10 Best Luxury Cigar and Whiskey Events Around the World
Whiskey and cigars are often enjoyed together and seen as the epitome of luxury. What could be better than meeting the people behind your favorite luxury brands? Few things I’d wager to say! When you go to a luxury cigar and whiskey event, you can enjoy VIP perks, buy a great smoke, and try amazing spirits.
Today, we’ll explore ten fancy whiskey and cigar events worldwide. They are both luxurious and exciting and may even inspire you to plan your visit someday! Please go on, pour yourself a dram, and light up a stogie while we set the stage for an ultra-luxurious trip. Best of all? To dream about a luxury cigar and whiskey festival is free!
Tips for Attending Luxury Cigar and Whiskey Events
As with everything in life, there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Make sure you get all the fantastic and fancy things. Look at our tips to have a good time.
- Buy. Tickets. Early! Tickets go on sale on a specific date, and many events have special early bird and VIP offerings. Grab them when you can.
- Read the clothing and admission policy carefully. The event organizers may only grant admission if you dress according to the dress code.
- Book your accommodation early and check room availability as early as possible. Some events are popular and fill up quickly.
- Arrive early, ahead of the crowds. It may seem like a no-brainer, but once I remembered I needed to arrive early at an event and had to wait much longer to gain entry than I would have liked to stay…
Why Planning Matters
Before attending a cigar and whiskey event, it is vital to plan your attendance carefully. This includes checking the menu, if available, to see what will be offered. Some events will email you the schedule, menu, and offerings ahead of time. Take the time to review this information and create a game plan for the event. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure you visit your favorite stalls.
Once you have a game plan, mark your favorite stalls on the map and find the easiest route to visit them. After all, the early bird catches the best cigars and whiskey! However, feel free to venture off the beaten path and try some new brands. You might be pleasantly surprised and discover a new favorite cigar or bottle of whiskey.
Be bold if you see a stall you’ve never heard of. Call the owner and ask them about their products. They will be happy to tell you more about their cigars and whiskeys, and they may even give you a sample to try. To have a great time at a fancy cigar and whiskey event, plan and be open to new experiences.
Cigar Aficionado Magazine’s Big Smoke — Las Vegas, USA
Cigar lovers are always impressed by one of the most significant cigar events in the USA and the world. The event features live music, entertainment, and seminars led by cigar experts. And, of course, good food and drinks.
What’s on offer at the event?
- Attendees at the event receive free cigars. A part of the ticket price is used to buy them. Over 35 premium cigars are available to collect.
- An exciting selection of premium spirits like whiskey and others, as well as beer
- Every ticket comes with a free Cigar Aficionado tote bag and tumbler.
Even though it may not seem fancy, the luxury comes with the All Access Package. It lets you attend seminars and gives you VIP access to everything.
Weston Whiskey Festival — Missouri, USA
It may not be super luxurious, but we’re not complaining, with over 100 whiskies to choose from! Additionally, the festival offers hand-rolled cigar pairings from Weston Tobacco. What I like about their approach to their approach is that everyone is considered a VIP member at the festival. General admission tickets are $55 each if you book beforehand and $65 on the day at the doors. The festival is held in Weston at Weston Burley Auction House Inc., Missouri.
Puro Sabor Cigar Festival — Nicaragua
This is a festival every premium cigar aficionado should try to attend at least once in their lifetime. Hosted by the Nicaraguan Chamber of Tobacco (formed in 2008), it represents 95% of the country’s cigar producers. You will see displays by AJ Fernandez, ASP Enterprises, Drew Estate, and Joya de Nicaragua. Also, My Father Cigars, Oliva, Padron, Plasencia, and Scandinavian Cigar Group will have displays.
The festival is usually held in January, so what a way to kick off a new year! What can you expect from such a festival? During the trip, you can visit cigar factories, take plantation tours, learn about how your favorite cigars are made, and explore some cigar history. Also, the price of $2,500 covers everything: transportation, lodging, things to do, food, a special present, and unlimited cigars. There is a discounted early bird special available, too. (If you over-indulge in too many cigars, here’s our guide on how to deal with cigar sickness).
To register for the festival, follow this link. They had me at all-you-can-smoke-cigars…
Whisky Lovers Festival — Nagoya, Japan
Pack your bags, and let’s head to Japan! Although not commonly known, Japan produces exceptional and extravagant whiskies. They make whisky like the Scots, but their premium whiskies are famous in Japan and worldwide.
The Nagoya Whisky Lovers Festival showcases the best Japanese whiskies and some samples from around the globe. The festival celebrates the best, rare, and expensive whiskies in the world. At the festival, you can find luxury Japanese brands like Chichibu, Shinshu, Suntory, and Shizuoka.
Procigar Festival — Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, the world’s largest cigar producer, hosts the Procigar Festival in February yearly. The event has two parts. The first part is at the Casa de Campo resort. It includes dinners, cigar seminars, and a tour of Tabacalera de García, the world’s largest handmade cigar factory. In Santiago, known as the ‘cigar capital,’ you can visit factories and fields, attend seminars, and talk to experts. You can choose from various factories, including La Flor Dominicana, Davidoff, and Montecristo. The latter two are two of my favorite brands. You can arrange your accommodation but make use of the various discounts. Get in touch with the Procigar organizers to use the fantastic discounts. The festival is a golden opportunity to enhance your cigar knowledge and get some for your humidor at home.
The festival also offers admission to all dinner parties with a premium open bar. It ensures that premium cigars are a constant companion throughout the event. You can join special outings and quickly get transportation to tours and dinners from big hotels. Plus, if you register for three or more full days, you’ll receive a complimentary official festival bag valued at over US$400.
This fantastic event is open to consumers, retailers, press, and suppliers. Only cigars made by Procigar members are allowed at the festival; attendees must be 21 or older. The festival costs $2,500, and you can register here.
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival — Scotland
No list will be complete without making a stop in Scotland! Scotland is regarded as the birthplace of whisky. Yet, Ireland will fight them for that honor; historically, they are correct. But let’s turn our attention to the national beverage of Scotland.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival opened to the public in 1999 and is still a premier event for whisky enthusiasts worldwide. More than 500 whisky-driven events cater to beginners and connoisseurs alike. Distilleries offer tastings, masterclasses, pairing dinners, blending workshops, and behind-the-scenes tours. The festival features delicious food from local chefs, not just whisky. It combines modern and traditional dining with live music, art exhibitions, and outdoor activities.
You can choose from different event venues, like distilleries, historic castles, and local halls. These venues offer an authentic experience. The festival spans across Speyside, following the River Spey’s path to the sea. Visitors from around the world come to this famous whisky region. They create a warm and friendly community, greeting each other like old friends. The festival is a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts. You can explore, learn about whiskies, and meet professionals and fellow lovers.
El Festival del Habano — Cuba
We are calling all lovers of Cuban cigars! El Festival del Habanos, a.k.a. Habanos Festival or Cuba’s Cigar Festival, is one of the most significant events on Cuba’s cigar calendar. Since its inception in 1999, this festival takes place during the last week of February each year.
The festival provides a window into the world of Cuban cigars with visits to renowned plantations and factories. Other activities include seminars, tastings, and a twisting master class. On the final evening, there’s a gala dinner and the Great Auction of Humidors in aid of the Cuban Public Health System.
Whisky Live — South Africa
Let’s switch gears and visit the southern hemisphere. The Whisky Live Festival has been around for 21 years. It takes place in The Firs, Rosebank, Johannesburg. The selection of luxury and premium whiskies is impressive. You can try samples from Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, and the USA. On top of it all, attendees can attend masterclasses and meet with master distillers and global brand ambassadors. VIP ticket holders can enter private lounges to mingle with other whiskey enthusiasts.
Davidoff of Geneva Gastronomy — USA, Worldwide
Gourmet lovers believe you should round off an excellent meal with an equally perfect cigar. And I agree with them. Davidoff is known for their luxurious cigars catering to the needs of premium cigar lovers worldwide. Davidoff started curating fine dining experiences and collaborations with master chefs in 2005. They kicked off first in Switzerland, expanded to Germany, and now include seven countries around the globe, such as the USA. Their most recent collaboration is with 3 Michelin star chef Thomas Keller.
Besides special cigars and meals, these events serve unique cocktails with food and cigars.
The Nth Whiskey Festival — Las Vegas, USA
We’ll end our lineup with the ultimate whisky festival on the planet. Experience the Universal Whiskey Event, known as the Nth. Enter a different universe and enjoy rare, premium whiskies in one location. The ‘High Roller Experience’ ticket, priced at $2,995 per ticket, gives you exclusive access to a host of exclusive events, including but not limited to:
- Exclusive one-on-one whisky tastings with master whisky ambassadors
- Access to the High Roller Lounge for sampling Super Pour whiskies and legendary bottle unveiling
- Epicurean Hors d’oeuvres and gourmet cuisine by the Wynn catering team and executive chefs, respectively
- High Roller Gift
- Personal meetings with Whisky & Spirits Ambassadors and Distillers
- Glencairn Cut crystal commemorative glass for whisky tasting
- High Roller Dinner reception seat
This ultra-luxurious event is hosted annually at one of LAs Vegas’ premier hotels and casinos, the Wynn Hotel. You’ll also be able to take a masterclass or purchase an exclusive bottle for your collection. You’ll also rub shoulders with master blenders, distillers, and mixologists.
Conclusion
If you enjoy whiskey, cigars, or both, attending a festival for the finer things is a must-do. Attending a masterclass or being around famous people in the industry is a unique experience. Who said money can’t buy happiness? It buys whiskey and cigars, and, in my book, it makes people happy even more so when it is a luxury brand you’ve been saving up for or love indulging in.
We’ve curated this list to bring you the best luxury experiences. We hope you’ll attend an event (or multiple events!) as soon as possible. Life is too short to smoke subpar cigars and drink terrible whiskey. Get your passport and pack your best fancy clothes. Then, go to a fancy dinner for a cigar or whiskey event. Grab those event (and plane) tickets and start ticking these events off your must-attend list. In the world of luxury, smoking, and drinking, the world truly is your oyster! Happy, Safe Travels, and Happy Smoking!
