Straight Up & Toasted - Featuring Viva La Vida and Craigellachie Scotch
New York is famously known as “the city that never sleeps”. There’s a good reason for that: it is my personal observation that an average New Yorker wakes up at 6 a.m., works well until 1 a.m., has fifteen-minute power lunches, drinks three cups of coffee a day, and runs rather than walks in between destinations. The fast pace of the city makes it easy to get lost in an incessant grind and forget to appreciate the smaller life moments. As I stepped into the dimly lit, smoke-filled Carnegie Club from the bustling streets of New York City, I was transported to a place of respectful indulgence and leisure. Straight Up and Toasted, held at this swanky midtown location, provided liberation from the oftentimes overwhelming New York lifestyle. The black and red striped wallpaper, leather seats, and wood accents provided an elegant, yet comfortable environment to retire to the recesses of artisanal spirits and live jazz performances.
Photo credit: @dematophoto
Straight Up and Toasted, hosted by Matthias Clock — founder of Fine Tobacco NYC — celebrated the Viva la Vida cigar crafted by master blender, AJ Fernandez. Clock’s deep passion for cigars stems from their notable ability to bring people of diverse backgrounds together. Billy Fakih of Artesano Del Tobacco explained the chosen name Viva La Vida -- which directly translates to “live life,” -- serves as a reminder to celebrate the daily victories we earn. The all-Nicaraguan tobacco blend gives Viva la Vida a much fuller-body than traditional Dominican cigars. The Habano Oscuro leaf encapsulates the tobacco, yielding a wonderfully balanced flavor profile consisting of dark chocolate, mixed nuts, confectionary spices, and touches of cream.
Matthias Clock (Instagram: @matthiasclock and @finetobacconyc)
Viva la Vida was perfectly complemented by the rich and robust flavors found in the Craigellachie’s single malt Scotch. Craigellachie achieves flavors similar to those that would be experienced in liquors produced in the 19th century through the use of oil-fired malt and worm tub condensers.
Photo credit: @dematophoto
Photo credit: @dematophoto
Photo credit: @dematophoto
I bore witness to the amazingly complex social interactions that cigars promoted at the Carnegie Club on Thursday night. As someone who has never smoked a cigar before, I felt a tinge of fear that I would be judged for my inexperience, but the warm and inviting atmosphere greeted me with kindness. I highly encourage everyone with all levels of familiarity with cigars to experience this ritzy ambiance by attending future events!
Soho Cigar Bar's 20th
On Wednesday, January 16th, Soho Cigar Bar celebrated its 20th Anniversary in NYC. The hotspot is one of New York’s oldest cigar bars and lounges, which was formerly known as Circa Tabac. Walking into the bar is like stepping back in time, all the while enjoying a true New York City experience where you can indulge in the finest cigars, classic cocktails, rare whiskeys, delicious food and top-notch service.
Owner Lee Ringelheim and GM Michael Dounoulis, who is the only certified Cigar Sommelier in the state, welcomed over 150 guests over the course of the evening. Hudson Whiskey Old Fashioneds were poured as guests circulated the bar, getting to see how cigars are made along the way. Every person in there made the spot feel cozy and at home. One drink turned into 3 (or 6?). People had an amazing and relaxing time. Mike, GM, is great at making his costumers feel welcome.
The warm and welcoming environment of Soho Cigar Bar is reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy with plush leather furnishings and art deco inspired décor. Modern touches include a state-of-the-art ventilation system and flat screen TVs throughout, discreetly hidden behind timeless art photography.
Partygoers walked away with a gift bag filled with Soho Cigar Bar merchandise, ranging from ash trays and cutters, to commemorative lighters, in addition to Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey shot glasses, Balvenie Doublewood 12-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, Frey freshener, a Madame Paulette stain removal kit and a copy of the newest issue of Cigar Aficionado magazine.
Soho Cigar Bar is open to the public 7 days a week beginning at 12pm. For more information or to make reservations, please visit, http://www.sohocigarbar.com.