Vaping has come a long way in a relatively short time. From a somewhat obscure niche sector just a few years ago, to a booming industry encompassing millions of American vapers, e-cigarettes have really taken off. Now, people are saying vaping is not only important to them from a health perspective, but also to their lifestyle and even the image they project to the world.

A number of factors are influencing these different developments, chief among them a growing number of authoritative health studies pointing to the benefits of vaping over smoking tobacco products. Plus the solid fact that everyone now knows just how deadly cigarettes are.

Traditional cigarettes kill half the people who smoke them, the World Health Organization says, adding up to around six million deaths every year. Just as shockingly, more than half a million of those fatalities are as a result of inhaling secondhand smoke. Tobacco has become not just socially unacceptable but remains a global health crisis, and doctors are doing all they can to get people off it, including by using e-cigarettes.

“Not Harmful”

The prestigious Royal College of Physicians in Britain has lent its voice to the vaping debate, saying it’s a clear way to reduce the harm that tobacco causes to human health.

The college looked into vaping and “…concluded that e-cigarettes are likely to be beneficial to UK public health. Smokers can therefore be reassured and encouraged to use them, and the public can be reassured that e-cigarettes are much safer than smoking.”

“This new report builds on that work and concludes that, for all the potential risks involved, harm reduction has huge potential to prevent death and disability from tobacco use, and to hasten our progress to a tobacco-free society,” college president Professor Jane Dacre said.

At the same time, one of the leading cancer organisations in the UK conducted a six-month study of e-cigarettes and the many products people can easily get from an online vape shop. The study, by Cancer Research UK, concluded that e-cigarettes are safer than smoking and that, while vaping products contain nicotine, the substance does not cause cancer. It also found “no evidence” that using e-cigarettes is harmful to people in the vicinity of the vaper.

“This study adds to growing evidence that e-cigarettes are a much safer alternative to tobacco, and suggests the long-term effects of these products will be minimal,” said Alison Cox of Cancer Research UK. All this is driving interest in vaping. In the UK, more ex-smokers are now using e-cigarettes than current smokers, according to a survey that shows around three million people vaping in Britain.

What’s the vaping picture like here in the US? Well, close to 10 million of us are using e-cigarettes, according to a report by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, with many of them vaping daily or every other day. Many people are using them as a way to finally kick the tobacco habit and become healthier as a result. This backs up advice by some American doctors, who now recommend to their patients who smoke that they instead try e-cigarettes as a way to wean themselves off tobacco.

A Big Image Boost

For the aspiring gentleman looking to improve his image, nothing says more about his style and substance than ditching tobacco. It’s a yesterday habit that has indeed become so totally uncool, people will be running to get away from you and your reeking clothes.

Also worth considering is new scientific research showing that, among the reasons people are taking up vaping, is that it’s something “cool” to do, and e-cigs are so easy to get from an online vape shop. The researchers used Twitter to see what people were saying about e-cigs and vaping in general and pored over a massive stream of tweets from 2012 to 2015.

Their analysis of around 3 million tweets containing words like “electronic cigarette” and “vaping” showed that while at the beginning, many people were vaping to get off tobacco cigarettes, a clear trend of image consciousness began to emerge. Increasingly, they found, people were tweeting such things as “love vaping in the club” and “e-cigs are so freaking cool”.

So the next time you’re thinking about lighting up, do yourself lots of favors and vape instead.

The post More Gentlemen Than Ever Are Aspiring to Vaping appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

If you are lucky enough to share days on this planet with your grandfather chances are you have, or will at some point hear the old’ un, “When men were men…”

In a complicated society of finesse that is our today, things seem to have changed for good and men will never be just men again.

Will we dabble in some stereotypes?

You bet. There’s no way around it.

The good news is that, as long as you’re sincerely comfortable in your body, there’s no “wrong” type of man to be…because being a gentleman goes beyond smoking custom cigars and having the latest phone.

When it’s all said and done, it boils down to your attitude, not the thickness of your wallet.

The Metro Boy

21^st century gave birth to Mr. Mandrogynous aka. The Metro Boy.

What does he look like?

Think Cristiano Ronaldo.

He’s the opposite of the old macho type. He cares about each and every hair on his body, whether it’s facial or otherwise. He hits the gym daily but makes sure that he never looks to buff, he goes for the aesthetic, slender, “upside-down triangle” look.

What’s on his bathroom shelf?

Cleanser, moisturizer, shave, aftershave, shampoo, deodorant, lip balm, spray tans and pretty much anything else you can think of.

What’s on his bookshelf?

A stack of every issue of Men’s Health going 10 years back and a Bluetooth speaker for his latest iPhone.

What’s in his garage?

Whatever looks classy and is within his price range. Our Metro Gentlemen is not likely to know the horsepower of his car, but it’s going to be an eye candy.

The Metro Dude

As they enter their 30s, the smart among metro boys will become metro dudes.

They feel the circumstances changing, and they adapt.

There’s nothing wrong with being the 10 years older than anybody at the table, but there is something inherently wrong with being that guy while also being the only one with the Ed Hardy eagle across your T-shirt.

The smart among the metro boys will feel it and move on seamlessly shift to a metro dude.

They’ll be quiet and they’ll know stuff.

What does he look like?

Smart and clean. Think Ryan Gosling.

He exercises regularly but weights are not his thing anymore. If he can afford it, you’ll seem him with new Wilson bag and racquet going to the two-times-a-week tennis classes he just enrolled for.

They’re geek-chic embodied…and yes, non-prescription glasses don’t come as a surprise.

What’s on his bathroom shelf?

Pretty much the same stuff that’s on the shelf of a metro boy only carefully and smartly chosen with less attention to the brand and looks but more attention to value vs. money.

What’s on his bookshelf?

What book shelf?

The metro dude will be over his Men’s Health days and if you ask him about it, he’s likely to say that he can’t believe he bought into the hype of selling the same ideas every year under different titles.

He’ll be practical, down to earth (or at least does his best to seem that way) and he gets most of his information online.

What’s in his garage?

He’ll be as safety-conscious as anybody you know. The perfectly parked car in his garage will be the one with the most handy gadgets that’s still in his price range.

That latest burgundy Renault Clio will be there because it has many of the features of the A-class at a much lower price, but that’s not the only reason.

The other reason is a statement. It says, “I’m too smart and mature to pay for brands.”

The Lumbersexual

Checkered shirt and an ‘unintentional look” that’s actually carefully planned will give the Lumbersexual away.

The look

He’ll go for a $100 barbershop haircut only to cover it with his beanie.

It’s not because he doesn’t want you to see it, but because it has a much bigger impact when he takes off the beanie.

You’ll find yourself thinking, “Man, this guy is so cool that he has style and he doesn’t care if anybody notices.”

Make no mistake; he wants people to notice, he’s just more subtle about it.

His bathroom shelf

The basics, but high-end basics. Most of it for hit effortlessly messy beard.

What’s on his book shelf?

Two books – The Meanings of Macho by Matthew C Guttmann and How to Stay Alive in the Woods by Bradford Angier.

What’s in his garage?

A classic black Mustang with a custom paint job. You’ll only learn about the overhaul work he had done under the hood if you ask.

But if you do ask, you’ll never hear thy end of it.

The average Joe

This man might be a gentleman or he might not, you’ll never be able to tell by his looks.

A polo shirt tucked into one size too large jeans will never say, “This guy won the Divisional Championship with Ole Miss back in 2003.”

Simply put – you have to know his story to understand him.

What’s on his bathroom shelf?

Whatever his wife bought for him at that last Target sale. He doesn’t really care.

What’s on his book shelf?

A pile of Popular Mechanics with no particular order.

What’s in his garage?

A pickup truck or a Jeep, whatever makes it easier for him to make it through the day.

The groomed father

If life was a movie, this would be the guy that all the soccer moms lust after as he brings Cody and Sarah to school.

If life was a commercial – he would be the guy drinking Schweppes.

The look

Most of the time, you’ll see him in a three-quarter sleeve Henley tee that fits perfectly.

He’s the one that life didn’t break as it hit him with the chaos that family brings. He stayed in shape using the free weights he stores in the back of his garage.

He’s down to earth, calm and probably runs his small company that sells something you’d never think of…like restaurant equipment.

What’s on his book shelf?

No way to tell for sure, but most likely, 90 % of it will be closely related to his job.

What’s in his garage?

A minivan and a Prius.

He’s comfortable with who he is that there’s no need for personality extensions. With the ladies, that will only add to his appeal.

Who’s the best?

It’s a cliché to say it but there really is no such thing.

The average Joe can be as much of an authentic gentleman as any of the other types of men we listed, and the most stylish metro man is custom made suit could be hiding his insecurities behind that perfect fit.

Have you recognized yourself on the list?

Which of the types we listed are you and which one would you like to be?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

The post 5 Types Of Modern Men And The Things That Define Them appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Cigar smoking is a pastime enjoyed by millions of people around the world, thanks to the plethora of cigars from a variety of different brands and countries across the globe.

Whether it is Dominican, Nicaraguan or Cuban cigars, everyone has their favoured stogie they turn to when they want to relax and unwind. But what about those cigars that you are so rare that veteran collectors will go to their graves without ever seeing, let alone smoking? We have looked at eight examples below:

Jack and Charlie’s “21” Selection

In the days before the Cuban embargo, the “21” Club restaurant in New York had its own stash of private-label Cuban cigars, including Jack and Charlie’s “21” Exclusive Havana Selección and Private Stock. These rare smokes were important into the U.S. by a company called Faber, Coe & Gregg and stored in the “21” Club’s very own humidors alongside special blends from established brands such as Por Larrañaga and Ramon Allones. The restaurant is still around today, minus the cigars of course!

Dunhill Flor Del Punto

The name Dunhill is well known when it comes to the world of cigars, and outside of the Dunhill-branded Cuban cigars, there were many lines of Dunhill Seleccion Cigars made especially for the retailer. Among these was Flor del Punto, complete with the standard “white rose” band associated with most Dunhill Seleccion Cigars; the ones left anyway! People have found it hard to locate Dunhill Don Alfredos and Don Candidos before, but locating a Flor del Punto takes the difficulty up another level.

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Millennium

The 1964 Anniversary Series Millennium was limited to only 1,000 humidors, with each humidor holding 100 cigars, resulting in a total of 100,000 cigars overall. These were released in the year 2000, which was 17 years ago. So, after nearly two decades, how many of these cigars are left? The odd intact humidor crops up now and then, as do individual cigars, but mostly in the hands of private collectors rather than Joe Public.

Ashton Virgin Sun Grown BBMF

Those of you who enjoy smoking cigars may have occasionally come across Fuente Fuente OpusX BBMF cigars; the BBMF stands for Big, Bad Mother… you know! These are hard enough to find as it is, but the Ashton VSG BBMF is like a four-leafed clover. Created by Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Sr. as an unusually shaped, super strong OpusX, it bulges out at the foot and is finished off with an odd mop-top cap sometimes referred to as a “Cuban tickler”.

Fuente Don Carlos Box-Pressed Belicosos

Speaking of the late, great Fuente Sr., he used to make box-pressed belicoso (strong and quick smokers) for himself, and occasionally, he would give some away. The blend was altered slightly to accommodate for the unusual size and to suit his smoking taste. They also had the rare ability to keep the ash intact when smoked beyond the three-quarter mark. Never released commercially, these were tough enough to track down when Sr. was alive, but now he has passed they may never be produced again.

Trinidad Diplomatic Cigars

Before they became commercially available, Trinidads were only available as diplomatic gifts from the Cuban government. These were slightly thinner than today’s Trinidad Fundadores and described as “a brand only reserved for the Cuban Council of State’s special gifts.” These are so uncommon they have moved from the world of rare cigars into cigar legend.

Cuban Davidoff 80 Aniversario

In the world of vintage Cuban cigars, Cuban Davidoff’s are some of the most sought-after stogies in the world. They were all discontinued in 1991 with every size from the small Chateau Yquem to the larger Dom Perignon will fetch a hefty price at auction. But perhaps the rarest of them all is the 80 Aniversario, created in 1986 to celebrate the 80^th birthday of Zino Davidoff. At almost 9-inches long, it was an iconic cigar for an iconic man; but trying to find one for yourself is extremely difficult.

Cohiba Behike Original Release

Released in 2006 to celebrate Cohiba’s 40^th anniversary, these humidors cost a pretty penny all those years ago. Only a few people could buy them, and even fewer decided to open the box. Soon, stories began circulating of “extras” given as gifts to the rollers who created the cigars, but these soon turned out to be urban myths. Anyone who stumbles across a loose one of these online should be wary; chances are it’s a fake. Unless you have seen the humidor they came from, or you picked the cigar out yourself, chances are it is not a genuine.

The post 8 of the Rarest Cigars You’ll Probably Never Smoke appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Whatever certain politicians and corporate tobacco giants may wish to believe, vaping is here to stay. Below, we discuss the origins of electronic cigarettes in the 21^st century, their place in modern society and what the long-term future for vaping looks like at this moment in time.

A Very Brief History

Electronic cigarettes have been a hot topic ever since they first became widely available in the Western world, in 2006. The modern version of the electronic cigarette was created in China in 2003 but it was not until 3 years later that vaping reached the shores of Europe and the USA. Dating its arrival in Australia is a little more difficult as grey imports from China may have been available somewhat earlier than in other parts of the world. However, it’s safe to say that it has been a disruptive technology everywhere it has appeared over the last 10 years and looks set to continue to be in the news for the foreseeable future.

How Vaping is Viewed by Young Adults

The varying and often confusing stances of national governments to the sale and use of vaping products across the globe has served to cloud the issue somewhat (pun intended!) but notwithstanding the attempts of those with vested interests to influence public opinion, vaping is still seen as a very positive development by the majority of those surveyed in the 18-35 age range. This demographic is of particular interest as any effort to establish how a particular topic is perceived by society right now and, most importantly, how it is likely to be perceived in the future, should start with a study of the attitudes of people in this age group.

Opinions of e-cigarettes expressed by young adults over the past few years have been overwhelmingly positive for several reasons. The fact that as many as 1.5 million vapers have quit smoking thanks to the widespread availability of vaping products has definitely been a major factor but the pleasurable aspect of vaping and the feeling of social inclusion among those who indulge on a regular basis have also played their part in making it both popular and acceptable. In short, vaping is viewed as socially acceptable, relatively harmless and, as we will discover below, quite cool as well.

The Culture of Vaping

The smoking of conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products may have been more prevalent in certain social circles than others in the past but there has never really been any cohesive culture as far as the habit of smoking is concerned, thanks mainly to the negative impact that it has on one’s health. Those who smoke tobacco products are more likely to hide their habit than to rejoice in it and seek out others with whom they can share it. Electronic cigarettes, however, are a completely different proposition.

Because leading medical experts in the UK and elsewhere believe that vaping is much safer than smoking, it is a pastime that many people actively enjoy and share with their friends. The culture that has grown up around it is focused primarily on the customisation of the vaping experience with the acquisition of products such as flavoured e-liquids, e-cig skins, coloured batteries and tips. Another facet of vaping culture that is generating interest at the moment is the pursuit of cloud chasing, or competitive vaping as some people refer to it.

Competitive Vaping:  The Bigger the Better

The premise behind cloud chasing is quite simple: the bigger the vapour clouds you are able to produce, the better. While to most vapers it may be an amusing diversion for those times when they find themselves in the company of fellow electronic cigarette users, for others it is an obsession and the competitive element of cloud chasing to these vapers is very real. Actual competitions are held on a regular basis, in which vapers compete for prizes that include e-cig products and thousands of dollars in cold, hard cash. Competitors customise the equipment they use and brew DIY e-juices from blends of commercially available products, with the aim of creating the perfect cloud-chasing kit that will blow their rivals away. While certainly not for everyone, the customisations that are developed by competitive vapers may become widely available in the future so cloud chasing is relevant to every vaper in some small way.

The Future of Vaping in Modern Culture

Many people want to know what the future of vaping looks like and whether your interest is born of idle curiosity or you have a personal stake in the future of e-cigarettes, the answer lies not just in the legal battles that are being fought in courts and legislative arenas across the globe but in the attitudes of the young, to which we alluded earlier.

The option to customise vaping kits with fashionable skins, tips, batteries and other items has definitely helped to promote the idea that vaping is cool among young adults in the USA and in other countries around the world. The fact it is far less harmful than smoking, according to government health authorities such as Public Health England, has also clearly helped to boost the cool factor of electronic cigarettes in the minds of young adults. A 3^rd factor that is sure to be playing a part in the growing popularity of vaping at the moment is the use of e-cigarettes by glamorous Hollywood stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Jack Black and many other actors have been seen – either on film or in real life – with an electronic cigarette in recent years.

Whether you are a smoker who is currently trying to quit or an aspiring gentleman who is simply interested in the latest trends and fashions, there are plenty of cool vaping products on the market today that are sure to be of interest. The best part is that the absence of the awful smell of stale tobacco smoke and the potential health benefits for ex-smokers means that should you decide to try them for yourself, you are unlikely to offend your friends or family!

The post Vaping in Modern Society appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Vaping is one of those cultural phenomena that have taken the world by storm and has grown from a niche hobby enjoyed by fringe hipsters to become truly mainstream. But what exactly is it that is driving this massive rise in popularity? If you’re struggling to understand how something became so cool so quickly and why it just won’t go away, then these four pointers should clear everything up.

All the celebs are doing it

It began when Johnny Depp was seen blowing smoke in the 2010 movie The Tourist, sparking gossip, rumors and the biggest question overall – what was he actually doing? Today, it’s the norm amongst Hollywood’s A-list, with celebs from Katy Perry to Leonardo Dicaprio seen vaping on set or at clubs. What used to be a scandal several years ago has become mundane. Now, if a celeb is papped with an e-cig in their hand, no one is surprised.

It’s not just for guys

When vaping first took off, it seemed to be a product for men – a very specific kind of man. But companies have been working hard to shake that image and produce e-cigs that appeal to everyone, with new colors and flavors of e-liquid appearing on the market every day from suppliers like auster.com, which also feature beautiful artwork by top artists. Since e-cigs designed to be sleek and minimal or rugged and hardcore, you can shop anywhere depending on your own personal preference.

New tech is taking off

Ever since the first modern e-cig was developed in 2007, the technology has just been getting better and better. The first models were clunky, obtrusive – and heavy! Ten years later, though, and you can purchase models smaller than a ballpoint pen. Something about new technology drives people wild – every year, queues for iPhones grow longer and longer on launch day – and with growing popularity comes growing investment, meaning e-cigs are getting more efficient and advanced with every new model. They’re also getting cheaper all the time, which makes vaping an option for more and more people.

The media has changed

It’s not as relevant as it used to be, but there’s no doubt that the changing image of vaping in news media has helped its rapid popularity rise. When it first hit the news, papers and news channels instantly rejected vaping as a fad for teens and the mere few, and it’s only recently that they’ve changed their stance and accepted it as mainstream. Vaping in movies and TV shows had also become more widespread, particularly as the actors themselves are seen with e-cigs on set, and not just amongst the villains onscreen.

With sales booming and more and more people taking up the habit, it seems vaping isn’t going to go away anytime soon. Thanks to all the attention in the media, all the new gadgets and technology and flavors and designs to suit any style, this is one trend that looks like it’s here to stay.

The post Why Vaping is the Biggest Thing Right Now appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Whether you are a cigar fan or are just trying them for the first time, there are lots of amazing product to choose from.  From classic cigars to innovative blends, the world of cigars offers something for all taste and all wallets.  Here are two that highlight the diversity of the market and to inspire your selections.

Elmer’s Burnt Peach from Durango

Durango Cigars are one example of a classic cigar range that offers original and limited production pipe tobacco cigars as well as offering revolutionizing tobacco agents and storage techniques.  This allows products to ship to clients in the very freshest possible condition.  The company offer several other products but their Durango cigars are always top sellers.

The Elmer’s Burnt Peach is a perfect example of a classic cigar.  The product has a medium blend of toasted Cavendish that is given a slightly sweet aroma from the use of peach and rosemary alongside aged American whiskey and cedar wood.  The result is a cigar that offers a great smoke, with the right level of sweet peach flavor.

A post shared by Durango Pipe Tobacco Cigars (@durangocigars) on Nov 25, 2016 at 11:14am PST

Innovative blends from Gurka

Gurkha Cigars is a classic brand that has introduced a range of new, innovative products.  The brand is inspired by the cigars that were created using local tobacco by British soldiers during colonial rule of India.  They named their cigars for the legendary Nepalese fighters, the Gurkhas and many years later, this identity led to the creation of the Gurkha Cigars brand.

Long known for their classic cigars, the company is also creating innovative new products.  An example is their special release ahead of Father’s Day – their first cigars designed specifically for the drinking connoisseur called the Malt Collection.  The collection includes five premium cigars to pair with favorite drinks while also being great to smoke on their own.  The range covers:

• The Havana Spice – ideal for aged rum
• The Sherry Cask – ideal for sherry cask single malts
• The Oak Blend – ideal for oaky bourbons
• The Portwood – ideal for single malts aged in Port barrels
• The Single Cask Blend – ideal for strong single malts with bold and powerful flavors

The perfect cigar

A post shared by Durango Pipe Tobacco Cigars (@durangocigars) on May 20, 2017 at 7:39am PDT

These are just a few examples of the many quality products available for those who want to try cigars for the first time or for connoisseurs looking to try something different.  Whether you go with a classic style or opt for something new and innovative, these products will always offer top quality and value for money.  They also make an excellent birthday or Father’s Day present for the cigar fan.

The post Classic Cigars and Innovative Blends appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

One of the more telling tales from the Cold War involves Soviet Air Forces fighter pilot Viktor Belenko, who defected to the United States in 1976 after first flying his MiG-25 to Japan. It was considered an American intelligence triumph; officials and technicians would tear apart the highly advanced aircraft and consequently better understand the technological capabilities of their chief geopolitical foe.

Yet the intel acquired from the Belenko defection is not what makes this story both revealing and relevant to this article. The notable event occurred when Belenko arrived in the United States, where he was first given a basic tour of American life by his government handlers in Washington DC. This included his first visit to a supermarket.

Convinced what he saw was merely the luxuries provided to the political elites – that regular Americans, like regular Soviets, had not nearly as many options while grocery shopping – Belenko decided to do one of the most American things possible: he took a road trip. The former fighter pilot was confident the inland US wouldn’t have supermarkets.

Yet everywhere Belenko went, no matter how working class the local demographic appeared to be, there were supermarkets open with virtually every conceivable food item in stock. He claimed to have consumed cat food after mistaking it for a canned dinner meant for humans, asserting it was still tastier than the typical canned human food sold in the USSR.

This Cold War-era anecdote illustrates the underappreciated value of variety in free market societies. There is simply so much to choose from, and yet we tend to hesitate to venture far from the familiar.

While Belenko didn’t go on the record about how this applied to vices, we can use our imaginations to safely assume it did. At risk of stereotyping, Russians make no secret of their love of liquor, smoking, and so forth. The former fighter pilot must have been utterly amazed.

That variety has only increased as time went on:

Vaping

Not only is the act of vaping a new phenomenon, but the nature of the technology allows for countless vape flavors to try. Companies like Zamplebox pride themselves on the variety of vape juice provided to subscribers, which numbers over 2000 total. Choosing a vape flavor is one of those “sensory overload” scenarios. But in a good way.

Gambling

Once upon a time we had to travel to Nevada or New Jersey to play poker, blackjack, craps, slots, and that was about the only way to indulge. Nowadays thanks to the internet, gaming opportunities have never been more diverse. This includes the ability to place bets as well. While the legalities of online gaming are cloudy to say the least, it’s safe to say it’s here to stay.

Drinking

Variety in beer and liquor has been around for centuries. The challenge was access; depending on where you lived, one or two forms of alcohol were concocted and anything else was a rarity. Thanks to industrialization and free market principles, the number of liquor varieties in the modern age is virtually endless.

Smoking

During the Cold War, one of the few things the average Soviet was able to enjoy which the average American was not was a good Cuban cigar, which were banned from sale in the US due to the Cuban embargo. This stayed in effect for over five decades until President Obama lifted the sanctions against the communist island nation. Now Americans get to add Cuban cigars to the already long list of available smokables stateside.

Toking

Lastly, the variety of cannabis strains – where legal – is utterly astounding this day and age. Not to mention the forms in which THC can be consumed have expanded to include candy, juice, and vaping. With marijuana only in the very early stages of being legally grown at an industrial scale, it’s safe to say the rate of variety in cannabis type and use will see similar growth in the years to come.

Americans and those living in countries with a similarly vast amount of products and services to choose from don’t often appreciate how fortunate they are to have such variety. While this is arguably too much variety – that people are better with limited choices – it’s clear humans enjoy the option even if they don’t intend to use it. With this in mind, it’s not only okay for variety to exist, but nothing justifies its existence more than when people opt to go out and try something new once in awhile.

The post Variety is the Spice of Life…and Vice appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Last month vaping came under fire due to newly introduced e-liquid laws, which could have caused problems for the industry. Fortunately, the vaping business has quickly adapted to these new restrictions and is now performing positively with the new regulations in place. As the industry continues to flourish as the healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes and cigars, you may be wondering when and where the right time is to vape and what flavours to adopt for the environment you find yourself in. Get ready to experience a whole realm of new flavors and tanks suitable for an array of occasions.

After Work Drinks

It’s the age-old conundrum of impromptu post-work drinks. You’ve driven into the office expecting an early night but your colleagues decide to head to the bar last minute. You could get a taxi or train home, but this may come at a cost and would mean your car would be stranded until morning. Still, the opportunity to network with your work colleagues or even just let loose is too good to miss. Instead of leaving early, take your vape device out with you for the social factor and use an e-liquid in the flavor of Gin, Malibu, or Moonshine. This means that you can enjoy the social factor of the evening without the dreaded hangover in the morning. Alcohol flavoured e-liquids will also help you to cut down on your alcohol consumption without feeling as though you are missing out.

Work Meetings and Conferences

Vaping at work is a great way to ensure that you take short breaks from the desk and recharge. Regular, small breaks are good for productivity and mean you get a few minutes to yourself, which is especially beneficial in high-pressure jobs. However, if you have a lot of meetings or a busy day at work it may not be possible to get outside for a vape. When this happens opt for natural flavours, such as coffee, as the smell won’t be distracting or off-putting for your colleagues. As well as this, recent studies have shown that the mere smell of coffee can stir a tired brain into action, so a coffee flavoured vape is exactly what you need to get through a hectic day.

Date Night

If you’re trying to impress a special date then spicy and aromatic scents will work wonders. Typically, male fragrances are infused with notes of cinnamon, bergamot, fenugreek, jasmine and ginger. These are all woody and sophisticated scents that will compliment your aftershave and entice your date. Your scent is one of the first things your date will encounter about you, and it is the sensory information that will stick with her after your meeting so be sure not to over-do it. Choose a subtle aftershave and a complimentary vape flavour like one of the above.

Night In

At the weekends we all want to indulge ourselves in some unhealthy treats. Usually this means reaching for the chocolate or crisps, but if you’re trying to avoid unhealthy snacking the best way to satisfy your cravings is by using e-liquids in sweet flavours such as almond and caramel, bon bon, honeydew or chocolate. Indulging in this way means that you can avoid the calories and subsequent guilt of actually eating but enjoy an abundance of different flavours in one evening, which isn’t something you could have with just one chocolate bar or bag of sweets.

Weddings

For weddings think cake, vanilla and strawberry- sweet, light flavours to celebrate the once in a lifetime ceremony. These will compliment the wedding cake and add to the festive feel of the occasion. Bear in mind that this is a time in which you should be careful to adhere to vaping etiquette. Choose the right time and place to vape so that those who don’t enjoy the smell are avoided or can vacate the area easily. Vapers can choose from a range of cake themed liquids including cheesecake, walnut cake, lemon cake and pineapple cake. The only thing that you should beware of is that you may have guests after your delicious accompaniment.

Halloween

When the spookiest time of the year rolls round, there are a number of flavours that will best suit a Halloween party such as toffee apple, sweets and gummy candy. Again this is a great way to get in the spirit of the occasion without indulging in all of the calories that can set you back health wise. Try any of Bad Drip Labs ‘Don’t Care’ candy flavours, which come in containers made to look like pill bottles, to channel that haunted asylum vibe.
Holidays in the sun

We all need some time to soak up the sun and celebrate our hard work with a few Pina Coladas, but what are the best flavours to compliment a well-deserved holiday? Fruity flavours are best enjoyed in the heat as they aren’t too heavy and they give the feeling of refreshment by cleansing the palette. Try watermelon, passion fruit, peaches or mango for e-liquids that are light, and smell as good as they taste. 

Conclusion

It’s great to have a flavor that compliments every occasion so that you can get into the spirit of the event, whatever that might be, and so that others around you are not put off by the scent of your e-liquid. As well as this, flavours and smells bring back the strongest memories. Therefore it’s good to have a scent prepared especially for an occasion, so that the next time you smoke that flavor you can more easily recall the memories of the celebrations you enjoyed the most.

The post The Right Vape for the Right Occasion appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”
― Mark Twain

Let us take a note from Mark Twain and jump right into signature whiskey. Which brands of whiskey make the best whiskey drinks. This summer roundup is not so much about which signature whiskey to use for your creative whiskey cocktails or more basic whiskey mixed drinks. Let’s avoid the famous mule drink and talk about how to drink whiskey instead.

Brands of Whiskey For Any Aspiring Gentleman

Stillhouse American Whiskey

Have you ever tried clear american whiskey? Clear american whiskey is making a comeback across the United States with former Chief Creative Officer at Live Nation, Brad Beckerman launching the brand in early 2016. G-Eazy just recently joined his team as Partner and Co-Creative director in June of 2017 to become a part of bringing clear American whiskey in a stainless steel can. You have probably already seen them at the bar this summer.

Award-Winning American Whiskey that finishes smooth. #stillhouse

A post shared by Stillhouse (@stillhouseusa) on Jul 18, 2017 at 12:02pm PDT

This clear american whiskey comes in five flavors – Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot. It’s an odd pair for Beckerman and the Oakland-bred multi-platinum rapper and producer “G-Eazy” to partner on this whiskey project but it makes sense as Gerald “G-Eazy” Gillum explained.

“Spirits companies had approached me with endorsement deals but that was just money,”. “I kept running into Stillhouse everywhere and fell in love with the brand not to mention its smooth whiskey. I wanted to partner with Brad because he has this infectious energy and passion for the brand he’s continuing to grow. We hit it off quick with an instant shared vision and love for Stillhouse.”

Maker’s 46

It is more than likely that you are familiar with top shelf Maker’s Mark. Maker’s 46 is an interesting choice at $39.99 because it’s something you can easily drink straight. The Maker’s 46 still has Maker Mark’s signature front-of-the-palate flavors but with more complexity that is meant to sip.

#drinkable #fridaynights #whiskylover #kentuckybourbon #makers46 A little predinner libation

A post shared by Stephen C (@stephen_cyrus) on Jun 23, 2017 at 5:02pm PDT

Four Roses Bourbon

Four Roses Bourbon is actually a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey ran by master distiller, Brent Elliott. Four Roses original bourbon is a good budget option for bourbon drinks that would be better for use in a recipe or in a cocktail. The 80 proof bourbon has a smooth and mellow taste with a long and soft finish that makes it ideal for a unique cocktail recipe. If you have the right palate you might pick up on the hints of pear and apple with floral aromas and a small taste of honey and spice. While this is not quite whiskey, it’s still a go-to spirit for your signature cocktail.

A post shared by Four Roses Bourbon (@fourrosesbourbon) on Aug 1, 2017 at 3:55pm PDT

Tullamore D.E.W. 14 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Getting back to the basics is a more traditional Irish whiskey. Th Tullamore D.E.W. 14 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (SRP $69.99) is moderately priced and good for sipping. I don’t suggest making whiskey mixed drinks with this one. This single malt is more of the fruity variety that is both rich and sweet with a long-lasting finish. Vanilla oak and ripe apples can also be tasted if you consider yourself close to a master of the quaich.

Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Even better is the Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (SRP $109.99) which I urge you to drink straight. This is actually Tullamore D.E.W.’s oldest age statement to date. It’s on the pricier end of whiskies but even a newbie will notice the difference between this and less expensive varieties of whiskey. The Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt has a rich and oaky taste with notes of cinnamon, apples, and toasted marshmallows.

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is matured in hand selected American ex­‐bourbon casks. Over the years, the casks gently absorb the northern sea breeze, giving the whisky its smooth, complex flavours and coastal characteristics. The combination of the exposed maritime environment and traditional distillation methods create a malt described by a leading whisky writer as ‘unashamedly excellent.’ (SRP, $45)

A post shared by Nathan Thomas (@kharybdis) on Aug 3, 2017 at 7:55am PDT

Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish (SRP $70.00)

A little less traditional is the first-ever single malt Scotch whisky finished in IPA craft beer casks. Whether this is a gimmick or something worth drinking regularly is up for you to decide. You can try the Glennfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish on the rocks first for a new flavor. Afterwards,  Glenfiddich¹s Malt Master Brian Kinsman suggests a squeeze of blood orange into the glass if you insist on a whiskey cocktail and absolutely need to know what to mix with whiskey. This is part of a Glenfiddich Experimental Series in partnership with the Speyside micro-brewer to craft Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask.

Glenfiddich Project XX (SRP $79.99)

The Glenfiddich Project XX is the second installment of the above mentioned Experimental Series designed by 20 whisky experts and Glenfiddich¹s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman. Brian Kinsman actually brought in 20 whisky experts from 16 countries to select a cask from a warehouse at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown. The charactar of these casks creates a soft and fruity ex-bourbon that is surprisingly well-balanced.

What do you think?

These are a few whiskey brands and bourbon brands to make whiskey cocktails for summer like the mule drink or just to sip straight. How to drink whiskey or bourbon is up to you. But these brands of whiskey and bourbon are worth trying this summer.

 “Love makes the world go round? Not at all. Whiskey makes it go round twice as fast.” ― Compton MacKenzie

The post Signature Whiskey & Bourbon: Interesting Brands of Whiskey To Sip This Summer appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

We’ve all seen that guy at the bar, with his sub-ohm, cloud-chasing, mega-wattage, vape-thumping electronic cigarette device. Each inhale a wispy breathed advertisement, the exhale a plume of obnoxious smog, intruding every crevice in its surroundings. We get it, you vape. The emergence of sub ohm vaping, while a huge success in prying smokers away from the clutches of tobacco, has invented in part, a rather unfortunate cliché of bearded vape enthusiasts.

So how do you avoid looking like a vaping douche and maintain a modicum of swagger and style while puffing on an ecig? How does one vape like a true gentleman?

As co-founder and director of ecigwizard.com, I’d like to think I’ve got a pretty good feel for the subject. To answer this quandary, I’ve three tips to keep you in check…

Always use your ecig with courtesy and respect

You wouldn’t whip out a cigarette in a busy restaurant, light up and start puffing away. Not only is it illegal in most countries (China being the exception), it’s totally frowned upon as one of the biggest social faux pas going.

You are expected to smoke in designated areas, away from non-smoking folk. While there’s way more knowledge about vaping and ecigs, non-vapers are generally not so keen on sharing your second-hand vapour. If I’m out with friends, I don’t even bother asking at the bar if I can vape indoors. There’s always going to be at least one person that doesn’t enjoy it, so I respect that. I go outside and I vape away from people, all the time respecting those around me.

Takeaway: take your ecig outside. Heck, I’m sure you’ll find some fellow vapers doing the same.

Choose your ecig mod wisely

In all my time vaping, I’ve seen the weirdest looking ecig mods. Those that resemble deeply disturbing and equally terrifying sex toys that you’d only find in the most sordid of dungeons. Then there’s the mod that’s so large, it requires its own form of transportation.

My advice? Keep it slick and discreet. To enjoy your vaping experience, you may want the oomf from a device that can kick out some serious wattage, but these days with electronic cigarette technology booming, there’s plenty of devices that are lightweight with the same level of performance you’d expect from a titanic and rather over the top mod. And really, do you want to look like the kind of gentleman that compensates in other areas with an oversized vape?

It’s all about those sweet, luxurious e-juice flavours

Have you ever exhaled and received a compliment from those around you, asking what amazing flavour you are vaping? In a subculture where you need to know the latest e-liquid brands, your Lolly Vape Co. from your old knock-off flavours, it’s important to avoid bad e-liquid flavours that are likely to give you halitosis. A tobacco flavour might remind you of your favourite old roll-up, but it’s not going to impress those around you. A real gentleman has an arsenal of sweet, intoxicating e-juice flavours, just as he would collect and sparingly enjoy single malt whiskies.

The final word on vaping

There’s a very thin line between vaping complimenting your style or cramping it. Done right, your ecig can be a valuable weapon in your gentleman etiquette toolbox. Fail to heed the advice above and you’ll look like the ex-tobacco junkie that fails to pull off an ounce of finesse.

The post How To Vape Like A Gentleman appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Discover the Allure of perfection. Discover #Allaire Collection Privée #LuxurySpirits .#Tequila #Rum #Vodka #DrinkGoals #Cheers ✨ pic.twitter.com/iwbKwz5WlK

— Allaire Privée (@AllairePrivee) November 2, 2016

It took us quite a while to write anything about Allaire Privee Tequila because such an elegant bottle is hard to open when friends act in awe as they reach my liquor display. This beautiful bottle shows the detail and attention put into this Tequila as you can see from the video above.

What about the tequila itself? The aged crystal tequila is not all that different from the bottle. It’s a premium top shelf tequila from 100%  Blue Tequilana Weber Agaves from the Los Altos Region in Jalisco, Mexico. Plenty of tequila is created with a mix of aguave and other ingredients which is the main reason for plenty of the university tequila shot horror shows.

The agave is cooked for 48 hours or more  at low temperatures in small batches without additives. The six month aging process in Bourbon Oak Casks does its job well to add a great balance of sweetness and enhances the agave flavor. When all is said and done the Allaire Privee Tequila is filtered with a secret process that provides that crystal tone fit for the premium bottle.

This all sounds nice but Allaire Privee Tequila is also an award winning tequila taking home the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal for its caramel, vanilla, and honey aroma.

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Aspiring Gentleman or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

The post Allaire Privee Aged Crystal Tequila appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Whether as an occasional pleasure or a regular thing, smoking a cigar is something that many people enjoy.  The quality of the products is vastly superior to those of normal cigarettes and the range of flavors is also much wider.  But as the growing awareness of the dangers of smoking reaches many cigar fans, they began looking for an alternative – and found it with the e-cigar.

What is an e-cigar?

The concept of e-cigarettes is a widely known one, also called vaping, and people have been using these artificial cigarettes to help them reduce or even stop smoking the real tobacco product.  The potential health benefits for these smokers have been well documented and some health authorities are even using them as a viable way to help people stop smoking.

With cigar smoking, the number of cigars is usually lower than with cigarettes but there are still associated health risks.  That’s why companies have created products such as the CUVANA E-CIGAR with the aim of allowing people to still indulge their cigar enjoyment but without concern for their long term health.

How they work

Vapor cigars work in the same way that vapor cigarettes do – they look like a cigar and create the smoke when you puff on them as a real cigar would.  But they use LED ash rather than real fire and there is none of the associated smell with the e-cigar.  It allows the smoker to have the sensation of smoking a cigar without the unpleasant smells, the burning or the potential health risks.

Because these devices don’t create second hand smoke, a heavy smell or messy ashes everywhere, then they are also permitted in many more places than a traditional cigar.  This means if you meet friends in the bar, go somewhere to relax after a business meeting or simply want to sit outside somewhere and smoke, there will be none of the stigma attached to a real cigar.

Cost effective option

Often, smoking a cigar isn’t something done with money as a consideration but if you do something wince at the price of a good cigar, then an e-cigar can help offset this because they are reusable and therefore much more cost effective.  The LED flame creates the glow so there is no destructive fire and the cigar isn’t actually burning so it is there, ready to go when you want to use it again.

You can even get e-cigars that have the authentic Cuban flavor with different sizes and nicotine contents as well as having a two year plus shelf life even once they have been used for the first time.

The post Why Cigar Fans are Switching to E-Cigars appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Vaping has taken the world by storm. What started as a niche alternative to smoking has rapidly developed over the last several years into a lifestyle choice. Vaping offers many benefits over smoking cigarettes. It has been hailed by some as one of the greatest breakthroughs ever in medical science when one considers the number of smoking related deaths that will be avoided.

Switching from tobacco to an e-cigarette carries numerous benefits beyond the health considerations. In fact, many smokers are unaware of a number of the different side effects smoking tobacco can cause.

You Can Vape Almost Anywhere

While restrictions can vary between different countries regarding exactly where one can and can’t smoke tobacco or e-cigarettes, there are certainly a lot more places that allow the latter. Vaping doesn’t carry the same risks as smoking does for those around you; inhaling second hand vapour isn’t harmful, whereas inhaling second hand tobacco smoke is still very bad for you. There are a few places that treat vaping the same as smoking and have banned it in public, but these are few and far between. There is also a more positive perception of vaping socially and this makes people less resistant and confrontational around it.

A Diverse Range of Flavours

You can buy e liquids from a number of different places and in an almost endless array of different flavours, for example you can get this custard e liquid flavour which any vapers love. Especially once you factor in that you can take individual flavours and mix them in whatever manner your heart desires.

Improve Your Sense of Smell

One of the less appreciated side effects of smoking tobacco is that it dramatically impairs your ability to smell. This is a gradual process and so light smokers might be less affected, but regular smokers will experience a gradual reduction in their ability to smell. This process is sometimes slow enough that it doesn’t register with the smoker until they try to quit.

Improve Your Sense of Taste

Taste and smell are both very closely linked, so it is no surprise that as well as dampening your sense of smell, smoking also impairs your taste buds. One of the things you will notice if you switch to vaping is that at first you will barely be able to taste the vapour if you were a heavy smoker. However, as your senses of taste and smell return, you will find it becoming more and more noticeable.

Save Money

This is another one of the big selling points of vaping; it works out much cheaper than a smoking habit. A good vaporiser will cost you more than a pack of cigarettes will but the e liquids themselves work out cheaper and last longer (depending on usage of course).

Control Your Nicotine Intake

Vaping allows you to precisely calculate your nicotine intake and e liquids come in different forms with varying concentrations of nicotine. This is very helpful for those looking to cut down and, ultimately, transition to nicotine-free liquids.

Odour Free

While the vapour you exhale will smell, the vapour will not stick to fabrics, such as clothes, in the way that smoke does, this means that you won’t end your vaping session with an odour clinging to you.

Improved Breathing

Vapour is a lot gentler on your throat and lungs. Inhaling smoke causes a rapid accumulation of tar and other substances, which can make breathing difficult and cause other respiratory issues. These issues don’t exist for vaporisers.

Switching to a vaporiser is a great way of weaning yourself off cigarettes and also offers the opportunity to eventually transition to nicotine-free vaping solutions.

The post 8 Reasons Why Vaping Beats Smoking appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Whether you are a cigar fan or are just trying them for the first time, there are lots of amazing product to choose from.  From classic cigars to innovative blends, the world of cigars offers something for all taste and all wallets.  Here are two that highlight the diversity of the market and to inspire your selections.

Elmer’s Burnt Peach from Durango

Durango Cigars are one example of a classic cigar range that offers original and limited production pipe tobacco cigars as well as offering revolutionizing tobacco agents and storage techniques.  This allows products to ship to clients in the very freshest possible condition.  The company offer several other products but their Durango cigars are always top sellers.

The Elmer’s Burnt Peach is a perfect example of a classic cigar.  The product has a medium blend of toasted Cavendish that is given a slightly sweet aroma from the use of peach and rosemary alongside aged American whiskey and cedar wood.  The result is a cigar that offers a great smoke, with the right level of sweet peach flavor.

A post shared by Durango Pipe Tobacco Cigars (@durangocigars) on Nov 25, 2016 at 11:14am PST

Innovative blends from Gurka

Gurkha Cigars is a classic brand that has introduced a range of new, innovative products.  The brand is inspired by the cigars that were created using local tobacco by British soldiers during colonial rule of India.  They named their cigars for the legendary Nepalese fighters, the Gurkhas and many years later, this identity led to the creation of the Gurkha Cigars brand.

Long known for their classic cigars, the company is also creating innovative new products.  An example is their special release ahead of Father’s Day – their first cigars designed specifically for the drinking connoisseur called the Malt Collection.  The collection includes five premium cigars to pair with favorite drinks while also being great to smoke on their own.  The range covers:

• The Havana Spice – ideal for aged rum
• The Sherry Cask – ideal for sherry cask single malts
• The Oak Blend – ideal for oaky bourbons
• The Portwood – ideal for single malts aged in Port barrels
• The Single Cask Blend – ideal for strong single malts with bold and powerful flavors

The perfect cigar

A post shared by Durango Pipe Tobacco Cigars (@durangocigars) on May 20, 2017 at 7:39am PDT

These are just a few examples of the many quality products available for those who want to try cigars for the first time or for connoisseurs looking to try something different.  Whether you go with a classic style or opt for something new and innovative, these products will always offer top quality and value for money.  They also make an excellent birthday or Father’s Day present for the cigar fan.

The post Classic Cigars and Innovative Blends appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

One of the more telling tales from the Cold War involves Soviet Air Forces fighter pilot Viktor Belenko, who defected to the United States in 1976 after first flying his MiG-25 to Japan. It was considered an American intelligence triumph; officials and technicians would tear apart the highly advanced aircraft and consequently better understand the technological capabilities of their chief geopolitical foe.

Yet the intel acquired from the Belenko defection is not what makes this story both revealing and relevant to this article. The notable event occurred when Belenko arrived in the United States, where he was first given a basic tour of American life by his government handlers in Washington DC. This included his first visit to a supermarket.

Convinced what he saw was merely the luxuries provided to the political elites – that regular Americans, like regular Soviets, had not nearly as many options while grocery shopping – Belenko decided to do one of the most American things possible: he took a road trip. The former fighter pilot was confident the inland US wouldn’t have supermarkets.

Yet everywhere Belenko went, no matter how working class the local demographic appeared to be, there were supermarkets open with virtually every conceivable food item in stock. He claimed to have consumed cat food after mistaking it for a canned dinner meant for humans, asserting it was still tastier than the typical canned human food sold in the USSR.

This Cold War-era anecdote illustrates the underappreciated value of variety in free market societies. There is simply so much to choose from, and yet we tend to hesitate to venture far from the familiar.

While Belenko didn’t go on the record about how this applied to vices, we can use our imaginations to safely assume it did. At risk of stereotyping, Russians make no secret of their love of liquor, smoking, and so forth. The former fighter pilot must have been utterly amazed.

That variety has only increased as time went on:

Vaping

Not only is the act of vaping a new phenomenon, but the nature of the technology allows for countless vape flavors to try. Companies like Zamplebox pride themselves on the variety of vape juice provided to subscribers, which numbers over 2000 total. Choosing a vape flavor is one of those “sensory overload” scenarios. But in a good way.

Gambling

Once upon a time we had to travel to Nevada or New Jersey to play poker, blackjack, craps, slots, and that was about the only way to indulge. Nowadays thanks to the internet, gaming opportunities have never been more diverse. This includes the ability to place bets as well. While the legalities of online gaming are cloudy to say the least, it’s safe to say it’s here to stay.

Drinking

Variety in beer and liquor has been around for centuries. The challenge was access; depending on where you lived, one or two forms of alcohol were concocted and anything else was a rarity. Thanks to industrialization and free market principles, the number of liquor varieties in the modern age is virtually endless.

Smoking

During the Cold War, one of the few things the average Soviet was able to enjoy which the average American was not was a good Cuban cigar, which were banned from sale in the US due to the Cuban embargo. This stayed in effect for over five decades until President Obama lifted the sanctions against the communist island nation. Now Americans get to add Cuban cigars to the already long list of available smokables stateside.

Toking

Lastly, the variety of cannabis strains – where legal – is utterly astounding this day and age. Not to mention the forms in which THC can be consumed have expanded to include candy, juice, and vaping. With marijuana only in the very early stages of being legally grown at an industrial scale, it’s safe to say the rate of variety in cannabis type and use will see similar growth in the years to come.

Americans and those living in countries with a similarly vast amount of products and services to choose from don’t often appreciate how fortunate they are to have such variety. While this is arguably too much variety – that people are better with limited choices – it’s clear humans enjoy the option even if they don’t intend to use it. With this in mind, it’s not only okay for variety to exist, but nothing justifies its existence more than when people opt to go out and try something new once in awhile.

The post Variety is the Spice of Life…and Vice appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Last month vaping came under fire due to newly introduced e-liquid laws, which could have caused problems for the industry. Fortunately, the vaping business has quickly adapted to these new restrictions and is now performing positively with the new regulations in place. As the industry continues to flourish as the healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes and cigars, you may be wondering when and where the right time is to vape and what flavours to adopt for the environment you find yourself in. Get ready to experience a whole realm of new flavors and tanks suitable for an array of occasions.

After Work Drinks

It’s the age-old conundrum of impromptu post-work drinks. You’ve driven into the office expecting an early night but your colleagues decide to head to the bar last minute. You could get a taxi or train home, but this may come at a cost and would mean your car would be stranded until morning. Still, the opportunity to network with your work colleagues or even just let loose is too good to miss. Instead of leaving early, take your vape device out with you for the social factor and use an e-liquid in the flavor of Gin, Malibu, or Moonshine. This means that you can enjoy the social factor of the evening without the dreaded hangover in the morning. Alcohol flavoured e-liquids will also help you to cut down on your alcohol consumption without feeling as though you are missing out.

Work Meetings and Conferences

Vaping at work is a great way to ensure that you take short breaks from the desk and recharge. Regular, small breaks are good for productivity and mean you get a few minutes to yourself, which is especially beneficial in high-pressure jobs. However, if you have a lot of meetings or a busy day at work it may not be possible to get outside for a vape. When this happens opt for natural flavours, such as coffee, as the smell won’t be distracting or off-putting for your colleagues. As well as this, recent studies have shown that the mere smell of coffee can stir a tired brain into action, so a coffee flavoured vape is exactly what you need to get through a hectic day.

Date Night

If you’re trying to impress a special date then spicy and aromatic scents will work wonders. Typically, male fragrances are infused with notes of cinnamon, bergamot, fenugreek, jasmine and ginger. These are all woody and sophisticated scents that will compliment your aftershave and entice your date. Your scent is one of the first things your date will encounter about you, and it is the sensory information that will stick with her after your meeting so be sure not to over-do it. Choose a subtle aftershave and a complimentary vape flavour like one of the above.

Night In

At the weekends we all want to indulge ourselves in some unhealthy treats. Usually this means reaching for the chocolate or crisps, but if you’re trying to avoid unhealthy snacking the best way to satisfy your cravings is by using e-liquids in sweet flavours such as almond and caramel, bon bon, honeydew or chocolate. Indulging in this way means that you can avoid the calories and subsequent guilt of actually eating but enjoy an abundance of different flavours in one evening, which isn’t something you could have with just one chocolate bar or bag of sweets.

Weddings

For weddings think cake, vanilla and strawberry- sweet, light flavours to celebrate the once in a lifetime ceremony. These will compliment the wedding cake and add to the festive feel of the occasion. Bear in mind that this is a time in which you should be careful to adhere to vaping etiquette. Choose the right time and place to vape so that those who don’t enjoy the smell are avoided or can vacate the area easily. Vapers can choose from a range of cake themed liquids including cheesecake, walnut cake, lemon cake and pineapple cake. The only thing that you should beware of is that you may have guests after your delicious accompaniment.

Halloween

When the spookiest time of the year rolls round, there are a number of flavours that will best suit a Halloween party such as toffee apple, sweets and gummy candy. Again this is a great way to get in the spirit of the occasion without indulging in all of the calories that can set you back health wise. Try any of Bad Drip Labs ‘Don’t Care’ candy flavours, which come in containers made to look like pill bottles, to channel that haunted asylum vibe.
Holidays in the sun

We all need some time to soak up the sun and celebrate our hard work with a few Pina Coladas, but what are the best flavours to compliment a well-deserved holiday? Fruity flavours are best enjoyed in the heat as they aren’t too heavy and they give the feeling of refreshment by cleansing the palette. Try watermelon, passion fruit, peaches or mango for e-liquids that are light, and smell as good as they taste. 

Conclusion

It’s great to have a flavor that compliments every occasion so that you can get into the spirit of the event, whatever that might be, and so that others around you are not put off by the scent of your e-liquid. As well as this, flavours and smells bring back the strongest memories. Therefore it’s good to have a scent prepared especially for an occasion, so that the next time you smoke that flavor you can more easily recall the memories of the celebrations you enjoyed the most.

The post The Right Vape for the Right Occasion appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

We’ve all seen that guy at the bar, with his sub-ohm, cloud-chasing, mega-wattage, vape-thumping electronic cigarette device. Each inhale a wispy breathed advertisement, the exhale a plume of obnoxious smog, intruding every crevice in its surroundings. We get it, you vape. The emergence of sub ohm vaping, while a huge success in prying smokers away from the clutches of tobacco, has invented in part, a rather unfortunate cliché of bearded vape enthusiasts.

So how do you avoid looking like a vaping douche and maintain a modicum of swagger and style while puffing on an ecig? How does one vape like a true gentleman?

As co-founder and director of ecigwizard.com, I’d like to think I’ve got a pretty good feel for the subject. To answer this quandary, I’ve three tips to keep you in check…

Always use your ecig with courtesy and respect

You wouldn’t whip out a cigarette in a busy restaurant, light up and start puffing away. Not only is it illegal in most countries (China being the exception), it’s totally frowned upon as one of the biggest social faux pas going.

You are expected to smoke in designated areas, away from non-smoking folk. While there’s way more knowledge about vaping and ecigs, non-vapers are generally not so keen on sharing your second-hand vapour. If I’m out with friends, I don’t even bother asking at the bar if I can vape indoors. There’s always going to be at least one person that doesn’t enjoy it, so I respect that. I go outside and I vape away from people, all the time respecting those around me.

Takeaway: take your ecig outside. Heck, I’m sure you’ll find some fellow vapers doing the same.

Choose your ecig mod wisely

In all my time vaping, I’ve seen the weirdest looking ecig mods. Those that resemble deeply disturbing and equally terrifying sex toys that you’d only find in the most sordid of dungeons. Then there’s the mod that’s so large, it requires its own form of transportation.

My advice? Keep it slick and discreet. To enjoy your vaping experience, you may want the oomf from a device that can kick out some serious wattage, but these days with electronic cigarette technology booming, there’s plenty of devices that are lightweight with the same level of performance you’d expect from a titanic and rather over the top mod. And really, do you want to look like the kind of gentleman that compensates in other areas with an oversized vape?

It’s all about those sweet, luxurious e-juice flavours

Have you ever exhaled and received a compliment from those around you, asking what amazing flavour you are vaping? In a subculture where you need to know the latest e-liquid brands, your Lolly Vape Co. from your old knock-off flavours, it’s important to avoid bad e-liquid flavours that are likely to give you halitosis. A tobacco flavour might remind you of your favourite old roll-up, but it’s not going to impress those around you. A real gentleman has an arsenal of sweet, intoxicating e-juice flavours, just as he would collect and sparingly enjoy single malt whiskies.

The final word on vaping

There’s a very thin line between vaping complimenting your style or cramping it. Done right, your ecig can be a valuable weapon in your gentleman etiquette toolbox. Fail to heed the advice above and you’ll look like the ex-tobacco junkie that fails to pull off an ounce of finesse.

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“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”
― Mark Twain

Let us take a note from Mark Twain and jump right into signature whiskey. Which brands of whiskey make the best whiskey drinks. This summer roundup is not so much about which signature whiskey to use for your creative whiskey cocktails or more basic whiskey mixed drinks. Let’s avoid the famous mule drink and talk about how to drink whiskey instead.

Brands of Whiskey For Any Aspiring Gentleman

Stillhouse American Whiskey

Have you ever tried clear american whiskey? Clear american whiskey is making a comeback across the United States with former Chief Creative Officer at Live Nation, Brad Beckerman launching the brand in early 2016. G-Eazy just recently joined his team as Partner and Co-Creative director in June of 2017 to become a part of bringing clear American whiskey in a stainless steel can. You have probably already seen them at the bar this summer.

Award-Winning American Whiskey that finishes smooth. #stillhouse

A post shared by Stillhouse (@stillhouseusa) on Jul 18, 2017 at 12:02pm PDT

This clear american whiskey comes in five flavors – Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot. It’s an odd pair for Beckerman and the Oakland-bred multi-platinum rapper and producer “G-Eazy” to partner on this whiskey project but it makes sense as Gerald “G-Eazy” Gillum explained.

“Spirits companies had approached me with endorsement deals but that was just money,”. “I kept running into Stillhouse everywhere and fell in love with the brand not to mention its smooth whiskey. I wanted to partner with Brad because he has this infectious energy and passion for the brand he’s continuing to grow. We hit it off quick with an instant shared vision and love for Stillhouse.”

Maker’s 46

It is more than likely that you are familiar with top shelf Maker’s Mark. Maker’s 46 is an interesting choice at $39.99 because it’s something you can easily drink straight. The Maker’s 46 still has Maker Mark’s signature front-of-the-palate flavors but with more complexity that is meant to sip.

#drinkable #fridaynights #whiskylover #kentuckybourbon #makers46 A little predinner libation

A post shared by Stephen C (@stephen_cyrus) on Jun 23, 2017 at 5:02pm PDT

Jim Beam® Vanilla Bourbon

You will find Jim Bean Vanilla Bourbon this summer in plenty of bars and clubs because this Madagascar vanilla liqueur with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey makes for a rich and smooth shot or an interesting cocktail. The subtle vanilla and caramel bourbon notes make it an easy mix with the signature serve shown below.

o   1 part Jim Beam®  Vanilla

o   2 parts cola

o   Cherry garnish

Four Roses Bourbon

Four Roses Bourbon is actually a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey ran by master distiller, Brent Elliott. Four Roses original bourbon is a good budget option for bourbon drinks that would be better for use in a recipe or in a cocktail. The 80 proof bourbon has a smooth and mellow taste with a long and soft finish that makes it ideal for a unique cocktail recipe. If you have the right palate you might pick up on the hints of pear and apple with floral aromas and a small taste of honey and spice. While this is not quite whiskey, it’s still a go-to spirit for your signature cocktail.

A post shared by Four Roses Bourbon (@fourrosesbourbon) on Aug 1, 2017 at 3:55pm PDT

Tullamore D.E.W. 14 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Getting back to the basics is a more traditional Irish whiskey. Th Tullamore D.E.W. 14 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (SRP $69.99) is moderately priced and good for sipping. I don’t suggest making whiskey mixed drinks with this one. This single malt is more of the fruity variety that is both rich and sweet with a long-lasting finish. Vanilla oak and ripe apples can also be tasted if you consider yourself close to a master of the quaich.

Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Even better is the Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (SRP $109.99) which I urge you to drink straight. This is actually Tullamore D.E.W.’s oldest age statement to date. It’s on the pricier end of whiskies but even a newbie will notice the difference between this and less expensive varieties of whiskey. The Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt has a rich and oaky taste with notes of cinnamon, apples, and toasted marshmallows.

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is matured in hand selected American ex­‐bourbon casks. Over the years, the casks gently absorb the northern sea breeze, giving the whisky its smooth, complex flavours and coastal characteristics. The combination of the exposed maritime environment and traditional distillation methods create a malt described by a leading whisky writer as ‘unashamedly excellent.’ (SRP, $45)

A post shared by Nathan Thomas (@kharybdis) on Aug 3, 2017 at 7:55am PDT

Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish (SRP $70.00)

A little less traditional is the first-ever single malt Scotch whisky finished in IPA craft beer casks. Whether this is a gimmick or something worth drinking regularly is up for you to decide. You can try the Glennfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish on the rocks first for a new flavor. Afterwards,  Glenfiddich¹s Malt Master Brian Kinsman suggests a squeeze of blood orange into the glass if you insist on a whiskey cocktail and absolutely need to know what to mix with whiskey. This is part of a Glenfiddich Experimental Series in partnership with the Speyside micro-brewer to craft Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask.

Glenfiddich Project XX (SRP $79.99)

The Glenfiddich Project XX is the second installment of the above mentioned Experimental Series designed by 20 whisky experts and Glenfiddich¹s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman. Brian Kinsman actually brought in 20 whisky experts from 16 countries to select a cask from a warehouse at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown. The charactar of these casks creates a soft and fruity ex-bourbon that is surprisingly well-balanced.

What do you think?

These are a few whiskey brands and bourbon brands to make whiskey cocktails for summer like the mule drink or just to sip straight. How to drink whiskey or bourbon is up to you. But these brands of whiskey and bourbon are worth trying this summer.

 “Love makes the world go round? Not at all. Whiskey makes it go round twice as fast.” ― Compton MacKenzie

The post Signature Whiskey & Bourbon: Interesting Brands of Whiskey To Sip This Summer appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.

Discover the Allure of perfection. Discover #Allaire Collection Privée #LuxurySpirits .#Tequila #Rum #Vodka #DrinkGoals #Cheers pic.twitter.com/iwbKwz5WlK

— Allaire Privée (@AllairePrivee) November 2, 2016

It took us quite a while to write anything about Allaire Privee Tequila because such an elegant bottle is hard to open when friends act in awe as they reach my liquor display. This beautiful bottle shows the detail and attention put into this Tequila as you can see from the video above.

What about the tequila itself? The aged crystal tequila is not all that different from the bottle. It’s a premium top shelf tequila from 100%  Blue Tequilana Weber Agaves from the Los Altos Region in Jalisco, Mexico. Plenty of tequila is created with a mix of aguave and other ingredients which is the main reason for plenty of the university tequila shot horror shows.

The agave is cooked for 48 hours or more  at low temperatures in small batches without additives. The six month aging process in Bourbon Oak Casks does its job well to add a great balance of sweetness and enhances the agave flavor. When all is said and done the Allaire Privee Tequila is filtered with a secret process that provides that crystal tone fit for the premium bottle.

This all sounds nice but Allaire Privee Tequila is also an award winning tequila taking home the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal for its caramel, vanilla, and honey aroma.

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Aspiring Gentleman or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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Whether as an occasional pleasure or a regular thing, smoking a cigar is something that many people enjoy.  The quality of the products is vastly superior to those of normal cigarettes and the range of flavors is also much wider.  But as the growing awareness of the dangers of smoking reaches many cigar fans, they began looking for an alternative – and found it with the e-cigar.

What is an e-cigar?

The concept of e-cigarettes is a widely known one, also called vaping, and people have been using these artificial cigarettes to help them reduce or even stop smoking the real tobacco product.  The potential health benefits for these smokers have been well documented and some health authorities are even using them as a viable way to help people stop smoking.

With cigar smoking, the number of cigars is usually lower than with cigarettes but there are still associated health risks.  That’s why companies have created products such as the CUVANA E-CIGAR with the aim of allowing people to still indulge their cigar enjoyment but without concern for their long term health.

How they work

Vapor cigars work in the same way that vapor cigarettes do – they look like a cigar and create the smoke when you puff on them as a real cigar would.  But they use LED ash rather than real fire and there is none of the associated smell with the e-cigar.  It allows the smoker to have the sensation of smoking a cigar without the unpleasant smells, the burning or the potential health risks.

Because these devices don’t create second hand smoke, a heavy smell or messy ashes everywhere, then they are also permitted in many more places than a traditional cigar.  This means if you meet friends in the bar, go somewhere to relax after a business meeting or simply want to sit outside somewhere and smoke, there will be none of the stigma attached to a real cigar.

Cost effective option

Often, smoking a cigar isn’t something done with money as a consideration but if you do something wince at the price of a good cigar, then an e-cigar can help offset this because they are reusable and therefore much more cost effective.  The LED flame creates the glow so there is no destructive fire and the cigar isn’t actually burning so it is there, ready to go when you want to use it again.

You can even get e-cigars that have the authentic Cuban flavor with different sizes and nicotine contents as well as having a two year plus shelf life even once they have been used for the first time.

The post Why Cigar Fans are Switching to E-Cigars appeared first on The Aspiring Gentleman.