a break from the tables, high rollers can visit Macallan Whisky Bar and Lounge, known for its fine selection of premium cigars and private smoking lounge, at the Galaxy Hotel. Fun fact: The Golden Dragon Casino in the 2012 Bond film Skyfall was not a real location but built and filmed at the U.K.’s Pinewood Studios.

Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning writer in Lake Forest, California. She writes about wildlife, pets, cocktails and travel.

C&S

OPOLGA/Shutterstock.com

FEATURED PAIRINGS

Perfecto Pairings to Expand Your Palate

by Greg Mays

DIAMOND CROWN NO. 4 MADURO CHICKEN COCK STRAIGHT BOURBON Diamond Crown is one of the well-established super premium brands in the cigar business, a collaboration between giants Arturo Fuente and JC Newman. The Diamond Crown is Stanford Newman’s vision of premium, with fermented Connecticut wrappers and impeccably built.

The No. 4 Maduro showcases that dark, silky wrapper, which has a sweet, rich taste on the tongue. On lighting, there are notes of toasted bread and fig and Christmas spices. The burn on this, as expected, is razor-sharp as the cigar builds in strength. Interestingly, I caught a raspberry flavor profile on occasion that was a welcome surprise.

I paired the No. 4 Maduro with a glass of Chicken Cock Straight Bourbon. On the nose, Chicken Cock is very sweet, very corn-forward. The flavor is orange with some vanilla syrupy-ness. The Chicken Cock highlights the No. 4 Maduro’s sweeter notes, and this is paring a great balance between jammy sweet notes and bright vanilla.

This is a late evening snack to be sure, something to be enjoyed in place of dessert and to finish a delicious and meal. There is a lingering richness throughout the smoke and this bourbon makes a brilliant complement to the pairing.

5.3 x 54 Robusto Gordo | Wrapper: Connecticut Maduro | Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican | MSRP (cigar): $15 | MSRP (whiskey): $60

32

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

KRISTOFF SUMATRA MATADOR BARREL’S RYE WHISKEY Kristoff has become ubiquitous in the industry in the past 15 years and with its unique packaging and eyecatching vitolas, it’s no wonder. Kristoff’s Sumatra line delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Kristoff and a Sumatra cigar: a bold, earthy, peppery smoke that’s complex and fun.

On the cold draw, the Sumatra Matador is smoky and sweet. On light, there’s a familiar peppery spice that finished with a long earthiness, like soil and herbs. As you can see, this is a long smoke, something between a Toro and a Churchill.

As you travel through the flavors on this, the pepper remains consistent throughout, though some dried fruit notes appear midway to the end. This is easily a 1 ½-2 hour smoke, and there’s lots to enjoy on the journey.

I enjoyed pairing the Sumatra Matador with Barrel’s Rye whiskey, specifically Batch 003. If you’re familiar with Barrel’s whiskeys, they’re definitely small-batch and can vary quite a bit between bottlings. This in particular is a blend of Indiana, Tennessee, Polish and Canadian straight ryes, and bottled at cark strength. From that description, you may expect Barrel Rye to pack quite a punch, but I was surprised to find it smooth and syrupy, with just a spice sizzle on the tongue. There’s a vanilla and cream note, too, and this whiskey certainly has the power to stand up against a bold cigar like Kristoff’s.

6.5 x 56 Gran Toro | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra | Binder: Brazilian Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican | MSRP (cigar): $9 | MSRP (whiskey): $75

FUENTE ROSADO GRAN RESERVA MAGNUM R #44 ARDBERG UIGEADAIL SCOTCH WHISKEY Arturo Fuente cigars are often a surprise for me. Sure, there are the classics like the 898 and the Chateau Fuente line, but there’s such a wealth of limited edition and unique styles of Fuente, I’ve made it my full-time job to try them all.

Of course, the Gran Reserva Magnum R #44 is another in a line of stellar cigars from Fuente. This one is a spice and cream experience, the red sun grown wrapper introducing us to cinnamon that we’ll enjoy throughout the smoke. There’s a shop near me that makes a homemade cinnamon ice cream, and this is it. Delicious.

A quality cigar needs a unique spirits pairing, and Ardbeg Uigeadail fit the bill here. First, it’s pronounced “Oog-a-dal,” and the unique name comes from the name of the loch from which Ardbeg’s water flows.

This is a bold, cask-strength, award-winning Islay scotch. It’s got some deep, smoky notes and there are some surprising citrus notes present, too. Lemon on the nose, occasional sour black cherry. It’s warming, it’s a campfire, and together with the creamy cinnamon elements of the cigar, you might as well be drinking chai by a fireplace. The experience is that vivid and the flavor profiles of both make this an experience in pleasure for sure.

4.75 x 44 | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown | Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican | MSRP (cigar): $10 | MSRP (scotch): $80

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 33

COHIBA ROYALE TORO COCONUT CARTEL RUM

Pairing Spotlight

Cohiba is a familiar name to those into cigars, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a cigar shop without its brand. The Royale is a newer line for this branch of Cohiba that is all about elegance. Packaged in a presentation case that displays the cigars in a beautiful arch is not only eye-catching, but downright artistic.

ALEC BRADLEY COYOL PETIT LANCERO

The Royale Toro starts with a sweet spiciness, sticky on the lips and bold in its flavors. Some have called the Royale the strongest Cohiba ever made, and I feel that’s a bit overstated. It does pack a flavor punch, but won’t leave you lightheaded.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

After the sweetness, the Royale morphs into a spice machine.

Black pepper and Asian peppers with the sweet notes remind me of a pepper jam, and it’s very tasty.

As a balance to the Cohiba, I paired with Coconut Cartel Rum, a Guatemalan Anejo Rum that’s blended with coconut water. If you’re a coconut water fan, this rum is just as easy drinking. It has that sweet funk of coconut water and traces of rum. This may be the most accessible, most mixable aged rum I’ve ever had. The long finish and syrupy notes of Coconut Cartel balanced the spice of the Cohiba extraordinarily well. This is a tasty pairing.

5 x 50 Robusto | Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Dominican | Filler: Nicaraguan & Honduran MSRP (cigar): $29 | MSRP (rum): $37

NAT SHERMAN METROPOLITAN CONNECTICUT UNION EMBAJADOR SUPREME TEQUILA Nat Sherman has remained one of the most significant players in the American cigar space for over a century. In many ways, they harken to the “old days” of cigar brands and shops, and often their vitolas feel more classic than new players’.

The Metropolitan Connecticut Union technically classifies as a robusto, but you’ll find the size easy to travel with and enjoy. This is a classically mild cigar with sweet tobacco notes and fresh, clean cedar. The smoke output is generous and aromatic, almost reminiscent of a pipe.

With a mild and tasty cigar like this, it’s a great idea to find a mild and flavorful spirit. Embajador Supreme tequila fits the bill great. Rested for 18 months in American Oak Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey barrels (as many aged tequilas are), these reposado and añejo tequilas usually offer some similar flavor notes for bourbon drinkers. Embajador Supreme has a bright, citrusy nose that disguises a little whiskey bite on the tongue, sharp oak in the profile that balances the citrus.

On a warmer day, by the pool, or even for lunch, these two offer a lighter-bodied pairing experience that will leave you refreshed and pleased with the balance of tastes.

4.5 x 50 Robusto | Wrapper: Connecticut Binder & Filler: Dominican MSRP (cigar): $5 | MSRP (tequila): $50 Greg Mays is the Executive Editor of Simple Cocktails (simplecocktails. net). Follow him on Instagram at @simplecocktails.

by Alec Rubin

A

round this same time last year, Cigar & Spirits Magazine reached out to my father, Alec Bradley Cigar Co. founder, Alan Rubin, to pair a couple of our cigars with Glenfiddich and Balvenie scotches. A year later, as a second generation cigarmaker, I am honored to have been invited by Cigar & Spirits Magazine to talk about pairing an Alec Bradley cigar with bourbon. I’ve chosen to pair the Alec Bradley Coyol Petit Lancero with the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey.

The Coyol Petit Lancero is a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos, featuring an estate grown wrapper leaf from our farm in Trojes, Honduras. Coyol is definitely an enthusiast’s cigar; it has bold flavor but maintains a medium body.

The Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is on the higher end when it comes to proof, at 110. The whiskey fills the palate, but even at that proof, it’s not overwhelming and keeps plenty of room for the cigar smoke.

That’s important, because I like to pair cigars and brown spirits that complement each other in flavor and mouth feel.

The Coyol Petit Lancero is more intense in flavor than the other sizes in the line due to its ring gauge and smoke concentration, imparting notes of natural sweetness and nuttiness with smooth undertones of pepper.

The Russell’s hits the front of the palate with a nice rich spice note and mellows down through the center to the back of the palate with mellow cherry flavors that bounce off of the sweetness from the Coyol perfectly. Although many wouldn’t expect that a medium bodied cigar pairs well with a high-proof bourbon, the intensity of both the slim cigar and whiskey enhance the flavor of one another quite well.

For anyone into cigars and bourbon, this is a must try pairing!

Alec Rubin and his brother Bradley are the inspiration behind the family brand founded by their father, Alan.

34

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 35

C&S

>> The area surrounding Federal Cigar in Portsmouth, NH is a quaint throwback neighborhood.

36

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

One Century At a Time The Legacy of Old World Tobacconists

by Audrey Pavia

S

ustainable. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it means “able to continue over a period of time.” For some old world tobacco shops in the United States, you can modify that description to “...over a very long period of time.”

Tobacco shops are part of our history, connecting old and new America.

Many landmark establishments have closed over the decades, leaving just a handful of historic shops left around the country. The following businesses are survivors and thrivers. They are a testament not only to their uniqueness, but also to their ability to look the future in the eye and say “Bring it on.” >> 1905 postcard depicting Market Square where United Tobacco was established.

>> The welcoming entrance of Federal Cigar.

FEDERAL CIGAR Photos courtesy of Federal Cigar.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.

F

ederal Cigar began in 1904 with a flagship store called United Tobacco, located in downtown Portsmouth. Several other locations in the surrounding areas soon opened but they were short-lived. A tobacconist by the name of Goodman purchased the original, remaining store in 1921, and changed the name to Federal Cigar.

The shop is currently located in a building constructed in the 1700s, and provides an old world atmosphere, with low, wood-beamed ceilings; stone walls and brick columns. The adjacent cigar bar provides a comfortable atmosphere, with rich leather seating, warm woods and a marble bar.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 37

Photos courtesy of Barclay Rex.

>> Rex was original owner Vince Nastri’s beloved Great Dane and the inspiration in naming the shop.

>> The luxurious lounge of today’s Barclay Rex is a must-visit cigar stop in New York City.

BARCLAY REX

NEW YORK, N.Y.

L

ocated in Manhattan’s Financial District, Barclay Rex first opened in 1910. The shop was named for Barclay Street where it first opened, and after Rex, a Great Dane belonging to the store’s first owner, Vince Nastri, a pipe maker who immigrated to New York from Salerno, Italy. After moving to several locations in Lower Manhattan over the years, the shop settled on Pearl Street in the Wall Street area, where it is currently located.

>> It’s been over one hundred years and counting for Barclay Rex in the Wall Street area of New York City.

Still owned by the Nastri family, the Barclay Rex tobacco shop is situated on the ground floor of a four-story building constructed in 1920, and features numerous brands of handmade pipes, and a walk-in humidor filled with premium cigars—including the shop’s signature cigar, the Y.O. by Yaxel Ortiz, from Nicaragua. Below street level, a smoking lounge is accessible to visitors, and on the second floor, a modern cigar club called Rex New York is a popular place to smoke.

>> A 1924 photo of Rich’s at Sixth St. and Washington Street in Portland, ORE.

RICH’S CIGAR STORE PORTLAND, ORE.

lthough the oldest cigar shops in the country are mostly located in the East, Rich’s Cigar Store in Portland is right up there. Established in 1894, Rich’s was started by tobacconists Si S. and B.B. Rich, who sold snuff, in addition to cigars, pipes, and cigarettes.

Si’s son Jesse took over the business in 1914, and added six more stores. The store on Alder Street is the only location still in business, and is no longer owned by the Rich family. The current owner is a former manager of the store, and offers 168 cigar brands to customers, including a large number of pipe tobacco house blends. >> The owners of Rich’s Cigar Store, Elaine and Tom Moran.

38

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> The third Rich’s location opened in 1920.

Rich’s has had some famous customers over its many years, including Clint Eastwood, Walter Cronkite, Ahmad Rashad and Robert Downey Jr.

Photos courtesy of Rich’s Cigar Shop.

A

INTRODUCING

CAO BONES

Masterfully blended by Rick Rodriguez and handmade in Nicaragua, CAO Bones is a complex smoke with balanced notes of wood, nuts and vanilla. Light one up and let the games begin.

SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigars Are Not A Safe Alternative To Cigarettes. © 2020 General Cigar Co., Inc.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BONES AT

CAOCIGARS.COM WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 39

Photos courtesy of the Premium Cigar Association.

>> John Anderson is the proprietor of W. Curtis Draper and current President of the Premium Cigar Association.

>> The inviting and luxe environs of W. Curtis Draper.

>> An array of fine tobacco at the shop.

W. CURTIS DRAPER TOBACCONIST WASHINGTON, D.C.

W

hen tobacconist W. Curtis Draper founded his Washington, D.C., store in 1887, the shop was located just two blocks from its current location,

which is just down the street from the White House. It catered to a small but dedicated customer base for decades.

In 1970, Draper’s became one of two tobacco stores to introduce Macanudo to the United States. Over the years, several American Presidents were known to frequent the store, including Calvin Coolidge, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

>> There’s a picture wall depicting vintage pipe smokers that add elegance to the shop.

40

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

In 1990, the shop was inherited by former employee John Anderson, who also happens to be the current President of the Premium Cigar Association. Anderson has since enlarged the business by taking it from a full-line tobacco shop to a brick-and-mortar store with a lucrative online business.

The store also sponsors the Little Puff charity event in D.C. every year.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> There’s an abundance of top shelf product at John Dengler’s shop.

>> Many have worked a pipe through the years at the Dengler Mansion House.

JOHN DENGLER TOBACCONIST ST. CHARLES, MO.

F

or more than 100 years, John Dengler’s has provided the St. Louis area with a variety of tobacco products, along with

quality service. When the shop was founded in 1917, horse-drawn carriages were still the norm on the busy downtown streets.

When John Dengler passed away in 1944, his son John Richard Dengler took control of the shop and became an expert in cigars and pipes. His daughter and son-in-law now own the store, making Dengler’s one of the oldest continuously run family tobacco stores in the country.

Also the oldest cigar shop west of the Mississippi, Dengler’s features a wall of antique cabinets with inlaid tobacco leaves— the handiwork of the store’s original owner. The shop sells a vast selection of cigar brands along with cigar accessories and a large assortment of pipes.

>> John Richard Dengler managed the business for sixty years himself. His father John established the business in 1917.

>> John Dengler behind the counter at the Boatman’s Bank Building in St. Louis, MO.

Photos courtesy of John Dengler Tobacconist.

42

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> L.J. Peretti is situated in Edgar Allan Poe Square in Boston, MA.

Photos courtesy of L.J. Peretti.

>> The classic scales and tobacco cans at L.J. Peretti bring you back in time.

>> Stephen Willett is the proud owner of L.J. Peretti.

L.J. PERETTI COMPANY, INC. BOSTON, MA

T

he family-run Peretti cigar shop was established in 1870 in downtown Boston. Their customers over the years have ranked among the most famous smokers in history. Winston Churchill, Edward G. Robinson and Bing Crosby have all bought

cigars at Peretti’s.

Cigar-maker Libero Joseph Peretti originally opened the smoke shop in a loft under the name Peretti’s Cuban Cigar Store, with the goal of selling his handmade sticks. When Libero passed away in 1921, his son Joseph took the helm and added blending tobacco to the business. Several locations opened around Boston and in New York City, but by the 1950s, only the Park Square store remained.

This 150-year-old cigar establishment offers a large selection of cigar brands, along with humidors, cutters and cigar cases.

Respected brands like Arturo Fuente, Padron, Davidoff and Christian Eiroa all make proprietary cigars for Peretti’s.

>> Iwan Ries & Co. is the Pipe House of Chicago.

>> Edward Hoffman

IWAN RIES & CO. CHICAGO, ILL.

E

stablished in 1857, Iwan Ries & Co. is located in Downtown Chicago. Started by German

immigrant Edward Hoffman, the shop has remained in the Hoffman family for 138 years. A victim of the

Chicago Fire of 1871, the shop was rebuilt at its original location at the Sherman House hotel. It has since moved several times around the city, eventually landing at the historic Iwan Ries Building, its present location.

Iwan Ries has a vast selection of tobacco products and accessories, including more than 15,000 pipes and 80 different cigar brands. Premium hand-rolled cigars are a specialty. The shop also features an adjacent smoking lounge with plush chairs and a big-screen HD TVs. Originally designed in 1960 for the Millionaires Club, the lounge features crystal chandeliers, plush leather chairs, and handcrafted mahogany, oak and cedar woodwork with brass accents.

Audrey Pavia is an award-winning writer living in Southern California, and a frequent contributor to Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 43

C&S >> Joe Bonamassa was greatly influenced

by B.B. King as a young blues prodigy.

Photo courtesy of Robert Sutton.

44 44 // CIGAR CIGAR & & SPIRITS SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2020 2020

THE GUY IN THE SUIT

J O E B O N A M A S S A’ S BLUES WITH BAD INTENTIONS

by Joe Bosso

JOE BONAMASSA’S GOT THE BLUES. LITERALLY. At the time of our interview, the guitar great was to have been wrapping the first leg of his sold-out spring tour of U.S. theaters and arenas, but the coronavirus forced him—as it has every other touring musician, from stadium fillers to club acts— off the road the foreseeable future. “It’s a drag, to put it mildly,” he says. “In the last 20 years, I’ve only postponed four shows due to illness. In the blink of an eye, I had to scratch everything on the boards, and who knows when we can get back out there? It’s not that I’m so concerned for myself; it’s everybody else—there are many, many people that go into the touring industry.”

I went from a very mono kind of musical existence to learning about all kinds of other artists and styles. He taught me so much— just being around him I absorbed it all. In one song, he could reference Chet Atkins, Les Paul and Pete Garland. He could play straight bebop, then tear your face off with his Telecaster. I would rank Danny as one of my biggest influences, for sure.”

The New York-born Bonamassa was all of 12 years old when his prodigious talents caught Gatton’s ear. Right around the same time, another guitar legend took the young blues prodigy under his wing—B.B. King. “I was so lucky to hang with B.B at the time I did,” Bonamassa recalls. “He was 65 and still at the height of his powers. I would be standing off to the side of the stage watching him play, and these were life-changing shows. I mean, he could make you cry, and you even didn’t know why you were crying. He was just so on fire. And the things he said to me meant so much.

He’d tell me, ‘I just want to leave a legacy where young people play this music and keep it going for another 100 years.’”

“I DO WHAT I DO OUT OF RESPECT TO THE GUITARISTS THAT INSPIRED ME, AND IF I CAN INSPIRE YOUNG KIDS TO PLAY THIS MUSIC, THEN I’VE DONE MY JOB. IT’S AN HONOR TO DO SO, AND IT’S SOMETHING I DON’T TAKE LIGHTLY.”

In the meantime, Bonamassa is reaching his fans via new music. His latest recording is a sharp detour from the fierce blues-based rock that has catapulted him to worldwide stardom.

Titled Easy to Buy, Hard to Sell, the album is credited to the Sleep Eazys, a loose band project the Grammynominated guitarist put together that includes drummer Anton Fig, bassist Michael Rhodes and keyboardist Reese Wyans, and it’s brimming with red-hot jazz, soul, surf rock, rockabilly and lush pop.

In many ways, the album is a tribute to the eclectic repertoire of the late guitarist Danny Gatton, a friend and mentor to Bonamassa.

“I don’t know if I’d be the musician I am without Danny,” Bonamassa states. “I was just a kid when I met Danny, and back then

The guitarist pauses, then adds, “I took that to heart, and that’s how I try to live my life.

I do what I do out of respect to the guitarists that inspired me, and if I can inspire young kids to play this music, then I’ve done my job. It’s an honor to do so, and it’s something I don’t take lightly.”

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 45

>> Bonamassa enjoys working a stick almost as much as his axe.

Let’s go back to the beginning. When you first started playing, were you a natural, or did you have to grind it out like some other players?

I had to grind it out. I woodshedded. With me, it was 90 percent tenacity and 10 percent God-given talent.

The thing is, I had a proclivity to play. The guitar sat naturally in my hands, and I was able to disconnect the filters between my brain and my hands. Things just came out of the guitar as I played. Now, it took a while for any of it to be good, but I enjoyed it. And before long, I was able to emulate other players—their tone and vibrato. So I think my enthusiasm and my straight-up love for playing kind of sped me through the lane on becoming a decent guitarist.

You started playing clubs at 12 years old. At that point, did it feel like you had a normal childhood?

By most standards it wasn’t normal. I would be in school by day and at night I’d be playing the clubs. In hindsight, that probably sounds so weird, but plenty of kids go into acting or they pursue dance or whatever. It’s funny— when I speak to kids now, they ask me, “What’s your trick?” And I tell them, it’s not about how many notes you play or how you dress. It’s all about getting people’s attention in a crowded room. Can you do what you do and get people fired up?

46

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

One of the things I always preach is “Play with bad intentions.” I fancy myself a decent and polite individual, but when I play the guitar, I use the instrument as a weapon. I can get people’s attention. Even people who can’t be bothered to pronounce my last name—I’ll start playing and suddenly they’re looking at me differently.

It’s like, “OK, now I’ve got your attention!”

Early on, you gravitated toward British blues. What was it about those players that were more appealing than the American blues artists, who were the originators?

It was the fire and brimstone, in my opinion. Not to say the American guys weren’t firing, but when you’re 12 years old and you see a picture of Jeff Beck holding a Les Paul, and then you hear “Let Me Love You Baby,” you go, “Wow, that’s killer!” For some reason, the British take on the blues really spoke to me. Beck, Clapton, Paul Kossoff in Free. Pete Way from UFO turned me on to Paul Kossoff. I auditioned for UFO when I was 18—I didn’t get the gig—but Pete made me a copy of The Best of Free. I listened to that and it was life changing. What a power trio that band was—and, of course, you had Paul Rodgers on vocals. When I heard that tape and I listened to what Paul Kossoff was doing, it was devastating. It put my journey right out in front of me.

Photo courtesy of J&R Adventures.

“THE THING IS, I HAD A PROCLIVITY TO PLAY. THE GUITAR SAT NATURALLY IN MY HANDS, AND I WAS ABLE TO DISCONNECT THE FILTERS BETWEEN MY BRAIN AND MY HANDS. THINGS JUST CAME OUT OF THE GUITAR AS I PLAYED”.

NAT CICCO

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 47

The guy in the suit. How did that come about?

That all started because of my producer, Kevin Shirley. I played this gig in 2006 at the House of Blues in Cleveland. I sold it out and was so proud—1000 people. I was wearing jeans and a decent dress shirt; my hair was kind of long and I had some cheap sunglasses on. The show was great, and I was feeling good about it, but afterward I got a text from Kevin: “Congratulations on selling 1000 seats. I’m very proud of you. Now for the bad news...You look like a slob.”

Photo credit Christie Goodwin.

Speaking of British blues, I understand you just recorded a new solo album at Abbey Road.

Yeah, this is a proper Joe Bonamassa solo album. It’s very British sounding, and I’m singing on it. It’s the guy in the suit.

>> Bonamassa trading licks with guitar legend Eric Clapto n at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2009.

“HE’S ALWAYS ERIC CLAPTON. HE KNOWS THAT. HE KNOWS HOW MUCH HIS MUSIC MEANS TO ME AND SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE. HE WROTE THE BOOK—HIM AND HENDRIX, PAGE AND BECK. I’M JUST AN IMITATOR. THAT’S NOT LOST ON ME.” That kind of stung, and I texted him back, “OK, point taken.” I started to think, “How do I put an image to this thing?” So I went out to TJ Maxx and bought a cheap suit. Then I bought some real sunglasses and I cut my hair. I definitely looked like a double for Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black. I kind of created this character—he’s cocky and outgoing, the total opposite of me. Normally, I’m riddled with self-doubt, but on stage, wearing that outfit, I’m that other guy—supremely self-assured. I’ll be hanging backstage with friends, and I’ll even say, “I’ll be back in five minutes. I gotta go change into that other guy.”

Photo courtesy of J&R Adventures.

It’s kind of how Brian Epstein told the Beatles to smarten up their look.

Right. The suit and the sunglasses—that guy’s a double for me. Guitar players have always done that, though. John Lee Hooker and other blues guys, when they started seeing money, they bought cars and good suits.

I assume you’re not getting suits at TJ Maxx anymore. Your suits look pretty nice.

They are pretty nice, but they get beat down. I don’t think Hugo Boss ever envisioned a person abusing their product in the way that I do. They’re more like athletic suits than formal wear.

Even so, do you ever get stage fright? When you played with Eric Clapton at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009, I don’t think sunglasses and a suit could prepare you for that.

If you look at the video of the first song, you see me shaking. It was pure terror. I mean, I knew that moment would be the beginning of the beginning, or the beginning of the end. Luckily for me, that set and putting his stamp of approval on me, it was the validation that I needed. I owe Eric a huge debt of gratitude for what he did for me.

You had met Clapton prior to that. What was it like when you discovered that he even knew who you were?

Unreal. I met him in a party in the Middle East. I was booked to play a pool party for a member of the Bahraini Royal family—I think it was for a Formula One race. Normally, I have a gift for gab, but with Eric I just didn’t know what to say. He’s Eric Clapton, right? He came up to me and said, “Hey Joe, I was looking forward to meeting you.” I was shocked and stunned he knew who I was. So I started with an apology—“I’m sorry for everything I’ve stolen from you.” We all do that, right?

48

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> Joe B. has a real dea l cigar collection at home.

“THE SUIT AND THE SUNGLASSES—THAT GUY’S A DOUBLE FOR ME. GUITAR PLAYERS HAVE ALWAYS DONE THAT, THOUGH. JOHN LEE HOOKER AND OTHER BLUES GUYS, WHEN THEY STARTED SEEING MONEY, THEY BOUGHT CARS AND GOOD SUITS.”

Photo courtesy of Terry Marland. >> Keep an eye out for Bonamassa’s reissue of the newly revamped A New Day Now as well as the October release of his currently untitled album recorded at Abbey Road.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 49

“IN NASHVILLE I’M A MEMBER OF A CIGAR LOUNGE, SO IT’S A BUNCH OF DUDES HANGING OUT TALKING ABOUT GUITARS AND MUSIC AND SMOKING CIGARS. I HAVE A CIGAR SWEATSHIRT AND JACKET THAT ARE ALLOCATED FOR SUCH EVENTS.” of a Castro snob. A good cigar versus a bad one is kind of like good vodka versus cheap stuff— you’re buying yourself a headache and regrets.

With good vodka, you wake up the next day, if you practice moderation, and it’s just like another day at the office. Same thing with cigars. Some of them are just really harsh and you’ll likely go, “I’d rather not participate.”

Spirits-wise, what do like to kick back with?

When I’m out with the lads for dinner, as they say, I prefer a Grey Goose martini, up with a twist. I’m actually more of a wine drinker than a spirits guy, but on occasion I’ll have a Maker’s Mark. So yeah, Maker’s Mark I’m cool with.

You’ve known him for a while now. Does a guy like that ever feel like a peer to you, or is he always “Eric Clapton”?

He’s always Eric Clapton. He knows that. He knows how much his music means to me and so many other people. He wrote the book—him and Hendrix, Page and Beck. I’m just an imitator. That’s not lost on me.

You’re a big cigar fan.

That I am.

How did you get introduced to cigars, and when do you like to have one?

I got introduced to cigars through my dad. I started smoking probably in my early 20s. I never had a cigarette phase, but cigars are a great way to relax. I like the idea of having nothing to do for an hour, so I’ll sit back, light a cigar and unwind. For lack of a better term, I’m a “wake and bake” guy. I prefer cigars in the late morning than at night. I can sit there, get emails done and have a cigar. It focuses me.

I don’t smoke in the house—always outside. But in Nashville I’m a member of a cigar lounge, so it’s a bunch of dudes hanging out talking about guitars and music and smoking cigars. I have a cigar sweatshirt and jacket that are allocated for such events.

Any particular brands you prefer?

Well, in my former life, when I toured Europe a lot [laughs]—I have to say that—they’ve kind of relaxed the restrictions on what you can bring back. I mean legally, I think you can bring back 100 cigars. I take the limit very seriously, and I abide by all the rules and regulations, because one, I’m a law-abiding citizen, and two, I’m not losing my global entry for a cigar. But I would bring back 75 or 100 cigars per trip, so I have a nice stockpile.

As for brands, I’m a traditionalist. I like Montecristo No. 2s and Partagas Serie D No. 5s. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on cigars to get good ones.

I also like H. Upmanns, and I also like Romeo y Julietas—their Churchills are really nice, but I’m partial to coronas. I’ve smoked some domestics, but I’m kind

50

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

A while back, I went to Havana to scout out a DVD shoot that we never did, but I discovered that the Cuban rum is fantastic down there. I’m not a rum drinker, but I was like, “Wow, this is insanely good.”

I’ll have a margarita on occasion, but that has to include tacos, guacamole and salsa. That’s a taste pairing thing.

It’s like how certain guitars and amps just go together.

Exactly. But you can spend a lot more money on them.

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...).

Photo courtesy of Robert Sutton.

>> Bonamassa can rip a riff with the best of the all-time bluesmen.

BLACK MARKET ESTELI

MEDALIST

ALEC & BRADLEY BLIND FAITH

ALEC & BRADLEY GATEKEEPER

MAGIC TOAST

PRENSADO LOST ART

We don’t do it for the ratings.

Alan Rubin

First Generation Cigar Maker

ALECBRADLEY.COM | WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 51

C&S

MAKING GOOD TIME

THE GROWING AMERICAN WATCH SCENE

Bukhta Yurii/Shutterstock.com

SINCE GENTLEMEN’S WATCHES moved from the pocket to the wrist, they’ve became wardrobe staples. Even in these days of advanced technology, watch sales for men remain strong. Although smartphones can handle a watch’s basic function of telling time, they can’t take the place of personal expression and fashion accessory. Even more, a well-built watch can become a family heirloom to be passed down for generations. Switzerland is still the epicenter of fine timepieces but a generation of American artisans are placing their own stamp on the art of fine watchmaking. The time has come for the American watch to stake its claim on the global timepiece scene.

by Elisa Jordan

52 52/ /CIGAR CIGAR&&SPIRITS SPIRITS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2020 2020

WEISS WATCH COMPANY Cameron Weiss already had an interest in watches by the time he graduated high school, so his parents offered him a choice as a graduation present: a watch or a set of watch making tools. He chose the tools, and that decision set up his career path. He attended the Nicholas G. Hayek Watchmaking School in Miami and received a WOSTEP certification. Further education came from Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. While earning a living repairing fine watches, Weiss refined his own technique for creating original designs.

He now runs the Weiss Watch Company from his Los Angeles workshop, where he specializes in handmade watches. Using a combination of historic techniques and modern technology, each design begins with a hand-drawn sketch and is then engineered, prototyped, inspected, measured and tested before entering actual production.

Photos courtesy of Weiss Watch Company, Devon Works, Throne Watches, RGM Watch Company, Martenero, Detroit Watch Company and Brew Watch Company.

weisswatchcompany.com

>> Weiss Executive Issue Field Watch with 18k with the white dial: $8,950.

DEVON WORKS Scott Devon, heir to Cole’s Quality Foods, has created a unique line of watches that utilizes aerospace technology. These watches have a look unlike any others, with treadmill looking belts that slide past each other. The system of four belts are driven by four motors and those motors are controlled by a central micro controller. So basically, it’s like a mini computer. A hybrid of digital and analog, these push the looks and the engineering of watches. devonworks.com >> Devon Works watches range $12,500 to $25,000.

>> The watch shown here is $350.

THRONE Throne evolved over the years, first starting as a premium watchband company before blossoming into a full-fledged watch maker. It began modestly—in an East Village apartment in New York. Eventually, the folks at Throne decided it was time to move beyond just bands and began designing actual watches. In 2013, that’s exactly what they did. The clean, chic design is paired with Throne’s leather strap, which features a signature X stitch. The parts are sourced from all over the world but assembled in New York, where the company is still located. thronewatches.com

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 53

>> The Martenero Kerrison watch shown is $595.

>> RGM $95,000 in Stainless-Steel.

RGM WATCH COMPANY RGM Watch Company was founded in 1992 by watchmaker Roland G. Murphy, who developed a passion for watches while working at a clock company when in high school. His interest led him to enroll in Bowman Technical School in Pennsylvania and to receive a WOSTEP certification. After working for another company, he branched out to start his own. The company’s approach to building watches utilizes modern manufacturing with antique, handoperated machinery. RGM is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. rgmwatches.com

DETROIT WATCH COMPANY

>> The Woodward Moonphase watches are named after Woodward Avenue in Detroit.

Run by the husband and wife team of Patrick and Amy Ayoub, who are both watch designers, Detroit Watch Company began nearly two decades ago. They work directly with Swiss and German suppliers for their components, but watches are designed and made right in Michigan. Detroit Watch Company stays true to its roots by giving its time pieces names associated with Detroit and Michigan heritage.

Production is limited to 250 pieces per year, with the 42mm M1Woodward Moonphase Exhibition ($2,550) limited to just 100.

MARTENERO Tired of working for others, John Tarantino looked to start his own company and build a business for himself. He loved watches, and turned his passion into creating his own brand, Martenero, in 2014. When it came designing his own watches, he looked to heritage brands for inspiration but updated the styles to suit contemporary tastes. The result is modern, but classic looking pieces of artistry. Some aspects of the watches can even be customized to the consumer’s requests. The parts are sourced from the United States, Japan and China, and assembled in New York, making them American made. martenero.com

detroitwatchco.com

BREW WATCH COMPANY Jonathan Ferrer has managed to bring multiple life experiences into his watch company. Ferrer’s father was a jeweler who designed for Tiffany and his grandfather designed for Cartier, so he gleaned some basics while growing up from masters. During his time at the New Jersey Institute of Technology as an industrial design student, Ferrer was offered an internship at a watch company.

Suddenly the work he’d seen as a child parlayed perfectly into his new opportunity. When he decided to found his own watch company, he drew from yet another life experience—working in a coffee house. Ferrer realized that for as much as customers loved their coffee, what was even more important was the ritual of getting a favorite beverage and savoring it. Today, the Brew Watch Company combines all these elements into one. Each design takes inspiration from the dials of espresso machines to create an industrial and functional—yet aesthetically beautiful—timepiece that’s reminiscent of a treasured experience. Currently operating out of New York City, each component is rigorously tested before everything is hand assembled. brew-watches.com

Elisa Jordan is a writer, museum volunteer, aspiring cat lady, history nerd, and fashion design student who digs it when a great watch complements a snappy outfit.

54

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> The Mastergraph Steel model is $375.

GOLF TOURNEY AD?

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 55

C&S >> Crown Royal is the number-one selling Canadian Whisky in the world.

Iconic Brand Spotlight

CROWN ROYAL CANADIAN WHISKY

by Kevin Kenney

Crown Royal was your father’s Canadian whisky. Sales numbers in recent years show, it’s yours, too.

CROWN ROYAL, AND HIS DAD BEFORE THAT, AND HIS DAD

There has been a well-documented renaissance in north-of-the-border whiskies the past few years with overall sales of the Canadian product increasing by about 10 percent over the past five, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United State (DISCUS).

BEFORE THAT.

“Reflecting Americans’ interest in premium products over the past five years, super premium brands drove growth in the Canadian whisky category, up 50 percent,’’ according to the DISCUS report.

Crown Royal has been a big part of all that, with sales in the U.S. increasing from about 4.3 million cases in 2013 to around 6.3 million in 2018.

But those numbers tell only part of the story because Crown Royal really never lost its place as an industry leader and brand icon.

56

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Photos courtesy of Crown Royal/Diageo.

Sometimes your father’s go-to is just fine. Like in the case of Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky.

YOUR DAD DRANK

>> A cool collection of vintage Crown Royal ads through the decades.

“ORIGINALLY BLENDED AS A GIFT FOR ROYALTY, IT IS NOW THE NUMBER-ONE SELLING CANADIAN WHISKY BRAND IN THE WORLD, WITH A TRADITION AS LONG AND DISTINCTIVE AS ITS TASTE.’’

Y

our dad drank Crown Royal, and his dad before that, and his dad before that.

This goes all the way back to 1939, when the brand debuted as a welcoming gift from a Canadian spirits entrepreneur to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth upon the monarchs’ visit to the Great White North.

That newly hatched liquid (a blend of roughly 50 whiskies, distilled separately, then mixed together, per the formula that defines the Canadian product to this day) was, literally, fit for a king.

The world would find out in due time.

Photos courtesy of Crown Royal/Diageo.

“Crown Royal is honored to be recognized as an iconic brand,’’ Sophie Kelly, senior VP of the North American whiskies portfolio for Diageo, Crown Royal’s parent corporation, tells Cigar and Spirits Magazine.

“Originally blended as a gift for royalty, it is now the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world, with a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste.’’

“This consistency has allowed Crown Royal to stand the test of time, continue to offer a robust portfolio of quality offerings created by an incredible team of master blenders and recruit new drinkers who are looking for varied drinking experiences within the whisky category.’’

The brand, which today features 13 different blends, was released in the United States in the 1960s, and has since become the best-selling Canadian whisky in the U.S., as well as the second-highest-selling whisky overall, behind only Jack Daniel’s.

Crown Royal’s Fine De Luxe “remains the center of the brand’s portfolio,’’ Kelly says, adding, “The award-winning blend of 50 full-bodied whiskies continues its legacy of attracting consumers, whisky aficionados, bartenders and everyone in between.’’

>> Sophie Kelly, senior VP for Diageo North American Whiskies.

The process has remained largely the same throughout Crown Royal’s history, with roughly 80 percent of the grain (rye, corn and barley) coming from Manitoba and surrounding provinces and the water coming from Lake Winnipeg and filtered through the limestone beneath.

“Twelve distillation columns produce the 50 whiskies that comprise our signature blend–a result of five different recipes aged for varying periods of time in either new or re-used charred oak barrels,’’ the brand’s website says.

“Our maturing barrels experience extreme temperature swings, the wood’s expansion and contraction slowly adding to the developing character. Once the whiskies

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 57

OF MASTER BLENDERS HELP CREATE EXCEPTIONAL LIQUIDS WITH HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS, SUCH AS CROWN ROYAL PEACH (A RECENT RE-LAUNCH), CROWN ROYAL VANILLA AND CROWN ROYAL REGAL APPLE.’’

have been aged to our blenders’ satisfaction, they are meticulously blended to create the signature rich, smooth, award-winning flavor of Crown Royal.’’

essentials to U.S. troops around the world, as well as to those affected by natural disasters.

It’s done in coordination with “Packages From Home” as a national charity partner.

But while Crown Royal has stood the test of time, it’s not standing still in the area of new offerings, as Kelly tells it.

The project has actually been going on for 10 years, but got the “Purple Bag” moniker formalized in 2018, according to Kelly.

“As consumers look for new and varied drinking experiences within the whisky category, flavors, limited-edition and smallbatch releases are addressing desires for quality and experimentation,’’ she says.

“The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project is the brand’s largest generosity commitment ever, with a goal of packing 1 million purple bags filled with essentials for military service members by the end of 2020,’’ she says.

“Our incredible team of master blenders help create exceptional liquids with high-quality ingredients, such as Crown Royal Peach (a recent re-launch), Crown Royal Vanilla and Crown Royal Regal Apple.’’

The company has also reached out in recent months to those affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s more, she says, there’s a big gift awaiting Crown Royal aficionados in the coming months.

“Crown Royal is continuing to drive excitement for Crown Royal XR Extra Rare, a limited-edition whisky crafted from one of the final batches of whiskeys produced at the famed LaSalle Distillery, which closed 26 years ago,’’ she says.

“This exceptional liquid is expected to run out very soon–and when it does, it will be gone forever.’’

Meanwhile, beyond the bottles and the blends, there’s another Crown Royal story that’s worth telling. It’s a story of generosity that harkens back to the brand’s birth as a gift to a king and a queen.

“The Purple Bag Project” is named after Crown Royal’s iconic packaging. The brand provides care packages consisting of all manner of

58

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

“As a brand rooted in inspiring exceptional generosity, Crown Royal remains committed to supporting those in need, including those impacted disproportionately by COVID-19,’’ Kelly says.

“Most recently, the brand hosted a series of virtual concerts, #GenerosityHour and The Royal Sessions, giving back to bartenders and artists who have lost work during the pandemic.

“Today, Crown Royal continues to pack bags, and has expanded beyond the military to support those affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, as well as all American heroes including frontline and essential workers.’’

Your father would hoist one to that.

Kevin Kenney, Senior Contributing Writer to Cigar and Spirits Magazine, is a veteran journalist. He’s also written for United Press International and Fox Sports, among other ports of call.

Photos courtesy of Crown Royal/Diageo.

“OUR INCREDIBLE TEAM

>> The ingredients for a perfect Manhattan.

C&S

60

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

The Star of black-ish Time to Live the Dream

by Randy Mastronicola | portraits by John Russo

WE SPENT THE BETTER PART of a muggy, June day with Anthony Anderson at a photo studio in Los Angeles. There was a lot going on. That’s the typical vibe at photo shoots, but more importantly, there was also a lot going on in our California world and globally. The pandemic crisis was in full swing–particularly in Los Angeles–and there were surging Black Lives Matter protests occurring throughout Southern California. Everyone seemed just a bit unsure of how life would play out as the state was starting to enter its first phase of reopening.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 61 61

Wardrobe Styling by Courtney Mays Makeup by Vera Steimberg Hair and grooming by Stacey Morris

62

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> ABC’s “black-ish” stars (left to right) Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Jr., Jenifer Lewis, Austin and Berlin Gross, Laurence Fishburne, Marsai Martin, Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson, and Miles Brown.

Photo courtesy of ABC/Craig Sjodin.

AS

photo sessions go, this one was a benchmark. It was the first for our magazine since the pandemic altered life as we know it. We strategically plotted a course to have a socially distanced shoot. There were rules: only essential personnel would be allowed to attend; we’d utilize two large studios in an effort to keep a wide berth for staffers; everyone must wear a face covering, with the exception being Anthony while being photographed; and people would keep maximum distance from each other at all times. The final rule was that we will have fun despite all of these adjustments.

Fortunately, it all worked out. Anthony was a good sport, and the crew were real troopers.

We learned that Anthony is legit. A husband and father of two. A proudof-his-humble Compton beginnings family member and philanthropist.

(His Anderson Family Foundation has raised over a million dollars for a variety of charities.) Anthony is also a life-long game show geek. (He’s currently the host of To Tell the Truth.) Along with the other principals of black-ish, he’s worked his way into the hearts of millions over these last six or seven television seasons by offering us a network sitcom with humanity, humor and depth. Anthony will have turned fifty by the time this issue is published, and we learned he’s a lionhearted guy with a unique, experiential perspective as a Black man.

Anthony has proved to be a durable and versatile actor since the late 1990s. He’s inherently comic-minded, but also has a lot to say about what’s going on these days. His output on social media during this tumultuous period has positioned him as an emerging Black voice in our culture.

He’s fully aware that fate has smiled upon him, particularly in light of the hardships suffered by many people of color. “I’ve wanted to do this my whole life, and 40 years later, to be successful and have a voice–I get to live my dream.”

The ABC network originally had black-ish slated for a 2021 mid-season slot but decided just before our shoot to place the show on its fall schedule.

ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke explained, “Following recent monumental events, it’s imperative that the dialogue continues and empowers viewers to raise their voices, and there is no other show that does that like black-ish.”

This was good news for everyone at the photo shoot. Chatting with this thoughtful man at this point in time also provided a uniquely impactful experience.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 63

interview Randy Mastronicola: I know everyone is excited about black-ish black-ish returning earlier than expected for Season 7.

Anthony Anderson: We were set with us airing in mid-season. The optics of moving the only Black show on the network that speaks to the community and speaks for the community didn’t look good.

It seemed the network pivoted rather quickly to alter the schedule given the events of 2020, and sincerely wanted to give the show a chance to make an impact at this point in time.

Yes. I think it’s important that our show continues down that path in real time. I’m happy that the decision was made to bring us back for the fall season. I think it’s imperative that our voices are even louder now in light of everything that’s going on.

We’re living in unprecedented times given the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and an upcoming presidential election. Do you feel black-ish black-ish is just what the doctor ordered in some ways?

We’re saying this to be heard, listened to, accepted and have it resonate with those outside of the community as well. That’s what dialogue and change is all about—coming together, sitting across from each other with differences of opinions, but after hearing each other out, we can leave the table with even more understanding and respect for one another.

So many people have connected to black-ish black-ish throughout the show’s run. How much of the show stems from your personal life?

We pull a lot from it. It’s not just my life. It’s the life of Kenya [Barris, the creator of black-ish], and it’s also the lives of our talented writers and our show runners as well. We all have ideas and experiences.

[Anthony is also one of the executive producers on black-ish.] Kenya and I sat down almost eight years ago and talked about what was missing from the landscape of television for viewers. We had the same sensibilities. It’s just about all of our experiences, and how we deal with it as a nucleus, as a family on the show. A lot of the first season were pretty much things that Kenya and I were going through with our families.

64

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Photo courtesy of ABC/Ali Goldstein.

“The fuel to my fire is what is needed for change. I don’t think what people are asking for is that damning. I don’t think what they’re asking for their God-given right in this country that we live in is anything out of the ordinary.”

“It was necessary for me to get out there and to show my face, to show my support, and to say what I had to say. I felt the need to do it.�

66

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross in a scene from the Season 6 finale “Love, Boat.”

It’s obvious the connection with Kenya and the cast really has created layers.

Kenya’s from Inglewood, I’m from Compton, and both of us are first-generation successful and dealing with the trappings of our success. Our families are living in the suburbs and attending private schools. Kenya’s was the only AfricanAmerican family in his neighborhood. My family is the only African-American family living in my neighborhood.

Our kids were of the few African-American families at their respective private schools. We shared those stories with one another, and that is how the show was born.

How have your children reacted to the show’s message?

My son came home one day at the age of 12–and this is what our pilot was about–my son said he didn’t feel Black. I was like, “What do you mean you don’t feel Black?”

He just said, “I just don’t feel it.” I understood his frustration and his confusion because he was the only chocolate drop in his grade for three-and-a-half years. He sees the news, and he sees my [extended] family. They still live in the hood.

In Compton, in Watts, in South Central, but that’s not his experience. I was like, “Son, well, that’s not your experience.

This is your Black experience, and it doesn’t make you any less Black because you’re not dealing with some of the issues that other family members are. Or what other young Black men in America are dealing with, but you have your own issues that you have to deal with.”

How did he respond to your coaching?

He got it. Not long after that, he said, “OK, Dad. For my 13th birthday, can I have a bro mitzvah?” I looked him in the eye and I said, “Oh, you really aren’t Black, are you?”

When worlds collide. [laughs] Yes. [laughs] So, I threw him a bro mitzvah.

We were talking earlier about television shows that influenced you growing up.

Kenya and I grew up watching the same shows, like All in the Family, Good Times, The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show and Maude.

We realized that we were both huge Norman Lear fans. The shows that he produced and developed spoke to an audience, spoke to and for community.

Those are the shows that we responded to. That’s the type of show that we wanted to make.

You’ve been very active on social media during the pandemic. I think someone called you “The King of Quarantine.” Why did you feel it was important to pick up the mantle, become a voice for troubled times, Black Lives Matter, etcetera?

It was necessary for me to get out there and to show my face, to show my support, and to say what I had to say. I felt the need to do it. Not too many people knew about my experience until I posted it on my social media, but I was a victim of police brutality. It was at a Ku Klux Klan rally as a sophomore at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 67

You shared on social media that you were at a peaceful protest, and basically, nine policemen went off on you. It’s admirable you spoke out.

When I posted it–that was from 31 years ago. Thirty years prior to that, those things were happening. Thirty plus years after that, they’re still happening. The fuel to my fire is talking about what’s needed for change. I don’t think we’re asking for anything other than what is a God-given right in this country or anything out of the ordinary. We’re fighting for respect, and we’re fighting for civil liberties that have been denied.

It’s unfortunate that sometimes we can’t sit and have an honest discussion without it becoming emotional on both sides of the table, and it being more defensive on one side than the other. It’s an interesting time that we are in right now.

We are on the precipice of change, and not only the African-American community, but other communities who feel disenfranchised, who feel forgotten about and marginalized It was a want for me to get out there and to let them know that my celebrity doesn’t make me impervious to what’s happening within our community, within society. I was having this conversation with someone the other day, and they were like, “Well you’re a celebrity and you’re this, you’re that.” I was like, “Yes, but it still affects me. I made it out of the hood, but my 200-plus family members are still in the hood, so it still does affect me greatly.”

Thank you for being so forthcoming, Anthony. I hope we all get there. I’ll switch gears a bit.

Certainly.

68

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Yes. “Mama Doris” is the true rock star celebrity in the family.

Yes! [laughs] And she will tell you that. It’s fun. Our family grew up watching Wheel of Fortune, watching Family Feud, and not just watching them but playing alongside them.

Joker’s Wild. All of them, Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Match Game Game and Password were my favorites. You might have been a bit young for the original Match Game.

Game.

I remember Match Game, too. I remember that one.

So corny, but so funny.

Being able to be part of those shows now, $25,000 or $100,000 Pyramid, Match Game, To Tell the Truth, Family Feud–I’ve been on all of those shows now–with and without my family. It’s fun to do because these are the shows that we grew up watching and playing together as a family. Now, to be on them as a family, and then to host a show with my mother is truly a blessing and an amazing feat.

Is there something up for Season 5 of To Tell the Truth?

Truth?

I can’t give anything away. For the last couple of seasons, we’d give out the dunce hat–the big dummy crown. We are now giving out a trophy. If our celebrity answers everything correctly in all five rounds, they get to walk away with “The Doris.” We’ve named a trophy after my mother, and it’s literally a bust of my mother. In the two years that we’ve been doing it, only three people have won the elusive “Doris.”

That makes it a competition within a competition on our show, and bragging rights for the three people who have won this award.

>> Anthony Anderson and his “Mama Doris” Doris Wilcox on the set of To Tell The Truth.

Photo courtesy of ABC/Kelsey McNeal.

It’s understandable you have compassion for those who are without, or have been victimized.

Look, women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, all of it. We are all in this fight together. It’s a fight where we all have to lock arms because it’s all about equality. It’s not about revenge. It’s not about that. It’s just about being treated fairly and equally, that’s it. Why is that so hard to understand and comprehend?

You’re such a game show lover. How much of a game show geek were you as a kid?

I grew up watching game shows. I still watch game shows to this day. I’ve been fortunate to host a game show with my mother for the last five seasons, To Tell the Truth on ABC.

“Award shows are all subjective anyway. They say it’s an honor to be nominated, I would agree with that, but I’ll also be lying to you if I told you I didn’t want to come home with that trophy in my hand one day.”

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 69

Cigar and Spirits-ish with Anthony Anderson What’s your go-to spirit?

You know what, I love my tequila. We’ve had some nice reposado here today at the shoot.

I’m a bit late to the game of Japanese whiskey. When I heard of it for the first time, I was like, “Japanese whiskey, get out of here. I’ll drink some Japanese sake, but no whiskey.”

That’s changed. I’m actually putting together a tasting with my friends, things that go with Japanese whiskey–some vintage bottles and rare bottles. We’re just going to sit back, smoke cigars and drink this fine Japanese whiskey.

Sounds like a stellar evening.

We’re pairing the whiskey and cigars along with food, too. Different types of desserts or appetizers that we can pair. I want to curate a great evening for my friends. It’s only a select few of us. It’s my golfing buddies. Don Cheadle, myself, George Lopez, Cedric [the Entertainer], D. L. Hughley and Chris Spencer.

That’s some crew you’ve got there.

It’s just about fellowship. It’s just about conversation, about life and everything that we have going on. We’re with real friends, and it’s sipping spirits and smoking nice cigars that makes it just right.

You know what, thank God for good, clean fun.

Oh, yes. There’s nothing like it.

And then there’s the T-Mobile commercials with your mom.

You’ll really appreciate this story. My mother always wanted to be an actress. She was a single mother, had me at 18. She put her career and her dreams of becoming an actor on hold to raise an actor, not knowing that’s what she was doing. I remember when I was nine years old, my mother was in a production of A Raisin in the Sun at Compton Community College. I’m the oldest of four. I have two brothers and a sister. My sister is the youngest, but at that time, it was just the three boys. We were in the back of the theater, and I happened to look up on stage and see my mother rehearsing.

I said, “That is what I’m going to do with the rest of my life.”

How cool to have that impression propel you to a lifetime of work.

Yes. It wasn’t necessarily a television show or anything like that I had planned. Here we are 40 years later, and I get to pay it forward and allow my mother to live out her dream.

You’ve been nominated six years in a row for an Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comic Series without a win to date. Hopefully, there will be a seventh nomination. Are you feeling it?

I don’t know. Award shows are all subjective anyway. They say it’s an honor to be nominated, I would agree with that, but I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t want to come home with that trophy in my hand one day.

We’ve got this kid from Compton who’s worked his way to Law and Order to black-ish black-ish…it’s …it’s a nice body of work now. A respected Emmy-nominated actor.

It would feel good to win, man. Not everyone gets a trophy. Not everyone gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so I’m excited about that possibility.

I was just a kid from Compton with a dream, and I get to live that dream every day now.

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

70

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

CIGAR OF THE DAY

Hiram & Solomon’s Unity Toro added ambiance throughout the day with sweet tobacco aromas and billowing smoke.

The premium artisanal blend was enjoyed by Anthony Anderson and the Cigar & Spirits staff.

AVAILABLE ONLINE EXCLUSIVELY AT WWW.PAPPYCO.COM

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. AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DREW DIPLOMAT RETAILER

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

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 71

C&S

AUTUMN 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

72

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

@CigarSpiritsMag

@CigarSpiritsMag

MH STOCK/shutterstock.com

FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

96

CIGAR RATING

ARTURO FUENTE MAGNUM R VITOLA 44

4.9 x 47 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican

Tasting Notes: The Magnum R Vitola 44 is chock full of flavor. The aged Ecuadorian wrapper is superb.

There are evident woody notes enhanced by a citrus profile throughout. The flavors remain consistent, but the finish surprises you because of its light, leathery mesquite touch.

91

CIGAR RATING

BLACK LABEL TRADING CO. / BLACK WORKS STUDIO GREEN HORNET 5 x 48 Robusto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full

Tasting Notes: This robusto is a medium to full cigar. The closed Candela foot creates a unique profile with cocoa, espresso and a touch of spice. The cigar finishes smooth and sweet.

90

CIGAR RATING

BLANCO CIGARS LIGA EXCLUSIVA DE FAMILIA MADURO 6 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This Blanco is such an enjoyable cigar—easy draw with an abundance of aromatic smoke. It has a distinct sweet earthiness alongside oak, pepper and soothing spices.

91

CIGAR RATING

BLANCO CIGARS ABOVE & BEYOND HEROES 6 x 60 Epic Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The Above & Beyond HEROES series pays homage to Civil Service heroes including Police, Fire, EMS and the Armed Forces. The company is generously donating a portion of the proceeds to assist family members of fallen and surviving service members. This dressed up in red, white and blue cigar is artfully packaged. The box-pressed shape feels perfect in your hand even at this large size. It’s a nuanced blend with salty, licorice and cinnamon notes. Licorice and toast comprise an ideal finish.

91

CIGAR RATING

CALDWELL CIGAR CO. EASTERN STANDARD SUNGROWN DOUBLE ROBUSTO 5.5 x 56 Double Robusto Wrapper: Mexican Habano Binder: Ecuadorian, Dominican, Mexican Filler: Ecuadorian, Dominican, Mexican Strength: Full Tasting Notes: This Caldwell is a zesty and bold cigar. It’s rich and complex with notes of dark chocolate, cashews and tart citrus. The cigar is unique and surprisingly elegant given it’s full-bodied profile.

93

CIGAR RATING

CALDWELL CIGAR CO. EASTERN STANDARD MIDNIGHT EXPRESS ROBUSTO 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Connecticut seed Arapiraca Maduro Binder: Dominican Habano Filler: Dominican Corojo/Criollo 98, Nicaraguan Habano Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This handsome robusto is a smoke filled with personality. Flora, cedar, chocolate and some salt and pepper are just a few of the pleasantly complex aromas and tastes.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 73

92

CIGAR RATING

6.75 x 46 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Binder: Habano Filler: Dominican Carbonell, Dom HVA, Nicaraguan Criollo Tasting Notes: It’s sweet, floral and elegant. A medium boy with milk chocolate and a little chili pepper spice.

88 88

CIGARRATING RATING CIGAR

CAMACHO CAMACHO CAMCOYOLAR COYOLAR CAM

50 Rothschild 50x x4.54.5 Rothschild Wrapper: Honduran Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Binder:Honduran Honduran Filler: Filler:Honduran Honduran

Tasting Notes: This medium to high intensity cigar features a leather, pepper, coffee, and oak flavor profile.

Tasting Notes: This medium-to-high intensity cigar features a leather, pepper, coffee, and oak flavor profile.

87

89

CIGAR RATING

CIGAR RATING

CORNELIUS & ANTHONY CIGARS VENGANZA

CASINO 5CAPITOL x 52 Robusto Judge 54 x 135mm Pigtail Finish Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Binder: Nicaraguan Wrapper: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan Tasting Notes: A medium to full-bodied cigar with a rich, full flavor profile of leather, cedar and earthy notes that leaves Strength: Medium/Full the palate tasting dried fruit, cinnamon and caramel with a slight peppery feel at the finish.

Tasting Notes: The Capitol Casino is rich in aroma. Floral, herbal, toasty, with roasty and sweet hints throughout. It finishes with delightful cedar, leather and nuts at first and continues with long-lasting coffee, clove and molasses aftertaste.

66

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

91

C&S_SeptOct_2019.indd 66

CIGAR RATING

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

CASA CUEVAS CIGARS LA MANDARRIA EDICION LIMITADA

6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

8/4/19 5:16 PM

Tasting Notes: This medium to full cigar features a pig tail and shaggy foot. It has an earthy dampness with notes of fruit, spice and black pepper. It finishes with a slight sweetness of cream and coffee bean.

90

CIGAR RATING

CASA CUEVAS RESERVA NATURAL 6 x 50 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Havana Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, USA Tasting Notes: This is a tasty and smooth cigar with an abundance of woodsy and earthy flavors.

95

CIGAR RATING

COHIBA HABANA CUBA

5 7/8 x 52 Cañonazo Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba Tasting Notes: This “cannon shot” of a cigar is full and spicy. It has notes of earth and botanicals. The finish is superbly earthy and smooth.

93

CIGAR RATING

DANIEL MARSHALL RED LABEL CORONA

5.5 x 44 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Puro Binder: Nicaraguan Puro Filler: Nicaraguan Puro Tasting Notes: Daniel Marshall’s Red Label portfolio has been recognized for its smooth and creamy profile. The inviting Red label Corona here has hints of chocolate, espresso and vanilla cream. The excellent draw enhances this luxury cigar.

74

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

SMALL BATCHES. EXCEPTIONAL FLAVORS. No one makes Bourbon like Four Roses, because only we use ten proprietary recipes – each with its own unique flavor profile – to create distinct, premium Bourbons.

Small Batch is a combination of four Bourbon recipes, which work together to balance spice, rich fruit and floral notes for a smooth sip. Small Batch Select is crafted from six recipes, sharing qualities of spice, while adding herbal notes before non-chill filtering, resulting in a distinguished taste.

10 BOURBON RECIPES. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES.

FourRosesBourbon.com • Four Roses Distillery LLC • Lawrenceburg, KY • Be mellow. Be responsible.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 75

89

CIGAR RATING

DIESEL CIGAR DELIRIUM 2020 LIMITED EDITION 6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero and Ometepe Tasting Notes: This is a collaboration between Diesel Senior Brand Manager Justin Andres and AJ Fernandez.

It’s the boldest Diesel to date. Delirium is a peppery smoke that delivers an abundance of spices, with hints of nuts and a touch of nougat on the palate.

93

CIGAR RATING

DREW ESTATE HERRERA ESTELI EDICION LIMITADA 7 x 38 Lancero Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Binder: Honduran Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Tasting Notes: This Edicion Limitada is another gem in Blender Willy Herrera’s portfolio. The smoke billows easily and abundantly off this creamy and refined cigar. There are distinct notes of coffee, vanilla, allspice and cedar.

94

CIGAR RATING

DREW ESTATE LIGA PRIVADA YEAR OF THE RAT 5.5 x 46 Corona Gorda Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Brazilian Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This Rat is a new chapter from the original offering from 2016. The gold foil that covers most of the wrapper is an eye-catcher. It delights in true creamy Liga Privada fashion with distinct notes of black pepper and earth throughout the smoking experience. The sweet burn finishes with a bit of citrus as well.

92

CIGAR RATING

EL ARTISTA CIGARS BUFFALO TEN 6 x 50 Soft Box Press Toro Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas Binder: Dominican Negrito Filler: Colombian, Dominican, Nicaraguan, USA Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The Buffalo TEN surprises with distinct notes of sweet apricot, dark chocolate and exotic spices. The draw is superb.

90

CIGAR RATING

EL ARTISTA CIGARS THE SLUGGER 7 x 60 Gordo XL Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas Binder: Dominican Negrito Filler: Dominican, USA Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This EL Artista/David Ortiz offering is formidable in size and heart, just like Big Papi himself. It features mesquite, pepper and citrus nuances that please the palate throughout.

93

CIGAR RATING

ESTEBAN CARRERAS CIGARS UNFORGIVEN 6 x 52 Toro Grande Wrapper: Barrel-aged dark Sumatran Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Tasting Notes: Rich blend of wood, leather, coffee bean and spices, backed by a slight smoky sweetness from being in 18-year-old rum barrels.

76

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

TIME TO RAISE YOUR SPIRITS

E N J O Y R E S P O N S I B LY NOLET’S ® Silver 47.6% Alc./Vol. (95.2 Proof) ©2020 Imported by NOLET’S US Distribution, Aliso Viejo, CA. *Per 1.5 Fl Oz. - Average Analysis: 117 Calories, 0g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 77

93

CIGAR RATING

FALTO CIGARS INGENIO #10

6 x 60 Figurado Perfecto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Brazilian Cameroon Tasting Notes: The Falto Figurado Perfecto is elegant and substantial at the same time. It features an interesting complexity and nuanced balancing. It’s a full cigar with evident undertones of sweet spice, cinnamon and nutmeg throughout.

90

CIGAR RATING

FRATELLO CIGARS FRATELLO ORO 5.5 x 47 Corona Wrapper: Ecuadorian, Connecticut Binder: African Cameroon Filler: Columbian, Dominican, Nicaraguan Tasting Notes: The Fratello Oro is a mild to medium cigar. The creaminess, dry fruit and subtle pepper from the Dominican Ligero bounces right off the sweetness of the Cameroon binder. A very handsome and luxurious cigar.

92

CIGAR RATING

GRAN HABANO COROJO NO. 5 MADURO LIMITADO 6 x 54 Gran Robusto Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro Binder: Habano Filler: Nicaraguan, Costa Rican Tasting Notes: This is a full cigar with bold flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, roasted nuts and earth. The notes of spice complement the dark tobacco, and makes for an enjoyable smoking experience.

92

CIGAR RATING

HENRY CLAY WAR HAWK 6 x 50 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Broadleaf Connecticut Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Henry Clay feels great in the hand with an oily wrapper and strong construction. It smokes in a creamy fashion with hints of banana, almonds and white pepper.

96

CIGAR RATING

HOYO DE MONTERREY EPICURE NO. 2 5.5 x 52 Robusto Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba Tasting Notes: The cigar is a consistently medium, rarely comes off as strong. It features a most impressive draw, and loads of billowy smoke. It offers sweetness and cocoa throughout. A delightful and classic Cuban cigar.

89

CIGAR RATING

HOYO LA AMISTAD LA AMISTAD DARK SUMATRA MEDIA NOCHE 5.75 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf Filler: Dominican, Honduran ligeros, Nicaraguan Tasting Notes: The Hoyo La Amistad series represents a successful partnership with A.J. Fernandez and Hoyo de Monterrey. There’s the signature “Cubanesque” character and flavors of Hoyo de Monterrey as well as A.J.’s fermentation, aging and cigar expertise. This La Amistad Dark Sumatra is a rich and creamy smoke, made in A.J.’s full-bodied tradition.

78

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 79

93

J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR CO. DIAMOND CROWN NO. 4 MADURO

5.5 x 54 Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf HOYO Binder: Dominican LA AMISTAD BLACK Filler: Caribbean, Central American 6 x 60 Gigante (box-pressed) Tasting Notes: This expertly crafted cigar has a dark and oily wrap. It’s sweet and toasty. There are licorice Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra Oscuro notes that come through prior to a wheaty finish.

Binder: Mexican San Andrean Filler: Nicaraguan Habano

CIGAR RATING

87

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: Notes of cinnamon, leather and hot sauce deliver the quintessential power and spice of an A.J. Fernandez blend, while giving a nod to the bold and flavorful tradition of Hoyo cigars.

KRISTOFF CIGARS SUMATRA KRISTOFF CIGARS 6.5 x 56 Matador CIGAR RATING CONNECTICUT Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

92

90

CIGAR RATING

91

91

CIGAR RATING

7 x 50 Churchill Binder: Brazilian Wrapper: Ecuadorian Filler: Cuban Seed Dominican, Cuban Seed Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Habano Seed Tasting Notes: TheSeed Matador is a medium cigar with velvety floral notes, spice, cinnamon and a smooth sweet Filler: Quad Dominican Habano finish.

Tasting Notes: A mild-to-medium cigar that delivers notes of vanilla, spice and cream with a sweet nutty finish.

LA AROMA DE CUBA MI AMORLA MAGNIFICO AROMA DE CUBA 6 x 52 Toro MI AMOR MAGNIFICO Wrapper: San Andrés Maduro 6 x 52 Toro

Binder: Nicaraguan CIGAR RATING Wrapper: San Andrés Maduro

Filler: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium to Full-bodied Filler: Nicaraguan Tasting Notes: Earth, black pepper, espresso, dark chocolate.

Tasting Notes: This La Aroma is a medium-to-full cigar with tastes of earth, black pepper, espresso and dark chocolate.

95

CIGAR RATING

93

LA AURORA CIGARS 115TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE COLLECTION 5.75 x 54 ToroLA AURORA CIGARS Wrapper: Ecuadorian 1903 EDITION PAREJO BROADLEAF Binder: Brazilian 5 x 50 Robusto

Filler: Cibao Wrapper: Valley (Dominican), Nicaraguan and Brazilian CIGAR RATING Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Dominican Cibao Valley Tasting Notes: An almost bold cigar with a predominance of spicy black pepper notes that give way to more complex and Filler: Nicaraguan delicate flavors.

TheDominican presence ofCibao woodValley, is evident throughout the smoke, but it is enriched with nuances of cinnamon, nuts and even citrus tips. Notes: Its finishThis is powerful creamy.

Tasting 1903 isand a bold and tasty smoke. Chock full of woodsy, creamy and spicy flavors. It shines at the finish with hints of nuts and citrus notes.

94

94

CIGAR RATING

LA FLOR DOMINICANA LA NOX 5 x 40 Petite LA FLOR DOMINICANA Wrapper: Brazilian, Cuban GOLDEN “ORO” 50TH ANNIVERSARY Binder: Mexican 6.5 xSan 54Andrés Toro Extra

Filler: Dominican Wrapper: Mexican–San Andrean CIGAR RATING Binder: Tasting Notes: Dark Dominican in appearance and in flavor, La Nox features a sweet Brazilian Maduro wrapper, a San Andrés binder and a Filler: Dominican Criollo 99fillers. Its smooth smoke and rich flavor were crafted for elegance and power. blend of Dominican Piloto and Pelo de Oro Tasting Notes: A medium to full cigar. There are hints of creamy jasmine rice leading into earthy country barn flavors–fresh hay and bark. The finish is somewhat sweet with flavors of plum, cocoa, nuts and a touch of saltiness on the palate.

LA GLORIA CUBANA ESTELI

88

4.5 x 52 Robusto Wrapper: Nicaragua’s Jalapa Valley MORALES CIGAR COMPANY Binder: Jamastran Filler: Honduran, Jamastran,1205 and LaTORO Entrada MORALES 6 xA 52complex Toro smoke with notes of cedar, spice and white pepper. This is a medium-to-full-bodied smoke that Tasting Notes: CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Dominican Habano burns to a stark white ash.

Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium

CIGAR RATING

89

91

CIGAR RATING

80

MIAMI CIGAR COMPANY Tasting&Notes: The Habano wrapper offers flavors of leather, earth and dark chocolate with a slight touch of NESTOR MIRANDA SPECIAL COLLECTION pepper. TheCOLLECTION 1205 is a tasty cigar with just enough zest to put it over the top.

5.5 x 54 Toro Wrapper: Habano Nicaraguan Binder: Criollo 98 Nicaraguan Filler: Estelí, Jalapa, Condega

Tasting SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Notes: Special Selection / CIGAR & SPIRITS 2020is the original Nestor Miranda cigar. Spicy and medium-full bodied with a rich sweetness on the finish.

MORALES CIGAR COMPANY MORALES 803 TORO

91

CIGAR RATING

6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Arapiraca Binder: Dominican Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper offers hints of pepper, smooth caramel, complex wood flavor and red berries. It smokes deliciously throughout.

PUNCH CHOP SUEY LIMITED EDITION

89

CIGAR RATING

7 x 37 Panatela Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican

C

Tasting Notes: The Chop Suey is a mild to medium cigar, and handmade at General Cigar Dominicana in Santiago. You have to love the shaggy foot. It features notes of white pepper, leather and cedar that leads into notes of caramel and spice on the finish. The inside of the band features a fortune courtesy of Mr. Punch.

Very cool.

90 90

QUESADA CIGARSCIGARS QUESADA FONSECA CLASSICCLASSIC FONSECA

5 x 50

5 x 50

CIGAR RATING CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Wrapper: Connecticut Connecticut

Binder: Dominican Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Filler: Dominican Tasting Notes: Mild to medium well-balanced smoke. Woody and creamy enjoyable flavors and aromas.

Tasting Notes: Mild to medium well-balanced smoke.

Woody and creamy enjoyable flavors and aromas.

90

89

CIGAR RATING

SOUTHERN DRAW KUDZU LUSTRUM SOUTHERN DRAW CIGARS 5.5 x 52 Belicoso Fino (box pressed) 300 HANDS CONNECTICUT Wrapper: Nicaraguan (Ometepe Medio Tiempo) 6.125 x 52 Piramides

Binder: Nicaraguan CIGAR RATING Wrapper: Connecticut Shade

Filler: Nicaraguan Binder: Peruvian Tasting Notes: SouthernNicaraguan Draw Kudzu LUSTRUM box-pressed belicoso is a fine homage to the company’s fifth Filler: The Dominican, anniversary. It’s an expertly-constructed Nicaraguan puro highlighted by a medio tiempo habano wrapper over an Ometepe Tasting Notes: The 300 is a mild to medium cigar. It has a super-smooth profile, creamy notes of nuts, cedar, binder—a very smooth and tasty cigar. and toast leaving a memorable finish on the palate.

89

93

CIGAR RATING

SOUTHERN DRAW DESERTVEGAFINA ROSE 5 1/2 x 52 Belicoso Fino GRAN RESERVA 2020 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Cloud-Grown Claro

50 x 156 mm Robusto Extra Wrapper: Habana 2000 Nicaraguan Filler: Honduran Corojo 99, Dominican Piloto Cubano Binder: Habana Nicaraguan Tasting Notes: A medium-bodied medium-flavored cigar that is a more robust version of the original blend marked by Filler: Dominican Pilotoand & Pilotico a smooth Strength: buttery yetMedium spicy burst of flavor.

Binder: Condega, Nicaraguan Habano CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: This VegaFina features woody and spicy sweet aromas that lead into tastes of coffee, almonds, cinnamon and white pepper. It’s well-balanced with a lasting aftertaste. The draw is excellent and the cigar looks and feels elegant in hand: smooth, silky and shiny.

SOUTHERN DRAW

91

CEDRUS

CIGAR RATING

89

60 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Besuki, Indonesian Binder: Habano 2000, Nicaraguan VILLIGER CIGARS Filler: Nicaraguan

DO BRASIL MADURO

Tasting Notes: excellent subtle-flavored cigar with a light sweetness to it and the complex flavors of nutmeg, toasted 5 x 50An Robusto clove and Wrapper: cinnamon, Brazilian along withArapiraca a cedar aroma.

CIGAR RATING Binder: Brazilian Filler: Brazilian

88

CIGAR RATING

Tasting Notes: A medium cigar with elite Brazilian Arapiraca tobacco. The cigar has a silky smooth flavor– WARFIGHTER TOBACCO COMPANY of fruit and notes of dark coffee and leather.

5.56 MMhints FIELD CONNECTICUT SHADE 6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan, Colombian

Tasting Notes: Starts spicy but finishes smooth. Hints of spice, leather, woodsy. Spice may linger on tip of tongue like a WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM good salsa. Pleasant retro-hale with spice.

/ 81

C&S

AUTUMN SPIRITS BUYER’S GUIDE 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.

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

82 82 // CIGAR CIGAR & & SPIRITS SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 2020

@CigarSpiritsMag

@CigarSpiritsMag

Cozy Home/Shutterstock.com.

FOR YOUR HOME BAR

94

93

SPIRIT RATING

Havana Club

SPIRIT RATING

Fighting 69th

Coconut Cartel

94

92

SPIRIT RATING

SPIRIT RATING

Cutwater Rayador

Garrison Brothers

HAVANA CLUB TRIBUTO 2020

CUTWATER RAYADOR TEQUILA REPOSADO

COCONUT CARTEL COCONUT CARTEL SPECIAL

GARRISON BROTHERS HONEYDEW BOURBON

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.

MSRP: $38 | ABV: 40% This Cartel is a single-origin 100% Guatemalan rum blend. It’s aged up to 12 years and distilled in copper column stills. The spirit is blended and bottled in Guatemala City and “smuggled” into the USA via the Port of Miami. The aromas of vanilla, caramel and coconut are rich. It’s medium-long finish is smooth, soft and offers a sweet and oaky tang taste.

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.

91

SPIRIT RATING

93

SPIRIT RATING

Holmes Cay Rum

MSRP: $40 | ABV: 40% The elegant and precise nature of the Rayador, also known as the Black Skimmer sea bird, served as the inspiration for Cutwater Tequila. The 100% blue agave is harvested from Jalisco. It’s slowly cooked in traditional brick ovens, open fermented, and double distilled in traditional “alambique” stills made of stainless and copper in tequila. The rich cooked agave flavor melds nicely with hints of vanilla and oak to create a gluten-free spirit.

MSRP: $89.99 | ABV: 40% The HoneyDew is processed from 176 four-year-old emptied Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon barrels, and mellowed in stainless-steel tanks for seven months. It’s further rprocessed by emptying the bourbon barrels into small wooden cubes and immersed in Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey. This complex process creates flavors of sweet elderberry syrup, yellow-fleshed peaches, apricots, white chocolate, and delicious Texas honey.

HOLMES CAY RUM FIJI 2004

MSRP: $159 | ABV: 58% This Holmes Cay features a classic Fijian rum profile. It’s tropically aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years with an additional four years of United Kingdom maturation in American oak casks. There’s no sugar or color– other flavors were added and bottled at cask strength. There are subtle grass and fresh banana scents on the nose. It yields to a burst of citrus, pepper and hints of caramel on the tongue. The buttery mouthfeel leads to a dry, lingering finish of spicy oak and balsam. There are only 240 bottles available for rum consumers.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 83

91

92

SPIRIT RATING

Oregon Spirit Distillers

Asbury Park Distilling Co.

93

Mammoth Distilling

Cocalero

MSRP: $75 | ABV: 50% The spirit is all grown in Oregon. It’s a four grain bourbon comprised of 65% corn, malt, wheat, rye. It’s distilled two times, and aged four years in New Oak Casks. It’s nose is dark fruit, wood smoke and maple syrup. The perky tastes on the palate are baking spice, caramel apple and a mineral finish.

MSRP: $57 | ABV: 43% The gin is finished in new American oak barrels. It’s a light amber color with aromas of fresh oak, sweet vanilla, caramel, honey, charcoal, honeysuckle, flowers and some smoke. There are flavors of leather, sweetness (honey and vanilla), pipe smoke, charcoal, oak and juniper with gin in the background. It finishes sweetly with pepper spiciness, oak and alcohol warmth.

MSRP: $30 | ABV: 45% Ava Vodka is handcrafted in the historic Cavalier Hotel in handmade genuine Vendome Copper columns. There are no sugars and it’s glutenfree. It has a slight sweetness, and is made from 100% corn. It’s clean on the nose, soft and smooth on the palate, with a boldness as it finishes.

84

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

92

SPIRIT RATING

OREGON SPIRIT DISTILLERS BOTTLED IN BOND BOURBON

ASBURY PARK DISTILLING CO. BARREL FINISHED GIN

SPIRIT RATING

91

SPIRIT RATING

TARNISHED TRUTH DISTILLING COMPANY AVA VODKA

91

SPIRIT RATING

SPIRIT RATING

Asbury Park Distilling Co. Vodka

MAMMOTH DISTILLING NORTHERN RYE WHISKEY

MSRP: $49.99 | ABV: 49.5% This Mammoth is brighter and more versatile than oak-dominated straight rye whiskies. It shares more in common with traditional Old World spirits (think Irish pot-distilled whiskey or Cognac) than with straight rye. There’s delicate fruitiness of pear and cherry and hints of vanilla are accented by sweet grass and ginger spice that deliver a medium-bodied mouthfeel, light caramel tannins and a clean finish.

COCALERO COCALERO CLÁSICO

MSRP: $25 | ABV: 29% The spirit is crafted from 17 botanicals and herbs. The final distillate is blended with water and a neutral spirit to a proprietary recipe that gives it distinct aromas of juniper, citrus and green tea on the nose. On the palate, classic gin notes give way to ginger, lavender and a hint of orange peel. The finish is long with tasty notes of citrus and spearmint. Cocalero Clásico is the top imported liqueur in Japan.

ASBURY PARK DISTILLING CO. VODKA

MSRP: $58 | ABV: 40% Asbury Park’s vodka is distilled from grain and 100% corn. It’s clear, earthy, sweet and spicy with pepper and a hint of citrus. The spirits finishes with peppery spice. Notably, Asbury Park placed a Silver Medal in the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition with this expression.

3RD ANNUAL TEXAS CIGAR & SPIRITS TASTING

Come sample some of the world’s greatest cigars and spirits!

FORT WORTH

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE EVENT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH, 2020 PRESENTED BY

EMAIL events@cigarandspirits.com OR VISIT CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM FOR MORE INFO. WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 85

90

90

SPIRIT RATING

Ragged Branch

Fire Bear

92

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.

MSRP: $100 | ABV: 46% This Egan’s is a blend of single grain and single malt whiskeys, aged in XO Cognac casks of French Limousin oak. It’s devoid of chill-filtering to retain its unique characteristics. Centenary’s profile has floral notes with accents of honey and apricot on the nose. A combination of light wafers, almond, ginger, and zesty fruits linger on the palate. The finish is long and gentle with hints of ginger giving way to lemon zest and licorice.

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

91

SPIRIT RATING

Wild Turkey

TARNISHED TRUTH DISTILLING COMPANY HIGH RYE STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY–AGED 3 YEARS

MSRP: $50 | ABV: 43% The tasty flavors of toasted oak, honey vanilla, spices of clove and cinnamon with hints of ripe fig are superbly balanced. There’s a substantial drawn out finish with lingering spice notes to satisfy a rye enthusiast.

TANDUAY DOUBLE RUM EXTRA SPECIAL BLEND

MSRP: $49.99 | ABV: 40% This medium rum is round and fruity with a dark amber color, and aged for 16 years. It offers nicely balanced flavors of tropical dried fruits, toasted nuts and cooked pineapple on the nose. There are tastes of torched pineapple with a mellow blend of cherry and vanilla. It finishes with medium-long woody notes, raisins and a tropical zest.

WILD TURKEY LONGBRANCH

MSRP: $40 | ABV: 43% This Wild Turkey expression is made in small batches and refined with oak and Texas Mesquite charcoals. It’s a unique process resulting in an extraordinarily balanced and smooth sipping whiskey with subtle hints of smoky sweetness. There are flavors of caramel, pear, and hints of citrus rounding out the palate, while the subtle, smoky finish is buttery smooth— with notes of gentle pepper and toasted oak.

Photo courtesy of Shelter PR

Tanduay

MSRP: $44 | ABV: 45% The Wheated Bourbon from Ragged Branch is 90 proof and includes a mixture of 66% corn, 17% wheat and 17% malted barley. The aromatic notes feature robust corn with oak and light floral scents. There are hints of buttery brown sugar, cherry vanilla and caramel with strong cinnamon on the taste buds.

86

Egan’s Irish Whiskey

SPIRIT RATING

RAGGED BRANCH WHEATED BOURBON WHISKEY

EGAN’S IRISH WHISKEY EGAN’S CENTENARY

SPIRIT RATING

92

SPIRIT RATING

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

94

SPIRIT RATING

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 87

95

SPIRIT RATING

91

92

SPIRIT RATING

Boardroom Spirits

SPIRIT RATING

Horse Soldier Commander’s Select

93

91

SPIRIT RATING

Horse Soldier Bourbon

Oregon Spirit Distillers

MSRP $26.99 | ABV 44% Boardroom Gin is a gluten-free, American-style dry gin with simple, fresh ingredients yet complex, layered flavors. It’s zesty on the nose with citrus notes on the palate featuring a crisp, clean finish and a sweet lingering lemon flavor that goes great with a gin and tonic.

HORSE SOLDIER COMMANDER’S SELECT 12 YEAR BOURBON

MSRP: $1,299 | ABV: 48.5% The Commander is an ultra-premium offering from the oldest barrels in the signature reserve. It’s an all-natural, American-made product. It’s crafted, selected and hand-bottled by the men from Operational Detachment Alpha Team 595. This American bourbon recipe is comprised of corn, rye, and malted barley at the peak of development. Each Bottle includes a military serial numbered challenge coin. This is the second annual release of Commander’s Select. The finish is superb. Prices vary for online and retail purchases. ($799 est.)

MSRP: $169.99 | ABV: 40% Vavoom Vodka is a 100% gluten-free, distilled five times premium spirit.

The vodka is packaged in an elegant Italian hand-crafted glass bottle. This sweet and smooth Vavoom is chock full of character and refined flavors.

88

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

90

SPIRIT RATING

BOARDROOM SPIRITS BOARDROOM GIN

VAVOOM VODKA

Vavoom Vodka

SPIRIT RATING

Mammoth Distilling

HORSE SOLDIER BOURBON RESERVE BARREL STRENGTH STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

MSRP: $79.99 | ABV: 55%-57.5% This Horse Soldier is a deep amber bourbon, with notes of vanilla, ginger, and cherries. It’s a barrel strength “wheated” bourbon, and made from small batches of meticulously blended mature whiskey. There are evident aromas of butterscotch, ginger and cherries on the nose. On the palate, you have tastes of butterscotch, oak, stone fruits, cola, ginger and floral notes.

OREGON SPIRIT DISTILLERS STRAIGHT AMERICAN RYE WHISKEY

MSRP: $60 | ABV: 45% This offering from Oregon Spirit Distillers is 100% rye grain bill (Oregon grain), distilled two times and aged for four years in New Oak Casks. There are wonderful tastes of toasted rye bread, brown butter and spices. It’s topped off with a complex and cooling finish.

MAMMOTH DISTILLING MAMMOTH GIN

MSRP: $34 | ABV: 45% This gin is created by separately distilling six different botanicals and then artfully blending them back together again in a way that evokes the character of Northern Michigan. It’s a distinctly different process than most distillers use to create gin. Botanicals are sourced locally or grown on Mammoth Distilling property. It features a distinct floral nose and subtle mouthfeel. It leads with a coniferous note, followed by hints of sage and citrus with a long lavender finish.

EL SEPTIMO

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 89

90

90

SPIRIT RATING

SPIRIT RATING

The Whistler Irish Whiskey

NEFT Vodka

92

94

SPIRIT RATING

Angels Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

SPIRIT RATING

Distillery 291

NEFT VODKA ULTRA-PREMIUM VODKA

MSRP: $32 | ABV: 40% NEFT vodka emanates from oxygen-rich spring water in the Austrian Rhaetian Alps. There are evident notes of tangerine and vanilla on the nose, and a taste of cocoa pleases the mouth with hints of pepper offering a nice combination.

It’s smooth with cashews and sweet citrus notes. These distinct features lead to an extremely pleasant finish of almonds and a bit of cacao.

THE WHISTLER IRISH WHISKEY DOUBLE OAKED IRISH WHISKEY

MSRP: $30 | ABV: 40% The Whistler is a hand-selected, premium Irish whiskey expression that is crafted in small batches using some of Ireland’s finest malt and grain whiskeys. It creates a complex and full-bodied whiskey with aromas of salted caramel and vanilla with light oak spices and undertones of zesty citrus, honey and a hint of nuts. On the palate, honey and creamy vanilla come to the fore with light oak spices that are all followed by the zesty citrus peel. There’s a long and tingling finish with dry oak tannins remaining with a residual hint of honey.

DAVIDOFF COGNAC VSOP

MSRP: $50 | ABV: 40% Davidoff Cognac is made by Hine Distillery located in the heart of the Grande Champagne cru right along the banks of the river Charente.

It’s made with 20 cognac eaux de vie Fins Bois , Bons Bois and Petite Champagne and aged seven years to give the flavors of peach, orange, nuts, honey, and tobacco.

90

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

93

SPIRIT RATING

Davidoff Cognac

93

SPIRIT RATING

Rabbit Hole Gin

ANGELS ENVY KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY FINISHED IN PORT WINE BARRELS

MSRP: $49.99 | ABV: 43.3% The port finish takes three to six months in ruby port barrels made from French oak imported from Portugal to process. The color features beautiful golden and reddish amber hues. There are pleasant notes of subtle vanilla, raisins, maple syrup and toasted nuts on the nose. The vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast and bitter chocolate on the palate is stellar. It finishes with a clean lingering sweetness with a hint of Madeira wine that fades slowly.

DISTILLERY 291 291 COLORADO RYE WHISKEY

MSRP: $71.00 | ABV: 50.9% The 291 is expertly crafted from rye malt and sour mash. The spirit is distilled in a copper pot still, aged in American White Oak deep char barrels and finished with toasted Aspen Staves. It gives this superb rye the flavors of cinnamon, rye bread, oak, and maple.

RABBIT HOLE GIN

MSRP: $50 | ABV: 44.5% Rabbit Hole Gin is fashioned from the finest botanicals of angelica, coriander, juniper, lemon peel, licorice, orange peel and orris root. After resting for the better part of a year, the spirit emerges from the barrels with a distinctively golden hue and notes of citrus, honeysuckle and elderflower with a hint of nutmeg. On the palate, lemongrass is prevalent, with a creamy mouthfeel. The finish cascades into honey and ginger.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 91

92

92

SPIRIT RATING

Rogue Spirits

Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

92

Tiki Lovers Pineapple Rum

MSRP: $50 | ABV 40% Dead Guy is aged more than two years, crafted from the same malts as Rogue’s notorious Dead Guy Ale, malted two-row barley, Munich and crystal malts create a unique whiskey wash that offers an intriguing range of flavors. The finished whiskey appearance has dark cocoa, coffee and caramel tones. Aromas of light fruit and citrus that mellows into vanilla and caramel. It’s fruity and bright on the palate, and settles expertly with hints of dark cocoa, vanilla and molasses. It has a smooth and slightly warm finish.

SAMMY’S BEACH BAR RUM KOLA SPICED

MSRP: $25 | ABV: 35% Beach Bar Rum uses Sammy’s Hagar’s white rum base while mixing in kola nuts. It gives this spirit a special spiced rum flavor with hints of vanilla and coffee. Kudos to the legendary musician for rocking this rum.

MSRP: $15 | ABV: 35% New Amsterdam Watermelon offers a refreshing, crisp profile layered with sweet, bright watermelon flavors. The complexity of natural fruit is perfectly balanced with just enough bite to make for a bit of late summer fun.

92

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

New Amsterdam Watermelon Vodka

91

SPIRIT RATING

ROGUE SPIRITS DEAD GUY WHISKEY

NEW AMSTERDAM WATERMELON VODKA

SPIRIT RATING

90

SPIRIT RATING

Journeyman Distillery

90

SPIRIT RATING

SPIRIT RATING

Humboldt Distillery

JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY SILVER CROSS ORGANIC FOUR GRAIN WHISKEY

MSRP: $60 | ABV: 45% Silver Cross Four Grain Whiskey is a fine example of artisanal distillation.

It’s aged in small casks, blending the sweet caramel essence of bourbon, the spicy red fruit and pepper of rye, the rich, earthy notes of single malt, and the silky-smooth finish of wheat whiskey in each bottle. It’s named for a medal given in the early days of the British Open, symbolizing tradition, camaraderie and spirited competition. One percent of all sales are donated to organizations that inspire youth through the game of golf.

TIKI LOVERS PINEAPPLE RUM

MSRP: $35 | ABV: 45% This rum blend is infused with the pineapple extraction and allowed to rest for several weeks. This gives the flavors of sugar cane ample time to mingle elegantly with fruity layers of juicy pineapple, while maintaining the full and complex aromas of the rum blend.

HUMBOLDT DISTILLERY HUMBOLDT’S FINEST HEMP INFUSED VODKA

MSRP: $25 | ABV 40% This tasty vodka is infused with locally grown hemp. It’s THC-free and legal in all 50 states. The aromatic terpenes provide a unique herbal character.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 93

C&S

haffin

an C

by Se

>> Ancient China’s combat sport known as Lei tai is the basis for MMA.

bly a c i r t x e as in cchio w t a h t f Ma ho h c p u l a M .

R s o t ial ar e Dragon, t ninja movies t r a m e of th nd Enter th ies, to silly tial arts e v o l a d ea ha ser tling, mar e g n L n o i e o l s c i e v u v r e ns ha od—from B Kung Fu tel g and wres a c i r e m A xin 0s wo o 7 y l b 9 l 1 o h e t H i h o w t linked t Karate Kid, to ry enthralled t and The 80s. In a coun ulture.

9 c of the 1 d to the fight e only add

M

uch of that history began right after World War II, although Teddy Roosevelt had begun practicing judo in the White House in 1902. American servicemen returned from Japan where they had been introduced to karate. Japanese instructors even headed to the United States to open dojos. Later during the Korean War, other military personnel returned with their new training in taekwondo. Soon it seemed every neighborhood had some kind of martial arts dojo with moms sending their kids to learn physical and mental toughness as well as self-defense techniques.

Bruce Lee, the wise Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid, and martial arts action star Chuck Norris added to the mystique. But for some practitioners, there was something missing.

They sought less Hollywood and more real brawling. Could those karate moves actually be useful in a real fight? How could martial arts, combined with traditional fighting techniques of boxing and wrestling, be used to determine who was the biggest badass around?

Additionally, fight fans questioned whether a skilled martial artist could dominate a boxing champion. The answer came in the form of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). From punches and kicks to choke holds and arm bars, the UFC showed Americans that martial arts fighting wasn’t a pretty game. MMA combined elements of numerous fighting styles. It could be bloody, painful, and mesmerizing to watch.

Now 27 years since the UFC’s founding, the league is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with fights all over the world. While it may have achieved respectability, the UFC still offers plenty of brawn and bravado—and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

94

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

A.Ricardo/Shutterstock.com

>> Tough guys Thiago Alves (left) and Laureano Starpoli (right) duke it out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2019 for UFC 237.

TOUGH GUYS The UFC may be the biggest name in fighting, but it wasn’t the first to attempt merging martial arts into one coherent promotion. In 1980, Pittsburgh-area martial arts instructors Bill Viola and Frank Caliguri formed CV Productions to stage a number of fight competitions. These fights wouldn’t be limited to any one style and attracted purveyors of boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, wrestling, and other disciplines.

Much of what is standard in today’s MMA fights was developed during this time, including wins by submission, knockout, or judge’s decision.

The fights were known as Tough Guy Contests and someone certainly had to be so to get in the ring. Many Americans were introduced to the idea of ground fighting and grappling martial arts. The competitions weren’t no holds barred, however, and eye gouging and groin shots were outlawed and fighter safety was stressed. There were even weight classes, and looking back it seemed Viola and Caliguri were ahead of their time.

>> Bruce Lee was a major influence on countless fighters who took to the martial arts.

“We’d been kicking around ideas for a new promotion,” Caliguri says. “We had been promoting karate tournaments and kickboxing and fight events through the ’70s and we decided to put an event together from all styles and types of fighting. Any form of fighting art could enter.”

The promoters held the first competition in March 1980 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Entrants ranged from bouncers and biker gang members to car salesmen, lumberjacks, and construction workers.

Eventually, the outfit staged 10 competitions across the Keystone State. It seemed like MMA would unleash a new brand of pugilism—throwing off the shackles of a single fighting style in favor of a more multidisciplined approach. The two partners even retained an attorney in hopes of negotiating television rights.

“We knew we had something big and the fans went crazy,” Caliguri says. “They loved it.”

Unfortunately for Viola and Caliguri, not everyone shared their passion for fighting. The media painted the competitions as glorified street fighting and the state of Pennsylvania made moves to ban this new breed of super fighters. The state ultimately banned MMA-style fighting and the two men left the business behind in 1981. Ironically, in 2009 Pennsylvania made MMA fights legal. The state now regularly hosts UFC and other fight cards.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 95

>>The bloody battle between American Leon Edwards (left) and Great Britain’s Donald Cerrone (right) was a memorable UFC welterweight bout that took place in Singapore in 2018.

ULTIMATE FIGHTING The battle for MMA fighting may have been lost in Pennsylvania, but the idea of a competition among masters of various styles remained. Martial arts as a sport and pastime thrived throughout the 1980s and California businessman Art Davie proposed the idea of a single elimination tournament to determine the best fighter and style. Sound familiar?

Gracie-style techniques would become the basis for much of the sport in the early years as opponents worked to counter grappling maneuvers. Royce went on to win three of the first four UFC events. In UFC 5, he fought to a draw with Ken Shamrock, who would become another pioneer of the sport. Both were the first inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2003.

Davie reached out to writer and producer John Milius and Rorion Gracie. The latter was a member of the famed Brazilian Gracie family, which had practiced its own style of jiu-jitsu for decades. The group formed WOW Promotions and reached out to various pay-per-view operations, eventually linking up with Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG) to produce the fights. They agreed on a name for the contest, The Ultimate Fighting Championship, and fight fans were soon introduced to the Octagon. The first event was on Nov. 12, 1993, at McNichols Arena in Denver, featuring practitioners of kickboxing, shootfighting, karate, boxing, sumo wrestling, and more.

Diverging from those Tough Guy events of the ’80s, the new outfit promoted fights without rules and weight classes. The events would simply be mano a mano battles with no rounds or time limits. Fans loved the action and that first UFC event drew more than 86,000 pay-per-view buys. Davie and Gracie sold their interests in the promotion in 1995, but the UFC continued under SEG.

It was another Gracie who stood out. Royce Gracie, Rorian’s younger brother, set the stage for where MMA was headed—using grappling and ground fighting techniques. While opponents may have had Royce outsized, he used their own movements against them. One move here and he might choke you out.

Make another maneuver and he could lock on an opponent’s arm, who would then be forced to “tap out” or risk a broken limb.

96

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

“Early UFC fighters were like combat astronauts,” says Jonathan Snowden, author of MMA Encyclopedia and the new Shamrock: The World’s Most Dangerous Man. “These are men who agreed willingly to step into a steel cage to fight martial artists from around the world, having no idea what to expect or what the experience would be like. Watching those early fights was an amazing science experiment—it started as a collection of disparate martial arts but pretty soon they were all playing the same game, one invented on the fly as the fighters whittled away techniques that didn’t work and focused on those that did.”

Xinhua/Alamy.com

el cage e t s a o ep int t s idea o o t n y l g g n n i i l v ld, ha ed wil r e o r g w a e o h und t en wh o m r like.” en a e e r b m a o d l e r f u s o e s ist e w - Jonathan Snowd “Th t c r n a e l i r a i e t mar e exp to fight ect or what th exp what to

TASTING PASSPORT

Try all the blends in the Micallef Cigars portfolio to receive discounts and perks.

MONTHLY PRIZES INCLUDING:

Gift Certificates up to $1,000 to your favorite retail store that sells Micallef Cigars

Micallef Merchandise & Gift Bags

Grand Prize Trip for 2 to the Micallef Cigars Headquaters

Pick Up Your Tasting Passport at any Brick and Mortar Retailer that sells Micallef Cigars

$10,000 in prize money spent with our Micallef Cigars authorized Brick and Mortar retailers.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 97

98

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Francis Specker/Alamy.com

>> UFC legend Chuck Liddell pummels a fallen Tito Ortiz during UFC 66 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in 2006.

Andres Paes/Alamy.com

>> Ronda Rousey (right) and Bethe Correa (left) let the punches fly for UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2015.

MANAGING MMA Despite its popularity, the UFC faced its own tough opponents in the late-1990s—federal and state governments.

Sen. John McCain once called MMA “human cockfighting” and worked to see the sport banned. Some fight locations had to be moved and the audience began to wane.

“The early events were actually a huge success for the owners,” Snowden says. “They created arguably the first profitable pay-per-view brand outside of boxing, pro wrestling, and porn. It took the combined efforts of the United States government and anti-violence crusaders to stop them—but eventually the overwhelming opposition everywhere they attempted to hold an event wore them down and the sport was relegated to backwater locales and kept alive by diehard, grassroots fans.”

In response to 36 states banning the promotion’s noholds-barred pugilism, organizers attempted to go more mainstream while still keeping the action and edginess.

Weight classes were introduced as well as gloves, but striking, kicking, and grappling remained. Singles matches were offered rather than tournament-style events. The UFC began working with athletic commissions and by 2000 states began developing MMA rules.

Despite those efforts, SEG and the UFC were near bankruptcy. In 2001, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta stepped in to purchase the operation for $2 million at the urging of their business partner Dana White. The brothers owned Station Casinos, a string of casinos around Las Vegas catering to local gamblers. White was put in charge as president of the newly formed Zuffa LLC to run the UFC, now based in Las Vegas.

White continued with reforms and the enterprise saw its payper-view presence grow. States began allowing more fights and the operation also increased marketing, sponsorship partnerships, and video sales. The Fertittas’ investments and White’s leadership helped turn the UFC around.

“White brought big money and well-connected Las Vegas bigwigs,” Snowden says. “That, more than anything else, made some of the institutional red tape magically disappear.”

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 99

A.Ricardo/Shutterstock.com

>> Left to right: Jose Aldo, Dana White and Conor McGregor hyping a 2018 UFC match in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2018.

STAR POWER & BRAND BUILDING Along with a popular product, the UFC began to benefit from star power with popular stars like Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell adding more traction to UFC fight cards. Shamrock’s crossover to the WWE added major buzz, as did his return to the Octagon. He helped take the UFC from an underground operation to a more elevated reputation. As Snowden notes, Shamrock “was a comfortable face for fans looking to give this new ride a test drive.”

White’s leadership was paying dividends and that included the UFC reaching its first major TV deal in 2002 when Fox Sports aired an event featuring Chuck Liddell that June. In November of that same year, UFC 40 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas attracted 13,000 fans and more than 150,000 pay-per-view buys.

The debut of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV in 2005 added to the company’s momentum. The reality show spotlighted fighters and their attempt at building a career in the UFC. The show was a hit for the cable network and the UFC, adding to its growing legion of fans. In 2011, after a new television deal with FOX, the show moved to FX. Pay-per-view buys also continued to surge in the late 2000s, with White buying out a few competitors along the way.

The popularity continued into the 2010s with names like Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Brock Lesnar, and Conor McGregor bringing in plenty of fans. In 2013, another name was added to that mix—Ronda Rousey. The UFC began branching out with women’s MMA and Rousey already had plenty of name recognition. Women’s fighting remains a major part of the UFC and Rousey served as an inspiration to other women looking to step in the Octagon. Montana

100

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

De La Rosa, of Fort Worth, Texas, is one of those. A top-ranked UFC flyweight, she’s glad to see the public embracing women in the UFC fight game.

“I think it’s great,” she says. “I had just started watching MMA when women started being involved. I think girls always put on exciting fights and I enjoy watching women more than guys. It’s grown a lot. Everyone kind of sees that women are right there with the guys.

There are a lot of younger girls who are starting to wrestle and do jiu-jitsu, and have aspirations to be UFC fighters, which is really cool.”

In 2016, the Fertitta brothers sold the UFC for more than $4 billion to a group led by talent agency WMEIMG. The UFC made another splash in 2018 by signing a deal with ESPN. The $1.5 billion agreement meant the promotion’s fights would be carried on the ESPN family of networks for five years. The UFC and the sport of MMA had come a long way from those early days as a renegade operation and continues to thrive.

“Every year for the last 18 years, we have taken this sport and brand to another level,” White said at the time of the ESPN deal. “We find innovative ways to promote our athletes and build stars. Today is another monumental day for UFC, our athletes, and our fans. We are now part of the ESPN family, recognized around the world as the pinnacle in sports broadcasting. I am very excited for this next chapter for UFC.”

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.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 101

C&S >> Nick Perdomo is equally at ease with a cigar or drumstick in hand.

BEHIND THE LEAF

HE’S GOT THE BEAT

NICK PERDOMO JR. TALKS STICKS

by Joe Bosso

AS

one might expect, Nick Perdomo Jr., President and CEO of Perdomo Cigars, can talk about cigars for days. “When something is your business, it tends to be your life and your passion,” he says. “It’s all-consuming.” As it turns out, Perdomo has another great love: The 55-year-old cigar titan has been playing the drums since childhood, and before he settles down to discuss his remarkable success in business, he’s happy to hold forth on the joys of another kind of sticksmanship.

“I love drumming, and I’ve studied extensively,” he says. “The instructor in the movie Whiplash was very much like a teacher I had, Don Chiappinelli. If you didn’t play something the way he wanted, you were done for. He was tough, but I learned a lot from him.

I knew I had to be prepared.”

Photos courtesy of Perdomo Cigars.

102

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

>> The Perdomo portfolio is highly regarded by cigar appreciators across the world.

Perdomo has a set of custom Pearl drums in his house, and he keeps another kit in his office for those spare moments when he can unwind. “I’d love to play more, but running a business takes up all my time,” he says. “It’s a great stress reducer. That’s the thing about cigars and drums—they relax you. I have a lot of famous drummer friends, and lots of them a big cigar fans. I think the two things go together.”

Photos courtesy of Perdomo Cigars.

When he’s not laying down beats, Perdomo spends the bulk of his time overseeing the flourishing operation that he began on a wing and a prayer in his garage back in 1992. Perdomo Cigars’ business offices are now based in Miami Lakes, Florida, but the company’s factory and warehouse are situated on 14 acres of property in Nicaragua.

Cutting-edge and traditional technologies are embraced at Perdomo’s agricultural operations that comprise more than 1,200 acres in Esteli, Condega and Jalapa. “It goes without saying that you need the right land to grow the best tobacco,” Perdomo notes.

“Not a lot of people who do what I do get involved with things like soil analysis, but if you really care about your product, you get involved with details.”

Although Perdomo boasts a current workforce of more than 5,000 employees, he stresses that the company is a tight-knit family-run organization. His wife, Janine, is chief operations officer; their son, Nicholas Perdomo III, is national director of sales; and Nick’s brother Billy is a South Florida rep. Nick and Janine’s daughter, Natalie, studies law and upon graduation plans to work for the company. “My mother is 85, and she still comes to work every day,” Perdomo says. “My father passed away, but he worked with us till 2004. My uncle worked with us till he was 86. It’s the Perdomo way.”

Asked to name the hardest and easiest aspects about running a family business, Perdomo laughs and says, “That’s easy. The hardest thing about a family-run business is working with family. The easiest thing about being in a family business is working with family.”

He thinks, then adds, “At the end of the day, it either works or it doesn’t work. And it’s worked for me since 1992. Why would I change that?”

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 103

>> Nick Perdomo’s custom Tabacalera Perdomo drum kit would have been worthy of a gig with one of his dream bands like Led Zeppelin or the Police.

“I LOVED BEING AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER. I WAS ONE OF THE YOUNGEST AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS EVER. I STARTED WHEN I WAS 18 YEARS OLD, WHEN I WAS IN THE MILITARY. BUT I GREW UP AROUND CIGARS. Before starting the company, you were an air traffic controller. Was aviation another great passion of yours?

Definitely. I loved being an air traffic controller. I was one of the youngest air traffic controllers ever. I started when I was 18 years old, when I was in the military.

But I grew up around cigars. My father and my grandfather were in the industry, and they were always talking about cigars.

I remember sitting around the domino table and while they smoked. I’d sit to one side of my grandfather, and when he would throw his chip down and look at the guy to the left of him, I’d grab his cigar, put it in my mouth, and then I’d go to the back and throw up. He never knew I was doing it, and I never stopped. I had this passionate thing about cigars.

104

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

MY FATHER AND MY GRANDFATHER WERE IN THE INDUSTRY, AND THEY WERE ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT CIGARS.”

You have to remember, this was during the Cigar Boom, and everybody was throwing cigars out like they were water.

The quality suffered. We were small at the time, but our customers knew that our product was superior.

Were you confident that so many upstarts would fall by the wayside, but you would be left standing?

I felt confident that we had the quality to prevail. I had struggles. Back when I sold that million dollars’ worth of cigars, I had to sell a lot of cigars because the price was much lower. But I was relentless, and I had a great team. I always say that the greatest asset of Perdomo Cigars is definitely not Nick Perdomo; it’s the workforce. I still have all my original workers here in

Photos courtesy of Perdomo Cigars.

When I told my dad I was going to start a cigar business out of my garage, he said, “You’re crazy. You have a great job—why do such a thing?” But I had to follow my heart. So I started in the garage, and in my first year I sold 9,460 cigars. Two years later, I called my dad and told him I’d sold a million dollars’ worth of cigars. And he said, “Well, maybe you’re not so much of a moron.” So then he came to work with me in ’94. Who better than your dad? He was a hero to me.

Any reasons you can point to that can explain your fast success?

From the beginning, I said, “If I build quality, I will build quantity.” Everything I did, whether it was on a table, in a garage or in a cigar factory in Miami, was done correctly. Having the tutelage of my grandfather, who would come into the factory on Flagler, and of course, having my father aboard, was key. My dad instilled in me the importance of quality. He said it was better to make less and do things correctly than trying to rush it.

The original TOSCANOÂŽ cigars are only the ones made by Manifatture Sigaro Toscano S.p.A. Photos courtesy of Tabacalera El Artista.

Distributed by: Miami Cigar & Company www.miamicigarcompany.com (305) 599-3395 - office 1 (800) 643-7209

www.toscanocigars.com info@toscanoitalia.it #toscanocigars

>> Tobacco legend Aristides Garcia inspects Perdomo tobacco during fermentation to the highest standard.

Miami, except for one who passed away. I’ve been blessed that these guys took me to the dance and worked just as hard.

Which were the first products to really take off for you? And did you have any that maybe didn’t work out so well?

The first product that really took off was the Perdomo Reserve Rosado. The reviews were exceptional, and that really helped us break through. I think it had a lot to do with me getting out there and telling the world about us, but the product was there. You have a few busts, too, but I’m proud to say that today we have nine brands with three different wrappers and four or five skews, and they’re all turning tremendously.

My whole thing is about longevity. Perdomo Reserve Champagne is one of the bestselling cigars in North America, and that brand is going to celebrate its twentieth year. Lot 23 has been out 19 years, Perdomo Fresco has been out 22 years, and Perdomo Habano has been out 18 years. My youngest brand is Perdomo 20th Anniversary—that’s nine years old.

106

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Even to this day, when a store buys a Perdomo product, they have to buy four facings. The reason they have to buy four facings is there’s so many inches that you need in order to visually see the product.

I learned my business acumen not only from my father, but also from companies like Kimberly Clark, Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola. I studied how I can juxtapose against other brands.

And I’m still out there—a lotta shoe leather.

We do 300, 400, sometimes 500 events a year. We’re in the stores constantly, not only with the sales managers and the store owners, but with the consumers. We built what we call the “Perdomo Army,” and it keeps growing.

Who is the Perdomo smoker these days? Do you have demos on who buys your products?

We’ve got a wide demo. I would say our age demographics are probably between 30 and 70. We’re trying to get the 21-to-29 crowd, and we’re building it. They’re the future for us. We have certain brands for them that are more in the profiles of mild-to-medium body.

Photos courtesy of Perdomo Cigars.

People like to focus on what’s new. I was in a cigar store recently and a guy recognized me. He said, “I’ve been smoking your cigars for 20 years. Can you recommend anything new?” I said, “Have you tried the Perdomo Reserve Champagne?” He said, “No.” I said, “Well, it’s new to you. I’ve sold about 90 million of them since I started. How about trying that?” So it’s not always about what’s new; it’s about what’s good.

Obviously, quality counts, but you also have to have a certain vision for the company. How does branding fall into the overall picture?

Branding is everything. It’s got my last name on it, so that’s the most important thing.

When I started my business, I’d go around the humidors, and I wasn’t happy at how things were merchandised. My dad was a successful general contractor. He knew how business worked and how things should be presented.

He would say, “Look, if you’re going to fly your colors, you have to merchandise your product correctly.” I never forgot that.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 107

>> Depending on the type of wrapper, each Perdomo cigar is aged six to eight months to ensure maximum flavor.

“WHEN YOU’RE SO BUSY DOING IT, YOU DON’T TAKE A MOMENT TO STOP AND SAVOR Together with our sales team, I try to educate.

We have a fantastic YouTube channel on which we teach people how to properly cut and light a cigar. How do you get the most out of your cigar? What flavors are you looking for? There’s a lot of tutelage on the channel. We do in-store training sessions and demonstrations, and we have a lot of young people coming in for them. We do symposiums on cigars around the country.

It’s a lot of hard work, but we enjoy it, and it pays off.

Have your kids hipped you to new ways to use social media?

Oh, yeah. We’re really active on social media.

We just started a Twitter account about four months ago. We got 36,000 followers so far, which is pretty good for a start. We’re very active on Facebook, and we have numerous pages. Our IT guy says every time we post something, between all the shares, we get over 200,000 people at any given time.

Why is that?

Because when you’re so busy doing it, you don’t take a moment to stop and savor everything. Sometimes you’re so close to things that you don’t really get to see how big it is. And I think the thing that I’m most

108

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

EVERYTHING. SOMETIMES YOU’RE SO CLOSE

Any new products that you want to talk about?

Absolutely. I actually have two new brands that are coming out—they’re grandfathered brands. There’s the original Perdomo Reserve Maduro and the Perdomo Reserve Sun Grown. We were going to release them earlier, but we delayed the release because of the pandemic. I’m really excited about them. We did a factory tour and had about 187 retailers come in. The tasting notes were unbelievable.

People loved them. The flavors are so full of character—these things are going to go over extremely well.

TO THINGS THAT YOU DON’T REALLY GET TO SEE HOW BIG IT IS.”

Last question: If you ever got a chance to tour for a year with your favorite band, would you take a leave of absence to do so?

Of course, I would have loved to play with Led Zeppelin back in the old days. Beyond them, there’s the Police. I’m a huge Stewart Copeland fan. I also love Roland Orzabal, the singer for Tears for Fears. A lot of the drummers he’s used have been great. So those are my dream bands. [Laughs] I don’t see any of that happening, though.

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...)

Photos courtesy of Perdomo Cigars.

As I mentioned, the YouTube channel has been incredible. I did a thing three weeks ago on it about how to properly cut and light a cigar, and we’ve already had 28,000 views on it. We’ve built a market worldwide, and we’re selling cigars in tremendous numbers of countries. Social media definitely helps. I love seeing all the views we get. Sometimes I’m surprised by how successful we are.

proud of, not only our vertical integration and everything, is that our company is completely debt-free. We owe zero.

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

For orders and inquiries, please contact Zander-Greg Inc. at 888-662-5111 or visit www.zandergreg.com for more information.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM / 109

110

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 111

C&S

FEATURED COCKTAILS

THE FLAVORS OF FALL COCKTAILS

FIVE SAVORY SIPS OF THE SEASON

by Breahna Wheeler

GET “FIGGY” WITH IT WHISKEY SOUR Serves 1 Ingredients: • 4 figs (1 for garnish) • 2 ½ oz. premium bourbon whiskey • 1 ¼ oz. grapefruit juice • ½ oz. maple or cinnamon syrup (3 tsp.)

• 2 dashes premium aromatic bitters

Garnish: • 1 fig thinly sliced • 1 cinnamon stick • thyme sprig

Directions:

112

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Victoria Kondysenko/Shutterstock.com

Muddle 3 figs in cocktail shaker. Add the liquid ingredients. Dry shake to mix figs well with the liquid.

Add ice and shake until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a glass with ice, allowing the small pieces of muddled fig to strain into the glass. Garnish with fig slice cinnamon stick and thyme.

THE WARLOCK Serves 1 Ingredients: • 2 ½ oz. vodka • 1 ½ oz. cran-grape juice • ½ oz. violet liqueur

• ½ oz. blue curacao liqueur • ½ oz. sweet and sour mix • ½ oz. soda (fruit flavored soda water or 7up)

Garnish: • purple rim sugar

Directions: Photos from top to bottom: Milleflore Images/Shutterstock.com, Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com, Daniel Fox/Shutterstock.com, Oleksandra Naumenko/Shutterstock.com

Rim the chilled martini glass with sugar and set aside. Add 2 cubes of ice to cocktail shaker and add all ingredients to the shaker. Shake gently and pour into martini glass. Add more blue curacao if the color isn’t purple enough.

THE SPICY SPIRIT OF BLOODY MARY Serves 1 Ingredients:

Garnish:

• ¼ cup bacon infused vodka • 2 oz. chilled spicy tomato juice • 1 tsp. Worcestershire • ½ tsp. pure ground bottled horseradish • 2 dashes of bottled hot sauce • 3 pinches bacon seasoning • 1 dash ground black pepper • 1 tsp. lemon juice • 1 pinch salt • 1 pinch celery salt

• spicy rim salt • 1 long stick celery w/leafy greenery • 1 slice well cooked bacon (cold) • 1 large cooked shrimp (cold) • 1 parsley sprig (optional) • 1 green olive (optional) • 1 cherry tomato (optional) • 1 baby sweet or dill pickle (optional)

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.

SOUR APPLE WHISKEY COCKTAIL Serves 1 Ingredients: 1 ½ oz. Irish whiskey ½ oz. Irish cream liqueur 1 ½ oz. sour apple schnapps 1 ½ oz. white grape juice ¼ oz. blue curacao liqueur 1 small piece dry ice

Directions: In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, sour apple schnapps, white grape juice and blue curacao liqueur. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into an 8 oz. brandy glass. Add dry ice for a spooky-smoky effect. Handle dry ice with tongs and avoid direct contact with skin.

DARK NIGHT APPLE PIE Serves 1 Ingredients:

Garnish:

• 2 oz. premium dark rum • ¼ oz. heavy cream • ½ oz. cinnamon syrup • 1 egg white • 2 oz. sparkling green apple juice

• activated charcoal powder • ground cinnamon

Directions: Separate yolk from the egg white and set aside. In a dry cocktail shaker, add rum, heavy cream, cinnamon syrup and the egg white. Shake for about 30 seconds. Add 6 cubes of ice, and shake again about 10 seconds to chill. Strain into a martini or coupe glass. Then slowly pour sparkling green apple juice into the prepared cocktail. Sprinkle 2 pinches of activated charcoal powder and 1-2 pinches of cinnamon on top to garnish.

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 113

JC NEWMAN

114

/ CIGAR & SPIRITS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

JC NEWMAN

WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

/ 115

BACK COVER 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.