PHOTO JOSH RITCHIE
Few things in life pair with whisky more perfectly than a great cigar; the two truly are a match made in heaven. To help celebrate and facilitate that pairing, Whisky Advocate and Cigar Aficionado are joining forces in April for a combined showcase: Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest, promising a night of top-shelf smokes and unforgettable sips.
Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest will take place on April 6th at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in sunny Tampa, Florida. The night, which starts at 6:30 p.m. for general admission, will feature a star-studded list of cigars and spirits. There will be over 100 pours, including whiskies from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Blackened, Chivas Regal, Redbreast, Uncle Nearest, and more. The event’s cigar lineup includes over 30 top-rated sticks from Alec Bradley, Arturo Fuente, Cohiba, Drew Estate, H. Upmann, My Father, Padrón, and Romeo Y Julieta.
For the smokers who want to experiment with other pairings and the whisky drinkers who want to explore other spirits, there will also be a few non-whisky offerings from Martell cognac, Lux & Umbra dry gin, Tequila Komos, and Santa Teresa rum. Food and live music will also be available at the event.
Those who purchase a VIP ticket, in addition to receiving entry at 5:30 p.m., will also have the opportunity to try some very exclusive whiskies that won’t be poured during general admission. The list includes Bardstown Foursquare Rum Cask Finished bourbon, which was named our No.-9 Whisky of the Year, and single barrel expressions from both Uncle Nearest and Green River.
Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest is the perfect event for whisky and cigar lovers of all immersion levels. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts and devotees, while exploring new expressions and rubbing shoulders with some of the cigar makers, blenders, and distillers behind your favorite brands. More information is available at bigsmokewhiskyfest.com. Tickets can be purchased here and hotel reservations can be made here. We look forward to seeing you on April 6th!
