Smoke & Oak: The Shared Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars: An American Story of Craft, Culture & the Science of a Perfect Pairing

by Sebastian Saviano

Overview

From the smoky aroma of a perfectly aged bourbon to the rich draw of a hand-rolled cigar, Smoke & Oak takes readers on an immersive journey through the intertwined history, culture, and craftsmanship of two iconic American indulgences.

The book unfolds across two parts. History & Culture traces the evolution of bourbon and cigars from their colonial roots to their 19th-century golden age, through the challenges of Prohibition, the Cuban Embargo, and the industrialization of cigar-making. It highlights how both traditions nearly faded before experiencing powerful renaissances that continue to this day.

The Science & Art of Pairing delves into why bourbon and cigars make such a remarkable duo. Drawing upon the science of taste, aroma, and sensory experience, Smoke & Oak explores how chemical compounds, barrel aging, fermentation, and regional terroir contribute to the perfect pairing.The full-color Bourbon & Cigar Pairing Wheel provides guidance for selecting, savoring, and pairing bourbon and cigars like a connoisseur.

Whether you're a dedicated aficionado or a curious newcomer, Smoke & Oak offers something for everyone. Discover the best bourbons for different cigar profiles, learn the art of retrohaling, and uncover how Kentucky's limestone-filtered water and the fertile soils of Nicaragua, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic leave their imprint on every bottle and every cigar.

More than a celebration of bourbon and cigars, Smoke & Oak is a testament to the enduring relationship between craft, culture, and the science of enjoyment. It invites readers to experience bourbon and cigars not just as luxuries, but as living legacies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798998511769
Publisher:	American Cigar Press
Publication date:	05/28/2025
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Sebastian Saviano is a researcher, author, and entrepreneur whose work explores the intersections of history, culture, political economy, and identity in the modern era. His research spans multiple disciplines-from the legacy of cigars and bourbon to the evolving meaning of U.S. citizenship and national allegiance.His passion for America's cigar heritage led to America's Cigar Story: The History, Politics, and Legacy of Cigars from 1762 to the Modern Era, a sweeping account of the industry's social and political significance. He continues this cultural exploration in Smoke & Oak: The Shared Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars - An American Story of Craft, Culture & the Science of a Perfect Pairing, where he examines how bourbon and cigars became intertwined icons of American craftsmanship and ritual.Saviano's forthcoming book, The Allegiance Paradox: Beyond the Law - How Ethical Erosion and Policy Drift Undermine American Citizenship, tackles the legal, ethical, and national security dilemmas posed by dual citizenship in the 21st century. Drawing on law, history, political theory, and comparative analysis, the book makes a provocative case for rethinking civic allegiance in an age of global mobility and commodified citizenship.He holds advanced research training in political science and economics from Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, and East Carolina University, and has lectured at the university level. As the founder and CEO of The American Cigar Co., he curates heritage-driven brands that honor tradition while embracing innovation.Through his work in publishing and the premium cigar industry, Saviano is committed to preserving, interrogating, and revitalizing America's cultural and political legacies for future generations.