In a stroke of synergistic genius, the good folks at Euro Cave, maker of temperature controlled wine storage devices since 1975, have applied their atmospheric capabilities to the preservation of our precious Dominican and Cuban children. Its Euro Cave Humidor guarantees that as many as 1,000 cigars will develop and age fully, including filters that prevent sunlight from penetrating display doors and damaging contents. Designed and manufactured in France and available in a range of colors and finishes, it includes one display shelf, two sliding drawers, a half-mixed shelf, and a humidity tray system that is controlled via solid-state electronics. Temperature and humidity alerts are delivered through a digital LED display. $4,695, wineenthusiast.com

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THE CLASSIC MANHATTAN

This iconic cocktail was an invention of Dr. Iain Marshall, created in 1875 for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (aka Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Winston) at New York’s Manhattan Club. The event was in celebration of the Governor of New York and Presidential candidate, Samuel J. Tilden, and was such a success among socialites that it took off in club circles citywide, then to the four compass points. Its preparation is simplicity itself, so the art, for us, comes in the details. Our vessel of choice is Tiffany & Co.’s handmade, mouth-blown 8.5-ounce crystal martini glass. $25, tiffany.com

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2 ounces rye whiskey
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 cup ice cubes Maraschino or dark cherries
Combine whiskey, bitters, and vermouth in a cock-tail mixer. Add ice, stir until chilled, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with cherries.

INVESTORS SPREAD

The Half-Century Festival
In 1968, the cigar world saw the evolution of a name from exclusive maker to global retailer. In that year, and under the guidance of Zino Davidoff, Davidoff Cigars expanded from its Geneva store to embrace an international sales strategy that included a restless pursuit of new tobaccos and blends. It also, and per-haps even more famously, was approached by Cuba’s state tobacco monopoly, Cuba Tabaco, which inquired about creating a line of cigars carrying the Davidoff name. The simply incredible results were hand rolled in Havana’s new El Laguito factory. The rest, as they say…

The Half-Century Festival

“This is a very special year for us. We look back with pride on 50 years of creating exceptional, original cigars and accessories, but more importantly, we look forward with a great sense of exhilaration to new, unknown horizons that will bring exciting, undiscovered experiences for those who love cigars,” said Charles Awad, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG.

To celebrate the anniversary, Davidoff will throw a variety of special events and offer specially commissioned cigars and accessories, including this white ringed stick (inspired by the maker’s original ring) in Davidoff Signature No. 2, Davidoff Signature 2000, Davidoff Aniversario Special R, Davidoff Aniversario No. 3, and Davidoff Aniversario Entreacto. They will be available at house approved depositaries and brand flagship stores (including Manhattan locations at 225 Liberty Street and 515 Madison Avenue) in the first quarter of this year. davidoffgeneva.com

 

Portable Potables
On the go enthusiasts might have a similar memory: mom and dad breaking out their leather-clad portable bar set upon arriving at a ski resort, business conclave, or Mediterranean retreat complete with bottle caddies, a shaker, cork pull, strainer and two to four metal or crystal glasses. And in moments, travel stress was replaced by soft-focus smiles and the simply joy of the right accoutrements at the right time. This Picnic Time Manhattan set brings those glories back, and includes two martini glasses and all other necessaries (including an insulated compartment to carry two standard size spirits bottles) presented against a rich velveteen lining. $175, amazon.com

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