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🔥 The Art of the Cigar Lounge: More Than Just a Smoking Spot

Step into a cigar lounge, and you’ll notice something special – it’s not just a smoking area; it’s a sanctuary for aficionados, a place where time slows down, and conversations unfold like the perfect draw on a well-aged cigar.

🏛️ What Makes a Great Cigar Lounge?

A top-tier cigar lounge isn’t just about lighting up – it’s about atmosphere, selection, and community. Whether it’s an upscale members-only club with leather chairs and mahogany walls or a laid-back local lounge with regulars who feel like family, the experience is about more than just the smoke.

✔ Ambience – Dim lighting, soft jazz, and the unmistakable aroma of premium tobacco set the perfect mood.
✔ Premium Selection – A well-stocked humidor with rare and classic cigars marks a proper lounge.
✔ The People – A lounge is where cigar wisdom is passed down, and friendships are formed over good conversation.
✔ Luxury Perks – Private humidified lockers, whiskey pairings, and live music elevate the experience.

🕰️ A Tradition That Stands the Test of Time

Cigar lounges have always been about more than just a place to smoke. In Havana, lounges were where business deals were sealed over Cohibas. In New York, they became retreats for power players looking to unwind. Even with smoking restrictions in many places, the cigar lounge remains a haven of tradition and refinement.

Some lounges even host cigar pairing events, where you can sip aged rum, espresso, or whiskey alongside a fine smoke – an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

🔥 Have a Favorite Lounge? Let’s Hear It!

If you haven’t visited a great cigar lounge, you’re missing out on more than just a good smoke – you’re missing the chance to connect with a rich, centuries-old culture.

💬 Do you have a go-to cigar lounge? Please reply and let us know where you like to light up!

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🥃 Whiskey’s Royal Ties: How the Spirit Became a Favorite of Kings and Queens

For centuries, whiskey has been more than just a drink—it has been a symbol of power, diplomacy, and prestige. From Scottish kings to American presidents, this golden elixir has found its way into the glasses of royalty, aristocrats, and world leaders. But how did whiskey become the drink of the elite?

👑 A Drink Fit for Kings & Queens

Whiskey’s royal ties run deep, with many historical figures known for their love of the spirit.

✔ King James IV of Scotland (1494) – The earliest recorded whiskey lover, James IV was so enamored with the spirit that he granted a local friar permission to distill it—essentially laying the foundation for Scotland’s whiskey industry. He reportedly kept a personal stock of aqua vitae (the early name for whiskey) and believed it had medicinal properties.

✔ The Bourbon Dynasty & France—When Kentucky’s Bourbon County was named in honor of the French House of Bourbon, settlers unknowingly linked American whiskey to European royalty. While no Bourbon kings drank bourbon whiskey (since it had yet to be invented), French aristocrats loved fine spirits. Thomas Jefferson even gifted casks of whiskey to French dignitaries as a diplomatic gesture.

✔ Winston Churchill’s Daily Ritual – Churchill wasn’t just a fan of whiskey—he practically made it a part of his daily routine. He started mornings with a glass of Johnnie Walker Red Label, diluted with water, a habit that continued throughout the day. When visiting the White House during WWII, Churchill reportedly convinced Franklin D. Roosevelt to have a late-night whiskey toast—sealing their diplomatic bond over a shared love of fine spirits.

🏰 From Castle Cellars to High-End Auctions

Even today, whiskey remains a collector’s treasure. Some of the world’s most exclusive bottles are reserved for royal families, dignitaries, and elite collectors, fetching six-figure price tags at auction.

For example, Macallan’s “M” Decanter—aged in sherry oak barrels—was auctioned for a record-breaking $628,205, proving that whiskey is still a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets and refined palates.

🔥 Raise a Glass to Tradition

Whiskey has shaped history, diplomacy, and even powerful alliances. Whether you’re sipping a humble single malt or indulging in a rare collector’s dram, every pour carries a legacy of kings, leaders, and legendary figures.

🥃 What’s your go-to whiskey when you want to feel like royalty?
💬 Please reply and let us know your favorite regal pour!

News From The World Of Cigars

🔥 The Best New Cigars of 2024: Cigar Journal’s Top 25

Cigar Journal has unveiled its Top 25 New Cigars of 2024 🥇, celebrating the year's finest releases. The list showcases exceptional craftsmanship and flavor profiles from renowned brands. Enthusiasts can explore these standout selections to enhance their smoking experience. Did your favorite make the list? 🧐 For the full story, go here.

🎉 Celebrating 150 Years: Romeo y Julieta's Anniversary Release

In honor of its 150th anniversary, Romeo y Julieta is launching a special cigar line this April. Crafted at Tabacalera de García in the Dominican Republic, the blend features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Mexican San Andrés binder, and fillers from Peru, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. Available in three sizes—Prologue (5x50, $25), Balconet (6x54, $27), and Crescendo (7x50, $28)—these cigars will debut at the Procigar Festival this month and officially release at the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show in April. For the full story, go here.

🚀 Don Pepin Garcia E.R.H. Now Available Nationwide

My Father Cigars has expanded the Don Pepin Garcia E.R.H. line to retailers nationwide. Originally soft-launched for Tobacconist Association of America (TAA) members, this cigar features a Sumatra Rosado wrapper over Nicaraguan tobaccos from Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa. Available in three sizes—Robusto (5x54), Toro (6x52), and Toro Gordo (6x60)—with prices ranging from $9.95 to $11.95. For the full story, go here.

📈 Gran Habano Expands Corojo No. 7 Line

Gran Habano is broadening its Corojo No. 7 lineup with new packaging and sizes. The existing 6x54 Toro Extra is now available in five-packs and a unique 50-count display box. A 5x52 Robusto, priced at $14, will debut at the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show in April. This blend features a Nicaraguan hybrid wrapper from Jalapa, offering a stronger profile than the Corojo No. 5. For the full story, go here.

News From The World Of Whiskey

🥃 Laws Whiskey House Unveils 'Super Wheater' Bourbon

Denver's Laws Whiskey House introduces Super Wheater, a high-wheat bourbon aged between 5 and 12 years. Bottled at high proof, it offers shortbread, almond, and orange marmalade aromas, leading to peanut brittle flavors, glazed lemon cake, and spices. It's priced at $129.99 and available at the Laws Whiskey Sanctuary and select stores. For the full story, go here.

🚨 U.S. Alcohol Coalition Urges Trump to Reconsider New Tariffs

The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition, representing 52 U.S. alcohol industry associations, has urged President Trump to exclude spirits and wine from proposed tariffs. They warn that American whiskey exports could face a 50% tariff from the European Union starting April 1 without an agreement on steel and aluminum disputes. Previous tariffs led to an 18% drop in American whiskey exports between 2018 and 2021. For the full story, go here.

🥃 New Riff Distilling Releases Second Batch of Balboa Rye

New Riff Distilling has announced the release of its second batch of Balboa Rye, an heirloom grain whiskey first introduced in 2019. Bottled at 100 proof without chill filtration, this expression features a mash bill of 95% Balboa rye and 5% malted rye. Tasting notes include spiced red fruit, clove, and hints of pure rye bread. Priced at $54.99, it will be available at select retailers and through the distillery's website starting January 31. For the full story, go here.

🥃 Elijah Craig A125 Barrel Proof: A Must-Have Release

Heaven Hill Distillery's latest Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A125 is a 10-year-old, 7-month-old bourbon bottled at 118.2 proof. Tasting notes highlight the confectioner's sugar, caramel, nougat, and milk chocolate, and the bourbon delivers a silken, medium-bodied mouthfeel. At $74.99, it's considered a bargain in today's market. For the full story, go here.

🔥 BBQ & Coffee: Why Some Pitmasters Swear by the Combo

When you think of BBQ, you probably jump to smoky brisket, slow-cooked ribs, or tender pulled pork—usually paired with an ice-cold beer or a glass of bourbon. But for many top pitmasters, one of their secret ingredients isn’t alcohol—it’s coffee.

Whether used in a dry rub, marinade, or sauce, coffee brings a bold, roasted depth that pairs perfectly with the smoky richness of BBQ. And for those pulling all-nighters tending the smoker, a strong cup of coffee is as essential as the fire.

☕ A Pitmaster’s Secret Weapon

For decades, BBQ masters have used coffee in their rubs, sauces, and marinades, thanks to its deep, earthy flavor and natural tenderizing properties.

✔ Bold Meets Bold – Coffee’s slightly bitter, roasted notes complement the smoky, caramelized crust of slow-cooked meat.
✔ Natural Tenderizer: Coffee's acidity breaks down tough muscle fibers, making meats like brisket and short ribs extra juicy.
✔ Flavor Booster – Coffee adds complexity and depth to any rub when mixed with spices like paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne.
✔ Aromatic Smoke – Some pitmasters even use coffee-soaked wood chips for smoking, infusing the meat with a subtle, rich aroma.

👴 The Cowboy Connection: Coffee & Fire

The love affair between BBQ and coffee isn’t new—it goes back to the cowboys of the American West.

During long cattle drives, cowboys relied on campfire coffee to stay alert through grueling days and freezing nights. When they weren’t drinking it, they used it to season their fire-cooked meats—rubbing the coffee grounds straight onto steaks and brisket before throwing them over the flames.

That cowboy tradition made its way to Texas BBQ joints, where pitmasters developed coffee-based rubs that are now legendary in Central Texas BBQ culture. Today, the tradition continues, with pitmasters from Austin to Kansas City using coffee as an essential ingredient in rubs and sauces.

🔥 Want to Try It? Here Are Two Must-Try Coffee BBQ Recipes!

🥩 Coffee Dry Rub for Brisket & Ribs

This rich, smoky rub creates a perfect crust and works on brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp freshly ground coffee ☕

• 1 tbsp brown sugar 🍯

• 1 tbsp paprika 🌶️

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄

• 1 tsp kosher salt 🧂

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

🔥 How to Use It:

• Coat meat liberally and let it sit for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

• Smoke low and slow at 225°F until tender.

🍖 Coffee & Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This smoky-sweet sauce blends the boldness of coffee with the rich caramel notes of bourbon, making it perfect for ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee ☕

• ½ cup bourbon 🥃

• 1 cup ketchup 🍅

• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar 🍏

• ¼ cup brown sugar 🍯

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

🔥 How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

3. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes until thickened.

4. Brush onto ribs or pulled pork during the last 10 minutes of smoking or grilling.

🔥 Have You Tried It? Let’s Hear It!

💬 Do you use coffee in your BBQ?
👨‍🍳 What’s your go-to BBQ rub or sauce?

Drop a reply and share your favorite coffee-infused BBQ secrets! 🔥☕

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🔥 Coming Next Week in Smoke Signals – February 13th, 2025!

Next week’s issue dives into the craft, history, and techniques that elevate cigars, whiskey, and BBQ to an art form. Here’s what’s in store:

🔥 Cigar Segment: The Anatomy of a Cigar – What Goes Into Each Part 🏗️
Have you ever wondered what makes a great cigar? We break down the wrapper, binder, and filler to uncover how each element shapes flavor and burn.

🥃 Whiskey Segment: Whiskey Auctions – The Market for Rare & Collectible Bottles 💰
The world of high-end whiskey auctions is booming! From six-figure Macallans to hidden gems, we explore what makes a bottle collectible and how the market is evolving.

🍖 BBQ Segment: Direct vs. Indirect Heat – Mastering Both for Perfect Grilling 🔥
Master the two key grilling techniques used by top pitmasters. Whether you’re searing steaks or slow-cooking ribs, we’ll show you how to get the perfect result every time.

Stay tuned—Smoke Signals Issue #35 drops next Thursday! 🚀🔥

P.S.: I truly hope you enjoy these issues. Please help us grow by inviting your aficionado friends to join. We even have a reward program in place.