When you're a watch collector and a foodie, a visit to one of Nusret Gökçe's restaurants Nusr-Et Steakhouse is a must. Better know as #Saltbae, Nusret is one of Instagram's biggest hit stars with more than 33 million followers. However, what makes Nusret more interesting to us, is his fascination for watches, specifically Patek Philippe timepieces that we've spotted a dozen times on his wrist throughout his posts on the gram.
Posts filed under Sybarite Guide
Experience: Partagas 8-9-8 Cigar Jar Meets a Platinum Offshore
Cuban cigars come in all shapes and forms and today there are 27 different brands. While all Habanos are Cuban, by no means all Cuban cigars are Habanos. The title ‘Habano’ is the Protected Denomination of Origin —Denominación de Origen Protegida D.O.P—, reserved for a selection of the most outstanding brands whose cigars are manufactured to the highest standards from tobaccos grown only in particular areas of Cuba and fully hand made.
Experience: La Flor de Las Antillas 'Toro'. Number One Cigar in 2012 and Still as Good as Back Then.
La Flor de Las Antillas 'Toro' was ranked by Cigar Aficionado as the number one cigar for 2012 made by the renowned Nicaraguan cigar company My Father Cigars S.A. which is owned and lead by acclaimed Cuban cigar maker José 'Pepin' Garcia, his son Jaime and daughter Janny. My Father Cigars is a company that started as a small family operation out of Miami with a dozen rollers that slowly grew into one of the most prominent cigar makers establishing their factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This company is also well known for being the manufacturers of Tatuaje when that brand was first started by Pete Johnson.
Experience: Sipsmith London Dry Gin. As Refreshing as the Look on the Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Collection.
A few months ago while we attended the release of the Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Tourbillon, we visited the Sipsmith distillery in London. Sipsmith is the first copper pot distillery in London in nearly two hundred years. A classic and refreshing London Dry Gin that is bold, complex and very aromatic, this well balanced gin is perfectly suited for a Negroni or a classic Gin and Tonic. As refreshing as the look on the recently launched Vacheron Constantin FiftySix collection, Sipsmith is produced using a complex mix of botanicals that include the fundamental juniper berries —without them you can’t make Gin—, Bulgarian coriander seed, Belgian angelica root, Chinese cassia bark —from the same family as cinnamon—, Italian orris root, Spanish ground almond, Madagascan cinnamon bark, Spanish liquorice root, Seville orange peel and lemon peel.
Experience: Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial. The Only Champagne to be Served Over Ice.
Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial is still a relatively new champagne launched a few years ago but one that have not gotten as popular in the U.S. as it is in the rest of the world. This is the first and only champagne especially created to be served over ice. Refreshing, crisp and ideal for champagne based cocktails, this new champagne combines fun, fresh and free sensations while remaining true to the Moët & Chandon style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity.
Experience: El Rey del Mundo 'Exclusivo Francia'. A Mild Habano with Strong Character Like the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse.
Just like a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ref. 3738, the El Rey del Mundo, is a cigar reserved for connoisseurs. While the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse might not be the most popular watch in the Patek line-up, it is one of those references that is instantly recognizable. With its divine proportions, the case of the Golden Ellipse, launched in 1968, has no doubt inspired one of the most beautiful chapters of horological history. Thanks to its unique blend of bold simplicity and formal purity, this watch has become one of the flagships of the Patek Philippe collection. The same goes to El Rey del Mundo, a cigar that might not be the most popular among cigar connoisseurs that enjoy Habanos, but for sure one of the most iconic brands in the Habanos, S.A. line-up.
Experience: Cohiba Exquisitos. When Time is of Essence and You Need a Quick Cigar.
Cohiba is a brand that enjoys a formidable reputation in the world of cigars and is considered to be the 'crème de la crème' when it comes to Habanos —Cuban cigars. Created in 1966 for Fidel Castro and handmade at the world famous 'El Laguito' factory, these cigars were originally only seen outside of the island when presented as gifts to heads of state or dignitaries throughout the world. Today, Cohiba cigars are sold internationally and are the most reputable and consistent brand when it comes to quality and a superior cigar smoking experience.
Experience: The Negroni. The Quintessential Cocktail That is as Florentine as a Panerai.
For the last seven years the Negroni has been our cocktail of choice. Surprisingly, despite its recent popularity and comeback, this cocktail is not necessarily well known by all bartenders and often we find ourselves explaining how it needs to be served and what goes in it. The Negroni, just like Panerai, comes from the cradle of the renaissance and the home to the Medici, Florence, Italy. As Florentine as an Officine Panerai wristwatch, the Negroni is a quintessential and very distinctive cocktail.
Experience: The Hakushu 12 Years Single Malt Japanese Whisky. Refined and Understated like a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony.
While Japanese whiskys have increasingly become more popular lately, there are still a few whiskys that still remain understated and very refined just like a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony on the wrist. The Hakushu 12 Years Japanese Whisky is distilled by the Suntory Distillery in Japan, the same distillery that gave the world the exquisite Yamazaki whisky, the Hibiki and the Suntory Whisky Toki.
Experience: Havana Club Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años. As Unique and Smooth as our Armin Strom Gravity Date WCL Unique Piece.
Sitting a notch above the Havana Club 'Selección de Maestros' is the Havana Club Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años from Cuba. Produced by repeatedly blending and aging selected rums and 'aguardientes' in old oak casks that add that delicate touch of tannin, this unique ageing process liberates the aromas and flavor and gives that extra smoothness that is the top mark of top quality rum. Aged for no less than 15 years and with a limited production of only 58 barrels per year, the Havana Club Gran Reserva is one of the best rums we've ever had with a unique aroma, intense flavor and unparalleled smoothness.
Experience: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Schiphol Airport Limited Edition. Perfectly Paired with the Blue dial on the AP Royal Oak Extra-Thin 15202OR.
Landing at the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is always a treat if you like the finer things in life as much as we do. After a long-haul flight on KLM's World Business Class, the perfect way to start your day on the other side of the pond is by enjoying all that this airport has to offer. Schiphol is without a doubt, one of our favorite airports in the world and one that truly offers a great experience for watchlifestylers.
Experience: Por Larrañaga Picadores. A Mild Cigar that Pairs Well with a Zenith Montre d'Aéronef Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze'.
Founded in 1834 in Cuba, Por Larrañaga is a brand with a long history. With all its filler and binder tobacco leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, the most prestigious area for tobacco leaves in the world, the range includes cigars using both long and short fillers with a totally hand made technique. Available in only three different vitolas —Montecarlos, Panetelas and Petit Coronas—, the Por Larrañaga Picadores were offered for just a few years along with the three existing vitolas between 2015 and 2016.
Experience: H. Upmann Robusto Edicion Limitada 2012 and Rolex Datejust ref. 116200 with Roulette Date Wheel.
While the actual number of Rolex Datejusts ref. 116200 fitted with a roulette date wheel still remains unconfirmed by Rolex, we all know that there aren't too many out there. Whether your watch came with a roulette wheel or not, it is pure luck just like the gambling game itself. This is a special feature that for sure makes these watches more desirable if that's something you really crave. Having a roulette date wheel is also a very special thing for those that rotate watches frequently without keeping them in a winder.
Experience: Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills. As Thick and Bold as a Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days PAM 372 on the Wrist.
Named after William Shakespeare’s tragic lovers novel, Romeo y Julieta dates back to 1875 when the brand was established. In 1946, during Sir Winston's Churchill visit to Cuba, the brand instantly became his favorite. Afterwards, Romeo y Julieta decided to add Churchill's name to their 'vitolas' in order to describe the brand's most famous size —Churchills— measuring 7" long with a 47 ring gauge.
Experience: A Special Night with Panerai in New York City. A Delightful Dinner at Daniel.
When watches, food, wine and superb people get together, the end result is an epic unforgettable evening. Such is the case of the amazing dinner we were invited to that was organized by Panerai to celebrate the kick-off of Madison Avenue Watch Week and the release of their novelties at the SIHH 2016. If you consider yourself a true Paneristi, you are then definitely a foodie and a connoisseur of great restaurants.
Experience: Ramón Allones Short Perfectos Exclusivo Italia. A Perfect Cigar for a Sunny Day in Milan.
As the 17th edition of the Festival del Habano in Cuba just wrapped up yesterday, we bring you the review of another amazing Habano paired with a perfect watch for the occasion. Ramón Allones is perhaps one of the most understated and underrated Cuban cigars, just like the wrist presence of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad in 18K rose gold. Just like with the 18K rose gold Rubber Clad, this amazing line of cigars doesn't scream 'look at me' like a Cohiba or a Montecristo; however, this brand is one of the biggest names in the history of Habanos, S.A. and one of the oldest in production since 1837.
After a long dreary overcast week in Milan —or Milano as we Italian speakers like to call it—, finally the clouds broke and the sun shone over the busy streets of the city and through the glass rooftop of the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. As we prepared to light up this fantastic cigar, we decided to go on a nice stroll down the Via Alessandro Manzoni all the way to the Via della Spiga.
Experience: Cohiba Maduro 5 Mágicos. Just Like the Royal Oak, It Takes More than Money to Smoke One.
Just like an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 5402SA, when it comes to cigars, Cohiba is a name that needs very little introduction. Savvy watchlifestylers already know that Cohiba stands for the highest quality in fine cigar making and the flagship brand of Habanos from Cuba.
Created in 1966 for Fidel Castro and handmade at the world famous 'El Laguito' factory, these cigars were originally only seen outside of the island when presented as gifts to heads of state or dignitaries throughout the world. Additionally, Cohiba is a brand with a very limited production of cigars per year making it even more exclusive.
The Cohiba name has its origins from the the ancient 'Taino' language word that was used to refer to bunches of tobacco leaves. 'Taino' is the language used by the Taino Indians that populated the islands of the Caribbean before the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s.
Experience: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Along with the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph.
The pinnacle whisky of the House of Walker — it is the epitome of blending—, just like the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph —reviewed here— is one of the pinnacles of Montblanc timepieces. Created to reflect the style of whiskies in the early 19th century, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is created using some of the rarest casks from the Johnnie Walker stocks, the largest in the world. The casks are hand-selected and set aside for their exceptional quality, character and flavor. The character of Blue Label is truly unique; it is complex, powerful, incredibly smooth and retains the Johnnie Walker signature smokiness.
Experience: Davidoff Cigar Shop at the Paradeplatz in Zürich. A Must for Cigar Aficionados.
Nestled in between Blue Lemon and the Galerie Gmurzynska at Paradeplatz 3 —just across from the Credit Suisse headquarters in Zürich— lies one of Zürich's oldest cigar shops now displaying a huge Davidoff sign. This cozy and intimate cigar shop, is located just a few steps away from the Blancpain boutique and Türler featured in our Zürich Watch Shopping Guide here. The shop opened its doors in the 1800s and offers a wide selection of Davidoff cigars, Habanos, loose tobacco, accessories and some very fine liquors. To get to this shop, just get on the VBZ —Zürich Tram System— from the Bahnhof SBB towards the Paradeplatz and in three minutes you'll be there. Now, if you prefer to walk, just follow the Bahnhofstrasse towards the lake but we aware of the fact that you might end up not getting to the cigar shop as you will be doing some serious watch shopping on your way there.
Experience: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. Classic, Elegant and Understated Like an Audemars Piguet.
What better way to relax and enjoy the good life than smoking a good Habano just 90 miles away from Cuba. As we are getting ready to finally welcome the warm weather here in Chicago, we had no other option than to travel to warm weather destinations while it's still cold here in the Windy City. While Key West, Florida is not necessarily the most upscale beach destination in the U.S., it is for sure a very interesting and nostalgic place for Cuban Americans or anyone of Cuban descent. While we were down in Key West, we decided to smoke one of the Cuba's finest and understated cigars, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2.
A couple of weeks ago, as we found ourselves walking around the picturesque streets of Key West, and specifically along the popular Duval Street, we stumbled upon one of the most beautiful and most important landmarks in Florida, especially for those of Cuban origin. We are talking about The San Carlos Institute, founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles of Key West as an educational, civic, and patriotic center.
Today, The San Carlos is a multipurpose facility that serves as a museum, library, art gallery, theater, and school. Located in the heart of Key West's historic district, the San Carlos is considered to be the cradle of Cuba's independence movement. It was at the San Carlos that Cuban poet and patriot José Martí united the exile community in 1892 to launch the final phase of his campaign for Cuba's independence from Spain. José Martí loved the San Carlos building so much that he called it "La Casa Cuba". Frankly, there's no better place to light up an Epicure No.2 and then walk around the streets of Key West in search for the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
Hoyo de Monterrey is an Habano produced in the town of San Luis y Martinez, in the heart of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco region. The Hoyo de Monterrey plantation can be reached through a gate in the town’s main square with the following inscription: "Hoyo de Monterrey. José Gener. 1860". The Spanish word ''Hoyo' —which means 'hole’— in the name of this cigar, refers to the the low lands where the plantation is located by the banks of the San Juan y Martinez river.
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is an Epicure type of cigar —a short and thick cigar— measuring 4 7/8" in length with a 50 ring gauge. With hints of coffee, chocolate and leather, this cigar is very smooth and even burning with a nice dark ash that holds nice and long. The only downside to this cigar, is the fact that it is so short that one needs to remove its beautiful ring in order to be able to enjoy the cigar till the end.
As we were getting ready to enjoy one of the most beautiful moments of the day at Mallory Square, we decided to accompany our cigar with one of Cuba's most traditional drinks, a refreshing 'Mojito'. The mint in our 'Mojito' was perfectly mashed and the drink perfectly mixed that we can say that this 'Mojito' was at the level of those served at 'La Bodeguita del Medio' in Cuba. Next time you are enjoying the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, you need to make sure you stop by The Westin Key West Resort & Marina to enjoy a few of these Cuban 'Mojitos'
This cigar is always a very attractive choice for those watchlifestylers seeking a delicate yet aromatic Habano that is not too strong but still has a lot of character, elegance and complexity. The flavor profile doesn't change much throughout the first two thirds of the cigar, but it becomes increasingly stronger on the last third. A very common characteristic of fine Cuban Habanos. It provides around 35 minutes of burning time in a perfectly rolled cigar with the best even burn you'll experience.
The Hoyo de Monterrey is so nicely rolled that even the most inexperienced smokers can keep it well lit and burning strong with every puff. For sure a cigar that is as classic and understated as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Safari on our wrist.
Now, pretend you came along and enjoy the sunset with us as we finish our cigar and sip down our 'Mojito'.
For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
