A few weeks back, we announced voting for the first annual NYC Cigar Lounge of the Year award. Well, about two weeks later and with votes coming in from Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and email, we are ready to announce the lounge who took the most votes.
But first, a disclaimer: this was our first year running this survey, which means it was far from perfect. Some lounges that should have bene included in the official ballot were left out (we got some angry emails for that), and we heard a few comments that not enough time was given for an adequate vote. We will take measures next year to assure these problems don’t happen.
Still, even with the problems, we are confident in announcing a winner this year. Out of 24 New York City area cigar lounges, The Cigar Inn (53rd and 2nd Ave) took first place with a commanding 42.5% of NYC area cigar smokers. Refugio Cigar House came in runner-up with 21.3% of the vote. The remainder of the vote was split between 22 other lounges.
Since opening just a few years back, the only Cigar Aficionado lounge and humidor, better known as The Cigar Inn, has been a favorite for NYC area cigar smokers. They are known for their incredible selection of new and hard to find cigars, as well as their solid collection of more well known brands like Fuente, Romeo y Julieta, and more. They are also big community players – they host events for cigar groups like New York G&S, help cigar brands launch new products, and even help with charity events as well.
It has also been a personal favorite of mine and the rest of the FineTobaccoNYC team, especially for business meetings and birthday parties. Cigar Inn was the first lounge to be listed on our “New York’s Best Cigar Lounges” page, and there is a reason why: it a lounge for new and veteran cigar smokers alike. You can read our full review of The Cigar Inn here.
Haven’t been to the Cigar Inn yet? Here is the contact information:
RAISE A DRAM WITH BOWMORE, ISLAY’S FIRST SINGLE MALT WHISKY, TO CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF “THE BOWMORE ROOM” AT THE CALEDONIAN CLUB
DECEMBER 2012 – Sharing the same underlying values of quality, tradition and the desire to celebrate Scottish culture, Bowmore and the Caledonian Club make perfect partners.
The Caledonian Club was founded in 1891 and is a private members’ Club situated in the heart of Belgravia, London. The club occupies five floors and members enjoy a busy calendar of events including classical music evenings and club traditions such as the St Andrew’s Day Dinner.
In “The Bowmore Room”, guests can look forward to being taken on a sensory journey of discovery to Bowmore’s charming island home of Islay. From whisky pairing events to magical ‘A Taste of Islay’ evenings; from Burns Suppers to the innovative Caledonia Lectures; “The Bowmore Room” will play host to a range of exciting and unique events for members and guests alike.
Cara Laing, Bowmore Marketing Manager, said “We are very excited to bring a little taste of our special island of Islay to the Caledonian Club in London. Islay is a tough place to get to so we hope The Bowmore Room will truly bring to life the essence of Islay as well as our award winning Single Malt”.
David Coughtrie, Chairman of the Caledonian Club, commented “The new association between Morrison Bowmore Distillers and The Caledonian Club is a very welcome addition to the range of malts our home and overseas members enjoy. The depth and variety of expressions from this respected distiller will be available in the Bar and in the Dining Room where we will serve the Bowmore 15 years old Darkest as a perfect accompaniment to our haggis”.
Founded over two centuries ago in 1779, Bowmore is the first recorded distillery on the island of Islay and one of the oldest in the whole of Scotland. Using time-honoured traditions little has changed in the way the exceptional Single Malts are produced; the malt is still carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln just as it was over 200 years ago and the water is still drawn from the Laggan River. Bowmore whiskies then spend their long live resting in the legendary No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland.
Located just off the West Coast of Scotland, Islay is famed for its peat, which is still used as fuel by many of the islanders, and together with salt from the Atlantic Ocean adds to the strong character and peaty smokiness of Islay malt whisky. Bowmore is no exception, however with its unique location on the shores of Loch Indaal, Bowmore Single Malt is widely acknowledged to be among the finest and most perfectly-balanced in the world.
And so we ask you to come on in to “The Bowmore Room”, experience the magical island of Islay and take in a dram of Bowmore, in the heart of London’s only Scottish private members club.
Well here’s something you don’t see every day: a single bottle of 54 year old scotch sold for $160,000. Unfortunately, not in my price-range!
Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Announces The No. 1 Bottle
of BOWMORE 1957 – 54 YEARS OLD Has Sold For £100,000
Five Scottish Charities will each receive £11,000 for Christmas from this sale
Islay, Scotland (December 19, 2012) – Bowmore®, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, is delighted to announce that the No. 1 bottle of its oldest ever expression, the exceptionally rare Bowmore 1957, 54 Years Old has been sold for £100,000 (approximately $160,000) at the Bowmore Distillery on Islay. This bottle is not only the oldest whisky the distillery has ever released, it is also the oldest Islay Single Malt ever released. As promised by Morrison Bowmore Distillers, owners of Bowmore, all the net proceeds will be donated to five Scottish charities. The owner, a resident of the United States, would like to remain anonymous.
Distilled in 1957 and bottled in 2011, this 54-year-old marvel has been maturing in the finest oak in Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland. Only 12 bottles exist in the world, two of which are kept in the Morrison Bowmore archives and nine now remain for sale at the Bowmore Distillery.
Bottle No. 1’s profitwill be donated to five Scottish charities that encompass a variety of worthy causes: Alzheimer Scotland (care for people with dementia, their caregivers and families); The Beatson Oncology Centre (care for cancer patients receiving treatment in the west of Scotland); Chas (children’s hospice services); Erskine (medical care for Armed Forces); and Marie Curie Cancer Care (cancer care and research).
Says Mike Keiller, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Chief Executive Officer, “We are delighted to have sold bottle No. 1 of our Bowmore 1957 just before Christmas allowing us to keep our promise to donate all the net proceeds to charity as our gift to those in need in Scotland.”
A collection of 1957 casks were bottled in 1995 but one in particular was held back because it was more exceptional than the rest. Since 1995, the whisky in that cask has been examined every six months to check the quality, the taste, the developments and changes the spirit was taking on its aging voyage. In 2011 it was determined that the liquid had reached its potential and was bottled.
In addition to the stunning liquid inside, the new owner will also own the artwork that contains it. The bottles that hold Bowmore 1957 have been hand-blown and sculpted by two of the world’s foremost glass artists Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns into the shape of waves reminiscent of those that constantly crash against the No. 1 Vaults’ sea-facing walls and the glass is inlaid with shimmering flecks of platinum. Adorning each bottle is a platinum neck collar, hand-engraved with the bottle number and spirit strength, and platinum stopper hand-crafted by Hamilton & Inches, Warrant Holder to the Queen. The bottle and accompanying glasses and water pitcher, also hand-blown by Nairn and Burns, are nestled in a presentation box created by acclaimed woodworker Peter Toaig, using hand-selected pieces of Scottish Oak. View artisans’ videos here: http://www.bowmore.com/news/something-magical/
Cask Maturation and Tasting Notes
This 54-year-old Bowmore 1957 (42.1% ABV) is a symphony of aromas and flavors never before experienced. After distillation in 1957, the new spirit was placed into a second fill sherry cask (where it spent 43 years) and then in 2000 was moved into a second fill bourbon cask. At first breath, an elixir of blueberries and wild figs with mellow almonds, tropical fruit and rich oaky overtones hits the nose. The palate reveals layer upon layer of sweet and refined ocean tastes with soft blueberries, cassis and figs, sea salt and fresh eucalyptus. Next, a wisp of teasing smoke and traces of dark chocolate fuse with notes of grapefruit and juicy oak, carried along by a warming marine breeze. This sensory journey ends with a long and whispering finish of cassis, bergamot and star anise.
THE BOWMORE DISTILLERY
Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception. Bowmore carefully smokes its malt and uses skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced single malt. Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its single malts – they are one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovels. It draws water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of the spirit. The famous Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their time resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore single malt whiskies.
The award-winning Bowmore portfolio includes Bowmore Legend, 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old Darkest, 18 Year Old and 25 Year Old in addition to special limited-edition bottlings such as Bowmore Black, White, Gold and Bowmore 40 Year Old. Bowmore is available nationwide in the U.S. and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Bowmore portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Campari America.
December 7, 2012 (El Dorado Hills, CA) — Art of Cigars LLC is proud to partner with former Marine Gunny Sergeant Nick “The Cigar Marine” Popaditch, author of the bestselling Once a Marine, and his publisher, Savas Beatie LLC, to create a line of hand-rolled cigars that not only taste great, but also support injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families through the Semper Fi Fund.
The “The Cigar Marine” line of cigars was released on November 10, 2012 in honor of the Marine Corps Birthday. The first two premium hand-rolled cigars released under “The Cigar Marine” line are “The Gunny” (a double-wrapped Torpedo) and “The Tanker” (a mild spiced rum Corona). Included in the line is a Cigar Caddy camo humidor signed by Gunny. The cigar line and accessories may be purchased through the Art of Cigars online store at www.ArtofCigars.com. “Art of Cigars is pleased to partner with Gunny Pop and the Savas Beatie team to develop ‘The Cigar Marine’ line of fine, hand-rolled cigars. Gunny is the definition of an American hero, and we are truly honored to participate in a project that will raise significant funds to support the amazing mission of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund,” said Eric Stanion, CEO of Art of Cigars.
Popaditch, who was partially blinded in combat during the First Battle of Fallujah in 2004 when he was struck in the head by an RPG, has been a strong supporter of the Semper Fi Fund. Nick’s goal is to raise a significant amount of money for the Semper Fi Fund. “I am excited to stand behind a product that allows cigar smokers to celebrate in true Marine Corps style, and even more so to support a great organization that helps so many injured Marines and their families,” said Nick “Gunny Pop” Popaditch.
January 7, 2013 (Miami, FL) – For Nestor Miranda’s 70th birthday on Valentine’s Day 2/14/13 the most interesting man in the cigar business is set to release a commemorative cigar for this historic milestone in his life.
The “Nestor Miranda 70th LE” will be released as a lancero cigar from the two factories that Nestor has had a tremendous relationship with over the years. The boxes of 12 cigars will feature 6 from the My Father Factory in Nicaragua and 6 from La Aurora in the Dominican Republic.
The cigars from Esteli, will feature a dark Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan fillers while its counterpart from Santiago will feature a Mexican San Andreas. Both cigars are Medium to Full and showcase the best from both regions.
The cigars will be packaged in a keepsake box that resembles a car Nestor has always admired. The body of the car will lift off the frame revealing three rows of 4 cigars in the chassis of the classic automobile. Only 1,000 individually numbered boxes will be made, with 700 being released initially. The remaining 300 will remain in the humidor at Miami Cigar & Company to be released at a later date.
According to Jason Wood, Vice President of Miami Cigar & Company, “We wanted to do something special for Nestor and create a keepsake at the same time. Nestor has always strived for the best, and we believe this cigar is up to the challenge.”
The “Nestor Miranda 70th LE” will make its debut over the course of two days at a series of events in New Mexico at Monte’s of Albuquerque on February 9th and 10th, 2013. The national release of the cigar will be on his birthday, February 14th and will retail for $14.00 a stick before local taxes.
Holt’s Cigar Company would like to welcome everyone to now join their Cigar of the Month Club. This also makes the perfect gift for the holiday season for any cigar lover one may have in their life. If a person happens to have bought a savoy cigar humidor already as a holiday gift, why not include the Cigar of the Month Club along with it. They will be able to enjoy the affordable, yet elegantly designed cases for all their personal favorites.
Keeping cigars fresh is extremely important in preserving the condition resulting in the best flavor no matter when someone decides to finally smoke it. For those who enjoy saving their favorites for a special time, they will not have to worry about anything happening to them in the savoy cigar humidor. For those who happen to get their loved one, friend, or family member the Cigar of the Month Club for this holiday season, they will also have the opportunity to receive 5 of the highest quality, handmade cigars that are chosen by the professional cigar aficionado’s at Holt’s Cigar Company. Not only will they receive free shipping with this membership, but also the assurance that every delivery is humidified.
When giving the Cigar of the Month Club as a gift for this holiday season there are options for monthly, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month memberships available. This is perfect for those who know they will want to be a member for a long time; it allows them to save more money in the long run. To keep these cigars in perfect condition, theirManning Humidors would be great for the 5 cigars that are sent each month.
About the Company:
When it comes to finding the top cigar store amongst all of the cigar stores in Philadelphia, Holt’s Cigar Company is number one. Holt’s Cigar Company even dates all the way back to 1898, well over 100 years ago. The Philadelphia center city shop first started as a tobacco shop where it has grown into an extremely successful cigar company with mail orders and wholesale division that has been added.
To view what their latest “Deep Six Closeouts” are, or to order cigars, visit their website at http://www.holts.com.
Independent Irish whiskey maker, the Teeling Whiskey Company, has launched a new Premium Poitín bottling to showcase the Original Spirit of Ireland. Poitín is a clear Irish spirit famous for its alcohol strength. In homage to this ancient Irish spirit, the Teeling Whiskey Company has released a contemporary and modern bottling of Poitín to help bring this uniquely Irish product out of the shadows.
Poitín was traditionally distilled in a small pot still and the term is a derivative of the Irish word pota, meaning ‘pot’. Normally distilled from locally produced cereals or potatoes, it is one of the strongest alcoholic drinks in the world and for centuries was classified as illegal in Ireland. Poitín is one of the most long-established spirits in the world with a rich and varied history and has traditionally been exclusively associated with Ireland.
Jack Teeling, Founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, comments: “Poitín is at the heart of Irish spirits and Irish whiskey in particular. Over the years it has been demonised because it was illegally produced and the end product lacked consistency, quality and credibility. With the emergence of the interest in Non-Aged whiskies in the US and desire of mixologists to have strong flavoursome white spirits the opportunity for a legitimate high quality bottling of Poitín is greater than ever. We have produced a quality Poitín product which will allow consumers to enjoy this ancient Irish product with confidence.”
The Teeling Whiskey Company’s first Poitín release consists of a combination of double distilled spirit made from malted barley in traditional copper pot stills and triple distilled spirit made from maize in modern column stills. This enables consumers to taste the new make spirit, that after maturing for three years in oak barrels, makes up many of the leading modern Irish whiskey brands.
Bottled straight from the still with no maturation produces a surprisingly smooth spirit even for one that is bottled at 61.5% abv. Poitín like any quality white spirit lends itself to be consumed in a variety of ways, neat, with water, with mixers and as a component of cocktails but due to its alcohol strength it should be enjoyed sensibly and in moderation.
About the Teeling Whiskey Company
The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded by Jack Teeling in 2012 to bring back an independent voice to the Irish whiskey category. The Teeling Whiskey Company aims to be Ireland’s leading independent Irish Whiskey maker driving category choice and innovation through a selection of unique handcrafted small batch Irish whiskeys.
~ Auchentoshan 1966 – A Rare Vintage Release ~
~ Auchentoshan 1979 – Latest in 1970s Vintage Series ~
~ Valinch 2012 – Second edition Small Batch Release ~
Auchentoshan, the only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has released three remarkable and sought-after collectibles: the limited editions Auchentoshan 1966 and Auchentoshan 1979, and the second small batch release of Valinch 2012. These exceptional expressions will satisfy the palates of any whisky enthusiast or collector.
Established in 1823, Auchentoshan triple distils every drop, meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. It is this quality and lightness of Auchentoshan’s distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives its whiskies an unmistakably light and fruity flavour. This production process is totally unique to Auchentoshan; a distinct proposition that makes for a modern expression of a classic single malt.
AUCHENTOSHAN 1966 – BOURBON MATURED
Carefully matured in North American ex-Bourbon Hogshead casks for just over 44 years, one of the rarest expressions of any Lowland Single Malt Whisky – making it a highly coveted collectible for any whisky fan.
Only 257 bottles of the Auchentoshan 1966 were laid to rest following distillation on 21 February 1966. After triple distillation, this extraordinary expression was matured exclusively in Warehouse Number Three, in the shadow of the Old Kilpatrick hills. Some say it is the perfect building for maturing Scotch Whisky; the sheltered aspect and lowland climate make for very small variations in temperature – just 12 degrees centigrade over a year. What’s more, the floor is natural soil which allows the warehouse (and the casks) to breathe.
Encased in a handcrafted aluminium and oak outer case that are each individually numbered, the Auchentoshan 1966 comes partnered with a booklet charting the history of this rare expression. Priced at £4,500 RRP, this exclusive bottling is available now.
Kirsteen Beeston, Head of Brands at Morrison Bowmore Distillers, comments: “This is a stunning example of the care, craft and investment we put into our whiskies, that means it can withstand the test of time. Thanks to careful tending of the North American white oak hogshead casks, Auchentoshan 1966 Year Old has matured beautifully over 44 years. It has aged with a complex character – but keeps its youthful vitality.”
TASTING NOTES
Golden syrup in colour, the expression displays welcoming aromas of fragrant tobacco leaf accompanied by a gentle prickle of lemon pepper. A splash of pure water awakens subtle notes of fruitcake and eucalyptus that develop into sweet heather honey, culminating with a flourish of cooling mint. A clean yet lingering finish, reminiscent of marmalade.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Morrison Bomwore Distillers, adds: “Auchentoshan 1966 is a whisky of exquisite elegance with a delicate yet intriguing bouquet capturing the pinnacle of the distiller’s art and remaining true to its triple-distilled house style. As Auchentoshan matures through the decades in bourbon casks, the fresh citrus aromas intertwine with the American white oak, evolving whilst maintaining the beautiful triple-distilled structure”.
AUCHENTOSHAN 1979 – OLOROSO MATURED
Building on the success of the Auchentoshan 1975 Bourbon Matured launched in 2011, the Auchentoshan 1979 Oloroso Sherry Matured is the latest from the superb series of vintage releases from the late 1970s. Released this October, only 1,000 bottles are in existence worldwide, with each bottle individually numbered, making it no doubt a much sought-after limited edition for all enthusiasts and connoisseurs. RRP is £350.00
True to Auchentoshan’s signature contemporary look, this whisky comes in a stylish and understated premium black box. The character of the copper gold liquid is reflected in the copper foiling throughout the packaging and the interior of the box holds an image of a deconstructed Oloroso sherry cask in homage to the importance of the wood maturation process.
This Auchentoshan is a true rarity; distilled on 22 October 1979, the expression has been fully matured in first-fill sherry butts for over 32 years. Bottled at cask strength, the expression is non chill-filtered to preserve maximum intensity of flavour, creating an Auchentoshan of intense spiced fruitiness.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Morrison Bowmore Distillers, adds: “This carefully crafted malt is one of the most intensely fruity Auchentoshans ever to be released. A cornucopia of rich dark fruits and deep spices, this beguiling expression is beautifully dry.”
TASTING NOTES
A cornucopia of rich dark fruits with Victoria plums, blackberries and raisins, balanced by cinnamon spiced fruitcake. On the tongue, experience bramble jam, dark chocolate, spiced fruit chutney and Madeira cake. Spicy nutmeg, tobacco and pepper linger into the finish.
VALINCH 2012
Launched last year in response to popular demand from Single Malt evangelists, the Auchentoshan Valinch was released to great reviews. A non chill-filtered Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in first-fill North American ex-Bourbon oak casks, the Valinch is a cask strength edition of the acclaimed Classic. For 2012, Auchentoshan is unveiling the second small batch release of this much-lauded malt. Only a limited amount of Valinch are selected for release once a year – 2000 cases globally.
Named after the metal pipette used to draw whisky straight from the cask, this light and refreshing whisky has all the depth of taste, flavour and full body associated with sampling whisky at source.
The packaging of this expression tells the story of the whisky, with the bottle reflecting a laboratory bottle complimented by the outer carton; stripped back to basics, exposing the idea of whisky straight from the cask.
TASTING NOTES
Pale golden in colour, the first aromas are sweet and creamy crème brulee, followed by an invigorating full-bodied orange zest notes on the tongue. The finish is sweet, crisp and lingering.
For more details, visit www.auchentoshan.com / or www.facebook.com/auchentoshan
Follow us on Twitter @TheAuchentoshan
These bottles are available at all good whisky specialist shops.
Auchentoshan Classic has recently gained a listing in Tesco’s.
UK Distributor: Cellar Trends on 01283 217703 or auchentoshan@cellartrends.co.uk
Notes:
Auchentoshan – The Modern Classic
A traditional and authentic single malt, distilled three times and matured in the finest wood
A whisky produced with passion and enriched with heritage
Favours the classic but with a nod to the contemporary
It’s a combination of two worlds; old and new
It’s a throwback to the future
It’s style not fashion
The very best of the past with the very best of the present…
Auchentoshan Classic is available to buy from a wide range of retailers including Asda, Waitrose, and a range of on line retailers and whisky specialists with a RRP approx £27.00.
As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV (not 70% which is achieved through only distilling twice) making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. The result is a light and delicate single malt of unmistakable smoothness.
Awards 2011
IWSC
– Gold Medal, 1975 Bourbon
– Best in Class Silver, 18YO
– Best in Class Silver, Classic
International Spirits Challenge
– Silver Media, 1975 Bourbon
– Silver Medal, Valinch
– Silver Medal, Three Wood
Scottish Design Awards
– Best Packaging – Auchentoshan Travel Retail Award
Awards 2012
San Francisco Spirits Competition
– Double Gold Medal, Three Wood
– Silver Medal, Classic
– Silver Medal, 12YO
World Whiskies Awards:
– Best Lowland – Auchentoshan 1999 Wine Matured
Ultimate Spirits Challenge:
– 94 points/Excellent-Highly Recommended – Auchentoshan Three Wood
Ultimate Cocktail Challenge:
– Chairman’s Trophy – Best Scotch Whisky in a classic Rusty Nail cocktail – Auchentoshan Three Wood
As San Diego’s newest wine and cigar lounge, Habanos Cigar and Wine Cafe’s Grand Opening party was a major success. Despite ongoing rain, the house was packed, as ladies and gentlemen were entertained by the live Blues music of Chris James and Patrick Rynn Chicago Blues. The event started at 6pm and ran until midnight.
Some photos of the humidor…
Two large, enclosed patios provided a festive ambiance for guests to enjoy great blues music, friendly conversation, food, premium wines and cigars. The center of the main patio sported a warm and inviting fire pit. Plenty of free parking was available to guests. Complementary appetizers were provided and the friendly staff took care of every customer need. For those who wanted to enjoy a full dinner and wine, the back patio, packed to the max, was the place to be.
“I was concerned that the rain may hurt the event,” commented Nate Kalasho, proprietor, wine connoisseur and cigar aficionado, “But they came and enjoyed a festive evening. I want to personally thank all those who supported our Grand Opening.”
“I was happy to see the number of ladies that came to the event,” commented Missy of San Diego “I even got to dance to the great music. I hope Chris and Patrick will come back soon.”
ABOUT CHRIS JAMES AND PATRICK RYNN
Vocalist and guitarist Chris James and bassist Patrick Rynn are staunch Blues traditionalists with a high-energy contemporary edge. They’ve been playing together since 1990, proudly dedicating their musical collaboration to the invigorating sound of real, unadulterated Blues. They lead their own internationally acclaimed band, and have toured the world playing behind some of the greatest Blues legends in the field.
ABOUT HABANOS CIGAR AND WINE CAFÉ
Habanos Cigar and Wine Café
3111 Hancock St corner of Rosecrans
Just South of Hwy 8
619-787-7477
Apx 3,000 sq. ft.
600 sq. ft. walk in humidor
The three large enclosed patios provide leather sofas, tables and chairs.
The main patio sports a warm and inviting fire pit.
The second patio provides a warm & inviting fireplace
5 large screen TVs
Full Tapas kitchen
Huge premium wine selection
Espresso and specialty coffee drinks
Free parking
Hours of Operation
Sunday to Thursday 9am to 10pm
Friday & Saturday 9am to midnight
Independent Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, is celebrating after its 14 year old malt was awarded a Double Gold medal by US-based food and drink website TheFiftyBest.com.
Now a multi-award winning whisky, Arran’s oldest spirit released in 2010, picked up the award in the Single Malt Scotch Aged 10-15 years category.
Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “This is a fitting end to what has been a fantastic year for the distillery.
“These awards are highly regarded in the industry so we’re delighted that our oldest malt has again been recognised for its quality and character. Next year we’re planning to release our first 16 year-old malt, which I hope will be equally well received.”
The Arran Malt 14 year old was one of just a handful to be awarded the prestigious Double Gold Award by FiftyBest.com.
The spirit also won a Double Gold Award at this year’s World Spirits Competition and in 2011 was named ‘Best Island (non Islay) Single Malt Whisky, 13-20 Years by Whisky Magazine.
James MacTaggart, master distiller at Arran Distillers, added: “Our whiskies are now celebrated all over the world, but we’re not going to rest on our laurels and will continue to produce innovative and high quality malt whiskies for many years to come.”
Since it was established 17 years ago, Isle of Arran Distillers has won a number of awards including Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007).
For the full list of winners in the FiftyBest, visit here
About Isle of Arran Distillers:
* Current accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)
Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.)
Also, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012.
About FiftyBest.com:
TheFiftyBest.com is an award-winning online guide to fine living, featuring rated listings from on unbiased surveys and proprietary tastings judged by food, wine/spirits journalists, and connoisseurs. Adhering to strict tasting rules and rigorous methodology,
TheFiftyBest.com achieves the highest standards of spirits evaluation.
