Issuu

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

INTERVIEW

THE MANY ROLES OF

RAY LIOTTA

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

LINCOLN SALAZAR RANDY MASTRONICOLA BREAHNA WHEELER JOE REDMOND MIYURI NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY AUDREY PAVIA CODY CHO JOE BOSSO ELISA JORDAN KEVIN KENNEY CHRIS GOLDSHOLL LISA TURNBULL LUKE TURNBULL SHAHID GHANI NATALIE NICOL CARLY SCHEUER

CEO & Publisher Editor-in-Chief Corporate Director Events/Admin. Art Director Director of Digital Media Jason Rothenberg Consulting Editor Consulting Media Director Senior Writer Senior Writer Senior Writer Account Executive Administrative Coordinator Administrative Assistant Chief Financial Officer Legal Accounting

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joe Bosso, Kim Campbell Thornton, Sean Chaffin, Nick Hammond, Elisa Jordan, Kevin Kenney, Greg Mays, Audrey Pavia

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

Headquartered at: 72 Argonaut Suite 130 | Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (949) 599-2760 Cigar & Spirits is published bi-monthly by Top Hat Media Group. Please send address changes to Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO BOX 92675, Long Beach, CA 90809. ©2021 by Top Hat Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. For subscription inquiries or changes of address: Cigar & Spirits Magazine, PO BOX 92675, Long Beach, CA 90809 (you may email us at cigarandspirits@pfsmag.com) (888) 881-5861, or fax (714) 226-9789. 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 2021 Volume 11/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

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an official winner of a

2021 Platinum SIP Award This prestigious, international award is based on the scores of consumer judges — spirits enthusiasts with discerning palates who take part in a blind taste test. Their endorsement means everything to us. As does yours. I T ’ S T I M E TO Q U E S T I O N T H E S TAT U S Q U O A N D R E D E F I N E T H E S TA N DA R D.

RABBIT H OLEDIST ILLERY.CO M

RAB B ITHO LE

RA B B ITHOLEKY

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER

RAY LIOTTA

The Many Roles of Ray Liotta

INTERVIEWS

GOOD BLOOD AND GOOD TEQUILA

Thomas Rhett and Jeff Worn Hit Big With Dos Primos Tequila

BEHIND THE LEAF MICHAEL HERKLOTS IS JAZZED

Keeping the Beat From Nat Sherman To Ferio Tego

LIFESTYLE

THE LOWDOWN WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW

Vintage Bar Mode NFT: Fad or Fortune Fall Flannels, Hoodies and Sweaters Tome Time For Sports Fans

SIGNATURE DISHES AND COCKTAILS

ON THE COVER

From Latin American Countries

RAY LIOTTA

106

ODE TO THE DOODADS

ABOUT OUR COVER

The Lure Of Cigar Accoutrements

Cigar & Spirits Magazine met with Ray Liotta in Los Angeles for a photo shoot this past August. Renowned photographer Jason Rothenberg’s work appearing in this issue perfectly captured Ray’s tough and

>> Ray Liotta and Editor-in -Chief Randy Mastronicola

cool vibe. Cigar & Spirits Magazine would like to thank stylist Chloe Takayanagi, groomer Stephanie Hodbgood of Cloutier Remix and video technician David Maziarz for their creative efforts. A special thank you to Jennifer Allen at Viewpoint who helped put us all together.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 FEATURES

OLD WEST MOVIES

NFL PREVIEW

ESPN’s Jeff Saturday Lines Up the 2021 NFL Season

ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT JACK DANIEL’S

Tennessee Whiskey to the World

THE LOWDOWN

GO WEST, YOUNG MAN AND WOMAN

The Old West Casts a Long Shadow Over Movies

REWARDS

FEATURED PAIRINGS

Perfecto Pairings To Expand Your Palate

FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

Fall Cigar Buyer’s Guide

FOR YOUR HOME BAR

LATIN CUISINE

2021 NFL PREVIEW

Fall Spirits Buyer’s Guide

112

FEATURED COCKTAILS

To Fall in Love With

ICONIC BRAND

THOMAS RHETT AND TEQUILA

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

CHOICES 50 Cent is a friend of mine. He recently posted something

on Instagram that very much stood out to me. It definitely made sense even though it was a bit of a cliché. I’m paraphrasing, but this is the general idea: If you can run a gang, you can run a company; if you can rap, you can write a book; if you can film a street fight, you can shoot a movie; if you can run from the law, you can run on a football field; if you can rob a bank, you can strategize for a business. This is the fork in the road—we can make bad out of bad— or make good from bad. This really got me thinking of the decisions we make in life, and the roads we decide to take in life. No matter what decisions we make, we always have a choice to bring something positive or negative into the world. We wake up each day—we have choices to do the right thing or do the wrong thing. Actions are a matter of perspective. You can look at what are perceived as faults, whether they are your perceptions or the perceptions of others, and turn the negative into positive. That’s one of the measures of growth—you evolve from actions that have held you back—in some ways—own it—then strip away negative motivation and turn it into something good. I have seen this in my own life. Attitudes and goals change as you transform your mindset. This is impactful in your relationship to yourself, and your relationships with others. I have seen this as an entrepreneur as well. Initially, it’s about increasing your growth—economically as well as status. Those aspects remain important as time goes on, but then you realize there’s more out there for you because you’ve looked inside, and you have developed an awareness that it’s about giving back to the world and the ones we love. You’ve learned to strive for inner peace. Being a citizen of the world means being a person that helps people.

>> Ray Liotta and Publisher Lincoln Salazar

I’ve learned that it takes more energy to do something the wrong way than to do it the right way. We grow when we recognize actions have outcomes. It’s important to look inside, realize your strengths and weaknesses and take it to all you do for yourself, your loved ones and the world around you. We each wake up each day to make the right or wrong choice, however, at the end of the day—it’s our choice and how we learn from these choices. Like I always say—if we’re going to put something into the world—make it the best. If we’re going to smoke a cigar or drink a spirit—make it the best. We all have choices. Let’s make more right ones than we do wrong ones. My hope is that we all learn and love as we take a walk through life together.

Cheers, Lincoln B. Salazar CEO & Publisher Follow on Instagram

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@cigarandspiritsmagpublisher

LOS ANGELES NYC

SAN FRANCISCO TO K YO

SEOUL

NEWPORT BEACH SYDNEY

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WHAT’S OUT THERE NOW by Sean Chaffin and Randy Mastronicola

Ilikeyellow/ Shutterstock.com

NF T: FA D OR FORTU NE? WHO COULD FORGET excitedly tearing into a pack of baseball or football cards with friends? Would you find just the right card to complete a collection? Those looking to relive some nostalgia may want to forget searching out that Joe Montana rookie card. While the card biz has seen a revival, the industry’s now moving beyond cardstock. NFTs are all the rage now and have seen sky-high auction prices in the hundreds of thousands recently. For the uninitiated, NFT stands for non-fungible token. What does that mean in regular-Joe language? NFTs are digital memories or events—and they’ve blown up the sports card industry. Collectors purchase digital “packs” that can include one-of-a-kind digital moments from slam dunks to touchdowns. It’s like a sports card coming to life—a rare Mickey Mantle rookie card meets Back to the Future II. Like cryptocurrencies, NFTs are stored on a blockchain and only the owner has access. These can be transferred, however, and many collectors are doing just that for big bucks. The NBA Top Shot NFTs are among the most popular. In February, a Lebron James dunk sold for $208,000. On the NFL side, a buyer purchased five exclusive Rob Gronkowski tokens in March for a total of $650,000. Major card companies like Topps and Panini have gotten into the game. NFTs have driven a revival of the hobby and Topps is now planning an IPO thanks in large part to this resurgence. The stock offering is expected to be valued at north of $1 billion, a long way from a wax pack and stick of bubble gum.

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Can the craze continue? The collectible world has seen plenty of hot commodities go south—from comic books to Cabbage Patch Kids. CNBC noted in June that sales overall (including non-sports offerings) peaked during one week in May at $176 million. That had declined to $8.7 million by the week of June 15. Industry observers believe that downward slump may in fact show market stabilization, but questions remain. “The bigger question for NFTs is their long-term value, which we believe is likely significant,” Nadya Ivanova, chief operating officer of the market research firm L’Atelier BNP Paribas, told CNBC. “As augmented and virtual reality technology matures, normal people are going to spend more and more of their time—and therefore money—in virtual environments.” Others disagree. Investing thousands of dollars in something so intangible just seems crazy to some. Can sports tokens defy downward trends in other NFT markets? That remains to be seen, but plenty of companies are throwing their hats in the token-minting game—from Marvel and DC comics to the World Poker Tour. It’s TBD if the cash wave continues or the tokens will ultimately be worth nickels and dimes. It’s going to be fun to watch for those on the outside looking in, and maybe a nailbiter for those with skin in the game. -S.C.

Timberline Sweater by Carbon 2 Cobalt ($129) Whether strolling downtown or on a deck in the Rockies, this snazzy sweater packs a punch. The sherpa-lined collar is an excellent addition. Zip and snap up on those windy or chilly days for max comfort.

FA LL FL A NNELS, HOODIES A ND SWE ATERS

Warm colors, crisp weather and relaxing days—fall is here and it’s a welcome opportunity to finally ditch your summer digs. Whether hitting the trail, smoking some stogies by the firepit, or tailgating before kickoff, just the right upper garment will usher in the fall wardrobe vibe. We found a few shirts, hoodies and more to keep you warm and looking stylish. -S.C.

Madison Graph Plaid Flannel Shirt by Brooks Brothers ($92) This “Madison fit” shirt features a relaxed cut that’s roomy through the chest and sleeves—just in case you’re ready to swing your axe and chop some wood. Warm, comfy, and perfect for the outdoors.

Team USA Fleece Hoodie by Ralph Lauren ($148) The 2021 Olympics are over but this hoodie will help keep your patriotic spirit alive. This option features a classic look. USA! USA!

Glacier Stripe Shirt Jacket by Pendleton ($199) Pendleton offers flannel lovers new horizons with this wide horizontal striping. Forget the plaid, this shirt offers colors that pop with plenty of cool. The sherpalined interior keeps you warm when on the go.

Traditional Aran Sweater from The Irish Store ($99.95) This classic Aran wool sweater might not ward off the elements for those aimliú days in Ireland, but the patterned craftsmanship and merino wool provides warmth, and feels great to the touch and skin. There’s blue, charcoal, and other colors to choose from, but when heading to the pub, we love the traditional cream color.

Venezia Striped Cardigan by Barena ($249) This striped cardigan offers plenty of ease and a classic look. Wearing it with some jeans or khakis is the way to go. The colors are a perfect match for the season.

L.L. Bean Airlight Hoodie ($79) This is an excellent option for days when there’s just a hint of cold in the air. It’s lightweight but does the trick even on cooler-thanexpected outings. The look and texture go beyond the traditional boring hoodie.

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VINTAGE BA R MODE From Mad Men to Suits, Hollywood has re-invigorated cocktail cachet, and modern drinkers are snapping up 1950s and ‘60s liquor cabinets. These classics have certainly seen a resurgence and the growth of the craft spirits industry has only added to the party. “During the mid-century era, drinking liquor was an acceptable, and expected, part of the daily scene,” notes Rachel Moreno, a manager with Lula B’s Antique Mall in the Dallas Design District. “We’ve seen theatrical productions that portray majestic liquor cabinets in the home or workplace, bar carts abound with the best whiskeys, and a complete dry bar setup in homes, including barstools, to serve guests at neighborly soirees.

>> Chinese Teak Bar Cabinet

“The trend of the liquor drinker was even extended to portable bars, which were a totable, locking case that contained drinking cups, shot glasses, all the barware one would need, as well as a bottle or three of one’s personal taste of liquors. I amusingly refer to these portable bars as being designed for the 1960s businessman on the go.’” Cabinet shoppers will find designs and sizes vary, along with prices. Smaller pieces were compact, wall-mounted cabinets while more grandiose styles rival common furniture pieces like large credenzas. Some even incorporated turntable stereos or faux fireplaces into the design. Depending on style and size, prices range from $500 upward toward $7,000 for popular makers of more exquisite liquor cabinets with top craftsmanship. Adrian Pearsall Brutalist, and Broyhill Brasilia are some of the most notable designs with G Plan, Kent Coffey, and American of Martinsville popular manufacturers. The classic “tiki” theme, which became popular in the 1930s, is also collectible and remains popular for the home bar—bringing a bit of the tropics home. Another attractive option is a Danish wooden cabinet—spot them by finding “DENMARK” stamped on the backs of these pieces. These are extremely desirable and capture the class of the era. “Typically, Danish cabinets are made of teak and thoughtfully designed to accessibly store all of your bar implements and bottles,” Moreno says.

>> Danish Bar Cabinet

>> Grosfeld House Dry Bar

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Numerous other mid-century drinking accoutrements remain popular as well—from stylish glass ice buckets and drinking glasses to rolling bar carts, cocktail tables and dry bars. During the pandemic, many bars closed and drinkers instead mixed their liquid refreshment themselves. A vintage liquor cabinet only adds to the ambiance. As the Cheers theme made clear, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” Open that cool cabinet and pour—no designated driver needed. -S.C.

photographyfirm/Shutterstock.com

>> 1950s Italian Bar Cabinet

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

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TO M E TI M E FOR SPORTS FA NS Fall ushers in a plethora of new films and record releases as well as books. Shoppers can purchase the first wave of Christmas gifts for family and friends with these recent or newly pressed sports books. You should check these out—maybe even the old-school way at a library—because these tomes will hit the spot by the fire (along with a cocktail) over the fall and winter seasons. -R.M. 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid ($23.95) by Willie Mays, Bob Costas and John Shea

Willie Mays is arguably the greatest all-around player in baseball history. The legendary “Say Hey Kid” inspires readers by sharing his baseball life lessons that guided him on and off the field.

All In: An Autobiography ($30) by Billie Jean King, Johnette Howard and Maryanne Vollers

THE BASEBALL 100 ($40)

An intimate self-portrait of the champion of equality that encompasses her tennis career, activism, and an ongoing commitment to social justice. She recounts her groundbreaking tennis career—six years as the top-ranked woman in the world, twenty Wimbledon championships, thirty-nine grand-slam titles, and her landmark defeat of Bobby Riggs in the famous “Battle of the Sexes.”

A magnum opus from acclaimed baseball writer Joe Posnanski, The Baseball 100 is an instant classic of baseball literature. It’s a one-of-a-kind work by the award-winning sportswriter that tells the story of the game through the remarkable lives of its 100 greatest players.

Best Seat in the House: 18 Golden Lessons from a Father to His Son ($22.99) by Jack Nicklaus II, Don Yaeger and Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus II shares stories, insights and lessons he’s learned from his father Jack “the Golden Bear” Nicklaus. The stories in the book engage golf fans of all ages, and encourages fathers to focus on what’s most important in life: family.

It’s Better to Be Feared: The New England Patriots Dynasty and the Pursuit of Greatness ($25.99) by Seth Wickersham

It’s Better to Be Feared, is a deep dive account into the making of the greatest dynasty in football history. The book spotlights the blind ambition of the organization, and the vanity that propelled them to greatness. They were not only the NFL’s most dominant team, but they were the most secretive. Wickersham offers a deep insight into Bill Belichick’s tactical ingenuity, Tom Brady’s unique mentality and what led them to their parting of the ways.

by Joe Posnanski

Glory Days: The Summer of 1984 and the 90 Days That Changed Sports and Culture Forever ($21.99) by L. Jon Wertheim

The summer of 1984 was a revolutionary year in modern sports. Michael Jordan was on his way to becoming “His Airness.” ESPN was establishing itself as a touchstone sports network. The Olympics became a commercialized and profitable entity. Other storylines? Magic and Bird. Martina Navratilova. John McEnroe. Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon to name a few of the players. Wertheim’s chronicling of the 90 seminal summer days during the year that sports went big-time is a splendid read. Winning Fixes Everything: The Rise and Fall of the Houston Astros ($23.49) by Evan Drellich

The reporter who broke the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal offers the definitive account of baseball’s most controversial franchise. The book is an indepth exploration of the team and how Major League Baseball uncovered how a heralded organization could become so dishonest.

The New York City Marathon: Fifty Years Running ($60) Edited by Richard O’Brien / Introduction by George Hirsch

Richard O’Brien offers more than forty definitive articles from over the years that capture the excitement of one of the world’s most beloved annual events. Readers revisit all of the results, relive all of the highlights, and share the road again with all of the marathon’s unforgettable figures, including Fred Lebow, Grete Waitz, Bill Rodgers, Germán Silva, Meb Keflezighi, Mary Keitany, Shalane Flanagan, and so many others.

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and the writer and host of the True Gambling Stories podcast. His work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions. Randy Mastronicola is the Editor-in-Chief of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

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FEATURED PAIRINGS PERFECTO PAIRINGS TO EXPAND YOUR PALATE by Greg Mays

DREW ESTATE UNDERCROWN 10 NOLET’S SILVER GIN For the grand splash they’ve made in the cigar industry these past twenty years or so, Drew Estate has become a worldwide major player on the premium cigar landscape. They’ve marked the anniversary of their beloved Undercrown line with a premium, limited offering branded simply titled “Undercrown 10.” The cigar is modeled after the standard line of maduro Undercrowns, but sports a unique vertical ribbon over the cap to acknowledge this anniversary. On light, the Undercrown 10 provides exactly what I’ve come to expect from Drew: aromatic smoke output. Billows of smoke accompanied by a milder-than-expected flavor profile initially made me think of blueberries. This stick is understated, not showy, but complex and flavorful. Toward the end of the cigar, salted butter and cream took over my palate as I smoked to the nub. I poured a glass of Nolet’s Silver Gin to accompany the Undercrown 10, and it was an exquisite fit. Nolet’s is crafted in the oldest distillery in Holland by the legendary Nolet family. The brand has been lauded for being able to offer sophisticated flavors across the tasting spectrum with their signature notes of lemon, pine and rosemary. The flavors are distinct and sit delicately on the palate. This elite gin is flavorful, balanced and sublime when served on the rocks with a lemon twist. The pairing is currently in serious rotation in my home. Size: x 52 Toro | Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés | Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf | Strength: Full MSRP (cigar): $12 | MSRP (gin): $50

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FUENTE DON ARTURO DESTINO AL SIGLO DE AMISTAD LAST DROP CENTENARIO TAWNY PORT One of many tribute cigars to the late Don Arturo Fuente, the Destino al Siglo is a limited-release cigar with a flavor profile to match the rich heritage of the Fuente family. Pre-light, the cigar is well-aged, rich and musty on the nose, and after the light, there are some incredibly deep notes of toast and rich cream. As the Destino al Siglo progresses, the rich, aged tobacco is clear, and wine-cellar notes with prune and plum take the lead. The richness and complexity of this stick is masterful. There are nuances throughout, and the flavors work together well, like jam on toast. A cigar as elegant as this requires an equally elegant pairing, and Last Drop’s Centenario Tawny Port turned out to be better-than-perfect. Syrupy and woody on the pour, the flavor profile of this fine Port is exactly as hoped: jammy, prunes, sweet but not sickly. Pairings dance between the richness of the cigar and Port, from the plum notes to the toasty cream, and the sweet balance between these two quality aged products is outstanding. This pairing is best reserved for an evening with perfect temperature, cool shade and a belly full of a rich, delicious dinner. Size: 5 x 50 Robusto  | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Binder: Dominican | Filler: Dominican | Strength: Full MSRP (cigar): $40  | MSRP (port): $5,000

CALDWELL THE KING IS DEAD DIAMOND GIRL GEORGE DICKEL BOTTLED-IN-BOND TENNESSEE WHISKEY Robert Caldwell has made his living releasing cigars that are the definition of premium artisanal blends aka boutique brands. Caldwell sometimes produces one-time limited run cigars—which he calls “Lost and Found.” Caldwell has also developed standard lines like Blind Man’s Bluff, The T., Eastern Standard and The King is Dead. Some vitolas come and go. It should be noted that Caldwell consistently offers exciting and interesting takes on cigars. The King is Dead Diamond Girl is a slightly thicker take on a lancero, with pronounced tooth in the wrapper and stickiness on the lips. Flavors are cedar and orange and the draw is incredibly smooth throughout. The burn is razor-sharp and there’s an earthiness that develops toward the halfway point. This is a long, relaxing and easy smoke for sure. Since I had orange on the mind, I paired the cigar with a glass of George Dickel Bottled-inBond Tennessee Whiskey. There are similar and complementary notes of orange here, with some light touches of vanilla and clove. The tastes of the two together are like Christmas spices meets mince pie, and together with the Diamond Girl, Dickel Bottled-in-Bond made for a very enjoyable two hours of contemplation about life. Size: 6.5 x 42 Lancero | Wrapper: Dominican Negrito | Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican | Strength: Medium MSRP (cigar): $12 MSRP (whiskey): $50

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SAN CRISTOBAL “PAPAGAYO” ROBUSTO LOST SPIRITS JAMAICA RUM San Cristobal, its moniker hailing from the old Cuban name, is a small and beloved brand from Don José “Pepin” Garcia of My Father cigars fame. These are the type of bold and unapologetic Nicaraguan cigars that Pepin is famous for. You’ll certainly get pepper notes and you’ll enjoy the explosion of flavor if your palate leans that way. The Papagayo is a Robusto-plus vitola in the San Cristobal standard line, and the initial light is indeed the hallmark Pepin black pepper. The draw is easy and the build quality is outstanding. As the smoke progresses, there are notes of hay and grass, and there’s a bit of sweet smoked meat at the nub. I paired the San Cristobal with Lost Spirits Jamaican Rum from a distillery in Los Angeles, Calif. When I first sipped, I knew I’d made a phenomenal pairing. The nose on this rum is spiced banana bread—a nice touch. Sipping along—there’s this spicy clove note that’s outrageously good (and stunning with a cigar). The additional traces of pineapple and salt are executed with finesse. The two choices interacted in a superbly flavorful and fulfilling way: spice with spice and a tropical undertone. Overall, there’s a lot to be experienced here from both cigar and spirit, and they meshed perfectly together. 5.75 x 55 Robusto Gordo | Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Oscuro | Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan | Strength: Full MSRP (cigar): $10 | MSRP (rum): $35

BUFFALO TRACE CIGAR MOSSBURN SPEYSIDE SCOTCH I visited Kentucky in late 2019 and noted there’s a clear connection between bourbon and cigars beyond the obvious relationship. The gift shops and bourbon makers have noticed it as well. There’s a handful of them who’ve developed their own smokes, whether on their own or partnered with a high profile company (see Drew Estate and Pappy Van Winkle). Buffalo Trace has partnered with General Cigar Company and Cigars International to develop their own, and here we have it: the Buffalo Trace cigar. The label and foot ribbon on this stick is classy, as would be expected, and matches that bottle of bourbon on your shelf perfectly. Sold in boxes of 20, Buffalo Trace is a serious cigar, well-built and long-filler. It’s encased in an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, bound with Brazilian Arapiraca leaves, and its filler is Dominican and Nicaraguan. The result is a refined and well-balanced smoke, with some nutty vanilla notes and lingering raw cashew on the palate. And now for something completely unexpected…I decided not to pair the Buffalo Trace cigar with bourbon, but with something from over the pond. Mossburn Speyside Scotch was the choice. This Mossburn expression is a well-crafted blend for those who love the juice from Speyside. It features some berry notes on the fore palate followed by a long barley finish that’ll remind you of lager beer. It’s a silky drinking scotch with little to no smoke or peat (not from Speyside), just a sweet bright flavor profile that goes well with those nuttier, sweeter notes of the Buffalo Trace. 5 x 49 Robusto | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra | Binder: Brazilian Arapiraca Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan | Strength: Medium MSRP (cigar): $8 | MSRP (Scotch): $40 Greg Mays is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) and the Executive Editor of SimpleCocktails.net.

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GOOD BLOOD and GOOD TEQUILA by Randy Mastronicola and Lincoln Salazar

IF YOU’VE BEEN A READER of Cigar &

saw in our staff at the prospect of interviewing

Spirits Magazine or followed us on social media

Thomas. To a man and woman, everyone

for any length of time, you know that we

in our office loves his chart-topping music,

collaborate with many high-profile celebrities

the accessibility of his public persona, and

on interviews and photo shoots. We like to say,

the respect his songwriting garners as one of

“We’ve interviewed everyone from Francis

country music’s gold and platinum-selling

Ford Coppola to 50 Cent.” The common

artists. Take a walk through our offices and

denominator, of course, is a mutual appreciation

you’ll hear his music frequently in rotation,

for cigars and/or spirits.

with singles like “Die a Happy Man,” “Crash and

There’s always a degree of anticipation when we interview someone. It’s necessary to keep

Her,” just to name a few.

a professional distance, but hey, we’re fans of

During our conversation with Thomas, we

many of the artists who grace our pages, too.

discovered that our notions about him were

Recently, we interviewed Thomas Rhett and his cousin and business partner, Jeff Worn, about the creation of their Dos Primos tequila brand. We’ve rarely seen the level of excitement we

Burn,” “Marry Me” and “Look What God Gave

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spot-on. And his cousin Jeff showed us that “good blood is good blood” in that he’s as much of a mensch as Thomas.

Photos courtesy of Luxco

Thomas Rhett and Jeff Worn Hit Big With Dos Primos Tequila

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>> Thomas Rhett performed at the Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville this past April.

“It says “Forged By Family” on the front of the bottle. We believe in sitting around a bonfire with your best friends or your family, taking a slug of tequila, making it enjoyable, and making some memories out of it.” -Thomas Rhett

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: You guys have Dos Primos Tequila. What’s the significance of the brand name? Jeff Worn: It’s Spanish for “two cousins.” We were just looking stuff up. Honestly, that one just came out. We were like, “What’s Spanish for two cousins?” That’s how it came up.

It’s a great name. Thomas Rhett: It just represents us. It’s authentic, it’s truthful, and it represents family. This is something we definitely wanted to make sure we instilled in this product. It just felt right the moment it came out of our mouths.

What made you want to get into the tequila business, specifically? Thomas: Well, just a little bit of the backstory. We were drinking tequila heavily one night. [laughs] Jeff and I are third cousins. We were both born in Valdosta, Georgia, but I moved to Nashville early on in life. My daddy [Rhett Akins] was a country singer, so we moved to Nashville around ‘92 or ‘93. Jeff stayed in Valdosta. Jeff’s big in the pecan business. I think it’s pretty rare for third cousins to continue to grow up together and be such close friends. Jeff and I have remained almost like brothers our whole lives. We try to take a trip together every year so our families can get together and hang out. Telluride [Colorado] has become our spot. We’ve been skiing together there for the last four or five years. We went down to this restaurant in Telluride, and we noticed all the different tequilas on the shelf. Jeff and I have had a love for tequila for some time. We love trying new stuff—always been somewhat of connoisseurs—and just learning about the history of tequila is great. We got into some tequila that night, woke up the next day, got on the ski lift and we were just like, “Man, we should start a company together.” Jeff: We had been talking about it for a while. Thomas: We both love the outdoors, and both love to fish. We threw around some ideas of starting a fly rod company or a work boot company. We just love to dream together. We were like, “What if we develop a tequila?” Even if just our family and friends like it, we can say

one day that we developed a tequila brand together that people thought was good. The idea of wanting to do a tequila together—that’s where it all began. Fast forward about a year into it. We wanted to create somewhat of a rustic, rugged-looking tequila bottle that we felt like wasn’t just a summer sipper. We wanted to create a tequila that was smooth enough to sip neat, or with just an ice cube, but also broke through enough where you could sip it in a cocktail or a margarita. We went through these samplings, man, it felt like, for a couple of years. We were trying to get the bottle just right, and trying to get the blanco tequila just right. I remember we both tasted this one product, and Jeff and I looked at each other, and we were like, “Man, I think this represents exactly what we’re trying to do.” We wanted to make it family. That’s why it says, “Forged By Family” on the front of the bottle. We believe in sitting around a bonfire with your best friends or your family, taking a slug of tequila, making it enjoyable, and making some memories out of it.

Your tequila is distilled and bottled by the González family. They’re fourth-generation tequila crafters. Jeff: I work in a family-owned business, and the González family does this day in and day out. They don’t miss anything. That’s because it’s in the fabric of their lives. That was really when we started to get our education of, “You’re going to create a blanco that is all of the things you’re talking about here. This is how we’re going to do it.” They went through all that with us, based off of our palates, and what we wanted. It was incredible to know, “Because you like this, we’re going to go pick these plants to make your spirit. We’re going to do this to them, and we’re going to create what you like.” I think that was the most incredible part for me. Thomas: I’ll just second that, man. The family goes way back in the tequila world. We were just like, “Man, we’ve just got to wait on the right people to agree with our vision.”

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“Sometimes simplicity—when it’s done correctly— can make one of the greatest songs or, in this case, one of the coolest tequila brands.” -Thomas Rhett

You guys call it a sipping tequila. Tell us about the blanco, which is the current expression you have. I’m sure more will be coming. Thomas: Yes. If you don’t get your blanco right, man, I don’t care if it takes five years. We really wanted to get a blanco that we could 100 percent put our stamp on, and be like, “We think this is the best version of this that could be made.” It fit both of our palates, it fit the nose, and it fit the finish. It had the right burn, and just the right smoothness, too. We really wanted to take our time with this and make sure that the blanco was right before we started to dip into the other expressions.

How do you recommend consumers enjoy your tequila? Whether it’s sipping, in a margarita, or as a tequila and soda. What’s your recommendation? Thomas: I love to drink it with one ice cube and an orange peel. That’s my go-to every time. I’ve had maybe two margaritas with Dos Primos, and it’s phenomenal. I feel like when I’m sipping something though, I’d rather sip it neat or with just an ice cube. That’s the way that I present it to other people, too. Jeff: It’s about occasion for me. If I’m at the house answering emails after work, I will definitely do it like Thomas just said. Neat or with an ice cube and orange peel. My wife and I were at the beach this past Fourth of July, and tequila soda in the

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afternoon is just hard to beat. Tequila soda and lemon or lime. To Thomas’ point—and I think this is the difference in being in the industry—I like “taste it with nothing.” It’s the real small sip first. It blows people’s minds because so many people are used to just getting a shot down fast, and looking for the lemon and salt. If you would just taste it, there’s so much flavor in Dos Primos.

Where can consumers find Dos Primos at this stage of your company’s launch? Jeff: It really depends on where they are. We have a store locator on our website. I think we’re in 27 states now, and there should be 30 by the end of the year.

Wonderful. Thomas, do you see any similarities in creating a great tequila and writing a great song? Thomas: I feel like I’ve had the majority of my success in country music writing songs from what I’ve legitimately experienced. Whether it’s about my wife, or whether it’s about my family, or whether it’s about nostalgia from being young. Jeff and I wanted simplicity. I think we can overwork music a lot of time with a lot of words or tell a story in a strange way. Sometimes simplicity—when it’s done correctly—can make one of the greatest songs or, in this case, one of the coolest tequila brands.

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“I think authenticity and loyalty for both Jeff and I, for this brand and life as well—those are two main virtues that we base our lives on.” -Thomas Rhett

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Jeff, you’ve been really successful in your pecan business. Are there any similarities between your vision as a businessman and the vision you have for Dos Primos? Jeff: When we started this together, I think that both of us were like, “Who’s going to fill what gap? Who’s going to have what assets? What role would those play in?” I’ve worked with farmers my whole life. Creating something else like this, and putting our name on it, you care about the same stuff. Quality always comes first. That is a huge similarity for me. Just focus on quality and everything else will always check out. Whether you’re finding quality partners to work with, quality distillers or quality products, it’ll all come out for the best.

In our magazine, we talk about being a gentleman and creating legacy. Is there a legacy you would like to leave behind individually as well as with your brand? Thomas: Dang. I didn’t know we were in therapy here. [laughter] I think me and Jeff had the same values growing up. I think trust, loyalty and authenticity have always been at the top of that list for us. Loyalty in a way that I know I can count on Jeff no matter what, even if he lives eight hours away. I can call Jeff and be like “Hey, man, I’m having a crisis here in Nashville. Can you fly out tonight?” He would. He knows that I would do the same for him. Authenticity has always been something I feel like Jeff and I have thrived on. I feel like I’ve gone through phases of my life where I haven’t been authentic, and it just didn’t feel right. In music for me—even if it’s not a hit, even if it doesn’t reach the masses—at least I got to tell an honest story, and I got to tell my truth. Hopefully, my truth can resonate with somebody else in a very impactful way. I think authenticity and loyalty for both Jeff and I, for this brand and life as well—those are two main virtues that we base our lives on.

Randy Mastronicola is the Editor-in-Chief of Cigar & Spirits Magazine. Lincoln Salazar is the CEO and Publisher of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

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C&S

>> Jeff Saturday of ESPN

Photo courtesy of ESPN

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by Kevin Kenney

TOM BRADY FIGURES to be one of the top storylines in the NFL this season— and no, you did not accidentally pick up a magazine that’s been lying around since 2003. >> Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrated their Super Bowl LV victory at the White House with President Biden this past July.

Brady—the man with more rings than Saturn, and almost as old—looks to add another Super Bowl ring to his collection in his 22nd year this season. It’ll be his second with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it comes after this age-defying marvel quarterbacked the Bucs to a Super Bowl title this past February—his seventh crown overall, following 20 years and six titles with the New England Belichicks. Can Brady do it again? The short answer is, yes. Sure, he turned 44 in August, but this guy is still a good bet for MVP, even as he closes in on AARP eligibility. Brady is, however, just one of the numerous intriguing quarterback storylines that were percolating as training camps opened this past July. In fact, while quarterback dramas are nothing new around NFL camps, the sheer volume of them going into 2021 makes this season especially tantalizing.

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“I don’t think I’ve ever gone into a season where there have been this many questions (at the quarterback position),’’ ESPN studio analyst and NFL expert Jeff Saturday tells Cigar and Spirits Magazine. Saturday would know. An ESPN-er since 2013, he was an NFL center for 14 seasons—13 with the Peyton Manning-led Colts, where he won Super Bowl XLI in 2007; and one with the Green Bay Packers, where he hiked the ball to Aaron Rodgers. Saturday, in fact, shares an NFL record with Manning—they are the QB-center tandem with the most games played together in NFL history, at 172. The NFL being a quarterback’s league, if you have a handle on the QBs, you have a pretty good handle on how a season will shake out. So as the 2021 season dawned, C&S sat down with Saturday, and he handicapped his top QB-centric storylines, with some side observations as well. With some teams paired together for storyline unity, here are his thoughts:

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TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS The QB questions here are not ``who’’ but rather ``how far can they go?’’ Brady and the Bucs last year dethroned the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. Is a rematch in the cards? With Brady and Chiefs super-stud Pat Mahomes leading the way, Saturday would not be surprised. Not with the Chiefs improving their offensive line to give Mahomes better protection… and not with the Bucs returning all 22 of their 2020 championship starters. “When you look at it, it’s just hard to outpace them,’’ Saturday says of the Chiefs offense. “Their defense is going to be OK, maybe slightly above OK— (but) if you’re scoring, dang, 35 to 40 points, it’s hard for (opposing) teams to score that much. They just outscore you.

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“Those two rosters, they could easily both get back to that game. Not that there’s not going to be other competition, but usually when teams are as good as they are, you see a falloff after a year or two. (But) I don’t see any falloff. I think both these teams are gonna be ones that you’ll see trying to hoist the trophy or play late in the season to get it. And Tom Brady—this dude, he just continues to get it done.’’

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Brady won a Super Bowl without Bill Belichick. Now Belichick tries again to merely make the playoffs without Brady, following last year’s 7-9 flop. He’ll try with Cam Newton returning at QB—and first-round draft pick Mac Jones (the first QB Belichick has ever drafted in the first round) looking to find his way under center. “I think it’s a strong possibility that they end up getting back (to the playoffs),’’ Saturday says. “With Cam getting COVID (last year), that set him back…the leg injury played some issues. And I think the competition, drafting Mac Jones and Cam seeing him, and both those guys having to work toward, hey, who’s gonna be the guy—I think all of those things push and help (offensive coordinator) Josh McDaniels increase the urgency on that offense.’’ Belichick’s defensive mindset will also take some heat off the offense. The Pats won’t need an in-his-prime Brady to contend, says Saturday. “I’ll tell you, don’t count them out,’’ he says. “And that’s irrespective of which quarterback gets the start.”

GREEN BAY PACKERS

The latter scenario seemed wildly unlikely—but it did illustrate the depth of the dissatisfaction between Rodgers and a Packer team that’s lost the last two NFC Championship Games. “How it got to this point is just mind-blowing,’’ says Saturday— who, remember, centered for Rodgers in 2012. Saturday thinks that, however the drama plays out, this will be Rodgers’ last season in Green Bay—a season in which the “ultra-competitive’’ Rodgers will play with an especially big chip on his shoulder. “The negotiations I believe that are going on right now would be, he’s going to come back and play this season for the Packers in exchange for shortening the contract where he’s done after this season,’’ Saturday says. “(Rodgers) was doubted when he was drafted, then he was doubted when they went from (Brett) Favre to him, and he’s kind’ve proved those naysayers wrong. And now, can he win another Super Bowl?...I think he wants to show everybody he can.’’

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MPH Photos / Shutterstock.com

There is quarterback drama, and then there is quarterback melodrama… which brings us to reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. Just before camps opened, the question hovered: Would Rodgers (38 in December and still stinging from the Pack drafting Jordan Love last year as his eventual successor) hold out to force a trade…or would he even, dare say, sit out the entire season?

PITTSBURGH STEELERS The Steelers were 11-0 at one point last season and finished 12-4 before losing in the AFC wild-card game to Cleveland—with QB Ben Roethlisberger catching major heat for the big fade. It was unfair criticism, says Saturday.

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“If you look at the offense they were running, how they got to 11-0 shocks me,’’ he says. “They could not run the ball, their offensive line was playing finesse football…they had zero run game, their defense was decimated with injuries…and they’re asking Roethlisberger, who had just come off an elbow surgery, to throw the ball dang near 50 times a game—and then everybody wants to criticize the quarterback. “To me, that was a schematic issue that they should have addressed, and I think they are addressing it with their first-round pick (Alabama running back Najee Harris). “I think Ben could have a good year, but…it can’t just be a passing offense, it’s going to have to be a blended offense much more than it was last year. Their offensive line was bad. If their offensive line can produce even decently, this is going to be a good football team.’’

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LOS ANGELES RAMS DETROIT LIONS These teams pulled off a rare blockbuster trade this offseason. The Rams sent QB Jared Goff to the Motor City for Matthew Stafford, a veteran of 12 years but just three playoff games thanks largely to lousy supporting casts. That won’t be the case in L.A. this year. “Stafford got the better of that deal!’’ Saturday says with a laugh, looking at a Rams team that will compete with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West, arguably the NFL’s best division. “As you’re looking at this trade, Stafford and (Rams coach Sean) McVay are going to be something really exciting to watch. Stafford has been stuck in NFL purgatory. He’s had great numbers in Detroit, but can he win big games? He’s never really had to play in them yet. I’m excited to see—I think that’s one of the greatest storylines.’’ As for the Lions and Goff… “I think they’re playing with house money,’’ Saturday says. “They’re hoping that he is the guy, but if he’s not, they’re OK continuing to build their franchise with (new coach) Dan Campbell just coming over.’’

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DALLAS COWBOYS Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5 last year, and Dallas finished 6-10. The Cowboys clearly believe in their franchise QB, as evidenced by the four-year, $160 million contract they gave him in March. How he rebounds—and as important, whether the offensive line can stay healthy, unlike last year—will define the season in Big D. “That could be a Top 5 offense in a hurry,’’ says Saturday. “But is Dak Prescott, after the big check and after the injury—can he get this Dallas Cowboys team back in the conversation of the playoffs? And having to balance that out with Dan Quinn, their new defensive coordinator— because their defense was just atrocious last year.’’ Prescott’s challenge will be as much mental as physical, Saturday says. “These type of injuries take time, even a few games,’’ he says. ``I’ve had my ankle broken in wrestling when I was in high school, and I will tell you, when things started falling near me when I went back to playing (football), it did take me a few weeks to get comfortable…getting caught in piles. It’s just how free can he be mentally with that ankle.’’

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.

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C&S

>> Founder Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel

Photos courtesy of Jack Daniel’s

>> The Jack Daniel’s Barrelhouse in Lynchburg, Tenn.

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ICONIC BRAND SPOTLIGHT

JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE WHISKEY T O T H E WO R L D by Audrey Pavia

>> Assistant dis tiller Lexie Phillips

ASK PEOPLE WHAT BRAND they think of when they hear the word “whiskey,” and most will answer “Jack Daniel’s.” This is not surprising when you realize Jack has been around for more than 150 years, and is the top-selling whiskey brand in the world. Jack Daniel’s is iconic, not just because of its long history and name recognition, but also because it’s often been the drink of choice for some legendary badasses. Jack was Frank Sinatra’s favorite spirit, for example, and he once referred to it as the “nectar of the gods.” Frank wasn’t kidding; he was actually buried with a bottle when he passed away in 1998. Carrying on in the musical tradition of Jack Daniel’s worship, the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richard spent much of the 1970s photographed with a bottle of Jack—his go-to drink—in his hand or within reach. Jack Daniel’s Distillery is still located in Lynchburg, Tenn., where it was first established back in 1866. The building is listed as a historic landmark in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and is a major tourist attraction. We spoke with Lexie Phillips, assistant distiller at Jack Daniel’s, about what it’s like to work for a brand with such a unique legacy.

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>> The legendary Don Julio cooked agave

>> The Jack Daniel’s portfolio has become increasingly diverse to capture whiskey drinkers with different palates.

>> Charcoal mellowing vat

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: Please tell us about how you became affiliated with the brand. Lexie Phillips: I’ve lived near Lynchburg my whole life, with dozens of family members working at the distillery, both past and present. This started with my greatgrandfather back in the 1940s, and then just trickled through the family from there. Growing up, I didn’t think I’d work at Jack because it’s hard to get a job here. You’re pretty much waiting for someone to retire. I went away to college at Middle Tennessee State University to study Agribusiness, still not knowing my calling in life until my last semester there. The Fermentation Sciences program had not been started yet, but they did begin offering classes geared in that direction. “Chemistry in Wine” was the class I took that really piqued my interest. Being from the rural area that I am, I knew only a very basic way of making wine, but it was pretty amazing to learn there’s more to it than fruit, sugar, yeast and a whole lot of hope that it doesn’t turn to vinegar. In this class, we also got to go on a field trip to Ontario, Canada, to tour around 20 wineries of varying scale, and I gained a great appreciation for the process. Shortly after I graduated, my great aunt, who was working at Jack at the time, called and said they were hiring at the distillery. I came in and started on the bottling line, and just tried to pick up every little nugget of information I could along the way.

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How rewarding is it to work for an iconic brand like Jack Daniel’s? I’m humbly honored to be carrying on the traditions that have been passed down for over 150 years. Every day, we’re making one of the greatest and most iconic whiskeys in the world. The pride we all feel is something that is almost too hard to put into words. To think I’m a link in the chain that started back in Jack’s day, and as long as I preserve our time-honored process, it will continue for another 150 years—it’s a little intimidating. Jack Daniel’s is one of those brands that speaks to the soul of the world. What I mean is that when someone asks me what I do for a living, I tell them, “I’m a distiller for Jack Daniel’s,” and I’ve never been met with “Who’s that?” Almost everyone I meet thinks it’s the coolest job in the world, even though most times “How cool! What an awesome job!” is followed by “Ok, so what does it mean to be a distiller?” Which begins a very fun conversation. Growing up here, you almost forget how big Jack Daniel’s really is. Coming into this role, I’ve been exposed to more of the worldwide reach of Jack. There are other places and ways to make whiskey, but only one place and only one way to make Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. I’m proud to be here.

Thank you for the first 25 years, looking forward to the next. - Alec, Alan and Bradley Rubin

ALECBRADLEY.COM

ALECBRADLEYCIGAR

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>> Sugar Maple ricks turn and burn for the charcoal mellowing process of Jack Daniel’s.

>> The water cave spring provides iron-free water for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

Please share a little bit about the history and prestige of the distillery, and how it informs the brand today. You don’t become one of the oldest and most recognized brands in the world by accident. Our whiskey is more than liquid. From the families and community that make Jack, to the friends around the world who enjoy it, there are countless stories of our history that embody the spirit of Jack. Many people don’t know that Jack Daniel was a real man [ Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel] who began our journey many years ago. At a young age, he was introduced to his life’s passion by Dan Call, a farmer and local Lutheran minister. Jack was taught how to make whiskey on Call’s farm by an enslaved man named Nathan “Nearest” Green. After emancipation, Jack purchased the still and hired Nearest as his first Master Distiller. To this day, there has always been a Green family member employed at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This type of tradition is not uncommon here. There are many generations of family members working here. In the 1890s, Jack started May Day Dinners. On the second Sunday in May, he would invite the entire county to

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come together at his house. Jack had a large ballroom with a grand piano, and the place would be overflowing with good food, good friends, family and a fair share of dang good whiskey. Just as Jack invited everyone to his house for fellowship within the community, we continue to invite people from all walks of life to enjoy our spirit. From bikers to bankers, everyone is welcome to enjoy our whiskey.

What should we be on the lookout for in 2021 and beyond? We’re in a very exciting time, with master distiller and director of quality Chris Fletcher leading the charge on innovation. One of the most exciting new products we are getting ready to release is a Jack Daniel’s 10-year-old Tennessee Whiskey—which hasn’t been seen in 100 years. In addition, our Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release will come out this November. This much anticipated annual release won’t disappoint as it will be an uncut product aged in the “Buzzard Roost” of our barrel houses on Coy Hill. Both will be extremely limited, but they are damn good, if I may say so myself.

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>> Charcoal mellowing vats

Photo courtesy of Dan Ramm

JOE MANTEGNA, FRANK SINATRA AND JACK DANIEL’S ESTEEMED ACTOR JOE MANTEGNA graced the cover of the September/October 2017 issue of Cigar & Spirits Magazine. We knew Joe going in by his many films and TV shows, his Tony-Awardwinning collaborations with writer-director David Mamet and his love of Arturo Fuente cigars. We came out knowing he’s a guy you definitely want in your corner. Joe’s been a friend of C&S Magazine ever since that first interview. We asked him to share one of his favorite cocktail stories with us. -Randy Mastronicola, Editor-in-Chief

I’VE BEEN FORTUNATE to meet many amazing people in my life, and one of them was Angelo Lucchesi. If Santa Claus had an Italian brother, it would be Angelo.

>> Ol’ Blue Eyes and Angelo Lucchesi

Angelo was a very sweet man who lived to be 92 years old. He worked at Jack Daniels for 60 years, and was Frank Sinatra’s personal supplier. So this is Frank’s recipe: Two fingers of Jack and ice. I added the Opus X from my favorite cigar maker– the Fuente family.

>> The interior of the legendary Jack Daniel’s Barrelhouse.

Who would you say is the “typical” Jack Daniel’s drinker these days? I don’t believe we can put all our friends in a “typical” box. I will proudly say there are more women enjoying Jack than ever before. Traditionally, the typical fan would have been male, but that’s changing. Whiskey has been a man’s game for a long time, even though women have been involved in the production of spirits for thousands of years. There was even a point in history where women were discouraged from partaking in whiskey. It wasn’t considered ladylike. Thank goodness for the strong women who stood their ground and drank with the men. That’s what got us a seat at the table. Research has shown that when it comes to smelling and tasting whiskey, women have better senses for identifying flavors and aroma. Being the first woman distiller at Jack, I’m delighted to let even more women know that sipping whiskey responsibly is classy and ladylike. Generally speaking, how does a new Jack Daniel’s drinker discover your whiskey? You can’t go wrong with our flagship, Old No 7; that black label is what won seven gold medals across the world and is the top selling American Whiskey, globally.

whiskey and are wanting to check out Jack Daniel’s, then I highly recommend our Single Barrel line. It’s what the name suggests: one single barrel of whiskey never mingled with another, having its individual uniqueness on display. While the company prides itself in tradition and authenticity, has there been any feedback from customers causing you to consider new techniques or changes? Jack Daniel’s protects the traditions of making great whiskey by using a process passed down for generations, and by using the highest quality ingredients available. This is something that will not change no matter what whiskey innovations we decide to pursue. We are seeing a magnificent whiskey boom within the spirits industry. This is exciting because as distillers who craft our own product, we can try out different grains to create a new grain bill, finish our whiskey in a different style barrel, and play around with different proofs in varying stages of the process. These all have such a great impact on flavor, but the quality that our friends count on remains the same.

If you prefer smooth and gentle flavors, then our twice-mellowed Gentleman Jack is for you. If you already drink

Enjoy! –Joe Mantegna

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

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>> Xilonen is known as the Goddess of Young Corn. Latin America is the birthplace of maize and it continues to be a staple in cuisine throughout the culture.

C&S

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SIGNATURE DISHES and COCKTAILS From Latin American Countries by Kim Campbell Thornton

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS to appreciate a country or culture is through its traditional cuisine and cocktails. Of course, Latin America is revered throughout the globe for its cigar culture. These countries are also rich in dishes and drinks that build on its variety of natural food resources and its heritage of foods, spices and techniques from many nations and peoples.

Brazil

Feijoada

Feijoada: lanovais/Shutterstock.com Caipirinha: RHJPhotoandIllustration/Shutterstock.com

The classic dish of this largest of South American nations is feijoada (pronounced fay-zho-ada or fayzhwada), a smoky black bean stew studded with savory pork and beef and served over rice. A portion of the black beans is mashed to add a thick, smooth texture. The slow-cooked mélange—everyone’s version is different—is traditionally served on Saturdays to allow plenty of time for the flavors to meld over a couple of days beforehand. Oranges add brightness and acidity, and toasted cassava flour helps to balance the flavors. Other additions may include various greens, such as collards, spinach or chard. It may be related to cozido, a Portuguese stew made with mixed meats, usually pork, chicken, beef and sausages, served with rice and beans. What to drink with it? A Caipirinha, of course, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaca, limes and sugar.

Caipirinha • 2 oz. Novo Fogo Silver Cachaça • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar • half a lime, quartered Place lime quarters in glass. Add sugar and muddle with lime. Fill glass with ice. Add cachaça and pour everything into a shaker. Shake and pour everything (including the ice) back into the same glass.

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Tamal en cazuela Tamal en cazuela, sort of a polenta-style casserole, is Cuba’s ultimate comfort food and has traveled with Cuban immigrants to Miami, where it’s found as a special in diners and cafes, served with crispy pork. “It represents comfort, family and all things familiar,” says chef Michael Beltran of Miami restaurant Ariete, who took his grandmother’s simple dish and changed it up with a seafood twist for his restaurant. “Instead of going the classic pork fat route, which is rendered and used as a base to cook the sofrito, I ended up using uni butter. I figured the interesting flavor of uni would pair well with corn, and it did. I still wanted to incorporate just a hint of pork flavor so I decided to add a pork fat foam on top.” Mr. Orange is a choice cocktail to pair up with Tamal en cazuela.

Tamale n cazuela: Jose Luis Samayoa/Shutterstock.com Mr. Orange: StartingFive/Shutterstock.com

Cuba

Mr. Orange • 1 1/2 oz. mezcal • 1/2 oz. passion fruit liqueur • 3/4 oz. mango shrub • 3/4 oz. lime juice • 1/2 oz. agave syrup Shake and strain over ice into a rocks glass rimmed with sal de gusano (worm salt). Finish by expressing an orange peel over the glass, rub the peel over the rim, and then twist the peel and drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Dominican Republic Rabo de toro

Jimenez says the dish is best paired with a Tamarind Mojito.

Tamarind Mojito • 2 oz. Dominican white rum (preferably Brugal) • 6 oz. tamarind and mint infused syrup • 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice • 1 oz. seltzer water • lime zest for garnish Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Zest a little lime on top for garnish.

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Rabo de toro: MZZ001/Shutterstock.com Tamarind Mojito: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Rabo de toro, an intensely flavored oxtail stew in tomato sauce, accompanied by rice with pigeon peas, has long been a popular dish in the Dominican Republic, not only because it’s tasty but also for its affordability, according to executive chef Roberto Jimenez of Brooklyn’s Maracuja. “Oxtails are meaty and rich, with a soft, silky texture that develops over long cooking. It’s delicious when prepared properly and braised slowly over several hours until very tender.”

Ecuador Ceviche

Ceviche: Orbit Eye/Shutterstock.com Tart Paloma: Deliris/Shutterstock.com

Ecuador is a country of coast and mountains, and ceviche—raw fish cured in citrus juices—has been a staple since early times. “The pre-Hispanic cultures mixed seafood, corn, green pepper and fermented chili to make the dish, says chef Rodrigo Pacheco of Bocavaldivia, a restaurant in the remote fishing village of Puerto Cayo, along the more than 1,200-mile coast. Pacheco adds, “The country, one of the most biodiverse places on earth, is a paradise for chefs and seafood lovers.” Ceviche comes in a variety of styles in Ecuador and usually contains rock oysters, fish and prawns. With it, Pacheco recommends a “fisherman’s drink,” a micheladastyle cocktail spiked with a spicy oyster. We sampled another tasty option–a sweet and tart Paloma.

Tart Paloma • 2 oz. tequila • 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice, plus wedges for garnish • 2 oz. sparkling water • 1/2 oz. lime juice • 1/4 oz. agave nectar or simple syrup Combine all ingredients in a glass rimmed with coarse sea salt (use a slice of grapefruit to moisten it) and fill with ice. Adjust sweetness if desired.

Honduras Baleada

Baleada: Wire Stock Creators/Shutterstock.com Tequila Bloody Mary: Eugene Voronstiv/Shutterstock.com

A baleada isn’t a dance but a favorite food in Honduras that should be more popular, according to restaurateur Niloy Thakkar, proprietor of Huahua’s Taqueria in Miami Beach. At the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, they debuted a “beachside baleada.” “Think of it like a Central American version of an Austin breakfast taco,” Thakkar says. “It’s a flour tortilla, grilled, then filled with refried beans, cheese, and a saltier, lighter version of sour cream. Most come with scrambled eggs and chorizo. They were a huge hit.” We recommend pairing the dish up with a spicy Tequila Bloody Mary.

Tequila Bloody Mary • 2 oz. reposado tequila • 3 oz. tomato juice • 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice • 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice • 1/2 oz. hot sauce (such as sriracha) Mix ingredients and add a healthy pinch of cilantro. Shake and pour into a glass that has been rinsed with mezcal (if desired) and rimmed with spicy tajin seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

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Mexico

At least 20 types of mole sauces are found throughout Mexico and it can well be considered the country’s national dish. Mole recipes are passed down through generations, from mother to daughter to granddaughter. And sometimes to son. Chef Jose Flores of De Mole, a family-owned restaurant in Brooklyn, says, “We’re pushing for one style, mole poblano, to become as preeminent as tacos in American Mexican cuisine.” Complement the flavors with a traditional Margarita.

Margarita

Mole Poblano: flanovais/Shutterstock.com Margarita: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Mole Poblano

• 3/4 oz. simple syrup • 3/4 oz. lime juice • 1 1/2 oz. blanco tequila • 1 cup ice • salt for rim (optional) • 1 lime wedge (optional) Combine simple syrup, lime juice and tequila in shaker. Add ice, seal shaker and shake vigorously. Serve up or on the rocks, with or without salt. Garnish with lime wedge.

Nicaragua Corn is queen in Nicaragua. The New World plant gave rise not only to a variety of foods that sustained the indigenous populations but was also thought to have magical and religious properties. The goddess of the new corn, Xilonem, was a princess who sacrificed herself to ensure that her people would have abundant crops. Corn is a staple of Nicaraguan cuisine and among the most beloved of its creations is the nacatamal, a type of tamale filled with meat—usually pork but also chicken—that is most often enjoyed on Sunday mornings and during special occasions such as holidays. To accompany a nacatamal, sip a Macua, a white rum drink named after a bird of the same name, native to Nicaragua and said to have mystical properties. You may discover them after drinking a couple of the cocktails. Here’s how to make one.

Macua • 1.5 oz. white or aged rum • 1 oz. guava juice • 1 oz. orange juice, freshly squeezed • 1/2 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed • 1/3 ounce simple syrup • orange slice and candied cherry for garnish Place rum, guava juice, orange juice, lemon juice and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a candied cherry.

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Nacatamal: Jose LuisSamayoa/Shutterstock.com Macua: AFederici/Shutterstock.com

Nacatamal

Peru

Lomo saltado originated with Chinese immigrants who prepared their Cantonese food with Peruvian ingredients: peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. Today, it’s a favorite of all Peruvians because of its big flavors and blend of ingredients. “We have stir-fried beef tenderloin with juicy tomatoes and crunchy peppers and onions that are covered in a Chinese sauce that is salty, slightly sweet and acidic,” says Peruvian chef Luis Miguel, who teaches the dish—served with both crispy potatoes and fluffy white rice—in his live online cooking class on Cuiline. “The good thing about lomo saltado is that it is easy, quick and extremely versatile. We add the stir fry to almost everything.” To drink with this delight he recommends a Chilcano, a refreshing cocktail made with pisco, a clear and bright grape brandy that is Peru’s national spirit.

Chilicano • 2 oz. pisco • 1 slice of lime • 1 dash of angostura bitters • ginger ale Fill a highball glass with ice and add pisco and a dash of Angostura bitters. Add a slice of lime to the glass and top with ginger ale. Stir gently.

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

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Lomo saltado: cge2010/Shutterstock.com Chilicano: BHofacker/Shutterstock.com

Lomo saltado

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C&S

INTERVIEW

The

f o s e Many Rol

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Actor Talks About The Many Saints of Newark

The

by Audrey Pavia and Randy Mastronicola portraits by Jason Rothenberg

DECADES AGO, RAY LIOTTA ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS A LEGEND within the mob movie genre with his brilliant portrayal of Henry Hill in Martin Scorcese’s Goodfellas. Fast forward to 2021, and Liotta has reestablished himself in the mobster genre, this time in David Chase’s The Many Saints of Newark. Production began on the much-anticipated prequel to The Sopranos back in 2019, and the film was originally scheduled for release by Warner Bros. in the fall of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic interfered with that plan, forcing fans of The Sopranos to wait an entire year to find out David Chase’s vision of the Sopranos’ story before Tony took charge.

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Wetcher Photo by Barry

ny Soprano, n Bernthal as John Paulie Walnuts, Jo vio Dante, as n Sil se as us ro gn ga Ma Ma ly hn >> (Left to right) Bil prano (in back), Jo So r Moltisanti. nio Ju kie as Dic ll as Corey Sto d Alessandro Nivola an ti an ltis Mo k” wood Dic Ray Liotta as “Holly

lthough The Many Saints of Newark is subtitled “A Sopranos Story,” the movie will go down in film history as a great gangster flick independent of

the landmark television series. Many Saints has everything you’d expect to find in a mob movie, along with incredible performances and an amazing script layered with the kind of depth you expect from David Chase. Liotta stars alongside Alessandro Nivola, who plays Dickie Moltisanti, father of Christopher Moltisanti from the TV series; Michael Gandolfini, real-life son of James Gandolfini, who plays a young Tony Soprano; Vera Farmiga who plays Livia Soprano; and Corey Stoll as Junior Soprano. Fans of the TV series will not be disappointed by this casting, finding it takes no effort to accept that any of the characters in Many Saints are just younger versions of the players we knew from the series. Liotta has been lauded throughout his career for his work in many films like Field of Dreams, Dominick and Eugene and Cop Land to name a few. We sat down with the actor to talk about his role in The Many Saints of Newark, which is scheduled to be released on October 1st of this year.

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THE

INTERVIEW

Cigar & Spirits Magazine: There’s been a lot of buzz about The Many Saints of Newark, some mystery about your role. Are you excited that Sopranos fans will finally get to see what you’ve done in this film? Ray Liotta: Well, number one, I think they’re going to enjoy the movie. You don’t have to have seen The Sopranos, the series, in order to enjoy the movie. It stands on its own. For those who have watched it, you’ll see how things got started; specifically how Tony grew up as a young kid and then became what he became. There’s a lot to dig through psychologically. Sure, but hopefully the biggest thing is you want people to be entertained. I think it’s a good movie. It’s just so hard because I’m so close to it, but I thought it was good. We’ve been sworn to secrecy regarding a piece of your participation in the movie. Omerta. You’re familiar with that term… [laughs] Oh yes! Without saying too much, I loved playing it.

I THINK FANS ARE GOING TO ENJOY THE MOVIE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE SEEN THE SOPRANOS , THE SERIES, IN ORDER TO ENJOY THE MOVIE. IT STANDS ON ITS OWN." Were you a fan of The Sopranos? I wasn’t much of a TV watcher back then, but I knew what he [David Chase] was doing and I read stuff. I saw the first season, not religiously, but I would watch it when it would come on. Then the first few episodes, if I was home and I was flicking the channels—if it was on— I’d stop just because it was so compelling and everybody was so great.

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3RD ANNUAL TEXAS CIGAR & SPIRITS TASTING

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

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You would have been a great fit for The Sopranos. Yes. David came to meet me in Virginia. I was shooting the one where I eat my brain. [laughter] I was shooting Hannibal. He came to Virginia, and there was a part that he wanted me for in The Sopranos. It didn’t work out. It just wasn’t the right thing at the right time for me, but I always liked the show. Along came The Many Saints of Newark many years later. What was it about David’s script that made you want to be a part of this film? Because it’s David Chase. I just wanted the chance to work with him. I told my agent that I want to meet him for this, even if David didn’t want me at all for the role of...Oh, what’s my name? I always forget the names of the characters in my movies afterwards. [laughs] Aldo “Hollywood Dick” Moltisanti. [laughs] It was for that role that I told my agent, “We’ll let’s see if we can get a meeting.” He said, “Well, they’re not coming to LA.” I said, “Well, fine. I’ll fly myself to New York to meet him.” There was just something about it that made me want to work with him. I had lunch with him and the director, Alan [Taylor]. By the end of the lunch, they asked me if I would do it, and I obviously didn’t hesitate to play the role. The way it’s constructed, your performance is phenomenal. Thanks, man. I think it worked out. It adds a nice edge and a nice psychology to the whole thing, aside from just people beating each other up. [laughs] You mentioned the insight the movie gives in terms of how Tony became Tony. I thought Michael [Gandolfini] did a phenomenal job playing his dad. I didn’t have any scenes with him. I see him every now and then when we’re doing publicity, but not enough to sit down. I would love to sit and talk with him and ask him what he was thinking. How did it feel, because it was pretty effortless. He did what was called for with the role, and it’s terrific. Regarding Alessandro Nivola who plays your son, sometimes when costars have a push-pull relationship in a movie, it can go either way–to intentionally keep a distance from each other, or they become really close. Did you have that experience with Alessandro? No, not really. I didn’t really hang out with him. I didn’t try to manipulate him or his part of the dynamic of who we are in the movie. I keep to myself and do what I have to do.

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Tshirt by Theory Bomber jacket by Ralph Lauren Pants by Isaia SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 2021

CIGAR OF THE DAY

DREW ESTATE UNDERCROWN 10 10TH ANNIVERSARY TORO The Undercrown 10th Anniversary cigar features aromas and tastes of raisin, cacao, sun-dried cherries and espresso. The full and creamy cigar offered an ample amount of billowy smoke throughout the day. It was the perfect touch for Mr. Liotta’s photo shoot.

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Suit by Brioni Knit polo by Brioni

I JUST WANTED THE CHANCE TO WORK WITH DAVID CHASE. I TOLD MY AGENT THAT I WANT TO MEET HIM FOR THIS, EVEN IF DAVID DIDN'T WANT ME AT ALL FOR THE ROLE...THERE WAS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT IT THAT MADE ME WANT TO WORK WITH HIM." What would you say was the most challenging aspect of conveying that particular father and son relationship on screen? I was what my son [Alessandro’s character] became—I was in charge of the family. I think everybody has different ways of doing things. I think the way he goes about doing what he’s doing probably frustrates him, and I’ve just become an edgy old fucker. Sometimes I like doing it so much to my son in the movie—that I like to get under his skin—get him pissed off—and I got him too pissed off. I guess there were some outcomes to that.

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DA VI D CH A SE TA LK S RA Y LI OT TA AN D A O) SO PR AN OS ST OR Y (O R TW by Randy Mastronicola Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

t home watching TV one nigh sey Jer New a ut a new series abo in 1998. A trailer came on for d. rapy. We were both intrigue the cho psy in mobster who was genre n bigger fan of the mob movie My wife might just be an eve born was on essi a lot. Our mutual obs than I am, and that’s saying too ly like e wer father when we the day each of us saw The God s apart. te movie theatres 3,000 mile ara sep in young to be doing so, and cted xpe une n we saw that This led us to that moment whe arely ed her head, looked me squ turn She ler. powerful TV series trai t.” tha ch wat to d hatically, “We nee in the eyes, and said most emp ession, ome the new object of our obs The Sopranos would soon bec again be the same. and television would never the man of The Sopranos, of course, David Chase is the architect has been se nants of his childhood. Cha who created it from the rem ctor, dire n of the show, as a writer, lauded for being the chieftai ond. executive producer and bey in The Sopranos, from James The casting was impeccable Dante. to Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Gandolfini as Tony Soprano casting the hits that same benchmark in The Many Saints of Newark film the in e Oscar-worthy performanc department. And Ray Liotta’s chat about the film. was a good place to start our

MY WIFE AND I were sitting at

d The Many Saints of Newark Randy Mastronicola: I watche with the Sopranos will be ver y pleased yesterday. I think fans of The Ray as t cas to nt think it was importa casting in the film. Why do you nti? Aldo “Hollywood Dick” Moltisa y were anyone got cast was that the son David Chase: Really, the rea ld. wou he t delivered what I though just the best for the role. He is a force to many of his roles. He really Ray brings a distinct energy movie, k that energy brought to the of nature. What do you thin of the film? par ticularly at the beginning ut k when he starts laughing abo thin I it. ine Oh, I can’t really def level and rgy ene le tin—I think the who Frank Sinatra and Dean Mar y too awa give to t wan there. I don’t of the movie goes upward from much, though. I get it. I don’t s that—I think people start to— That one place when he doe s and pen excited. But something hap know if it’s relax or get more re’s a The out giving away too much? then…How can I say this with off. vie t’s what really starts the mo big consequence. I think tha on a wild ience, like we’re about to go It sets the stage for the aud ride here. magnificent what he did. Right. I agree completely. It’s

’s ola as Dickie Moltisanti–Ray The casting of Alessandro Niv l. ance was off the charts as wel character’s son–his per form what I t’s in the mystery of Dickie—tha I had always been interested ” We he? t look like?” How crazy was wanted to say. “What does tha too. re, ssandro] gave us so much mo went to work on that. He [Ale important how revered it is, why was it Given The Sopranos legacy, time? for you to tell this stor y at this in this a Johnny and Junior movie g doin of I’d always had the idea —to do out ting star —when I was first time period. I also had an idea the join who s urb from the Jersey sub something about four guys in a put get y the n draft in Vietnam. The National Guard to avoid the been e hav ld cou t tha ark riots. I think tank and sent down to the New two se tho of kind it’s I didn’t do it, but a really good movie. I was sad t this to fruition. things in my head that brough er. Being nts of Newark came togeth Ahh, that’s how The Many Sai riots. I think n aware of the Newark race from New York, I wasn’t eve ple. The whole movie, really. it will be eye -opening for peo king in ark, and my girlfriend was wor Thank you. I lived near New from es com r the mo My e happening. Newark when [the riots] wer with it. Newark. I was in real contact k all this will come through The film is so compelling. I thin I appreciate you. pleasure talking with you, and Same here. Thank you. or-in-Chief of Cigar & Spirits Randy Mastronicola is the Edit

. It was a

Magazine.

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It’s a very intense movie as most mafia movies are. A lot of people are obsessed with The Godfather, Goodfellas and many other movies in the genre. Why do you think people connect to these types of stories? It’s mindboggling. It’s the same reason why I love watching Dateline or 2020 or 48 Hours. All those shows are usually about people who do bad things to other people. I just think it’s so different than what they know, people get intrigued with it. It’s like watching a car crash. You don’t want to look, but you want to look. It’s just a safe way to look at some things. You know, that people do really bad things to other people. Growing up on the East Coast during a certain era, were you exposed to any mobster stuff ? In my upbringing, I didn’t really come across it at all. [Union, New Jersey] was a typical suburb. All I did was play sports. There were a couple people that we called “hoods.” The guys who wore the high-roll shirts—I knew a couple of people that weren’t doing good things, but not in the sense of a mafia-type person. Legend has it with Goodfellas there were certain guys who tried to work their way into the movie. Oh, yes. We were at Rao’s, this great Italian place—the type of place where you have your reservation in a day and that’s all there is to it. Marty [Scorsese], Lorraine [Bracco] and I—it was official that we had the parts—so we went to dinner. Once the coffee and desserts came out—these guys just came around the table and started saying, “I knew a guy who did this, that and the other thing.” Then the next one came over, “I knew a guy who did this, that.” You knew they were talking about themselves, and each one was trying to top the other one. It was just an interesting dynamic to watch. Unreal. Just to finish with Many Saints, what do you think a viewer will take away from the movie? First and foremost, you want people to feel they got their money’s worth from watching the movie. It shows people going on the wrong side of the tracks and what can happen. As a parent, there’s lot of father-son stuff. You always have to be aware that your kid can do whatever. You want to try to keep them on the straight and narrow.

Audrey Pavia has authored twenty-three non-fiction books. She is an awardwinning writer and editor living in Southern California, and a frequent contributor to Cigar & Spirits Magazine. Randy Mastronicola is the Editor-in-Chief of Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

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C&S

FALL CIGAR BUYER’S GUIDE

RATINGS ARE BASED ON THE AVERAGE BLIND TASTING SCORES OF EACH CIGAR BY A PANEL OF TEN CIGAR EXPERTS. THESE CONNOISSEURS POSSESS MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF COMBINED CIGAR-SMOKING EXPERIENCE.

To provide feedback on any of the ratings, or to offer your own opinions on any of the cigars featured, write us at: feedback@cigarandspirits.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and leave your comments: facebook.com/cigarandspiritsmagazine

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FOR YOUR HUMIDOR

CIGAR RATING

601 BLUE LABEL MADURO TORPEDO 6 x 52 Figurado Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Connecticut Broadleaf Strength: Full Tasting Notes: This box-pressed cigar is crafted in Estelí, Nicaragua by Erik Espinosa, but originally blended by Don Pepin. It features an expert blend of dark roast coffee, spice and earth. The finish is surprisingly sweet and smoky.

CIGAR RATING

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

CIGAR RATING

ARTURO FUENTE GRAN RESERVA PETIT CORONA 5 x 38 Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Mild/Medium Tasting Notes: This Gran Reserva is a welcome after dinner cigar. It has relaxing notes of vanilla, walnuts with a distinct café con leche taste.

CIGAR RATING

ASHTON CABINET SELECTION Très Petite 4 3/8 x 42 Petit Corona Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Mild/Medium Tasting Notes: This “White Burgundy” Ashton abounds with tastes of rich soil and aged grapes. It’s shadegrown and undoubtedly creamy. It features aged Dominican tobaccos of four to five years. It has a creamy vanilla finish.

CIGAR RATING

AVO CLASSIC BELICOSO 6 x 48 Figurado Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This AVO was crafted by master blender Henrik Kelner for legendary jazz musician Avo Ubezian. It’s a refined-looking cigar and feels just right in the hand. Its delicate shade, tastes of buttered bread and creamy characteristics are just right when you’re looking for a cigar that’s right down the middle.

CIGAR RATING

CHARTER OAK HABANO LONSDALE 6 ¼ x 46 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The tastes are smooth with sweet chocolate, pepper and leather meshing nicely with its citrus profile. The sheer amount of billowing smoke creates a rather aromatic smoking experience.

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CIGAR RATING

DANIEL MARSHALL RED LABEL GIGANTE 6 x 60 Grande Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Daniel Marshall Red label is a stout cigar with a wonderful oily wrapper. There are hints of earth, cocoa, vanilla and minerals throughout. The burn is stellar.

CIGAR RATING

DAVIDOFF GRAND CRU NO. 5 4 x 41 Petit Corona Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This Davidoff is flavorful with warm tastes of crusty baguette accompanied by a nutty profile. The draw is superb. It has refined and masculine hints of earth and leather as you reach the finish.

CIGAR RATING

DÍAS DE GLORIA BY A.J. FERNANDEZ 6 x 58 Gordo Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Full Tasting Notes: This resplendent 2019 release with its coffee aromas is a perfect nightcap. Salty, peppery and creamy come to mind when working through the cigar. It finishes a little strong but clean, crisp and delicious.

CIGAR RATING

E.P. CARRILLO INTERLUDE CARRILLITOS 4 x 38 Petit Corona Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: There are evident notes of sweet citrus throughout the smoke, but with the proper hint of orange peel bitterness to make it interesting–expertly blended. It’s as smooth as a top-shelf orange liqueur.

CIGAR RATING

FLORIDA SUN GROWN SIXTY BY DREW ESTATE 6 x 60 Gordo Wrapper: Brazilian Binder: Honduran Filler: Nicaraguan, U.S.A. Florida Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: There’s an abundance of smoke with an even burn throughout this FSG. It’s robustly complex with earth, nuts and dried fruit flavors throughout the cigar.

CIGAR RATING

FRATELLO ARLEQUIN TORO 6 ¼ x 54 Toro Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Ecuadorian Filler: Nicaraguan, Peruvian Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This box-pressed cigar is rustic in profile. Earthy, leathery and woodsy with notes of spice and mint make for an interesting smoke.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

TIME TO RAISE YOUR SPIRITS BOVEDA

*Per 1.5 Fl Oz. - Average Analysis: 117 Calories, 0g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat

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CIGAR RATING

HIRAM & SOLOMON CURAMUS 6 x 52 Toro Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Natural Binder: Mexican Filler: Dominican Corojo, Dominican Criollo 98, Dominican Ligero Seco, Pennsylvania Broadleaf Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The Curamus was developed at the PDR factories in the Dominican Republic by renowned blender Abe Flores. This meticulously crafted cigar is chock-full of flavors like espresso, creamy coffee, fruit and white pepper. The draw is stellar and produces a consistent amount of aromatic smoke.

CIGAR RATING

HOOTEN YOUNG 2020 SELECTION 6 x 54 Toro Box Press Wrapper: San Andres Maduro Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The San Andres Maduro wrapper is deep and dark, features a delicious profile of earth dark chocolate and tasty spice.

CIGAR RATING

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

CIGAR RATING

ILLUSIONE ULTRA MK 5 ¼ x 42 Petit Corona Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The MK is expertly crafted featuring a zesty profile. The evident flavors are keen with white pepper, dark roast coffee and cedar that increases in intensity as you work your way through the cigar. The burn is stellar.

CIGAR RATING

JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTAÑO 1970 BIG BULL 7 x 60 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: The Big Bull is a mighty and stout cigar. It offers earth, grass, dark soil with slight hints of floral qualities. The draw levels out after the first third of the smoke.

CIGAR RATING

KRISTOFF CONNECTICUT CHURCHILL 7 x 50 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Dominican Strength: Mild/Medium Tasting Notes: This closed foot and knotted pigtail cigar is visually appealing. The draw is excellent throughout. It features nutty elements that work the palate with just the right hints of saltiness and charred oak.

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CIGAR RATING

LA AROMA DE CUBA EDICION ESPECIAL NO. 4 7 x 49 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The flavors are nicely finessed into the flavor profile on the NO. 4. It has some hints of black cherry, lemon peel and grainy rice throughout the smoke. There’s a lot of oak in the scent of the smoke.

CIGAR RATING

LA MISSION L’ATELIER 1959 4 3/4 x 52 Wrapper: Mexican Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The 1959 is simply a gorgeous cigar. It’s impressive with a sturdy box-pressing, and a pigtail cap. The oily and dark Mexican San Andrés wrapper is perfectly in sync with the 1959 giving it a traditional feel and taste. It has notes of anise, sweet spice with just enough mesquite smokiness to get your attention.

CIGAR RATING

LEAF BY OSCAR CONNECTICUT SIXTY 6 x 60 Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Mild/Medium Tasting Notes: This Oscar is a handsomely made cigar. There are evident notes of herbs, spice, dried-fruit and citrus. It’s leans more to the mild side, but there’s a surprising zing as you cap off the smoking session.

CIGAR RATING

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

CIGAR RATING

NUB CAMEROON 460 4 x 60 Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This fireplug of a cigar features a nice draw once you get past the fussy start. The notes of oats, brown sugar and cedar offer a rather unique smoking experience.

CIGAR RATING

PADILLA FINEST HOUR CONNECTICUT ROBUSTO 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Honduran Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Mild/Medium Tasting Notes: There are evident sweet chocolate and vanilla notes throughout this pleasant Connecticut cigar. It’s a gentle ride with a lot of billowing smoke. The finish lingers with cocoa and citrus.

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CIGAR RATING

PADRÓN DAMASO NO. 12 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Mild/Medium Tasting Notes: The tastes of graham cracker, raisins and toast are nicely balanced throughout the cigar. The smoke is aromatic with hints of citrus. The NO. 12 burned evenly throughout the experience.

CIGAR RATING

PICHARDO RESERVA FAMILIAR 6 x 52 Connecticut Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This toro is nutty and sweet to the palate. The draw is excellent. It finishes with fig, citrus and just a touch of earth to cap off a smooth smoke.

CIGAR RATING

RAMON ALLONES BY AJ FERNANDEZ 6 x 54 Torpedo Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full Tasting Notes: This tasty AJ creation features unique tastes of peanut shell, tangy fruit, white pepper and raisins. It’s a zesty cigar that offers a long ash you can be proud of.

CIGAR RATING

SOUTHERN DRAW DESERT ROSE Belicoso Fino 5 x 52 Figurado Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The distinct notes of buttered toast, light cocoa, nuts and dried fruit make this cigar a solid start to the day. It’s light and easy with subtle notes of baking spices at the back-end of the cigar.

CIGAR RATING

VEGAFINA FORTALEZA 2 CAPA 20 Gran Robusto 5 x 50 Robusto Wrapper: Mexican Habano Binder: U.S.A. Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Peruvian Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: The worldwide distribution on this Fortaleza is rather limited. It’s worth the search if you’re a dedicated VegaFina fan. The blend has some distinct zing with solid notes of earth, black pepper, leather and oak.

CIGAR RATING

VEGAFINA 1998 VINTAGE 1 7 1/3 x 42 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Indonesian (Java) Filler: Colombian, Dominican, Nicaraguan Strength: Medium Tasting Notes: This elegantly constructed cigar offers a thinner ring gauge than the typical VegaFina. It has an excellent draw with a surprising amount of aromatic smoke. Oak, nuts and cinnamon run through the cigar with balance and tastiness.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

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FOR YOUR HOME BAR

FALL 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

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SPIRIT RATING

Glenmorangie Scotch Whisky

SPIRIT RATING

Germain-Robin California Brandy

GLENMORANGIE SCOTCH WHISKY BOND HOUSE 1997

MSRP: $900 |ABV 43% This classic Glenmorangie offers spice that tingles on the palate with notes of soft red fruits. Pineapple chunks flow into pears and mandarin jelly throughout the blend. There’s ginger and sweet pepper that swirls with almond marzipan and vanilla toffee apples at the finish. Classic indeed.

HIGH GOAL GIN LUXURY GIN

MSRP: $50.00 | ABV 40% The company messaging is clear…“High Goal Gin is born from the Sport of Kings and inspired by the culinary epicenter of Charleston, South Carolina.” This spirit is a modern take on a classic spirit. There are tasty hints of local citrus and mint in its unique blend of regionally-focused botanicals.

SELVAREY COCONUT RUM

SPIRIT RATING

Clase Azul Tequila

SelvaRey Coconut Rum

High Goal Gin

MSRP: $32 I ABV: 35% SelvaRey Coconut Rum is a two-year-old aged rum featuring hints of fresh coconut water, key lime pie, pineapple and tres leches. It’s a smooth spirit with a complex blend. It serves well with rum and a splash of soda, fresh juice or mixed in a Piña Colada.

SIA Scotch Whisky

CLASE AZUL TEQUILA PLATA

MSRP: $100 |ABV 40% This tequila is rich with vanilla, lemon, fresh mint and a nuanced amount of green guava. It’s bright and crisp. This artisanal Clase Azul results in savory notes that combine softness with a touch of sweetness.

GERMAIN-ROBIN CALIFORNIA BRANDY

MSRP: $75 | ABV 40% Germain-Robin is hand-crafted via classic cognac stills, and uses complex and aromatic California grapes–including Pinot Noir and Sémillon. The nose is oak, spice and fruit. The tastes of apple and pear are lightly accented with honeysuckle and cherry blossom. The rich full mouthfeel lingers in this balanced blend.

SIA SCOTCH WHISKY

MSRP: $39 | ABV 43% SIA is distilled in Scotland. It’s matured, blended, and bottled from an expertly balanced blend of Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands and Islay whiskies. It’s taste profile features vanilla, caramel, citrus, honey and a hint of smoke.

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SPIRIT RATING

El Bandito Tequila Blanco

Callisto

SPIRIT RATING

Garrison Brothers

SPIRIT RATING

El Bandito Tequila Reposado

Tiki Lovers

CALLISTO BOTANICAL RUM

MSRP: $35 | ABV 40% (750ML) Callisto is the only botanical rum infused with the spirit and taste of California. It puts a West Coast twist with its infusion of locally-sourced Californian botanicals (including rosemary, lavender, burdock root and cherry bark). The flavor is dry, floral and smooth.

MSRP: $39.99 | ABV 40% This El Bandito is refreshing and features a refined and crisp finish. There are slight hints of citrus, pepper and vanilla with a buttery profile. It’s a wonderful blanco.

GARRISON BROTHERS HONEYDEW BOURBON

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.

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EL BANDITO TEQUILA REPOSADO

MSRP: $44.99 | ABV 40% This reposado is nicely aged and sports a complex profile. There’s a warm agave presence that meets distinct hints of toasted oak. The structure of this spirit glides over the palate with herbal and vanilla notes.

TIKI LOVERS DARK RUM

EL BANDITO TEQUILA BLANCO

Watershed Tri-Blend

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

MSRP: $35 | ABV: 57% A complex, rich and masculine rum with hints of vanilla, dark fruit, molasses and spice. This Tiki clearly evokes flavors of the Caribbean Islands.

WATERSHED TRI-BLEND

MSRP: $39.99 | ABV 45% The aromas are sleek with oak, toffee and orange peel. The other evident flavors feature dark cherry, warm spices and vanilla. This blend easily works for cocktails or straight up.

SPIRIT RATING

Oregon Spirit

Smoky Quartz Distillery

Fugitives

SPIRIT RATING

Camus VSOP Cognac Elegance

SPIRIT RATING

Blanton’s Whiskey

SPIRIT RATING

Woodford Reserve

SMOKY QUARTZ DISTILLERY V5 ‘SMALL BATCH’ BOURBON

CAMUS VSOP COGNAC ELEGANCE

OREGON SPIRIT WHEAT WHISKEY

BLANTON’S WHISKEY ORIGINAL SINGLE BARREL BOURBON WHISKEY

MSRP: $30 | ABV: 45% The V5 is a sweet and flavorful bourbon. It has creamy and mild notes of oak and vanilla that leads into spice. The bourbon finishes rich, warm and long with very little burn.

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

FUGITIVES TENNESSEE WALTZ WHISKEY

MSRP: $60 | ABV: 45.5% The Waltz is a bold blend. The aromas of spice, oak and pear are delicate. It has a full flavor with hints of fig and chocolate along with a pronounced note of sweet caramel on the finish.

MSRP: $53 | ABV: 40% This Camus blend is distinctively aromatic–floral aromas combined with soft fruity notes of grapefruit and almond. The spicy finish is sublime with light oak tones.

MSRP: $82 | ABV: 46% The Original features a creamy vanilla nose with a hints of caramel and butterscotch. The undertones of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon are delightful. The blended profile is sweet, and has notes of citrus and oak.

WOODFORD RESERVE CHOCOLATE MALTED RYE

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

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SPIRIT RATING

Watershed Bottled in Bond

Jose Cuervo Reserva

The Whistler Bodega Cask

WATERSHED BOTTLED IN BOND

MSRP: $49.99 | ABV 50% There are ample aromas of red apple and toasted oak in this Watershed. The flavors are pleasant with caramel, chicory and dark cherry. The lengthy and smooth finish offers robust notes of spice.

JOSE CUERVO RESERVA DE LA FAMILA

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

THE WHISTLER P.X. I LOVE YOU

The Whistler P.X. I Love You

SPIRIT RATING

Cutwater Rayador

SPIRIT RATING

MSRP: $65 | ABV 46% The dried fruits and brown sugar from the nose are joined on the palate by walnut, zesty citrus and a hint of leather. There’s more walnut with dried fruits and subtle wood prickle for a dry finish with subtle hints of dark chocolate.

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

CUTWATER RAYADOR TEQUILA REPOSADO

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.

THE WHISTLER BODEGA CASK

MSRP: $65 | ABV 46% The initial impressions feature stewed dark fruits, leather, chocolate and tobacco along with citrus peel and caramel undertones. This leads to an oily mouthfeel with leather, spices, dried figs and sultanas, coupled with bitter chocolate and dry citrus peel. The delicate finish lingers with malt and dried fruits.

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.

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RUGGED COUNTRY

EL ARTISTA CIGARS www.el artista cigars.com

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SPIRIT RATING

New Riff

SPIRIT RATING

Tullibardine Scotch 12-Year-Old

Foursquare Rum

SPIRIT RATING

Tullibardine Scotch Artisan

Coalition Whiskey Sauternes

NEW RIFF SINGLE BARRELL

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

Dano’s Dangerous Tequila

TULLIBARDINE SCOTCH ARTISAN

MSRP: $29.99 | ABV 40% The aromas and tastes of grassy meadows are a subtle touch. The hints of vanilla, creamy fudge and nuanced oak throughout the blend are delightful. The price point of the Artisan is very appealing.

COALITION WHISKEY SAUTERNES BARRIQUES

TULLIBARDINE SCOTCH 12-YEAR-OLD

MSRP: $44.99 | ABV 40% The nose is soft with honey and heather. The palate is sweet barley sugar, liquid honey and vanilla. There are also warm hints of malted biscuit before a smooth finish featuring gentle spice.

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

FOURSQUARE RUM DISTILLERY MARK XV REDOUBTABLE RUM

DANO’S DANGEROUS TEQUILA REPOSADO

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

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

MSRP: $53 |ABV 40% This reposado is incredible tasty with notes of almond and vanilla throughout. It offers a pleasantly smooth cherry note and soft oak flavors on the finish.

KRISTOFF.COM WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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Dano’s Dangerous Tequila Añejo

SPIRIT RATING

Lost Lantern

Coalition Whiskey Pauillac

DANO’S DANGEROUS TEQUILA AÑEJO

MSRP: $58 | ABV 40% This Dano’s features woody notes that mesh with rich vanilla bean in an expertly crafted manner. It makes for a seriously enjoyable sipping experience.

LOST LANTERN AMERICAN VATTED MALT EDITION NO. 1

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

MSRP: $75 | ABV 50% Aromas of mountain strawberries and orange marmalade accentuate the hints of alpine meadow and wildflower honey. Jasmine tea, sage and spruce tips fade into pink peppercorns, with crisp linen on the mouthfeel. This spirit finishes dry with lightly bitter, candied orange. Very nice.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

Laws Whiskey Bonded Centennia

SPIRIT RATING

LAWS WHISKEY BONDED CENTENNIAL

SPIRIT RATING

21 Seed

SPIRIT RATING

Oregon Spirit

COALITION WHISKEY PAUILLAC BARRIQUES

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

21 SEED VALENCIA ORANGE FRUIT INFUSED TEQUILA

MSRP: $32.99 |ABV 35% The combination of blanco tequila and real oranges creates a smooth infusion with subtle orange notes that aren’t overly sweet. It’s a fine tequila for a Skinny Margarita, Negroni, Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

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

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AVANTICIGAR AVANTI CIGAR

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GO WEST, YOUNG MAN AND WOMAN THE OLD WEST CASTS A LONG SHADOW OVER MOVIES by Elisa Jordan

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

>> Kevin Costner and Linden Ashby as Wyatt and Morgan Earp in 1994’s Wyatt Earp

AF Archive/Alamy.com

EW GENRES HAVE CAPTURED MOVIE GOERS’ IMAGINATIONS LIKE WESTERNS. From the very first moving pictures,

TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA

films like The Great Train Robbery (1903) thrilled audiences, and the popularity only grew from there—and it’s easy to understand why. From a logistical standpoint, the goldmining and gunfighter era was fresh in the collective memory of the country. Many miners and gunfighters were still alive, including the (in)famous Wyatt Earp, who died in 1929 in Los Angeles. They were sharing their life stories, and their adventurous natures were perfect for the new visual medium. As movies began to dominate popular culture, so too did Westerns. When television sets made their way into homes in the 1950s, the appeal of Westerns only broadened.

The O.K. Corral, perhaps the most famous gunfight of all time, has captured the public’s imagination as few Old West incidents have. The shootout between the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday vs. the ClantonsMcLaurys took place on October 26, 1881, on Fremont Street, which was actually a few doors down from the O.K. Corral stables. It was the result of long-standing bad blood between the Earp brothers and Cowboys, which included Ike and Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury, and Billy Claiborne. The gunfight lasted just 30 seconds but has since become the premiere archetype for Old West shootouts.

Westerns capture a uniquely American experience—the freedom of starting a new life on the frontier, a rebellious spirit, search for wealth, individualism and of course, grit—or more specifically, “true grit.” In Hollywood’s hands, Westerns often take on the role of morality tales, a good vs. evil stand.

Tombstone Productions: Law and Order (1932), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), Tombstone, The Town Too Tough to Die (1942), My Darling Clementine (1946), Hour of the Gun (1967), Doc (1971), Tombstone (1993), Wyatt Earp (1994), Tombstone Rashomon (2017)

The actual people and the towns they inhabited weren’t nearly as simple. But it was the real stories around those people and towns that inspired the fiction. Many of the old towns are now set up so visitors can walk the same streets as their favorite outlaws and sheriffs. One word of caution though—when it comes to Hollywood, filming could have taken place anywhere. Just because a movie or show took place in a specific town doesn’t mean it was actually filmed there. Still, seeing the real thing is always worth the effort. This list of towns, movies and television series is just a small sampling of the Old West as depicted by the entertainment world. We reckon this will inspire you to visit some of these cities, or at least inspire you to re-visit some of these classic films and television shows. WWW.CIGARANDSPIRITS.COM

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DEADWOOD, SOUTH DAKOTA

Deadwood Productions: Calamity Jane (1953), Deadwood (2004-2006), Deadwood: The Movie (2019)

Olyphant >> Keith Carradine (left) and Timothy Deadwood. (right) starred in the 2004 TV series

>> James Arness por trayed Marshall Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsm oke for 20 years.

DODGE CITY, KANSAS Dodge City as we now know it came to prominence in 1871 when weary travelers stopped at Henry J. Sitler’s ranch for a rest. Many others soon saw opportunities, and such industries as the railroad and cattle trade came to town. A population boom followed, as did saloons, gambling halls and brothels. The new residents helped Dodge earn a reputation for being the “wickedest” town on the frontier and called the “Sodom of the West.” For a time, lawmen Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson tried to maintain law and order. They weren’t the only legendary characters to pass through. John Henry Holliday briefly practiced dentistry in Dodge and earned the nickname he’s now better known by, “Doc” Holliday. Today Dodge City is remembered as a quintessential frontier town and for the expression “get outta Dodge,” although that phrase was born in the twentieth century. Dodge City Productions: Dodge City (1939), The Woman of Town (1943), Winchester ’73 (1950), The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955-1961), Gunsmoke (1955-1975), The Gunfight at Dodge City (1955), Wyatt Earp’s Revenge (2012), Traded (2016)

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

AF Archive/Alamy.com

What began in the 1870s as an illegal settlement on sacred Lakota land quickly grew into a boomtown after gold was discovered in 1874. Within just a few years, the town swelled with a population of miners, opportunists, gamblers, prostitutes and outlaws. Even by Old West standards, Deadwood’s reputation for lawlessness and violence was infamous. The town’s notoriety was sealed when “Wild Bill” Hickok was assassinated while playing poker at Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon. At the time of his murder, he was holding a pair of aces and a pair of eights, now called “dead man’s hand.” Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are buried in Deadwood’s cemetery.

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2016

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2017

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2018

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2019

#10

BOUTIQUE CIGAR 2020

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>> Bonanza stars (left to righ t) Dan Blocker, Michael Landon and Lorne Greene doing their best toothy equ ine smile.

VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA Now called the Comstock Lode, the 1859 silver discovery in Mount Davidson, the highest peak in the Virginia Range, made for the largest strike since the California Gold Rush 10 years before. Virginia City soon developed into a boomtown known for wealth and prosperity. The thriving town attracted the attention of reporter Samuel Clemons, who began using the pen name Mark Twain while writing for the local newspaper. Depleted mines and a series of fires took their toll by the 1870s, and the town’s population dwindled. Today, tourists still stream to Virginia City for the Comstock Lode history and the association with the fictional Cartwright family from the show Bonanza. Virginia City Productions: Virginia City (1940), The Adventures of Mark Twain (1944), Bonanza (1959-1973)

Yuma was a travel hub during the Gold Rush era. As eager get-richquick hopefuls streamed into the West—and usually left defeated and empty handed—Yuma was an ideal spot for prospectors going in either direction. Miners weren’t the only ones finding the desert town useful. Thanks to its location on the Colorado River, the U.S. Army shipped supplies via water, then from Yuma sent supplies to various forts. Soon the railroad arrived, and in 1876 a prison opened, which now serves as a state park and tourist attraction. The prison inspired Elmore Leonard’s short story “Three-Ten to Yuma,” which in turn inspired two movie versions. In addition, Yuma has been a filming location for many non-Western films. Yuma Productions: 3:10 to Yuma (1957, 2007), The Sheik (1921), Beau Geste (1926, 1939, 1969), Gunga Din (1939), Casablanca (1942), Rope of Sand (1949), Psycho (1960), Flight of the Phoenix (1966), Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Return of the Jedi (1983), Spaceballs (1987), Shawshank Redemption (1994), Scorpion King (2002), Jarhead (2005)

Russell Crowe >> Christian Bale (left) and to Yuma. (right) starred in 2007’s 3:10

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Collection Christophel/Alamy.com

YUMA, ARIZONA

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

NAME

COLOR

SIZE

BOX OF

BUNDLE

BOOLIT

DARK

4.75 x 46

32 ct

TORO

DARK

6 x 52

24 ct

SIXTY

DARK

6 x 60

24 ct

SEVENTY

DARK

6 x 70

24 ct

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This summer, international auction house Bonhams sold off a large collection of early West items associated with the Earp family, “Wild Bill” Hickok, Johnny Ringo and Billy the Kid. The relic that garnered the most talk? The gun Pat Garrett used to kill Billy the Kid. The high interest in the collection showed the lasting influence and popularity the Old West still has in American—and even international—culture. The gun was expected to fetch somewhere north of $2 million at the time of writing.

rn >> Kris Kristofferson (left) and James Cobu tt (right) starred in Sam Peckinpah’s Pat Garre and Billy the Kid in 1973.

FORT SUMNER, NEW MEXICO

Fort Sumner Productions: The Adventures of Billy (1911), Billy the Kid (1911, 1930, 1941), Billy the Kid Returns (1938), The Outlaw (1943), I Shot Billy the Kid (1950), The Kid from Texas (1950), The Boy from Oklahoma (1954), Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), Young Guns (1988), Young Guns II (1990), Requiem for Billy the Kid (2006), The Kid (2019).

Elisa Jordan is a freelance writer and editor in Southern California. Her childhood family vacations were spent exploring dusty old ghost towns.

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Collection Christophel/Alamy.com

When the U.S. military sold Fort Sumner’s abandoned buildings to land and cattle baron Lucien Maxwell, the fort probably would have been little more than a footnote in history. That is, if it weren’t for one incident—it is here that Pat Garrett assassinated Billy the Kid. Garrett had traced the Kid, who had a $500 bounty on his head, to the home of Maxwell’s son, Pete. Accounts vary; in some versions, Garrett shot the Kid in the darkness of the house. In other accounts, it was on the porch. (Some even believe Garrett shot the wrong man and only claimed he killed the Kid.) A jury of six examined the corpse and confirmed it was indeed Billy the Kid, who was buried at Old Fort Sumner Cemetery. The Maxwell house no longer stands but a marker designates the approximate spot where the notorious outlaw met his fate. Billy the Kid has since gone on to be one of the most famous names associated with the Old West, with countless references in books, songs, movies and television shows.

Photo courtesy of Bonhams

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Photos credit: Miyuri Norris

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BEHIND THE LEAF

MICHAEL HERKLOTS IS JAZZED KEEPING THE BEAT FROM NAT SHERMAN TO FERIO TEGO by Joe Bosso

LIKE ALL ADEPT JAZZ DRUMMERS, Michael Herklots knows how to anticipate changes and react; he’s highly skilled at improvisation, gifted with the ability of stepping into the unknown and surging forward without looking back. These talents go beyond mere time-keeping—drum machines can do that. No, Herklots is the kind of drummer who guides the ship and sets the tone; he’s the bedrock foundation for a dedicated musical course of action. But Herklots is more than a jazz drummer; he’s also one of the leading ambassadors in the cigar industry. He served as the general manager of two Davidoff locations in New York City, and would go on to become Vice President of Nat Sherman International, LLC, in Manhattan. Michael was responsible for overseeing the operations at the company’s famous Townhouse store for nearly a decade. After a difficult period last year, during which time Nat Sherman’s corporate owner, Altria,

was unable to sell ivts premium cigar brands, Herklots seized the moment. He used both his business smarts and drummer’s instincts—he literally grabbed the phrase and turned it around, and along with another prime player, Brendon Scott, former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Nat Sherman, LLC, he formed Ferio Tego. The new company now owns and distributes the former Nat Sherman lines—Timeless, Metropolitan, Epoca and Ancora, among others. Cigar & Spirits Magazine sat down with Herklots to find out how a Berklee-trained drumming ace became a major player in the cigar business, and how he and Scott plan to preserve treasured brands while forging a new identity.

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Cigar & Spirits Magazine: So how did you get into the cigar business? Michael Herklots: It’s a long story—sort of. From 1998 to 2002, I was a drum set performance major at Berklee, and during this time all of my efforts were focused around pursuing a career as a musician. I was heavy into jazz, but I played other types of music, too. I was playing a lot in Boston, and I had a great time. I loved everything about drumming and music. During my first year at Berklee, I started getting into cigars, and I remember trying to figure out how I could get a cigar-related job. I was like, “I need to get a job selling cigars so I can be around them all the time.” So all through college, I was in retail throughout Boston, starting out at a little kiosk called the Humidor in the Prudential Center mall and then at the Gloucester Cigar Company in the Back Bay. I was learning about the cigar business while trying to maintain a music performance schedule. It was pretty intense. When did you shift from music to the cigar world full-time? It was gradual and very organic, and I never really left music—I still play whenever I can. For me, though, the move into cigars as a real business had a lot to do with scrutinizing opportunities and figuring out what was best for the moment. In 2002, I moved to New York and went to work as a salesperson for Davidoff on Madison Avenue. I was still juggling sales with being a musician, and for a while I could pull everything off. In 2006, however, Davidoff bought a store in the Time-Warner building, and I was offered a gig there as a general manager. This wasn’t just sales; it was a real gig, running the place. I knew that I would have to put my music career on the back burner, but I went for it. Two years later, I was asked to run both Davidoff stores. I was 28 and I had a serious girlfriend, so I decided I had to do it. I took a few more chips out of the music pile and put them in the cigar pile. A few years later, in 2011, the Sherman family reached out and talked to me about running their store in New York—the Townhouse, as we called it. I loved the Shermans, but I loved Davidoff, too, and it didn’t make sense to go from running two stores to running one. But the Shermans were persistent, and they put it to me that they didn’t just want to build up their store; they wanted to rebuild the cigar culture and community, making their products more relevant, getting them into brick and mortar stores. I was honest with them and said that I was happy where I was, but they put it to me directly: They wanted me to come in, and

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they would trust me to run the place how I wanted. So I went with them, and over the next 10 years I helped them polish and finetune the final chapter of the Nat Sherman International story. Walk me through the next phase and how you came to form Ferio Tego. In 2017, the Sherman family sold the company to Altria—this included both their cigarette and cigar brands and the retail store. A couple of years later, Altria announced that the premium cigar business and the store weren’t core to the long-term vision of the company, so they announced their plans to sell those elements. We got to work on finding suitors who could carry on that legacy in their own organizations, and we made a lot of progress, but then Covid hit. We had a buyer at the time who pumped the brakes. We went back and tried to renegotiate, but it got harder and harder as the pandemic continued on. We looked into other buyers, but they were trying to triage their own operations. So by July of 2020, we announced that we were winding down. We closed the retail store. It was a difficult time, especially for me and Brendon Scott, who was Nat Sherman’s CFO. We kept looking for ways to sell the business, but nothing came to pass. We sat around the conference table, heads in hands, going, “This sucks.” We knew there was nothing wrong with what we had; it just didn’t fit anybody else’s business model. Finally, Brendon and I decided to approach Altria to see if they would be willing to sell us the brands; we really wanted to carry on those legacies. So we talked to the leadership and asked them if they would consider allowing us to buy the brands for a new company that we would create, and there was a resounding “Yes.” Very quickly, we formed a company—I already had the name registered for Class 34—Ferio Tego. Ferio Tego is the Herklots family motto. It sits just below the shield on the Herklots Family coat of arms and dates to 1641. [Ferio Tego translates to “strike and defend.”] I walked Brendon through my ideas. We were passionate about the opportunity to restore, resurrect and rebuild Timeless and Metropolitan. We formed the company, funded it and worked with Altria to efficiently transact. We then acquired all of the brands, the corresponding trademarks and any related intellectual property associated with the brands that were formally sold by Nat Sherman International. I say that specifically because that’s an important distinction: We did not acquire Nat Sherman. Nat Sherman remains a cigarette brand that is owned and sold by Philip-Morris.

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“Ferio Tego is the Herklots family motto. It translates to ‘strike and defend,’ and sits just below the shield on the Herklots Family coat of arms.”

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Have you already started manufacturing and distributing? At this point, all of the cigars are made for the fourth quarter of 2021. We’ve re-engaged all of our manufacturing partners, which has been important. It felt great to tell them that we were back in motion, and all of our manufacturing partners have been with us every step of the way. We looked at a lot of distribution options, but the one that came to fruition was Davidoff, so we announced recently that Ferio Tego will be exclusively distributed throughout the United States and its territories by Davidoff USA—which is huge. Now Ferio Tego’s Timeless and Metropolitan will be part of the Davidoff portfolio. Beyond re-establishing the classic brands, what are your plans moving forward? Ferio Tego was born on the premise of moving forward. It’s a new-brand company and a new experience. At the same time, it’s a small family business. We’re committed to excellence, not only in creating experiences but, more importantly, to maintaining and preserving those experiences year after year. We’ll continue to grow and protect the Timeless and Metropolitan brands, but we’ll do so as Ferio Tego. And more important we’ll launch and establish Ferio Tego as a company and a brand that is rooted in honor and respect. You’re a fairly young guy, and I imagine you have some new, outside-thebox ideas. How are you looking to shake up the cigar market and possibly attract younger customers? I’m not sure I want to get over my skis here, but besides working in the premium cigar industry for 22 years, I’ve been a consumer for much longer. I’m a consumer of many different products, and I’m a passionate hobbyist of other industries adjacent to but different from premium cigars. I want to make sure we’re speaking clearly to our consumers and resonating with them in a way that helps them relate to our story and products.

>> Michael Herklots and Brendon Scott (Ferio Tego’s princ sharing a smoke at ipal and managing the 2021 Premium member) Cigar Association convention in Las Vegas.

appear unapproachable is that, to many people, the way they’re consumed is like foreign behavior—meaning the cutting, the lighting, how you draw on a premium cigar. It’s our job to connect the dots of familiarity to folks already enjoying premium cigars while at the same time educating new consumers. You said you still play music. How much gigging do you do these days? I still play one or two shows a year, so they’re always meaningful gigs, a lot of charity events. There’s a piano player I’ve played with since college, Brian Nash. He’s a well-known pianist and musical director. He calls me whenever there’s one of these Broadway fundraisers or something where they need a drummer who can show up on late notice and read charts. I don’t take drummers off their gigs. But I love it. Once a drummer, always a drummer.

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...).

Premium cigars can often feel intimidating and inaccessible, but that’s simply not the case. The thing that makes them

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CIGARS

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www. epic cigars.com

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Live Epic, Smoke Epic.

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>> Lalique Crystal Ashtray

Photos courtesy of Nick Hammond

ODE TO THE DOODADS The Lure Of Cigar Accoutrements by Nick Hammond NICK HAMMOND reports on the seemingly indefatigable desire of the cigar lover for yet another piece of cigar-related ephemera…

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>> Leggets Hip Flask >> Leggets Cigar Folio

I USED to think I wasn’t a gear geek. I’ve never been one of those folks who loves to have gadgets and widgets and knickknacks and doodads littering their home. But I’ve been forced to admit the existence of the covetous side to my nature when it comes to cigars. Or rather not cigars, but the accessories and accoutrements that go with them, hand in hand. It seems that human beings just can’t help expressing themselves in a myriad of unusual ways when it comes to their favorite pastimes. It’s quite endearing when you think about it; how artistic, innovatively engineered or simply beautifully crafted and presented “toys” delight the receiver, whether it’s a new tunnel for your train set, a set of alloy wheels for your motor, a beautiful bone-handled straight razor for your daily ablutions or a sleek silver toothpick holder to slip into the pocket of your handmade suit. Cigar lovers are no exception to this passion for the extras. Let’s face it, all you need to smoke a cigar is a thumbnail or tooth or two to remove the cap and a way of firing the beauty up. Yet, I would respectfully suggest to you all that you probably have a drawerful—or, who knows, several cupboards packed with—all sorts of cigar-related paraphernalia to cover every potential situation—and possibly several you’ve yet to encounter. I have cigar rests of various hue, heft and usefulness; many designs of tube; another handful of cigar cases in one finger, two finger, three finger and more, some of them seemingly constructed in a size designed to accommodate cigars as big as anti-aircraft guns. Should I ever try to take them on public transport, I’m sure I’d be detained for carrying a suspicious package.

There are humidors dotted all over the humble abode, from homemade plastic, click-lock ones to posh examples of marquetry; tall standing cabinets and ground-hugging chests. That’s before we even come to lighters stashed in drawers and jacket pockets all over the place; everything from cheap refillables to fancy-schmancy silver glittery jobs that can flambé your dinner, burn their way out of a lead-lined coffin or flame-grill your whopper as well as your cigar– whichever you’d prefer. So, for me to claim I’m not a gear geek would be misleading, Dear Reader. On this occasion only, I admit my culpability. So, to take an English turn of phrase, I decided to become “Poacher turned Gamekeeper.” Shortly after the publication of my book, Around The World In 80 Cigars, in 2019, I was approached to curate a new and exclusive collection of luxury, cigar and travel-related goods. Ego 1, Humbleness 0. Of course, I said yes. And Leggets, as it is now known, was born. The first cab off the rank, so to speak, was the dear old Leggets x Nick Hammond Oriental Cigar Gin, specifically blended by yours truly to perfectly accompany a fine, handrolled smoke. Produced in small batches and exactingly made from a semi-secret recipe of herbs and spices, it has been gratifyingly well received. So much so, that it is currently causing something of a stir in Hong Kong, where it has become the drink du jour at Bertie’s Cigar Lounge and is set to conquer epicurean legends like the Honk Kong Jockey Club and the Rosewood Hotel.

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>> Nightlife Series

>> Leggets Mini Music Case

Photos courtesy of Charlie Turano III

>> Nation Series

Art Meets Cutter And since then, I’ve worked with the incredibly innovative team at Leggets—who specialize in custom-made luxury goods, particularly incorporating English Bridle leather and exotic skins—to produce the kind of accessories that would lure me, siren-like, into spending money I didn’t have. Things like my Cigar Folio in striking blue, countered with the finest hand-stitching in eye-popping orange. The lining is suede, also dyed that fantastic blast of free-range egg yolk. It isn’t covered in fancy pockets and tube holders, or the size of an overnight suitcase; you can comfortably hold it one hand under one arm, and it is secured by an unobtrusive leather lanyard. I wanted something slim, elegant, light and user friendly. It’ll hold your phone, cutter lighters, cigar case, business cards, chargers etc—but it’s not so cavernous you end up filling it up like a Christmas stocking, bulging at the seams, which is my general modus operandi where I can get away with it. I take great delight in using it whenever I pop out on visits, where it invariably invites comment. And if you want yours in Van Gogh sunflower yellow with a terracotta tile red lining, just say the word and Leggets will make it for you. Best of all, it’s handmade in England and is incredibly good value in a market saturated with “luxury” goods that have been made in a Far Eastern sweatshop and farmed out at millionaire prices. My inspiration comes from no technical knowledge, or a pretense that I am a master of the aesthetic or trend-worthy. Simply that the sorts of things that I like aren’t generally on the market. Unique products, the type of goodies that other people don’t have; quirky and inventive alternative takes on a stylistic way of life. They must contain a bubbling joie de vivre and an irrepressible inquisitiveness about the world we live in—a true representation, in my tiny brain at least, of the voice created in Around The World in 80 Cigars.

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Artist Charlie Turano III collaborated with Xikar for the Nightlife Series. The eye-catching cutters were inspired by the flowing lights and dynamic action of big city night life. The highly lauded One Nation Series depicts flags from the United States, Texas, Cuba, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Germany and China. MSRP: $59.99 charlieturano3.com

>> U.S.A. Cutter

ERNESTO PEREZ-CARRILLO E . P. C A R R I L LO

T RY B OV E DA .CO M @bovedainc

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>> ST Dupont Lighter

>> Xikar X13 Vintage Bronze Cutter

There’s lots of Leggets swag in the pipeline, not all of it purely cigar-related; it’s a lifestyle thing, after all, and I have been known to enjoy some of the finer things in life. There are leather and ostrich covered hip flasks; sleek little classy card holders, amazing colorful little handmade ladies’ bags, which I’ve christened Cigar Handbags. And more to come. I’ve been influenced by stuff from all over the world; the wacky, out-of-the-box thinking of accessories from Sautter of Mount Street, London; old-world style of London’s shooting and fishing scenes; colonial era “comfort in the bush” from India and Africa; and a refreshing and admittedly gloriously ignorant attitude to what can and can’t be done. It’s amazing how emancipating it is to go ahead and make something people tell you can’t be done to find that actually it can—and that it just hasn’t been done before due to tradition, laziness of thought, lack of engineering and crafting know-how (thankfully Leggets supply this side of the bargain) or simply a desire to follow what everyone else is doing. Of course, what I find attractive and intriguing may not tally with yours. Or anyone else’s, for that matter; that’s a risk one takes when one sticks one’s head above the parapet. But, once again, support for the collection has been reassuringly appreciative. The moral of the story is, I think, that we should always try to be original; of course, nothing is new under the sun, but there are nuances and tweaks that take “ordinary”, everyday accessories into a new realm of being.

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For what it’s worth, here are a few other little knickknacks which float my particular boat in this little world we call the Good Life. I hope you get to enjoy playing with yours just as much as I do. • Cutter—The good old Xikar teardrop-shaped cutter which sits so beautifully in the palm of the hand and cuts with precision and a delightfully onomatopoeic snip! • Lighter—It’s worth remembering that not everything posh and expensive is good. But the ping of a flashing silver St-Dupont soft flame lighter is a thing of rare beauty to me. • A table cigar ashtray should be heavy, I believe. A real statement, a piece of furniture. In a world of impermanence and our throw-away culture, something that sits solidly with you all your smoking life is an accessory to be treasured. Think Lalique.

leggets.com nick-hammond.com st-dupont.com xikar.com

Nick Hammond is an English author, writer, broadcaster, traveller, innovator and lover of the finer things in life.

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“Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few–September, November…And these few precious days I’ll spend with you.” –“September Song” sung by Frank Sinatra by Breahna Wheeler

Spiced Chai Latte Serves 2 Ingredients: • 2 individual chai tea bags • 1 1/2 cup water • 2 cups whole milk • ¾ cups packed brown sugar • 4 tablespoons cold French vanilla coffee creamer • 2 shots of spiced liqueur • ¼ cup prepared coffee • whipped cream and cinnamon (optional) Directions: • prepare tea using tea bags and water • steep as directed and set aside • use prepared brewed coffee and add to steeped tea • combine milk, brown sugar and creamer in a small saucepan • heat and stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved • pour milk mixture into mugs and stir in tea and coffee • add one shot of spiced liqueur to each mug • top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired

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Ekaterina Kondratova/Shutterstock.com

FEATURED COCKTAILS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

Top left and top right: Foodio/Shutterstock.com, denira/Shutterstock.com Bottom left and bottom right: Goskova Tatiana, irina02/Shutterstock.com

CARAMEL APPLE SANGRIA

BUTTERED HOTSY TODDY

Serves 4 Ingredients: • 750 ml bottle of white wine–Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio • 1½ cups caramel flavored vodka • 6 cups apple cider • 5-6 medium apples, cored and chopped

Serves 2 Ingredients: • 3 teaspoons soft real butter • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 rounded teaspoons brown sugar • ¼ teaspoon turmeric • ¼ teaspoon cloves

Directions: • in a large pitcher, combine wine, vodka, and apple cider • add 3-4 medium apples, chopped and cored • muddle the sangria a bit to infuse some of the fresh apple flavor • pour into a glass over ice, and add additional chopped apples to each, if desired. TIP: You can also freeze a few of the chopped apples to reduce the need for ice. This will cool the beverage while adding flavor.

Directions: • mix the first 6 ingredients (everything except the whiskey) and chill for 30-60 minutes. • add half of the butter mixture–in a mug or toddy glass–to each cup • fill ¾ with boiling water and stir until butter melts • add 2 oz. whiskey to each glass • top with ground nutmeg, whipped cream and cinnamon stick (optional)

MINT CRANBERRY JULEP

HOT APPLEQUILA

Serves 8 Ingredients: • 1 cup water • 1 cup fresh cranberries • ¾ cup sugar • 1 cup bourbon • 2 strips of fresh orange peel • 8 sprigs fresh mint Directions: • in a 2-quart saucepan, heat water, sugar and orange peel to boiling on high • add cranberries and cook 2 to 3 minutes. • remove from heat, let cool to room temperature and refrigerate until cold • when ready to serve, strain cranberry syrup through sieve set over 1-quart liquid measure and discard solids • stir bourbon into syrup • fill 8 glasses with crushed ice and divide bourbon mixture among glasses • garnish with cranberries and mint (optional)

Serves 4 Ingredients: • 31/2cups apple juice • 4 shots tequila • 2 cups apple slices, cranberries and orange slices (mixed) • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 1 cinnamon stick Directions: • combine apple juice and cinnamon stick in a heavy pot • bring to a boil, reduce heat, add sugar and simmer for 10 minutes. • carefully remove cinnamon stick • add tequila and mix well • rim each glass or mug with the granulated sugar • place a scoop of mixed fruit into individual mugs • pour AppleQuila batch over and serve immediately

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BACK COVER A FUENTE

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