Enthusiast Report 'Indulges' in a Night of Cigars, Wine & Spirits - Review
Enthusiast Report celebrates premium cigars, fine spirits, exceptional wines, luxury lifestyle in Newport Beach, CA.
Enthusiast Report Magazine and title sponsor Drew Estate once again transformed the Hyatt Newport Beach in Newport Beach, CA, into a gathering place for cigar enthusiasts, spirits lovers and those simply curious about cigar culture. Among those in attendance was Martin Cove, who joined hundreds of guests for a night of sophisticated coastal living celebrating premium cigars, fine spirits, exceptional wines, luxury lifestyle exhibitors, live entertainment an immersive brand experiences and memorable conversations.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the Newport Beach Cigar, Wine & Spirits Tasting was its ability to welcome everyone, from seasoned cigar connoisseurs to newcomers looking to learn. Whether attendees could identify a cigar’s wrapper at a glance or were lighting their first premium cigar, the atmosphere placed everyone on equal footing. The event remained approachable, educational and undeniably classy, creating an environment where questions were encouraged and knowledge was freely shared.
Throughout the evening, guests received more than 15 premium cigars representing a wide range of flavor profiles, from mild and creamy blends to bold, full-bodied smokes. The variety allowed attendees to discover new favorites while gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every cigar.
Cigar manufacturers in attendance included Drew Estate, La Aurora, La Sirena Cigars, Nat Cicco Cigars, Miami Cigar & Co., Hiram & Solomon Cigars, Natura Cigars, Espanola Cigars, Plasencia Cigars, J.C. Newman Cigar Co., Room101 Cigars, JTA Cigar Company, Macanudo, Van Horn Cigar Company, Ferio Tego, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars and La Casa Grande Cigars. Van Horn Cigar Company, despite being only four years old, continued to make waves in the industry and attracted significant attention from attendees, especially being the first company to run out of their samples. Ferio Tego’s Timeless Supreme torpedo stood out as one of the evening’s highlights, offering a rich, full-bodied smoking experience with Nicaraguan long-fillers, a Nicaraguan wrapper and binder and an exceptionally smooth draw. It almost hurt finishing this one.
VIP guests enjoyed several educational pairing experiences before the main event. La Sirena Cigars partnered with Diplomatico Rum to demonstrate how complementary flavors can elevate both a cigar and a spirit. Representatives from Comisario Tequila showcased their blanco and añejo expressions alongside Estaca Bacanora and Dos Hombres Mezcal, teaching guests what to look for in quality agave spirits and how to properly evaluate aroma, flavor and finish. Brother’s Bond Bourbon also hosted a tasting that introduced attendees to the brand’s award-winning whiskeys while being paired with a La Aurora.
The spirits selection offered something for virtually every palate. Guests sampled offerings from Comisario Blanco, Dos Hombres Mezcal, Estaca Bacanora, Mil Lumbreras Tequila, Kamiki Whisky, Club Kokomo Spirits, Golden State Bay Area Distillery, Copper Cane Wines, Dry Fly Distilling, Outlaw Distillery, Diplomatico Rum, Tears of Llorona Tequila, Templeton Rye Whiskey, Zaya Rum, Ketel One Botanical, NOLET’S Gin, Nobleza 33 Tequila, Liquid Gold Spirits, Barrell Craft Spirits, Cocijo Mezcal, Bnaaa Mezcal, Bingham’s Bourbon, Gold Bar Whiskey, Lorenzi Estate Wines, Gershon Bachus Vintners, GlenAllachie, Nc’nean, Isle of Raasay, Milk & Honey and Pokeno Whisky.
Among the many excellent pours available throughout the evening, Mission Cocktails’ Espresso Martini was my personal favorite. Smooth, balanced and full of flavor, it provided the perfect pick-me-up.
Lifestyle brands including Badass Recliners, Haus of Mean-Ager, Murga Boots, Mario Chelada and Rabbit Air rounded out the experience, showcasing products that complemented the event’s focus on craftsmanship, comfort and luxury living.
What truly separated the Enthusiast Report’s Newport Beach Cigar, Wine & Spirits Tasting from many other events was its sense of community. Thanks to the welcoming atmosphere cultivated by Lincoln Salazar the CEO/Publisher of Enthusiast Report, strangers quickly became friends. Throughout the evening, lighters were passed around without hesitation, cigar recommendations were exchanged freely and conversations sparked naturally between people who had only just met. Discussions ranged from favorite blends and pairings to the best ways to cut and light a cigar. Jokes were shared, stories were told and friendships were formed over a common appreciation for the cigar lifestyle.
For longtime attendees, the event served as a reunion with friends made over years of shared experiences. For first-time guests, it offered an invitation into a community built on camaraderie, respect and a genuine passion for the craft. That balance between sophistication and accessibility remains one of the event’s greatest strengths.
The success of the evening was also a reflection of the Enthusiast Report team, whose months of planning and coordination brought every detail together. Their commitment to creating an experience that is both educational and entertaining continues to make the Newport Beach Cigar, Wine & Spirits Tasting one of the premier cigar and lifestyle events in the country.
By the end of the night, attendees left with premium cigars, new knowledge, memorable tastings and, perhaps most importantly, a few new friends.
For those who could not attend the festivities in Newport Beach, CA, Enthusiast Report will host the Scottsdale Cigar, Wine and Spirits Tasting on Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Scottsdale, AZ.
To purchase tickets for Scottsdale Cigar, Wine and Spirits Tasting visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scottsdale-cigar-wine-spirits-tasting-tickets-1982706923782.
Subscribe to Enthusiast Report at: https://enthusiastreport.com/.