A Cigar Made Even Better by the Company One of the pleasures of cigar smoking is that every memorable cigar becomes tied to a place and the people you share it with. This Prensado Double T will always remind me of a wonderful trip to Southern Ontario, where Julie and I spent time visiting family and friends in the Waterford, Ontario area. I revisited the Mississaugas First Nation reservation and their impressive humidor. Any cigar enthusiast knows there's something special ab

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

Over the years, I’ve found that the best-tasting cocktails are often the simplest—typically built from just two or three high-quality ingredients. This minimalist approach not only makes cocktail making more approachable but also allows each element to shine. Of course, “three ingredients” isn’t a hard rule. Some drinks may call for a squeeze of lemon, a dash of bitters, or even a quick misting of the glass—small touches that enhance the experience without overcomplicating it

I’ve begun a personal tour of cigar lounges throughout Orange County and Long Beach—searching for places worth sitting down, lighting up, and staying awhile. Not every experience will be perfect, and that’s kind of the point. A good lounge isn’t just about cigars—it’s about how you’re welcomed, how you’re treated, and whether the place invites you to come back. “The Lounge Circuit” Review #1 Fair Oaks Gigar Lounge - Newport Beach California The Good, The Bad, and The Uninter