How to Properly Age Cigars

Do cigars improve with age? Absolutely. How much so depends on a number of factors, principally what brand and type of cigars you’re aging to begin with. Today, a number of premium brands are rolled from select tobaccos that have been optimally aged before the finished product is shipped to the retailer.

A Few Great Brands

Ashton Cabinet, for example, is handcrafted at the world-renowned Fuente factory in the Dominican Republic from tobaccos that have been aged for a 4 to 5-year minimum. The award-winning Nicaraguan brand, Padron, is lauded for multiple cigars in its aged portfolio: Padron 1964 Anniversary is aged for a minimum of 6 years; Padron 1926 Series is aged for a minimum of 8 years; and Padron Family Reserve is handmade from tobaccos that are at least 10 years old. In most cases, with each tier of age comes an increase in price. Similar parallels can be drawn in the wine industry.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t age these celebrated smokes further. Keep in mind though, that also like wine, cigars can peak and decline after a period of time. And with that said, Holt’s Cigar Company sells all of the aforementioned brands, plus thousands of highly rated cigars that are perfect for aging.

The Aging Process

Generally speaking, cigars can be aged for many months or years, provided they are kept in the ideal storage conditions – preferably a cedar humidor or storage cabinet at 70% relative humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity and temperature will always fluctuate seasonally, but major swings in storage conditions affect cigars adversely. Cigars expand and contract as temperature and humidity levels change, which can cause a cigar’s wrapper leaf to crack.

A large part of what you pay for when you buy a premium cigar is its construction. Ideal storage conditions protect the integrity of a cigar’s construction. Measure the temperature and humidity regularly with a digital hygrometer to insure your humidor stays within that 70/70 range. Also, cedar is a highly aromatic wood that reacts positively with moisture and encourages the mellowing and melding of a cigar’s many tasting notes, while conserving its original flavor.

If you prefer a more hands-off method, you can also age cigars with self-regulating humidity pouches that produce a predetermined humidity level. Simply replace the pouch(es) when the humidity has been exhausted. Humidity pouches will even work in a Ziplock freezer bag with a strong seal if you haven’t invested in a humidor yet. You may not get the added nuances of flavor that a cedar humidor can lend to a cigar over time, but you’ll still perceive a noticeable difference in the cigar’s taste.

Rotate Your Cigars

Another key to aging cigars correctly, especially in a humidor, is to rotate them. Make sure the same cigars aren’t always closest to the humidification source. Every couple of weeks simply shift the top layer to the bottom and vice versa. It’s also a good idea to make sure your humidor isn’t totally jam-packed. Leaving a little extra space inside the box allows the air and the humidity to circulate more freely.

Do “Bad” Cigars Get Better with Age?

If you ever buy a cigar (or box of cigars) that tastes bitter or furnishes unwanted traces of ammonia – which is part of the natural fermentation process that premium tobaccos undergo – aging will almost certainly deliver a beneficial end result. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you can always make a “bad” cigar taste “good.” However, you can often make a “good” cigar taste “great.”

How Long Should I Age My Cigars?

Aging cigars can be a bit like rolling the dice. We recommend buying a box, or at least a handful of cigars, from a brand you already know you like. Smoke one right out of the box or off the store shelf. Pay close attention to its flavor transitions, burn, and finish. It may be useful to take a few notes for reference. After you are assured that the quality of cigar meets your satisfaction, place the remaining cigars in your humidor and allow them to rest.

After about 6 weeks, take a cigar out from the same batch and smoke it. As cigars rest, the oils from the binder, filler, and wrapper leaf meld with one another and deliver a more uniform profile. Also, as time passes, any residual bitterness or acidity that may be present in a younger cigar will dissipate. Smoke another cigar after 12 weeks and continue to indulge at roughly 4 or 6-week intervals until your cigars have been resting for a year or two, or more.

I have personally aged a number of blends from different brands over the years. When La Flor Dominicana first expanded its Double Ligero series, I became a fan of the potent spices and dense texture the heavy, Ligero-laden smokes produced. I stuck a few dozen away, smoking them from time to time.

As I revisited these feisty smokes while they aged past the 5th year, much of their intensity had waned – and not necessarily in a good way. The hearty, beefy spices I was accustomed to no longer registered and the cigars displayed a less complex, somewhat flat flavor profile. Upon reflection, this was a blend best enjoyed within a year or two of rest at most.

Smoking Old Cigars

At the other end of the spectrum, I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a handful of Ashton VSG (Virgin Sun Grown) shapes from the blend’s inaugural year of release – 1998 – making them 20 years old. They had been resting at the Fuente factory for the past two decades under the watchful eye of legendary cigar-maker Carlito Fuente. I have always been a big fan of Ashton VSG, with its succulent Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and a premium core of select Dominican binder and filler tobaccos.

Before I lit up one of these supremely old cigars, I wondered if much of the original VSG flavor would be preserved, or if it had dissipated. I have to say, the results were astounding. Not only did the renowned blend display familiar VSG tasting notes of cedar, raisins, and black pepper, but everything about the profile was ultra-refined. The cigar was so impeccably smooth and disarming, I can easily put it in the top five best cigars I have ever had the privilege to smoke. It remained silky, approachable, and rich throughout a lingering finish.

Hands down, Ashton VSG is a cigar I would not hesitate to purchase in quantity. Not only does the blend taste fantastic right out of the box, but after 20 years, it’s tough to beat by any cigar lover’s standards.

I have also, on a small number of occasions, indulged in a pre-embargo Cuban or two. Luckily, they were provided gratis courtesy of outside sources. And, I can honestly say, after more than 50 years of rest, they were entirely unremarkable, if not un-smokable. Ultimately, I found them flat, papery and bitter. While I would be curious to try a pre-embargo Cuban one day again, perhaps in another brand or blend, I would be skeptical of purchasing one based on my previous experiences, as I know they are fairly expensive.

The Best Cigar-Makers Know the Value of Age

The best cigar-makers have become exceptionally sophisticated over the past 30 years when it comes to growing, fermenting, and blending tobaccos that reveal deeply refined flavors by the time they reach the retail environment. Many of the best-tasting cigars of today will exhibit marvelous complexity tomorrow.

Begin a cigar-aging odyssey with your own favorites and plan to celebrate life’s most momentous future occasions with cigars that you love now and can set aside for later.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

A Capital Idea: A Jetsetter’s Guide to Mexico City

Long eschewed by Yours Truly in favour of its coastal climes, we have found that the Mexican capital; known as CDMX in the vernacular, offers a world of entertainment for the errant jetsetter. It is a city filled with a seemingly endless supply of art museums, stellar restaurants, and history alongside a decidedly metropolitan hustle and bustle. Its relative close proximity to New York makes it an appealing city escape in just under 6-hours when other destinations just seem too far, and there is that delightful currency exchange to consider. We began our trip departing Kennedy on Aeromexico at a reasonable hour. My travel companion blessed with the ability to sleep through any circumstance knocked off almost instantaneously, while I picked my way through the mute version of It (incidentally still terrifying, even without the sound).

Our flight brought us into the city in time for a civilized 2pm luncheon at Contramar, a breezy open plan restaurant that would not look out of place in Greece. Contramar became our first encounter with the exciting CDMX food scene. We might have even ordered second and third helpings of the tuna tostadas (simply divine)… accompanied by tuna tacos al pastor, and fish carnitas. Frankly nothing succeeds like excess when it comes to fish tacos.

Tuna Tostadas at Contramar

After lunch we happened across a charming weekly street fair that had a bewildering array of Kylie Jenner lip-kits and pom-pom trimmed tunics and dallied for a moment. Somehow failing to trace our steps backwards to our discrete hotel La Valise, we got lost in tree-lined art deco Condesa for about an hour which would have been less dire had it not been under a high afternoon sun. With three rooms La Valise is easily the smallest hotel I have ever been in. The seamless townhouse is so subtle that we walked past it many times on Tonola. La Valise is an absolute delight, melding all the attentiveness of a small luxury hotel with the feeling of being in your glamorous yet understated friend’s home. Our room comprised of an enfilade of sitting room, bedroom and a private checkered tile courtyard fully loaded with a chic black hammock and swing. This charming configuration was guarded by a porcelain walrus, naturally! I happily would have moved in forever, replenishing the vase of tall white lilies under the sitting room’s approving portrait.

The door at charming La Valise, and adjacent Alma Negra, a coffee shop with a glorious cointreau affogato.

We capped off our first night with the tasting menu at Pujol, considered among the best restaurants in the world. Given our lunchtime gorging, we had to power through, sampling the amuse bouche of baby corn with crushed ants, and some stellar courses like the perfection of softshell crab, the beautifully plated duck, and a stunning mango confection of sorbet, fresh mango, mousse, and ice cream. Having had a couple of mezcals before dinner we opted to pair dinner with a dry Mexican white from Baja. Aside from the food, I appreciated the elegant ephemerality of the dated and wax sealed hospital white menu cards.

The Summer Squash at Pujol topped with Camomile Blossoms

An 8am breakfast of fresh fruit and patisserie from nearby Rosetta Bakery put us in the mood for tourism. We headed over to the Zócalo to gawk at the Metropolitan Cathedral. The main square of the city acts as a crash course in Mexican history. It began its life as the religious center of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. After changing to Spanish hands the cathedral was consecrated there in 1656. The sprawling building is an admixture of colonial interpretations of renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical architecture, making it an interesting building to read, and in true Spanish colonial fashion the main interior decorative feature is a lot of gold. The cathedral’s main building material; however, comes from the stones of the Templo Mayor. The ruins of this sacred Aztec precinct are visible adjacent to the church’s tabernacle. As we walked over there was some Aztec Flyers preparing for a street performance, a living reminder of the advanced civilization that predated Spanish conquest and continues to influence Mexico.

If you haven’t the time to make it to the glorious sun pyramid at Teotihucan; Templo Mayor Museum and the Anthropological Museum will fulfill your need for Aztec expertise.

Switching from the archaeological to the art historical, to the north east of the Templo Mayor lays Antiguo Colegio de San Idelfonso. The beautiful courtyard building was home to a Jesuit school before becoming the birthplace of the Mexican muralist movement, featuring the nascent works of Leal, Orozco, Siqueiros and of course Rivera. The building now hosts contemporary art exhibitions, and at the time of writing was exhibiting some works on urban planning. Continuing our Rivera Safari, we circled around to the Palacio Nacional first mistakenly entering the National Museum of World Culture. This detour proved diverting with exhibitions by contemporary Mexican photographer Favian Vergara, both kitschy and full of dark humour, as well as a more sedate Alfonso Mena offering, Habitar-Pensar-Construir, exploring the relationship between buildings and human psyche. We regained Rivera ground when we were directed across the street and into the right building. After waving off a ‘professor tour guide’ and forking over our I.D.’s, we entered the government complex only to find that Rivera’s History of the Mexican People was rudely undergoing a facelift. The sweeping bridal staircase was somewhat diminished by the diamonds of steel beams carefully concealing Hazmat suited painters diligently prodding the frescoed surface, although a helpful schematic upstairs with the other murals helped provide contextual reference.

Assassin’s Kiss, Favian Vergara

Exhausted after a quick enchilada stop at chic courtyard restaurant Azul and a churro pick-me-up from the original and much beloved Churros el Moro, we opted to leave the Franz Mayer collection for another time, and retreating back to leafy Condesa for a foray into the art gallery and boutique scene. Marching down Cordoba the first stop was Goodbye Folks, a vintage emporium cum custom cobbler. CDMX really goes in for the American rock star look so there was racks of moto jackets, varsity bombers, jeans, and plenty of band t-shirts, alongside a gorgeous white 40’s cocktail dress that barely fit over my thigh (le sigh). We also loved vintage mansion Void and spent some time drooling over the museum-worthy Courrèges pieces (which also didn’t fit but were amazing all the same). Through much consulting of Google maps I finally found the buzzer of Proyectos Monclova, a contemporary art gallery featuring From Metric to Imperial the work of Balkan artist Istvan Ist Huzjan, who works in that wonderfully soviet abstract sculptural tradition alongside some emotive silver gelatin prints covering a diversity of subjects. At Galeria OMR the current exhibition Ghost Nets explored of the role of bones by drawing on themes of structure. The cohort of artists responded to the prompt through a mixture of the personal psychology to the literal physiology. Among the artists featured were Pedro Neves Marques and Anri Sala. After a long day exploring, we cooled off with an aperitif at sleek Condesa DF’s rooftop bar, the perfect place to watch the sunset on a perfect day.

Gelatin Print by Istvan Ist Huzjan at Proyectos Monclova

Photo Courtesy of: Proyectos Monclova

It is amazing how quickly time slipped by without barely made a dent on what I expected to do. We missed entire neighborhoods such as Coyoacan, wherein lies Frida Khalo’s house (and rather oddly Leon Trotsky’s house). The truth is that even armed with my ambitious touring schedule and a custom Google map, CDMX is simply too large to take in on a Weekend. In fact it does the city a disservice to try and understand it in such a short span of time. Of course that just means we are plotting our return trip.

the National Anthropological Museum designed by Pedro Ramirez Vazquez.

Benetti’s Brand New Meediterraneo 116′ “Mr Loui”

This impressive 35-meter superyacht, which is the second variation of the Mediterraneo 116′ model, has just recently made its debut at the start of 2018 during the acclaimed Miami Yacht Show.  The superyacht, also classified as Mr Loui, was created by Italian yard Benetti with exteriors accomplished by Italian designer Giorgio Maria Cassetta and interiors designed by the Benetti Interior Style Department and the owner’s architect, Ezequiel Farca.

Benetti’s shipyard had provided crucial assistance in the development of the superyacht’s interior layout with aim towards sustainability and harmonious expansion of living space.  This is further demonstrated by the superyacht’s three-metre long windows that run throughout each area, allowing light to flow ceaselessly; the upper deck al fresco dining area, which incorporates a six-metre-wide table; and the eighty-square-metre sundeck that features deckchairs, armchairs, sofas, loungers, and two dining areas.  Additionally, there is even an elevator that provides excellent access to each of the three decks.

Inside the interior is an expansive lounge space that was divided into two separate areas, with one side made to give guests some quality R&R and the other for dining purposes.  Accommodating up to a total of 12 guests, Mr Loui includes a full-beam Master Suite on the main deck, two VIP quarters and two convertible cabins that come together with Pullman berths.  In addition, the crew quarters can accommodate up to seven, which includes the captains cabin located on the upper deck.

Officially launched in Viareggio on August 9, Mr Loui is powered by a pair of 1600hp Caterpiller ACER C32 diesel engines, which allow for a satisfactory cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed of 15 knots.  When the superyacht’s speed stays at a steady 10 knots, not only does the electric fin stabilization system guarantee both a gentle ride underway or at anchor, but also allows it to attain a maximum range of 3,000 nautical miles.

For more information visit:  BenettiYachts.it

Image Credit: Quin Bisset

Concorso Italiano Announces Featured Vehicles For Monterey Car Week 2018

Concorso Italiano is set to celebrate their 33rd annual event at Monterey Car Week in California. For 2018, spectators can expect to see some of the world’s most prestigious Italian cars spread across the beautiful backdrop of  the Black Horse Golf Course  on Saturday, August, 25.

Well-known as one of the most creative activations during Car Week, the 33rd Concorso Italiano will focus its attention on championing Italian products to the utmost extent, with extensive selections of sophisticated cuisine, drinks, clothing, and nearly 1,000 rare and exotic automobiles, including cars from Alfa Romeo, De Tomaso, Ferrari, Fiat, Iso & Bizzarrini, Lamborghini, Lancia, and Maserati. This year there will be ten featured vehicle classes, in addition to a few groups of non-Italian Marques.

“We are thrilled to be in our 33^rd year as part of Monterey Car Week and cherish the fact that we are the biggest luxury and exotic Italian car show in the country. Numerous Italophiles, enthusiasts, collectors, celebrities and hobbyists will come together to share their passion for these automotive works of art,” said Tom McDowell, chairman, Concorso Italiano. “We are looking forward to the incredible vehicles and programming we have in store for this year and can’t wait to welcome our amazing guests.”

Some of this year’s most exceptional moving works of art will include the following.

• 2017 Ferrari F-12 TDF: Ferrari designed this model to pay homage to the Tour de France, the legendary endurance road race that Ferrari dominated in the 1950s and 1960s.The F-12 TDF is the ultimate expression of the concept of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the road as it is on the track. Only 799 have been built.
• 1951 Siata Gran Sport Spyder: Based on the Fiat 1400, the Gran Sport Spyder was crafted extremely carefully, and was one of the largest models offered by Siata. It was known in the United States as the “little Ferrari” due to its incredible speed. Due to its age and the number built, this example is incredibly rare.
• 1952 O.S.C.A. MT4: O.S.C.A., an Italian manufacturer of racing and sports cars, was established 1947 by the Maserati brothers. In their day, the MT4 model cars were exceptionally expensive but extraordinarily fast. Only 72 were built.
• 1966 Bizzarrini P538: This is a very rare rear-engined race car launched in the mid-1960s by Scuderia Bizzarrini. Five-speed manual transaxles were used in this car, with gearing specific to the race for which each car was constructed. This was the first V8-powered car to debut at Le Mans.
• 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO: This vehicle was designed for the legendary Group B racing circuit and is one of the top Ferraris ever created. It is a rear-engined, five speed manual that boasts a 400 horsepower twin-turbo 2.9-liter V8 engine. Only 272 were made.

The Concorso Italiano team has organized several new additions to last year’s offerings, including breakfast and lunch options, a fashion show, and the 50^th anniversary celebration of the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini models Espada and Islero. Furthermore, Egidio Reali, Founder of MR Group, will be celebrated this year at the event’s “La Bella Macchina” awards.  This year’s VIP tickets will offer guests early access on Friday afternoon, VIP parking, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, wine, a cigar, a copy of Concorso Italiano Magazine, and a commemorative gift.

For more information on Concorso Italiano, please visit:  concorso.com

Images courtesy of: Concorso Italiano

Nissan Named Featured Marque for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Two-time winner of the IMSA GTS Drivers’ Championship Steve Millen drove his restored 300ZX at the 2014 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. (photo credit: T.M. Hill)

In light of the upcoming 2018 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, set to take place this August during famed Monterey Car Week, Japanese automaker Nissan has been named featured marque.

“This is the first time an Asian automaker’s racing heritage has been celebrated at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and we are thrilled to welcome Nissan and its extensive racing history into the historic racing scene,” commented Gill Campbell, Senior Vice-President of Laguna Seca. “From the early Datsuns to more modern day Nissans, their achievements have earned the respect of racers and deserve to be recognized.”

Nissan’s successful racing history is significant to say the least. In the late 1960’s the marque acquired two championships at the Japanese Grand Prix with their legendary R381. While on the other side of the Pacific, Race Car Driver, Bob Sharp was establishing Nissan’s name in the United States through his first place result in his Datsun 1600 roadster at the SCCA F Production Championship. However, Sharp’s win was just the beginning of Nissan’s involvement in the US race circuit. Just prior to the turn of the decade, Peter Brock, who is today best known as a former Shelby designer, joined the West Coast Datsun team with Brock Racing Enterprises in 1970. Following Brock’s involvement, driver John Morton secured four national championship wins with BRE’s iconic liveried red, white and blue Datsun 2000 Roadsters. Additionally the team also acquired two Trans-Am 2.5 Championships with the BRE Datsun 510s, as well as a couple C Production Championships with the Datsun 240Zs.

John Morton, left, and Bob Sharp are two of the most well known drivers in the decorated racing history of the Nissan Z®

Bob Sharp’s team continued successfully through the mid 1970’s with the addition of famed actor and race car driver Paul Newman to his team. Throughout this historic period BRE landed ten podium finishes in eleven season-ending races in the SCCA B Sedan and C Production competitions, and acquired the IMSA GTU title in 1975. Following the BRE period, Nissan championed the IMSA Manufacturers Championship, taking home first place trophies in 88′,89′ and 90′. Additionally, Nissan won nearly every IMSA race in 88′ and 89′ with the partnership of Geoff Brabham and driver John Morton, who accomplished nine wins (eight of them being consecutive).

Nissan’s racing success in the 1990’s has been highly attributed to Steve Millen. Throughout the early to mid 90’s, New Zealend Born Millen accomplished an impressive 20 victories as well as 23 poles in his iconic No. 75 300ZX, both of the latter being all-time highs for the IMSA GTS. The victor of the Drivers’ Championship in 1992 and 1994 returned to the track for several endurance races in 1994, including championing his class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and wining both the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. In commemoration of these incredible wins, Millen raced the No. 75 300ZX at the 2014 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

This year’s annual gathering scheduled to take place at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca from August 23rd through the 26th, will offer automotive enthusiasts races that feature classic period-correct race cars  competing around Laguna Seca’s historic 2.2 mile track. The event is best described as the automotive version of Ben Stiller’s “Night at the Museum”, however, instead of the animation of President Theodore Roosevelt and an Easter Island Head, we get to experience a collection of 550 vintage cars coming back to life! This year we should expect no less than panels with racing legends, open paddocks, and a significant range of manufacture tents/displays. All said, if you like action, there are few better places to be during famed Monterey Car Week.

Individual day tickets and full hospitality packages are available in advance by calling 831-242-8200 or online at:  www.mazdaraceway.com

McCall’s Motorworks Revival Is Set to Commemorate Its 27th Year

For 2018, the illustrious McCall’s Motorworks Revival will enter their 27th year during world-famous Monterey Car Week and, if it’s anything like past years, this year’s celebration is undoubtedly going to be one party you just can’t miss!  Serving as host to 3,000 auto-moto-aero aficionados, the grand gala guarantees that they’ll be offering delectable culinary delicacies and fine wines for the indulgment of the guests throughout the evening.  Together with the innovative ideas of combining both the fields of aviation and automotive into one joint celebration, which is a concept that has been reproduced a couple of times throughout the country, McCall is again demonstrating their inventive ethos as they add the joy of food and wine to the party’s merriment.

The list of local celebrity chefs are also quite impressive as it includes Chef Jerome Viel (from Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market), Chef Paul Corsentino (from Ventana Inn Big Sur) and Chef Matthew Beaudin (from the Monterey Bay Aquarium).  Furthermore, a very special guest, famed Executive Chef Joshua Schwartz (from Napa Valley’s Del Dotto Winery) will also be making an appearance this year as he showcases his exemplary culinary skills and insights by preparing bespoke composed plates paired with boutique wineries from Carmel Valley and Napa Valley.  In addition to the special plated offerings, award-winning wines from Napa Valley will include the likes of Silver Oak, Del Dotto Vineyards, and Altamura; not to forget wines from Bernardus winery that is going to be exclusively for VIP guests enjoyment with the presentation of Santa Lucia varietals, served by its winemakers, winery staff and owner Ben Pon.  At the beginning of the evening, the main Center Stage Pavilion will kickoff the celebration with California Caviar paired together with appetizing morsels.

Thanks to the event’s beautifully planned reception, McCall’s VIP Red Carpet guests will once again be given the special privilege of an early arrival accompanied by valet parking, which results in far less traffic to navigate at that time.  “We started this special ticket four years ago and the interest has grown substantially,” McCall reports. “We’re pleased to entertain people for an extra hour and give them the opportunity to take in more of the sights. It’s become a coveted party within the party. This year’s Red Carpet Club will be in the mezzanine of the main hangar, which will have its own bar and give the Red Carpet guests the bird’s-eye view over the hangar and tarmac display. The Red Carpet tickets have sold out since we started the special ticket, and are sure to sell out again this year.”

Putting aside the wonderful foods and wines, the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation is coming back again to be the beneficiary of the deeply philanthropic guests who will be in-attendance.  The event is going to feature many generous sponsors that will be donating their goods to those lucky donors during the evening.  Both Swiss watchmakers Baume & Mercier and Eberhard are going to donate timepieces of their own, along with additional, big-hearted sponsors, who will be giving away high-end luxury products to support the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation’s cause.  “With so many events now on the Monterey Peninsula, our Wednesday night party seems to push all the buttons for several of our motorsports legend guests,” McCall mentions. “They get to see all of their friends here and can relax and enjoy the scenery without the crowds.”

Heavyweights of the aviation and automotive industries will be arriving to help celebrate McCall’s 27th annual event.  Authorities from the aero industry consist of brands like Gulfstream, Textron Aviation, Embraer, Piper, and Pilatus, whereas the auto industry features well-known names such as McLaren, Porsche, Genovation, Toyota, Genesis, US Specialty, etc…  Other participants, including Aeristo, HRE Performance, Weathertech, and the famed Quail Rally, will amaze the VIP guests with their stunning displays.  Besides the leading-edge auto and aero displays that will be present during the celebration, innumerable privately owned vintage aircrafts, superlative sports cars and ravishing racecars are also going to be put on exhibit by McCall’s international band of friends.  McCall’s Motorworks Revival is an event in itself with a history of hosting some of the biggest names in the auto-moto-aero industries.  The event is so noteworthy that several high-profile individuals fly in during Monterey Car Week just to take part in this one-night soiree. This year will also mark the start of a new tradition, Club McCall, the official After Party of McCall’s Motorworks.

The 27th Annual McCall’s Motorworks Revival officially commences on Wednesday, August 22, 2018.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit:  eventbrite.com

Follow McCall Events on Instagram:  @McCallsMotorworksRevival

Photographer: Marli Allard

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Luxury Travel is Now Effortless, Everywhere

In what is now being called the most anticipated car of 2018 and, may very well be, the most expected Rolls-Royce of all time, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has just made its debut with the title of Rolls-Royce’s first ever SUV.  The car is quite remarkable as not only does its practical yet contemporary design make it garner a distinctive difference from the other typically unostentatious SUV examples,  but its all-terrain high body makes it the embodiment of an off-road, luxury vehicle that carries with it the saying that luxury travel is now Effortless, Everywhere.  Furthermore, the Cullinan is named after the largest diamond ever unearthed, which is currently part of the British Crown Jewels, and is the second type of Rolls-Royce to feature the new cutting-edge aluminium ‘Architecture of Luxury’.

“The super-luxury lifestyle is evolving and Rolls-Royce is in the lead,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.  “Luxury is no longer an urban concept. More and more it is about embracing and experiencing the wider world. Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise, conquering the most challenging terrain to enjoy life’s most enriching experiences, wherever they may be. For this reason, they have asked us to create a Rolls-Royce that offers uncompromised luxury wherever they dare to venture. Cullinan is that car. It is Effortless, Everywhere.

It is incomparable and dramatically evolves the parameters of super-luxury travel, translating Rolls-Royce’s ethos of ‘Effortlessness’ into physical capability, anywhere in the world. Cullinan will simply take the world in its stride.”

With a 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine under the hood, it discharges the perfect amount of torque (850Nm) at the minimum level of revolutions (1,600rpm) directly to the new all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system.  The Cullinan was officially announced to the world three years ago by Rolls-Royce in order to give what their customers have been very curious about: a Rolls-Royce SUV that incorporates luxury, performance, usability and comfort for all-terrain.  Most of these customers are very successful individuals who experience much travel as they work, so they wished for a ride where they are accompanied with nonpareil luxury on their extensively long business ventures.

“History set our precedent, and today Rolls-Royce answers its call to action,” comments Müller-Ötvös. “Our answer to the visionaries, adventurers, explorers and those who believe in the supremacy of liberty is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.”

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan concept was created with the fast moving and vigorous business of the automotive mobility in mind.  This business had many dynamic concepts popping out such as SUV models, which were making appearances in constant intervals. The Cullinan came to be in the same manner: it was a new concept that needed perfecting to be accepted by the patrons of true luxury, which it was with flying colors.

“The proposition of this car is an engineering masterpiece, its off-road capability, whilst maintaining the world-famous ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ of Rolls-Royce,” comments Müller-Ötvös.  “When we began engineering this car, these were the guiding principles.”

The engineering team who were behind the Cullinan’s creation had modified the Architecture of Luxury to the design template of a high-bodied car appointed to them by Giles Taylor and his personal design team as a result of its intrinsic adaptability, this allowed the Architecture of Luxury of the Cullinan truly be its own.  The Cullinan utilizes its Architecture of Luxury in order to deliver unabated comfort, space and usability, advanced technology, incredible on-road/off-road driving capabilities, as well as a striking and simply iconic inner and outer presence.  The car obtained tremendous stiffness for functional performance on rugged terrain whilst retaining the quality of comfort due to its extraordinary, all-new aluminium sub-structure.

“The drivetrain system we engineered for Cullinan had one key job to do,” states Caroline Krismer, Engineering Project Leader for Cullinan. “To bring the famed Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to all other terrains possible, while ensuring class-leading on-road behaviour in the SUV sector.”

Via a wide-spread re-engineering of the existing air suspension system, the Cullinan is now able to transport its owner to destinations that were previously unreachable by past Rolls-Royce owners whilst still traveling in comfort and luxury.  For times when you are driving off-road, the car’s built-in electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system employs an air compression system to firmly drop any wheel it notices losing traction in order to safeguard any wheel that is making incessant contact with the terrain and so maximum torque is being properly distributed to all wheels.

“Put simply, what makes the car great on-road makes the car great off-road,” concludes Krismer.

The most notable function that makes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Effortless, Everywhere is one single button, which is referred to as the ‘Everywhere’ button by Rolls-Royce; with only the press of the button, the car will mobilize all of its outstanding Rolls Royce engineering to vent out its dynamic off-roading prowess.

“The launch of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the luxury industry”, said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce and Member of the Board of the BMW Group.  “Today we are setting a new standard by creating a new class of motoring and motor car for customers who are well-connected, highly mobile and have a global perspective. They want a new type of motor car that gives them unbounded access in ultimate luxury. Their sense of adventure and daring demands a “go-anywhere in ultimate luxury” motor car that will both take them to and meet them at the pinnacle of life. Cullinan is that motor-car.”

“From the very beginning the design team treated this brand new Rolls-Royce as a unique, high bodied car. With global customer expectations in mind, our aim was two-fold – realise a presence to match the magnificent capability of Cullinan, whilst setting sector defining standards for luxury and elegance. We know that many of our luxury patrons pursue sports or leisure hobbies that require precisely this type of go anywhere vehicle – Cullinan’s design gesture had to possess an immediate sense of effortless accomplishment.”

The expression of making luxury Effortless, Everywhere was the beginning of change to Rolls-Royce’s approach on how they create an official Rolls-Royce SUV model.  The most noticeable indication of this was the revolutionary tailgate of the Cullinan.  Furthermore, the Cullinan also came with two rear configurations  – Lounge Seats or Individual Seats – to suit the needs of the passengers.

“Cullinan is luxury in its purest form blended with perfect practicality and off-road capability,” comments Müller-Ötvös. “Effortless, Everywhere is not just the promise behind Cullinan. It’s the fact.”

The seats can be folded electronically in a host of configurations by pushing the apt button in either the boot or rear door pocket.  The seats in the back can be folded entirely to create a leveled loading space or in a 2/3 and 1/3 split.  Passengers in the rear cabin can bring along a huge load or even use the carpeted seat back as a temporary table.  The rear compartment or boot area accommodates a standard 560 litres of space, which can rise to become 600 if the parcel shelf gets removed.

However, there is also another interesting feature that keeps the items in the boot from moving around and safely secures them in place.  This feature is only possible because the base of the rear seats are positioned higher than the boot floor, which is a function never before seen in any other SUV.  And if there is still need for more space, a loading strength of 2245mm and a load capacity of 1886 litres can be introduced by electronically lifting the boot floor to reach the seat base, which would then allow items slide through more smoothly.

The Individual Seat configuration, in particular, is set for those who choose luxury over the practicality of the SUV.  This configuration focuses on the two individual rear seats that are separated by a Fixed Rear Centre Console that also includes a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and refrigerator.  In addition, the seats can be arranged in a multitude of planes to give passengers in the rear a flexible and refreshing environment.

Another unique feature that turns the Cullinan into the first “three-box” SUV is a glass partition that separates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment, thereby generating an impeccable cabin area without any cluttering luggage in the way.

Taylor and his design team transformed the car into a work of unrivaled luxury architecture as they gave it its timeless, signature Rolls Royce touches.  The design encompasses the proper set or proportions found on other Rolls-Royce models as well as the same level of splendor and comfort.  The Cullinan’s body is simply overwhelming with horizontal and vertical lines, a grille made from hand-polished stainless steel, and its iconic Rolls-Royce badge and Spirit of Ecstasy that reside above the line of the wing.

“The label SUV is now applied to anything with a two-box silhouette and the least suggestion of going off tarmac,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.  “We envisioned an authentic, three-box high-bodied all-terrain car with a convention-challenging design and absolute capability that would satisfy the adventurous urges of our clients.”

The interior design of the cabin is the combination of luxury that Rolls-Royce has been famous for and an uncomplicated, well-proportioned functionality to articulate the precise tenacity of the Cullinan.   You will discover that whether it be the fascia and centre stack of the dashboard or the arm rests attached to the doors, the structural vertical and horizontal features complete the interior layout perfectly.  In addition, the new contemporary ‘Box Grain’ black leather is applied as a cover over the upper fascia.  What holds up the structure of the upper section is a durable cord of wood that has been shaped in three-dimensions to stream along the centre stack, whereas the dashboard is sheltered by leather cushions on both the top and at the end.

The seats throughout the Cullinan have a bold, eye-catching style, which were created with exemplary Rolls-Royce craftsmanship, that adds to the car’s already tenacious outer body.  The seats include an up-to-date yet effortless horseshoe graphic of which accentuates them with auxiliary bolsters.  Each seat aboard the Cullinan expresses a level of high-quality leather artistry, which can be recognized by the backrest panel that was conceived by a lone piece of leather in order to grant a remarkably three-dimensional facade.

The Cullinan is capable of either lowering itself by 40mm to make access easy and effortless for passengers and driver to begin their adventure or be elevated by 40mm to its standard height with a push of a button to give occupants a grand view on or off the road.  Amazingly enough, with just a touch of the sensors that is on the exterior door handles, the doors will shut by themselves from outside the vehicle. The seats have both heated and ventilated functions, whereas all equipment and technology is on display in arms reach of the driver.

The front passenger seat and driver’s position has excellent access to the first time touch sensitivity central information screen that offers fast action functions, map views and vehicle set-up.  Additionally, this portal can still be operated from the Spirit of Ecstasy controller, of which rests a top the central console alongside the ‘Off-Road’ button, Hill Descent Control button and Air Suspension height adjustment controls.

There is a wide-range of cutting-edge technological installments aboard the Rolls-Royce Cullinan such as: Night Vision and Vision Assist including daytime and night-time Wildlife & Pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; an industry leading 7×3 High-Resolution Head-Up Display, WiFi hotspot, and of course the latest Navigation and Entertainment Systems.

You will never be disconnected from your tablet or any other electronic device and in need of charging thanks to the five USB ports around the cabin, whilst phones, as an exception to the rule, can be charged wirelessly in the front of the cabin.  In addition, occupants will never need to fear getting dirt on themselves as both the rear and front coach doors keep all dirt outside the vehicle; a unique feature that only Rolls-Royce would ever have thought of implementing into their luxury automobiles.

For more information visit:  www.Rolls-RoyceMotorCars.com/Cullinan

Images Courtesy of:  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The Top Cuban Cigars to Try in 2018

This is an article courtesy of Paul Agelidis, the Founder and Owner of Revolucion, a cigar, tobacco and men’s gift shop in beautiful Vancouver, BC.

With the summer upon us, it’s getting to the time you can really enjoy sitting outside and smoking great cigars. Whether it’s in your backyard, at the cottage, on a camping trip, or anywhere else, you can smoke by yourself or with other aficionados, it’s time to look for the best cigars to enjoy this year. Here are our top Cuban cigars to try:

Montecristo No. 2

This cigar is the undisputed king of the Cuban cigar world right now. It gets rave reviews both from publications and reviewers, and from regular cigar lovers, making it a best-seller and a critically acclaimed darling. One note when buying a box: look for the date and factory code on the box to know the vintage that you’re buying.

It’s easy to see why the Montecristo No. 2 is so widely regarded, as it has an intoxicating balance of flavors and aromas, including almond, cinnamon, oak, and salt. It burns evenly, has smooth draws, and easy production of fine, cool smoke. If you’ve never tried a Montecristo No. 2 before, it should be at the top of your list this summer.

Upmann Magnum 50

The Upmann Magnum 50 has a great smoking experience. It looks, feels, smells, and tastes great, as well as having one of the best burns of any cigar we’ve tried this year. It has plenty of smoke production but comes across as an everyman’s cigar that’s rich, deep, and durable through to the end.

The flavor comes with notes of earthy and spicy tones in a harmony of leather, nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon. This is another must-try for any cigar enthusiast no matter what your tastes are, and is great to enjoy with your friends or family on a sunny outdoor afternoon.

Bolivar Belicoso Fino

This cigar is more for people who like strong Cuban cigars, as it is one of the stronger ones you can find. Despite how strong it is, it’s been a top-rated cigar for years now thanks to a very balanced profile of flavors, exceptional quality, and full-bodied smoke.

When you draw, you get a smooth balance of chocolate, nuts, caramel, coffee, and leather with notes of earth and spicy pepper. It has a good enough first half to make you think it’s already worth it, but the second half surprised us with an explosion of strong but still balanced flavor, and a longer burn — really take your time to enjoy it.

La Estrella Cubana Habano

La Estrella is a top-quality brand of Cuban cigars that has tried to enter the market of more affordable “value” cigars. Despite the lower price, the Cubana Habano still has superb quality so you get more than your money’s worth.

The La Estrella Cubana Habano has medium strength and a medium-to-full body profile of dark coffee, caramel, spice, and leather with a smooth and balanced finish. It is a very satisfying smoke with a very affordable purchase price, which has made it one of our go-to cigars to enjoy again and again this year.

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill

The current vintage of the Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill cigar is great for people who prefer quicker or milder Cuban cigars. The burn and draw stay consistent for the whole smoke, and the flavor strength stays at a balanced but milder profile.

The taste and aromas have notes of dark coffee, pepper, sage, hazelnut and leather, with hints of cream, sweet fruit, and wood. It has a shorter smoke, so it can be great for quick breaks between golf rounds, between outdoor chores, or for a quick happy hour before dinner.

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Image Courtesy of:  Shutterstock

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Peggy and David Rockefeller’s Private Collection Breaks Records at Auction

In what is being called the most significant charitable auction ever staged, Peggy and David Rockefeller’s private collection amounted to $832,573,469 USD, which also became the greatest total for a private collection.  The result of this philanthropical initiative was an unexpected yet pleasant surprise, as it had well outstripped the estimated figure that was anticipated for the entire collection and broke numerous auction records under fine and decorative arts.  This private collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller encompassed 1,500 pieces, and was completely sold after a six-month campaign, 10 days of online sales and just three days of auction at Christie’s Rockefeller Center in New York.

With a charitable aim, all of the estate proceeds from the collection will be redirected towards philanthropies that Peggy and David Rockefeller had given support to over the course of their lives.  These kind of charitable organizations encompassed the fields of greater levels of education, sustainable economic development, scientific studies & advancements, encouragement for the arts, land conservation drives, et cetera…

David Rockefeller, Jr. commented: “This week of auctions has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Christie’s and our family had a shared financial goal of raising more than $500 million in estate proceeds for the 12 philanthropies our parents cared about so deeply, and it has been both humbling and deeply gratifying to see a sale total that reaches so far beyond that. These funds will provide very meaningful support to important institutions and foundations devoted to scientific research and higher education, support for the arts, foreign policy, and the conservation of coastal and agricultural lands.”

We are grateful to the Christie’s team for the deep care and attention they took in presenting our parents’ collection to the world over this past year. This was an experience that beautifully and thoroughly conveyed Peggy and David Rockefeller’s great passion for art, design, craftsmanship and beauty. Just as my siblings and our own children are full of pride and gratitude at the end of this historic week, we know our parents would feel the same.”

Noteworthy pieces of the collection include Picasso’s Fillette à la corbeille fleurie, which was sold for $115,000,000 (the second highest total paid for one of his pieces), Monet’s Nymphéas en fleur, which was realized for a record of $84,687,500, and Matisse’s Odalisque couchée aux magnolias that was acquired at $80,750,000, which broke through yet another auction record.

Pieces that set new records throughout the collection include Diego Rivera’s The Rivals that sold for $9,762,500, which broke a world auction record for both the artist himself as well as for a work of Latin American Art.  The Art of the Americas sale set a new record by itself for the category’s overall total, and Gilbert Stuart’s George Washington (Vaughan type) established a record for the artist at $11,562,500.  Another record was established amidst the decorative arts for 19th Century porcelain when porcelain belonging to the Sèvres ‘Marly Rouge’ service commissioned by Napoleon I, was realized for $1,812,500.

The focal points of the Travel and Americana sale was an extraordinary blue and white ‘Dragon’ Bowl that sold for $2,772,500, a magnificent Imperial Gilt-Bronze figure of Amitayus that was acquired for $2,532,500, which even set a recored for a Kangxi gilt-bronze, and an exquisite John Haynes Williams Whistling Swan duck decoy that broke an auction record for the maker which realized a total of $348,500.

Personal items of the late Peggy and David Rockefeller include a money clip with the outline of the Rockefeller Center (estimated at $800-to-$1,000) that was put up for auction in the Online sale, where it was finally bought for $75,000 in a bidding war between 13 bidders.  Other significant, personal keepsakes that were a part of the decorative arts was a Regency Mahogany four-pedestal dining table which sold at $468,500), and an English wicker picnic hamper from Asprey & Company that sold at $212,500 from an estimated $10,000.

As a leading figure in the art world, Christie’s held 350 auctions in 2017 with over 80 categories, such as fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more.  So, with such a prominent name in the art business, this private Rockefeller collection had no doubt made huge waves by becoming the largest gross ever seen at auction for a single, private collection.

Guillaume Cerutti, Christie’s CEO, remarks,“Christie’s has been honored to represent the Rockefeller Estate and we are proud to have exceeded expectations. As well as raising a truly outstanding amount for good causes, we have sent a clear message about our commitment to our clients. This was an innovative and creative campaign, one that saw new engagement with influential tastemakers, the sharing of powerful stories across our content and digital platforms. We have led the market in our operational delivery, from the launch in Asia, as we worked as a truly global, integrated team. The sales bode well for the art market in the next months and we look forward to our 20th Century sales here in New York next week.”

The charitable event incorporated a 10-days viewing period, in which Christie’s accommodated 30,000 visitors to the grand exhibition, thereby providing them with a walk-through experience for the breathtaking pieces in the late Peggy and David Rockefeller’s private collection.  Christie’s, in partnership with VistaJet, worked together to present the global tour of collection highlights to major cities like London, Paris, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, which resulted in over a total of 80,000 visitors participating in the exhibitions.  In addition, if you include online sales, the sale registrants hail from 53 countries.

Also, look forward to more of the Peggy and David Rockefeller’s private collection because nineteen lots of jewelry from it will be offered in the June 12 Magnificent Jewels sale.

Images Courtesy of:  Christies.com

Your Palladian-inspired Waterfront Estate in Fort Myers Awaits

Stretching over two-acres of stunning waterfront, this Palladian-inspired estate situated in Fort Myers, Florida, is synonymous with the words ‘opulence’ and ‘privacy’.  Complete with its own gated residence that is fully furnished alongside bespoke design features, as well as a berth, a lift, and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, the property was listed by Christie’s International Real Estate for an astounding $15,950,000.

The main residence’s Palladian design, of which introduced a style reminiscent of the archaic temples of the Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, was inspired by famed, Venice-born Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio with the use of aesthetically symmetrical lines and ode.  In addition, the property also features a wide-range of amenities that were built by utilizing expert craftsmanship in order to turn the entire estate into an aesthetic masterpiece.

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

To enter the gated estate, which has two private roads, you must drive through a lengthy granite driveway that leads to an exquisite fountain in front of the main residence, where you can then park in a magnificent garage.  Once you step past the front door, you will be welcomed by Italian marble floors, Venetian plastering, custom lighting, oversized windows overlooking pristine waters, and an elegant wrought iron staircase.  One of the most impressive aspects of the house is its wine cellar that can be better described as an artful showpiece rather than a storage facility.  The cellar can harbor around 2,000 bottles enclosed behind a glass screen located right at the dining room’s entry point.  And if you are a lover of fine art, you will be excited to know that the house has numerous glass cases to display your extensive art collection.

Rick Moeser, Executive Director of Christie’s International Real Estate, states that: “This home speaks to collectors of all categories—collectibles, wine, sculpture, paintings, and other works of art.  It is the perfect canvas, seamlessly incorporating art and architecture. The grounds are meticulously maintained, as you would expect of an estate of this stature. Add to that the recreational options, and this home truly stands apart.”

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

The 10,493 square feet of living space includes a total of four bedrooms, five bathrooms, three half baths, master suite with balcony overlooking the water, an extensive fitness room, a 16-person spa, a billiards room with bar, an indoor and outdoor cinema, his-and-her offices, and a professional kitchen that has a custom-made walk-in refrigerator, first-rate appliances, and African walnut finishes. Additionally, there is a leading-edge security system, an elevator, a three-bedroom guest house, and a staircase, which leads you from the pool to a sand patio that offers waterway views.

The outside aesthetics consists of fully-grown palm trees as well as a botanical garden that shelters a variety of fruit trees and other plants from all over the globe.  There also includes a mosaic infinity pool and a loggia with an outdoor kitchen, bar, dining area, and setting nook, that commands a view from above the pool to provide a breathtaking scene of the water.

Images Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

For More Information Visit: www.ChristiesRealEstate.com