An Issue You Won’t Forget
It’s our never-ending goal to create a magazine that you enjoy—but we also want to make you think. Our cover story for this year-end issue gives insight to a man who truly has something important to say, and a man who will certainly give you something to think about.
Bret Baier is the lead anchor and executive editor of Fox News, a veteran of the network for 27 years. He strives to deliver a balanced message about American and world affairs, using his first-hand access to some of the most important people on the planet. Among his many interview subjects are several world leaders and a trio of former U.S. presidents: Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Every night, he brings us the news via the show “Special Report With Bret Baier.”
On September 12—less than two weeks before we shipped this issue, and less than two months before the U.S. presidential election—Baier came to Cigar Aficionado’s New York City offices for a change of roles. The man who is used to asking the questions became the subject as he sat for a frank and illuminating interview with Marvin that we couldn’t wait to share with you. Reading his answers will give you a newfound insight on how things work in the world, where America stands as a nation and the two candidates vying for the presidency. Turn to page 42 to hear Baier in his own words in this exclusive interview. And be sure to visit our website cigaraficionado.com to watch and hear the interview as it unfolded.
This issue is packed with other stories as well. We take you out to Las Vegas to reveal a subset of the World Series of Poker where the stakes are even higher than normal and where amateurs aren’t necessarily the easy prey pros might think. You’ll find that on page 71. We also reveal a series of courses that are perfect for your next golf trip, as each one has hosted a major (or, in many cases, several). And you can play them all. For the story turn to page 60. We offer wisdom on how to build a winning watch collection (page 80) and how to craft the perfect Bloody Mary (91), a cocktail that hasn’t been around as long as you may have guessed. We also found a cigar lover in Pennsylvania who took his hobby to new heights with a luxurious cigar room (97). How much does this guy love cigars? There’s a secret door allowing him unfettered access via his bedroom. Now that’s dedication.
Our cigar coverage continues with the ever-popular My Favorite Cigar (104), and we think you’ll find several new smokes that you’ll love in our latest blind taste test, which includes several truly high scores. That starts on page 110.
It’s been quite a year for us at Cigar Aficionado, our 32nd year of publication. We hope your year was as great as ours, and we have quite a 2025 to look forward to.
