The Second Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest
Premium cigars, exceptional spirits, quality food and lively conversation were all a part of the second-ever Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest, held on May 28 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. VIP attendees lined the hallways of the hotel's ballroom long before the 5:30 start-time, eager to make their way inside, and everyone was chomping at the bit to meet the biggest names in the cigar industry in a cigar-friendly atmosphere. Each guest was given an event-branded tote bag from Cigar Aficionado ready to be filled with handmade smokes.
As guests entered the main ballroom, they were greeted with a festive atmosphere. The biggest brands in the cigar and spirits industries filled the room with eye-catching setups—none more elaborate than J.C. Newman's towering replica factory display. As they made their way around the ballroom, attendees could be seen with loads of cigars—often with one of them lit—that were handed to them directly from the cigarmakers themselves, along with a fine drink and savory food from one of the many stations around the room. The energy was high as a band played in the background, often playing covers from classic groups such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Journey. Smiles and stimulating conversation abounded throughout the ballroom as like-minded cigar and whisky aficionados mingled together.
At one table sat a group of friends, donning matching shirts, emptying their full Boveda bags of cigars, showing off their selection and making swaps with one another, just like kids after a full night of trick-or-treating. There were more than enough quality smokes to go around: Aging Room, AJ Fernandez, Alec Bradley, Arturo Fuente, E.P. Carrillo, Hamlet, Henry Clay, J.C. Newman, Joya de Nicaragua, La Aroma de Cuba, La Aurora, La Flor Dominicana, La Palina, Montecristo, My Father, Nub, Oliva, Padrón, Partagas, Plasencia, Punch, Rocky Patel, Romeo y Julieta, Serino, Tatuaje, Undercrown and Warped were all in attendance. Many brand owners and cigar industry stars were there, posing for photos, including Carlos Fuente Jr., Jorge Padrón, Rocky Patel, Pete Johnson, Alan Rubin, Lissette Perez-Carrillo, Rafael Nodal, Sammy Phillips, Clay Roberts, Tony Gomez, Bobby Newman and Kyle Gellis. Accutron watches were on display, Humidor maker Daniel Marshall was there, as was the team from Boveda humidification systems, NewAir humidors and IntegraBoost humidification systems.
Attendees had the option to pair their cigars with any number of fine spirits and drinks, primarily high-end whiskies, but also Tequilas, Cognacs, wine and even beer and cocktails. The companies and brands pouring consisted of Aberfeldy, Bacardi, Balcones Distilling, Bardstown Bourbon Co., Bearface, Belfour Spirits, Benriach, Bird Dog, Blade and Bow, Brenne, Bulleit, Buchanan’s, Calumet Bourbon, Cardenal Mendoza, Cincoro Tequila, Crown Royal, Dewar’s, Diplomatico Rum, D’USSE, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, FEW, Flora Fine Foods & Orvino Wine Imports, Fósforo Mezcal, George Dickel, Glen Moray, Glendalough, Glengoyne, Hard Truth Distilling, Hatuey, Heaven Hill, Henry McKenna, I.W. Harper, Jack Daniel’s, Johnnie Walker, Kikori Whiskey, Larceny, Middle West Spirits, Mortlach, Old Fitzgerald, Ole Smoky, Oyo, Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheat, Pyrat XO, Roe & Co., Santa Teresa, Talisker, Tamdhu, Uncle Nearest, Vim & Petal Gin, Virginia Distillery Co. and Widow Jane. No one went thirsty at this event.
Tim Stroud, who made the trip from a small town in North Carolina, was in attendance for the first time at a Big Smoke event with a brimming smile on his face. Tim credits Rocky Patel for turning him into a cigar lover but finds it hard to connect with like-minded folk in his town, which made the event all the more rewarding for him. "How can you not be happy with all the great people and the great culture here?" said Tim.
Matt and Melissa Hayes from Chicago were there for the second time, having come to the inaugural Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest last November. The couple is a walking embodiment of the event, as Melissa considers herself a whisky aficionado, whereas Matt is the cigar lover. Yet both share an equal passion for fine pairings, making this event a must-attend for them. Matt and Melissa were glowing with enthusiasm during this Saturday evening as they considered the event another exciting step in their journey into the worlds of fine smokes and spirits.
In large, attendees of the second-ever Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest varied greatly in context, with husbands and wives, groups of friends and single-person guests gathered together from all over the country to share their passion for premium cigars and spirits.
Cigar Aficionado will be back this year with the Big Smoke event in Las Vegas November 11 and 12; click here for more information.
Coming tomorrow, we'll have coverage of the Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest seminars, which took place on Saturday morning.
