Brand evangelist, digital marketer, cigar and spirits expert specializing in consumer tasting and educational events. Matthias made the long trek from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2007, and in nine years has hosted more than 120 events and helped promote and launch dozens of cigar and whiskey brands in the U.S. In 2016, he joined the Cigar Journal Tasting Panel, blind-reviewing pre and new release cigars.
Drew Estate has announced that VIP attendees at their Barn Smoker events will be given exclusive access to the new Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Flying Pig cigars. The announcement was made during their latest “Freestyle Live: Special Edition” broadcast on April 27.
The new Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Flying Pig will be included as part of the VIP ticket package, with each VIP attendee receiving a 12-count box of the new product. In addition, Drew Diplomat Program retailers who register and attend any Barn Smoker will have the opportunity to purchase up to five 12-count boxes of the H99 Flying Pig cigars for resale in their stores, with each box retailing at $246. However, this offer is limited to 50 per Barn Smoker event.
Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate, has high praise for the new product, describing the blend as a “true masterpiece”. According to him, the hybrid wrapper of the H99 Liga Privada combined with the Flying Pig vitola gives the product a distinctive appeal.
The H99 Connecticut Corojo Flying Pigs’ capa, debuting at the Pennsylvania Barn Smoker on July 15, is a unique combination of Stalk-Cut Habano and Corojo seeds. The blend is intended to provide a rich and sweet flavor. The capa is grown exclusively for Drew Estate by one farmer in the Connecticut River Valley. The cigar’s robust character is completed by the spicy Mexican San Andres Otapan Último Corte capote and a blend of well-aged Honduran, Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Green River One Sucker tobaccos, offering luxurious notes of earth, espresso and leather.
For more information about the Barn Smoker events and the new Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Flying Pig cigars, visit barnsmoker.com.
The city that never sleeps is also the city that always smokes. Not just any smokes, mind you, but premium, hand-rolled cigars enjoyed in the hallowed, hazy haunts of some of the best cigar bars in the world. Today, I’m taking you on a sophisticated puff-filled journey through these must-visit stogie sanctuaries scattered throughout the majestic island of Manhattan.
But before we begin: a word about credibility. I’m not some staff writer at yelp or Gothamist. I’ve been hosting cigar events at New York City’s best cigar lounges and bars for nearly 15 years, and, as of this writing, have hosted nearly 190 events. All that to say: I’ve visited these and other bars over the years many times. I’ve seen them change, and in many sad instances, close down for good (as was the case with Nat Sherman in 2020, read my farewell letter). But the point is: I know a thing or two about the best spots to smoke cigars in New York City – and I’m sharing them here for your benefit, and also to attract new New York City cigar smokers to our website so that you can hear more about and hopefully join us in our monthly cigar events. We are, after all, the largest in person cigar group in the United States, and there’s always room for new enthusiasts!
Back to the topic at hand – here are my top ranked spots to enjoy a cigar and/or a glass of whisky in NYC.
Casa de Montecristo
My initial stop is the famed Casa De Montecristo, an oasis for cigar enthusiasts tucked away in the bustling maze of New York City. A luxurious den for aficionados and novices alike, this cigar shop boasts the city’s largest selection of cigars. From globally recognized brands to hidden boutique gems, the possibilities are endless, and so is the assistance. The staff, knowledgeable and engaging, have an uncanny knack for matching you with your ideal cigar, something akin to a smoky sommelier.
At Casa de Montecristo, the experience isn’t just about the cigars, it’s about the environment. As I sink into one of their plush seats, the ambiance is impossible to ignore. Nine TVs, four of them a whopping 54″ in size, dot the lounge, each broadcasting different games, making it a utopia for sports fans. Wrapped in the pleasant hum of chatter, the soft flicker of the screens, and of course, the enveloping aroma of fine tobacco, it’s a slice of stogie heaven in the heart of NYC.
Location: 1016 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Ph: +12127500809
The Carnegie Club
A stone’s throw from Central Park and Time Square lies my next destination, The Carnegie Club. This luxurious lounge feels simultaneously grand and intimate. The minute you walk in, the meticulously carved 18th-century bookcases, the roaring stone fireplace, and the towering 20-foot ceilings leave you in awe. If the setting evokes an older, grander New York, the selection of cigars reminds you that the Carnegie Club is very much in the present.
As I light up a cigar and settle into a plush chair, the ambiance is enhanced by the smooth, velvety strains of New York City’s longest-running Sinatra Show. Steven Maglio and the Stan Rubin 11-Piece Orchestra have been captivating audiences for more than two decades here, their music the perfect complement to the refined elegance of The Carnegie Club. This place is a piece of living history, a cherished part of New York City’s vibrant cigar culture.
Location: 156 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Ph: +12129579676
Web: http://www.carnegie-club.com/
Soho Cigar Bar
My next stop takes me downtown to the Soho Cigar Bar. Stepping inside is like being whisked back to the Roaring Twenties. Once known as the iconic Circa Tabac, it has seamlessly blended old-world elegance with modern comfort. The recently renovated space exudes a golden age charm; plush leather furnishings and a warm art deco interior wrap you in an ambiance that’s at once comfortable and chic.
At the Soho Cigar Bar, every detail has been painstakingly curated. The state-of-the-art ventilation system hums almost imperceptibly in the background, maintaining the air quality to ensure you savor every puff. Contemporary touches are sprinkled throughout, like the flat-screen TVs hidden behind timeless photography. With a meticulously selected range of cigars, a cocktail list that reads like a love letter to mixology, and a menu that caters to both epicureans and casual nibblers, Soho Cigar Bar is a remarkable blend of the past and the present.
Location: 32 Watts St, New York, NY 10013
Ph: +12129411781
Web: http://www.sohocigarbar.com/
Barclay Rex
As I venture downtown, Barclay Rex awaits, beckoning with a rich assortment of tobacco treasures. Nestled above the retail tobacco shop, the Rex Club – named after Rex, the Great Dane – offers a modern, intimate space to unwind. Entering, you’re greeted by a life-size statue of Rex, standing guard over the space with a regal air. This is more than a gimmick; it’s an embodiment of the club’s commitment to quality and uniqueness.
The club’s features – high ceilings, personal lockers, an advanced ventilation system, and a cozy fireplace – feel both luxurious and welcoming. Their house brand, Yaxel Ortiz, a Nicaraguan-made cigar line housed in their walk-in humidor, is a must-try. Just a few blocks from Wall Street and Stone Street, Barclay Rex stands as a tribute to the traditions of cigar smoking. With daily passes and monthly memberships available, it invites you to become part of its rich heritage and partake in its superior offerings.
Location: 126 Pearl St, New York, NY 10005
Ph: +12129623355
Web: http://www.barclayrex.com
Hudson Bar & Books
Next, I find myself at Hudson Bar and Books in the city’s coveted West Village neighborhood. Established in 1990, this bar pioneered the cigar bar scene in New York City, predating many of its now well-known counterparts. True to its trailblazing status, it has remained dedicated to the art of cigar smoking through the ebb and flow of the cigar trends.
One step into Hudson Bar and Books, and I’m engulfed by a continental aura, replete with playful monkey sconces, leopard print cushions, classic wood paneling, and a shiny copper bar. Outside, a fine pavement café awaits those who prefer to enjoy their cigars alfresco during the season.
Location: 636 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Ph: +12122292642
Web: http://www.barandbooks.cz/hudson
Club Macanudo
Just uptown, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Club Macanudo has been a beacon for cigar enthusiasts for over a quarter of a century. Conceived by Edgar M. Cullman Jr., CEO of Culbro Corp., it was created to fill a void in the city’s burgeoning cigar scene. The objective was simple but ambitious: to construct a sanctuary where cigars reigned supreme, and everything else came second.
And reign they do. Club Macanudo is an island of elegance and relaxation in the metropolis, its appeal undimmed by the passage of time. The Food Network and USA Today have praised its upscale atmosphere, which combines food, drink, and, of course, cigars, in a fusion of epicurean delight. It’s here, among the mahogany and leather, that you feel a sense of privilege, an initiation into a club that’s about more than cigars. It’s about style, refinement, and the sheer pleasure of the smoking experience.
Location: 26 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065
Ph: +12127528200
Web: http://club-macanudo.com/
In the end, each of these cigar bars has carved out its niche New York City. All bear a distinct charm and an unyielding commitment the art of cigar smoking. So whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a neophyte looking to explore the world of cigars, New York City’s cigar bars are a passport to a world of smoke-filled sophistication and pleasure.
Gran Habano is introducing a new product to their lineup, the G.A.R. American Standard, with an expected release in September 2023. Responding to a market demand for cost-effective options, the company is aiming to provide a balance between affordability and quality with this new release.
The G.A.R. American Standard is a Nicaraguan puro with a medium to full body. The flavor profile features dark chocolate with black pepper notes in the finish, a characteristic attributed to the brand’s creator, George Rico. It represents the company’s attempt to deliver a nuanced cigar experience at a more accessible price point.
The company’s production target for the G.A.R. American Standard is roughly 750,000 cigars annually, equating to about 15,000 boxes of 50. The cigar will be a regular production item.
The G.A.R. American Standard will be offered in multiple sizes:
Robusto 5 x 50 (MSRP $5.50)
Gran Robusto 6 x 54 (MSRP $6.00)
Imperial 6 x 60 (MSRP $6.40)
Czar 6 x 66 (MSRP $6.80)
Grandioso 7 x 70 (MSRP $7.00)
Gran Habano is presenting the G.A.R. American Standard at the 2023 PCA trade show in Las Vegas this week.
For further information about Gran Habano, their website is www.ghcigars.com and they can be reached directly at (305) 436-5960.
In a pioneering move, Lost Lantern, an award-winning independent bottler of American Whiskey, is paying homage to the nation’s iconic spirit with its ‘Summer of Bourbon’ collection. The collection, launching online on July 26th at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, will feature eight unique whiskies across their Blend Series, Single Distillery Series, and Single Cask Series.
Notably, the collection introduces Far-Flung Bourbon to the Blend Series, which innovatively combines straight bourbons from four different distilleries in four different states. It also marks the debut of the first bourbon in Lost Lantern’s Single Distillery Series, Soaring Spice, from Nevada’s Frey Ranch Distillery.
Six single casks from various distilleries are also included, three of which are first-time collaborations with Still Austin in Texas, Tom’s Foolery in Ohio, and New Riff in Kentucky.
The ‘Summer of Bourbon’ reflects the spectrum of climates and aging conditions across the United States, contributing to the unique taste profiles of each bourbon. By offering such diversity in one collection, Lost Lantern aims to illustrate the range of styles and flavors that define the bourbon world today.
For more updates about Lost Lantern and its collection, follow their social media channels:
London-based whiskymakers, Bimber Distillery and Compass Box, announced the debut of ‘Duality,’ a pair of uniquely crafted blended malt whiskies. The unveiling is set for Tuesday, 4th July and will be available directly from each producer’s websites.
These parallel releases, created collaboratively by Matt McKay of Bimber and James Saxon of Compass Box, represent an exploration into the contrasts and symmetries of sherry-matured whiskies and heavily peated malts. Each expression has been composed of components sourced from both England and Scotland, showcasing a juxtaposition of youth and maturity, texture and intensity to form a harmonious final product.
The whiskymakers employed an array of component whiskies from Bimber’s burgeoning warehouse and Compass Box’s extensive Scotch archive to bring their shared vision to life. Both releases not only offer balance and symmetry within their respective bottles, but also present a distinct duet created from a shared initial vision.
The Bimber Duality expression blends textural, vibrantly fruity Bimber whisky drawn from a peated ex-bourbon cask with an elegant 1st fill sherried malt from Glendullan Distillery. This release, limited to 340 bottles at 54% ABV, retails at £120.
In contrast, the Compass Box Duality unites an intensely smoky whisky from Ardbeg Distillery with rich and textural Pedro Ximénez-matured Bimber whisky. This version, available in 1,050 bottles at 52% ABV, retails at £180.
Speaking about the launch, Matt McKay of Bimber Distillery said, “The Bimber Duality bottling is the first time our London whisky has been utilised in conjunction with malts from different distilleries – we’re incredibly proud of the result and are delighted to have collaborated with Compass Box to produce this duo of Dualities.”
James Saxon of Compass Box echoed the sentiments, stating, “Duality is unlike anything we have made at Compass Box before – the weight and texture the Bimber brings to our heavily-peated Islay malt is truly compelling.”
Both releases highlight the blend of two distilleries’ distinct characters and the experimental spirit of the whiskymakers. The Duality releases are set to make waves in the whisky world, offering a distinctive taste experience that represents the best of English and Scottish whisky production.
