Celebration isn’t just about big moments — it’s about savoring the quiet ones too. The Summer 2025 issue explores the rituals, pours, and pairings that remind us why we raise a glass in the first place. Pour a dram. Light a cigar. Join the conversation.
Celebration isn’t just about big moments — it’s about savoring the quiet ones too. The Summer 2025 issue explores the rituals, pours, and pairings that remind us why we raise a glass in the first place. Pour a dram. Light a cigar. Join the conversation.
Press release from our friends at Oveja Negra Factory and Black Label Trading Company Cigars: PRESS RELEASE. August 5, 2025 — Black Label Trading Company is pleased to announce the release of Triforium as an Oak Glen Tobacconist exclusive. The cigar is hand-crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua. “I’m honored to be making the Anniversary Cigar for Oak Glen Tobacconist. They have been great supporters of all things Oveja Negra from the start. The Triforium is rich, dark and elegant. This cigar is all about balance. The earthy, dark fruit notes are highlighted by a subtle floral aroma. The long finish is a beautiful mix of bittersweet cocoa and mild peppery spice,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. TRIFORIUM will be available only at Oak Glen Tobacconist. Country of Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Nicaragua Toro – 6 x 50 (10 count pack) MSRP $11.50 “We are thrilled to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of OGT Cigars by releasing an exclusive from one of our favorite brands, Black Label Trading Company. This is something we have been wanting to do for some time and the stars finally aligned! James is a genius when it comes to blending and this cigar is nothing short of perfection, full bodied and bursting with flavor. Triforium will be featured in our OGT Cigar Society Club. We wish everyone to have the opportunity to immerse their palate in the masterpiece of Triforium. I hope you enjoy,” stated Eric Drazin, owner of Oak Glen Tobacconist.” Sounds great to me, share this with your friends who love great boutique Nicaraguan cigars with the social buttons, please! -Gabe
From Bottles to Brands: Diageo’s Next Chapter When Diageo announced in May 2025 that it would sell its Santa Vittoria d’Alba production facility to Italian food and beverage group Newlat Food—soon to rebrand as NewPrinces—the industry barely blinked. No ticker shock. No headlines screaming about a collapse. But dig deeper, and this move tells us a lot about where the global spirits market is headed—and what matters now more than ever: agility, premiumization, and the illusion of still being everywhere while actually owning far less ground. For Diageo, it wasn’t just about a plant. It was about a mindset shift. What Exactly Was Sold? Let’s set the record straight: Diageo didn’t sell any brands. Not a drop of Johnnie Walker, not a whisper of Baileys. The transaction centered around the manufacturing plant in northern Italy, which had previously been slated for closure in January 2025—affecting 350 jobs 1. Instead of pulling the plug entirely, Diageo inked an exclusivity deal with Newlat in May, offering the Italian company full control of the facility, a commitment to preserve all 349 jobs, and the rights to continue producing select ready-to-drink (RTD) and low/no-alcohol beverages that were previously manufactured at the site 2. So, what changed? Everything—and nothing. The Asset-Light Playbook To understand Diageo’s move, you have to step back from the vineyard and look at the entire estate. The Santa Vittoria plant sale is just one piece of a much broader strategic puzzle. In the past year alone, Diageo has: Exited its stake in Guinness Ghana to Castel Group for $81 million 3. Shut down the Chase Distillery in Herefordshire after just three years, citing brand overlap 4. Abandoned plans to sell Pimm’s, after failing to find a buyer that aligned with their premium portfolio vision 5. It’s textbook modern strategy: offload lower-performing,…
Looking Behind the Barrel of a Barrel Pick Behind the Barrel: Cory McCord & Anthony Riccardi on Whiskey, Community, and the Perfect Pick Walk into any well-stocked whiskey shop these days and you’ll likely see a shelf or two filled with bottles bearing hand-written stickers, custom labels, or group logos—signs of a private barrel pick. What used to be a distillery-side novelty has now become a full-blown subculture, where groups like Trinity River Whiskey Cartel and The Bourbon Thieves aren’t just selecting whiskey—they’re shaping the market, one pick at a time. Barrel picks have exploded in popularity over the last decade, and with good reason. Unlike standard shelf bottles that are blends of multiple barrels to ensure consistency, a single barrel selection is just that—unfiltered, unblended, and often full of personality. The barrel you pick is the whiskey you get, with all its quirks, surprises, and magic. For enthusiasts, it’s a way to taste something rare. For groups, it’s an identity. For distilleries, it’s a way to engage superfans, move volume, and build brand loyalty. But with that growth has come a new level of scrutiny. Picking a barrel is no longer just a fun field trip—it’s a responsibility. Your name, your group, and your palate are all on the line. That’s where leaders like Cory McCord and Anthony Riccardi step in, setting the bar high and leading with integrity, experience, and an unshakable love for the craft. Meet the Men Behind the Pour Anthony Riccardi Born in Torrance, California and now calling Charlotte, NC home, Anthony Riccardi walked away from a 14-year career in the oil and petrochemical field to fully immerse himself in the whiskey world. A Tennessee Squire and certified Executive Bourbon Steward, he co-founded The Bourbon Thieves and launched The Bourbon Whiskey Library, LLC, an education-driven…
Now Live: Spring 2025 Issue — Women in the Industry We’re proud to present the Spring 2025 issue of Leaf n Grain Society, where we spotlight the women shaping the cigar, whiskey, wine, and craft culture we love. This issue isn’t just a nod — it’s a full-issue tribute. Inside this edition: Angela Chapman redefines Texas winemaking The legacy of Heather Greene and Victoria Eady Butler in whiskey Breaking the Mold A Women’s Journey into Cigars — A look into how women have impacted the cigar industry Breaking the Smoke Ceiling — stories of women forging space in cigar lounges BBQ, Cigars & Sisters, Coffee, Whiskey and Cigar Reviews And a cigar pairing you didn’t know you needed Every page was built with care. Every feature with purpose. Read the issue now: leafngrainsociety.com/magazine Free. Digital. Curated with craft.
A New Constellation in the World of Cigars At Leaf n Grain, we pay close attention when tradition and innovation collide—not with a spark, but with purpose. That’s exactly what’s unfolding with the launch of Constella Group, a newly announced global alliance between Luciano Cigars and Empresa Madeirense de Tabacos SA (EMT), Portugal’s historic tobacco powerhouse. This partnership isn’t just news—it’s a seismic shift with the potential to redefine how premium cigars are crafted, traded, and experienced across continents. Constella is more than a name—it’s a vision. It bridges the timeworn stone walls of Fábrica de Tabacos Estrela, founded in 1883, with the modern craftsmanship and creativity of Luciano Cigars. Together, they’re not chasing volume or market dominance. They’re elevating the conversation—reinvigorating forgotten terroirs, pioneering new cultivation, and crafting cigars that tell a story of origin, intention, and artistry. CONSTELLA GROUP UNVEILED: LUCIANO & EMT ANNOUNCE GLOBAL ALLIANCE AND CELEBRATE WITH ÉLEVÉ — A LIMITED EDITION CIGAR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 01, 2025 Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal || Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA In a significant step toward reshaping the global premium cigar industry, Luciano Cigars and Empresa Madeirense de Tabacos SA (EMT)—controller of Europe’s oldest active tobacco company, Fábrica de Tabacos Estrela (FTE)—have joined forces to form Constella Group, an international alliance grounded in shared values, strategic alignment, and long-term vision. After more than 18 months of strategic collaboration, the formation of Constella represents a bold move to transform the global premium cigar landscape. Rooted in a shared passion for craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation, Constella is designed as a new platform integrating premium cigar manufacturing, distribution, regulatory compliance, and tobacco trade across continents. EMT brings 142 years of legacy in European production, established warehousing, and robust compliance infrastructure, including Track & Trace systems. Luciano Cigars contributes U.S. market distribution, artisanal…
Smoke, Spice, and Southern Flavor The Art of Pairing Cigars with BBQ and Drinks There’s nothing quite like the slow burn of a fine cigar and the bold, smoky flavors of barbecue to remind you that life is best enjoyed in the simple moments. In the South, tradition isn’t just something you remember—it’s something you live. Whether it’s swapping stories over a plate of brisket, savoring a bourbon on the porch, or lighting up a cigar after a long day, these moments are what make the South feel like home. But let me tell you—these Southern staples—BBQ, cocktails, and cigars—don’t just coexist. They elevate each other, creating an experience that’s as rich as the history behind them. Let’s take a journey through the art of pairing smoke with spice and savoring the best of what the South has to offer. A Match Made in Southern Heaven Pairing cigars with barbecue might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. BBQ is smoky, bold, and complex—just like a good cigar. Add in a cocktail that complements both, and you’ve got the ultimate trifecta of Southern indulgence. Take cigars like Southern Draw and RomaCraft, for example—crafted with as much care and attention as a rack of ribs that’s been on the smoker all day. Or boutique gems like Rojas and Ohana, where every puff feels like it was made to be paired with a slow-cooked masterpiece. These cigars aren’t just accessories; they’re part of the story. BBQ Meets Cigar: Pairing Suggestions Now, let’s talk pairings. Every dish on the BBQ menu has its own personality, and finding the right cigar to match it is half the fun. Pulled Pork Pulled pork, with its tangy sweetness, finds a perfect match in a…
Hiram & Solomon Cigars Unveils Limited Edition “High Twelve” Hiram & Solomon Cigars Unveils Limited Edition “High Twelve” to Honor Grand Master J. Eugene Margroff. Hiram & Solomon Cigars is proud to introduce the High Twelve, the newest addition to its prestigious Grand Lodge Series. This limited-edition release is dedicated to honoring M.W. J. Eugene Margroff, the Grand Master of Masons for the state of New Jersey, and celebrates the values of time, fellowship, and reflection. Inspired by the sacred passage from Ecclesiastes, the High Twelve reminds us of the importance of taking time to rest, reflect, and cherish moments with our brethren and loved ones. As we enjoy the fellowship of Masonry, this cigar serves as a reminder of a life well spent and the timeless virtues we uphold. A Tribute to M.W. J. Eugene Margroff Crafted with the utmost dedication and care, the High Twelve embodies excellence and tradition. This premium cigar is produced in the Dominican Republic and features a 6 x 52 Toro vitola, offering a refined smoking experience. The blend has been meticulously selected to provide a well-balanced profile that connoisseurs will appreciate. Production Details: Vitola:6 x 52 Toro Origin:Dominican Republic Retail Price:$16 per cigar Packaging:Boxes of 10 cigars Limited Production:1,000 boxes (10,000 cigars total) Available for immediate worldwide shipping Giving Back to the Community As part of Hiram & Solomon’s commitment to charity and philanthropy, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the High Twelve will be donated to various charitable organizations, continuing our tradition of supporting worthy causes. Order Now The High Twelve is now available for immediate shipping worldwide. About Hiram & Solomon Cigars Hiram & Solomon Cigars is dedicated to crafting high-quality cigars that embody the spirit of Freemasonry. Through our unique blends and commitment to philanthropy, we continue to build on the traditions of fraternity, charity, and brotherhood. …
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner How Food Brings Romance to the Table Valentine’s Day is more than just flowers and gifts—it’s about creating meaningful moments with your loved one. And what better way to celebrate love than with a delicious, thoughtfully prepared meal? Food has the power to evoke emotions, stimulate the senses, and bring people closer together. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a cozy night in, here’s why food plays such a special role in Valentine’s Day celebrations. 1. The Magic of a Romantic Atmosphere Setting the mood is just as important as what’s on the plate. A dimly lit room, soft music, and a beautifully set table with candles or flowers instantly create an intimate and cozy ambiance. Whether dining at home or in a restaurant, an elegant presentation can make any meal feel like a special occasion. 2. Choosing the Right Ingredients Some foods naturally enhance the romantic experience. Chocolate, strawberries, oysters, honey, and wine have long been associated with love and passion. These ingredients not only taste indulgent but are also known for their aphrodisiac properties, making them perfect for a Valentine’s Day menu. 3. The Joy of Sharing Food Sharing food is a timeless romantic gesture. Whether it’s feeding each other bites of dessert, enjoying a cheese and wine board, or cooking a meal together, these small acts create intimacy and connection. Dishes like fondue, pasta, or tapas-style plates encourage closeness and interaction, making the meal even more memorable. 4. Engaging the Senses Romantic meals should engage all the senses—from the aroma of fresh herbs to the silky texture of a creamy pasta sauce. Flavors like rich chocolate, fragrant truffle, and warm spices can heighten emotions and create an unforgettable experience. 5. A Personal Touch Makes All the Difference The most romantic meals…