Any new traveler’s first introduction to America is usually through Beverly Hills. This lush playground for the rich and famous hasn’t lost its allure in the past many years it has been welcoming wide-eyed onlookers. Hollywood, hot yoga, big jewels, kale smoothies – all speak of a uniquely LA culture which is not witnessed anywhere else in US.
Not surprisingly then, Beverly Hills has the best of hospitality to offer. And offering true aficionados of fine cigars and rare whiskies some well-placed lounges, Beverly Hills ensures it has a place for the not-so-healthy as well. We list three extravagant locations where one can puff on a rare cigar and indulge in exceptional whiskies, along with some challenging conversation.
£10 at Montage Beverly Hills
Tucked discreetly on the second floor of the Montage Beverly Hills hotel, £10 is a dark and intimate luxurious bar which specializes in the Macallan Single Malt. Guests come to savour The Macallan’s rarest and most prized expressions – some aged as long as 64 years. The Macallan is hand-poured over a choice of four different types of ice, the most notable being a single ice sphere of water, imported from the Scottish Highlands.
By reservation only, this lounge features the finest handcrafted finishings to create its luxury interiors, including Lalique crystal barware, light fixtures, exotic wood details and an intricately carved Lalique crystal doorknob.
And if you are planning to visit this exclusive establishment soon, then you are in luck, because the bar is celebrating its 10 years of existence with a special tasting menu. Guests can reserve an evening of Scotch tastings for 10 people for $10,000. This private experience will feature both rare and signature offerings, including The Macallan Fine Oak 30 Years Old and The Macallan No. 6, in addition to an array of decadent desserts. As luxury as it can get.
Coordinates: 225 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
The Club Bar at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Creating a traditional, timeless ambience befitting a gentleman’s club, The Club Bar at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills is rife with dark wood panels made of California birch and deep leather chairs that circle a wide fireplace.
But before you think of settling here, check if the calendar doesn’t show the Grammys, the Golden Globe or the Oscars for the day, because then it will be just a standing bar, brimming with the who’s who of Hollywood.
Not that they are not there otherwise. You can glimpse the glitterati any day here. And while you are sinking in for a private, cozy, not-to-be-disturbed time, give their impressive bar a glance, which includes the bravura Louis XIII cognac, Glenlivet 1964 Vintage Single Malt Scotch and the hotel's private-label wine Keller The Peninsula Sonoma Pinot Noir.
Accompanying the spirits and well-devised cocktails is an extremely luxury menu with premium caviar and seafood platter. You could also skim over ‘Sustainable Oysters’ and Petite Lobster Rolls while you are at it. Indulgence has no limits here.
Coordinates: 9882 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
Buena Vista Cigar Club
The Buena Vista Cigar Club is a favorite of locals and visitors to the city, with its distinctive environment offering an extraordinary variety of carefully-selected tobacco products. Owner Rigo Fernandez has a true passion for cigars and has created this gentleman’s club style lounge, with a rustic aesthetic that has true character and charm.
A little less stately than the other two bars mentioned in this list, Buena Vista makes up for the interiors with its rare cigar collection. The team can handpick a cigar from their carefully chosen selection – most of which are imported from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras – suited to your taste. If you don’t like the surrounding sports screens, make your way to the more exclusive area upstairs which has comfortable seating to sit back and enjoy. This one is for those who like to put their feet up.
Coordinates: 9715 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, US
