Brian Culbertson I’m an old-school, slow-jazz guy. Give me a four-piece jazz band—sax, bass, drums and piano—and I’m ready to sit back, light up a fine cigar, pour my favorite cocktail and let the music take me somewhere. Most of the artists I’ve come to know and love were popular in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Miles Davis, Art Pepper, Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans, Chet Baker… that’s my musical neighborhood. I like my jazz smooth, sophisticated and unhurried. So, I never really thou

Essence: Rich, Warm, Bittersweet, and Stylish The Boulevardier is more than just a cocktail; it's an experience. This drink embodies a rich tapestry of flavors that dance on your palate. With its warm, bittersweet notes, it invites you to slow down and savor each sip. Ingredients: 2 oz Rye or Bourbon Whiskey (I like Woodford Double Oak or Michter's Rye) 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (I prefer Carpano sweet vermouth) ½ oz Campari (Use 1 oz of Campari if you like a more bitter t

As I continued my quest for the perfect spot to unwind, light up, and savor a fine cigar, I rediscovered Orange County Cigars Oregon Man Cigar Lounge Reveiw #3 There’s something to be said for walking into a cigar lounge for the first time and immediately feeling like you belong. That was my experience at Orange County Cigars, located at 2470 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa Ca. I arrived shortly after opening and was greeted with a friendly welcome that immediately set the tone fo

More Oak, More Bourbon… or Just More Money? I’m a big fan of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. At around $46 a bottle, it has always struck me as one of those bourbons that delivers far more than its price would suggest. So when Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked first hit the shelves, I was intrigued. The thinking seemed simple: I like Double Oaked… so wouldn’t twice the oak be even better? Well… sort of. The first time I tried Double Double Oaked, I thought it was very good—

A Beautiful Cigar with a Peppery Personality Tabernacle Cigar Every good cigar experience starts with a good recommendation, and this one came from my tobacconist at High Times Liquor and Wine. He recommended The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigar Co., describing it as a cigar well regarded for its complex flavor profile and excellent construction. He also gave me one important warning: “It’s going to be peppery.” He was absolutely right. First Impressions The Tabernacle is a bea

Torpedo - Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Natural A Cigar Worthy of a Family Celebration Some cigars deserve more than an ordinary evening—they deserve a special occasion surrounded by the people who matter most. That was exactly the setting for my experience with the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Natural. Earlier that day, I stopped into Broadway Cigars in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where I was greeted by a well-dressed and incredibly knowledgeable tobacconist, Billy C. After taki

There’s something about the Oregon lifestyle for men that feels like a slow, deep breath after a long day. It’s not just about where you live or what you wear; it’s about how you live, how you savor moments, and how you carry yourself with a quiet confidence. If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to the crackling sound of a cigar, the smooth finish of a well-aged spirit, or the soulful notes of jazz drifting through a dimly lit room, then you’re already halfway there. Today, I

There’s something undeniably magnetic about a man who knows how to refine his style. It’s not just about the clothes you wear or the accessories you choose; it’s about cultivating an aura of sophistication that whispers rather than shouts. Imagine yourself in a dimly lit jazz lounge, the smooth notes of a saxophone weaving through the air, a fine cigar resting between your fingers, and a glass of aged whiskey catching the light. That’s the essence of a refined lifestyle, and

One of the greatest pleasures of cigar smoking is how every memorable cigar becomes intertwined with the places we visit and the people we share them with. The Alec Bradley Prensado Double T will always remind me of a wonderful trip to Southern Ontario. There, my wife Julie and I spent quality time with family and friends in the charming Waterford area. During our visit, I revisited the Mississaugas First Nation reservation and their impressive humidor. Any cigar enthusiast k

Every now and then you stumble across an artist who stops you in your tracks. For me, that artist is Andrea Motis. Born in Barcelona, Spain, Andrea Motis is an extraordinary jazz vocalist, trumpeter, saxophonist, and songwriter whose music effortlessly blends jazz and bossa nova. Although she began performing as a teenager with the renowned Joan Chamorro Quintet and the Sant Andreu Jazz Band, her poise and musical maturity have always seemed far beyond her years. Under the m

Frozen Old Fashioned Slush. The result is a smooth, icy cocktail that delivers all the rich caramel, vanilla, and oak notes of your favorite bourbon, balanced by bright citrus and the subtle spice of Angostura bitters.

Some cigars are memorable because of how they smoke. Others are memorable because of the story behind them.

The dirty martni isn't for everybody but if you try it you'll love it.

A Boulevardier is what happens when the Old Fashioned takes a stylish trip to Europe. Rye or Bourbon steps into the spotlight, joined by sweet vermouth and Campari

Part II Masters of Hard Bop, Modal Jazz, and Cool Jazz In Part II, we continue exploring some of my favorite jazz artists—musicians who pushed the boundaries of the genre while remaining deeply connected to its roots. Some embraced the blues-soaked energy of hard bop, others ventured into the rich harmonic landscapes of modal jazz, and a few boldly shattered convention altogether, creating entirely new forms of musical expression. Together, these innovators helped shape the s

Rocky Patel Thirtieth Anniversary Three Decades of Craftsmanship Rolled Into One Exceptional Smoke Rocky Patel Thirtieth Anniversary The Rocky Patel Thirtieth Anniversary was created to celebrate thirty years in the cigar business, and after smoking it, it's clear this isn't just another commemorative release. It's a statement cigar—one built on patience, experience, and a deep respect for aged tobacco. From the moment you pick up this beautifully box-pressed Nicaraguan, it

When I first stumbled upon the world of refined men's culture blogs, I was instantly drawn in by the promise of something more than just fashion tips or grooming hacks. These blogs offer a rich tapestry of lifestyle inspiration, weaving together cigars, spirits, jazz, and the art of slowing down to savor life’s finer moments. It’s like stepping into a cozy jazz lounge where every note, every puff, and every sip tells a story. Today, I want to take you on a journey through thi

Part 1 Jazz is a living, breathing art form. It’s a conversation across time, a blend of stories told through notes and rhythms. When we talk about famous jazz musicians, it’s not just about who sold the most records or played the biggest venues. It’s also about who inspired their peers, who pushed the music forward, and who left a mark that still echoes in every smoky club and late-night session. Today, I want to share with you a glimpse into the lives and legacies of some o

The Eagle Rare Line Up Some bourbons are good. Some bourbons are memorable. And then there are a few that seem to carry a story in every pour. For me, Eagle Rare sits firmly in that last category. It’s easily one of my top three bourbons of all time. Not because it’s flashy or impossible to find (except in liquor controlled Oregon) but because it consistently delivers something many modern spirits have forgotten — character and a flavor profile that perfectly matches my taste

Cedar Lined Humidor Humidor Maintenance & Care Tips A humidor doesn’t require much work, but neglect it for too long and your cigars will let you know. A well-maintained humidor keeps your cigars smoking the way they were intended — rich, fresh, and balanced. The golden rule is simple: keep your cigars around 70% relative humidity and roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Conditions shift with the seasons, but with a little consistency your cigars will stay in prime condition year-r