Wisps and whispers
BARS • First Round
In some cities, the art of creating dimly lit lairs ideal for cigars and clandestine meetings is practiced with... a certain flair. London boasts timeless haunts like the Fumoir at Claridge’s or No. 10 Cigars. Similarly, Doha offers its own enigmatic spots, such as the Blue Bar at Raffles and the Library at the Four Seasons, where overheard whispers might reveal the details of an arms deal.
Los Angeles, the embodiment of brightness, health, and optimism, typically falls flat in this pursuit. And yet, The Cigar and Whiskey Bar at the Maybourne Hotel has emerged as an unexpected haven for those inclined towards intrigue and/or a leisurely smoke.
The bar is deliberately secluded, a bit of a walk from the hotel lobby, and requires reservations. The payoff is a subtly lit room with wood paneling and comfortable seating, a treasure trove of cigars, and an impressive selection of cocktails and spirits, served by a congenial bartender. Noteworthy is the array of Suntory’s Yamazaki whiskeys (despite eye-wateringly high prices) and a particularly well-crafted penicillin cocktail.
In a city like LA, sometimes indulging in a dark room feels just right. And for when the swirling smoke is too much for those Angeleno sensibilities, the bar’s bright, airy terrace beckons. –Colin Nagy
→ The Cigar and Whiskey Bar (Beverly Hills) • 225 North Canon Dr. • To reserve, email dining@maybournebeverlyhills.com or call: 310.906.7218.