Category Archives: Tradition

140 Year Old Bourbon

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Editors Note: Our friend Forrest Cokely, a trusted source on the world of Spirits, has written another piece for our website. Previously he wrote an article called Scotch 101 (https://gentlemensavenue.com/scotch/) that educates the novice and expert alike. So on this cold winter day, may you find warmth with a nice glass of Cyrus Noble Bourbon that wont break the bank and has a historic presence in the market place.     Mr. M

Cyrus Noble is born in Kentucky, aged there initially after being distilled in small batches from the traditional mash bill / recipe that dates back over 140 years. After it has fully become Bourbon, Cyrus Noble is sent to San Francisco to finish the aging and it rests until it is matured to perfection to proudly carry the historic family name.

The aromas of this whiskey begin at toffee, apricots stewed with brown sugar, shaved baking chocolate, vanilla, roasted nuts, spice and a myriad of lavish oak minutiae. The scents begin to reveal the key to this whiskey—equilibrium; the moment you start to focus Cyrus-Noble-Bottleon one smell, you are attracted to another.

The flavor starts by demonstrating the aromas building to include candied ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg while never challenging the fruit notes and creamy vanilla sweetness. The finish is a simple, pleasant reminder of the supple spice, treacle, vanilla and creamy caramel that drifts, leaving you with a distinct desire to have another taste. Cyrus Noble is soft, excellently drinkable whiskey; it is smooth and easy from the first sniff to the last sip and everywhere in between!

When George Dewey was notified of his promotion to Admiral of the United States Navy- the first and only in the history of the United States to hold that rank- he grabbed two glasses and a bottle of Cyrus Noble to toast his achievement. It seems to be a gentlemanly thing to do.

Try this neat, with a splash of water, on ice or in a classic spirit forward cocktail.

Forrest Cokely

https://www.facebook.com/forrest.cokely

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Caccavella Barbers: Joe’s Barber Shop est. 1968

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When you think of what you can purchase for $1 dollar the list is extremely small and purchasing a family heirloom seems almost unimaginable but that is exactly what Joe Caccavella Sr. did in 1968. Now, 45 years later Joe’s Barber Shop in Chicago stands as a testament to a family tradition.

The Caccavella family comes from a long lineage of barbering that can be traced back to Joe Sr.’s father Victor in Italy. Victor’s children were raised in the shop, “when my father and older siblings would get out of school they would go straight to the barber shop to help out before heading home as a family,” says Joe Jr. In 1955 the family came to Chicago although they relocated the barbering craft was not left behind.

Two of Victor’s sons followed in their father’s footsteps and became barbers, the eldest Rocco and Joe Sr. The shop Rocco owned in downtown Chicago had only one chair and was in business for 53 years.

In 1968 at the ripe age of 21 Joe Sr. ended up at Sam’s Barber Shop on the corner of Fullerton & California in the Logan Square Neighborhood. The shop was established in the 1920’s and according to Joe Jr. “(the shop) was heavily involved in the Italian organized crime scene.” The barber shop had been around for 40 years when Joe Sr. came on board. It wasn’t long before Sam the Barber took a liking to Joe Sr. and sold him the shop for the astonishingly low price of $1, “it wasn’t a issue of money for Sam” who hung around the shop “for the last years of his life.” The shop’s name was changed to Joe’s Barber Shop and remained in the same location for 17 more years but in 1985 they moved two blocks east on Fullerton.

Not much has changed in the shop.  The three Paidar barber chairs date from the early 1900’s and the waiting chairs are from the 1940’s with many more authentic items in the shop. The shop is an original and they are not trying to achieve vintage, “the chairs in our shop were purchased used when my grandfather (Victor) opened up his shop when he came from Italy” says Joe Jr.

More importantly the barbering craft and philosophy has remained in the family with second and third generation working side by side. Joe Sr. and Jr. are very much alike but there are many lessons to be learned. One thing that was instilled into Joe Jr. is  “take people for what they are. Treat everyone the same, and favor no-one.” At 67 years young Joe Sr. is living the true barber life and still works 4 days a week.

The family tradition is taken very seriously and is not based in a fad, “the shop’s approach to cutting hair is simple, give the customer a solid/quick/ no B.S. haircut HE wants.” Don’t worry, they will not spin you around after they are done and tell you that you got what you wanted, because they will check with you once or twice to make sure you approve of the progress. Careful attention is paid to the desired cut with decades of knowledge being employed.

Along with haircuts the shop also offers traditional straight razor shaves and grooming products. Recently the shop has made an interesting decision by only carrying small business grooming products, “we being a family owned business, its our job to support other small run/local business the best we can”, says Joe Jr. The decision is calculated and has earned them respect in the community.

The shop is walk in only and has been that way since 1968. If you decide to murmur about the wait keep it to yourself. According to Joe Sr., “It took ya 9 months to be born, and you can wait an hour or so…for a haircut.” Don’t expect to get your hair washed either because “if a customer wants his hair washed after the cut he can take care of that at home.”

The priceless heirloom that exists at Joe’s Barber Shop is not found in the Paidar chairs but resides within the 2nd and 3rd generation barbers that are maintaining a craft and family tradition. Although the tradition started in Italy the Caccavella barbers have followed in their forefather’s footsteps and are making an impact in their community and families. Joe Sr.’s $1 investment has become priceless due to the hard work and dedication instilled in the Caccavella men.

Joe’s Barber Shop

www.facebook.com/pages/Joes-Barber-Shop-Chicago/178010742775

Mr. M

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Scotchology 101

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Gents,

Modern Gentlemen are enjoying and re-discovering Scotch, so we thought it would be fitting to write an introductory course about this great Spirit. According to W.C. Fields, “the best thing for a case of nerves is a case of Scotch”. With that endorsement we set out on a quest to calm the nerves with the knowledgeable Gentlemen from Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, CA (Forrest Cokely & Tobin Sharp). This will be our first article published in a Q & A format.

– What is Scotch?
Well the simple answer is: Whisky that is made in Scotland.
There are five specific and very different categories:

Blended Scotch Whisky: Easily the best selling of all the varieties, it is a blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies that is crafted to a particular flavor profile designated by each brand and carried out by Master Blenders.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky: This is the second most popular style and the one everyone likes to obsess about. Scotch Whisky is produced at a single distillery from the mash, to the fermentation, to the batch distillation in pot stills using only water and malted barley. This seems like a good time to interject that all Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years before it even can be called Scotch whisky. If there is any age statement on a bottle of Scotch whisky it must reflect the age of the youngest whisky in that product. So if you see a bottle of Glenfiddich 12 you are assured that ‘the youngest’ whisky in that bottle is 12 years old.

Single Grain Scotch Whisky: Growing in notoriety, Single Grain Scotch Whisky is distilled at a single distillery but may involve other malted or unmalted whole grains and utilize varied still types.

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: This is the latest name to describe a blend of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries. It has also been called “vatted malt” or “pure malt.”

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky: This is fairly hard to find, but it is a blend of two or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries.

– Does Scotch go by another name (layman terms?)?

Whisky, Blend, Single Malt, (The word whisky (or whiskey) is an anglicisation of the Gaelic word uisce|uisge meaning water. Distilled alcohol was known in Latin as aqua vitae = “water of life”. This was translated to Gaelic as Irish: uisce beatha and Scottish Gaelic: uisge beatha = “lively water” or “water of life”. Early forms of the word in English included uskebeaghe (1581), usquebaugh (1610), usquebath (1621), usquebae (1715).

– How is Whisky different than other types of alcohol?

It is distilled from grains and water to a proof that does not completely strip away the flavor of the original grain and it must be aged in oak.

– What is the process for making Scotch?
This is a fairly intricate question that has a myriad of facets, but I will try to simply outline the process focusing on Single Malt. First step is the barley is tricked into thinking it spring by steeping it in warm water until it begins to sprout. This process creates an enzyme called amylase which converts the difficult to access starches into easily accessed sugars. Then the sprouting is stopped by heating up the barley, a mash of the malted barley is made and yeast is thrown in to begin fermentation. After fermentation the ‘beer’ is distilled, at least twice in a pot still and the ‘heart’ of the distillate is set to age in oak.

– What are traditional drinks made with Scotch?

Well there are a few, but some popular ones are: Rob Roy, Rusty Nail, Scotch & Soda, Blood & Sand, Godfather, Bobby Burns, Whisky Mac, etcetera…

– What is important in choosing Scotch? year? brand? region? etc…

Personal preference should be the only governance in choosing.

My coworker Tobin Sharp, had this to add: “Though it is a good idea to sample a variety of whiskies from the various regions to see what tickles the palate, i.e., Highland Speyside against Islay, Lowlands, Skye, Orkney, etc. We’re also seeing many interesting choices in oak barrels used to age whisky in, from traditional sherry and bourbon to rum and wine casks, which influence the outcome of the whiskies in nose and palate.

– Give me recommendations for: Entry level, intermediate, Moving up the ladder, and I just got married and want to celebrate like money is not an obstacle!

These would vary DRAMATICALLY according to personal preferrence, so I usually do this on a “person-to-person” level.

My coworker Tobin Sharp, also had this to add: “Another place where sampling comes into play… 50ml bottles or whisky tastings are a good option. I tend to recommend Highland Speyside malts as a starting point with more northern distilleries and Islay whiskies for the  intermediate to ‘beyond’ range, with longer-aged whiskies certainly going ‘beyond’ in price, although there are some lesser-known aged whiskies that are quite a good deal when compared to their more ‘popular’ liquid brethren. You have to start somewhere so I don’t shy away from the more well-known brands, whiskies that imbibers will find at most bars around the globe, as a home base.”

– Any notable historical figures champion Scotch?

Too numerous to mention, but here are a few: George Bernard Shaw (pictured left), Humphrey Bogart, Robert Burns, Ernest Hemingway, James Boswell, Sir Winston Churchill, George Burns, Jon Bon Jovi, Johnny Carson, William Faulkner, W.C. Fields, Sir Alexander Fleming, Ava Gardner, Horace Hutchinson, Horace Hutchinson, Joe E. Lewis, Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart, Igor Stravinsky …etc., etc. this could go one and on. Here to wrap it up is a great quote from Igor Stravinsky: “My God, so much I like to drink Scotch that sometimes I think my name is Igor Stra-whiskey.”

– What resources do you offer Scotch drinkers?

Well other than amazing selection and great prices, there are several experts to give the “person-to- person” level of assistance empowering you by your preferrences, your budget and your unique needs.

My coworker Tobin Sharp, also had this to add: “We also offer a monthly newsletter with one to two pages of spirits reviews– Scotch is fairly well represented throughout the year– and it’s written by our man Forrest! These reviews tend to find a home in our regular spirits sections on our website.

www.hitimewine.net
www.facebook.com/pages/Hi-Time-Wine-Cellars/113101598768106
www.facebook.com/forrest.cokely
www.adrinkwithforrest.blogspot.com/

Mr. M

www.facebook.com/Gentlemens.Ave

LYMLRMBGB! 

 

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Uncovering Barber History: The Waldorf Barbershop & Shaving Saloon

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Gents,

Most modern craftsmen are first generation but a lucky few can claim second generation and there is the rarity of being third generation. William Finnegan started a tradition of barbering that stands at odds with time because his son and granddaughter continue the craft, and in the process uncovered a legendary barbershop in Dublin, Ireland.

The Finnegan barbering craft began at William’s shop in Inchicore, a suburb of Dublin. At the young age of 10, Liam started sweeping, cleaning and running errands at the shop. The barbershop was a mix of working class gentlemen with a laid back atmosphere and story telling. The common topic was the gentlemanly sport of boxing. William, an enthusiast, was enthralled with the combative yet graceful sport and coached for a period. According to Liam his father, “loved to talk boxing in shop. Back then boxing and barbering went hand in hand.” Not only did the working class frequent the shop but also the great Irish playwright Brendan Behan. The shop was a mix of society, culture and life that created fertile soil for the Finnegan tradition to take root.

The relationship between William and Liam was not only centered on barbering skills but many life lessons stemmed from the craft. One piece of advice that was passed on from father to son is, “As a barber you’d always have some money in your pocket, and always to be scrupulously honest in your dealings with everybody.” It is with that philosophy and training that Liam set off on a barbering journey.

After apprenticing for six years in Dublin he moved to London and continued learning the craft. The shops he worked in were from various time periods; the Victorian style had wooden chairs and rounded sinks in Angel Court, on Throgmorton Street and the Queen Anne style at the famous Savoy Hotel. According to Liam, “I liked that these shops were so very different to what was back home in Ireland…these shops were not so much nostalgic back then, ‘Old’ was not that popular then.” During this period customers came from all walks of life, bankers, ordinary folk, Steve McQueen, Rolling Stones and many more notables. Eventually he came home to Dublin and worked at his father’s shop.

If you happen to be in Dublin and walk along Westmoreland Street you just might miss the world famous Waldorf Barbershop and Shaving Saloon. The entrance to the shop is located on the street level but upon entering the historical building, built in 1894, you will find a stairway that goes below the street to a portal to 1946.

The original shop opened in 1929 in the Westin Hotel by Mr. Thomas J. O’Byrne, commonly known as “Tommy Two Guns”. He worked as a journeyman barber aboard Cunard Ocean Steamers in the 1910’s and 20’s and traveled to the United States were he was influenced by the modern decor of New York barbershops. In 1946 Tommy Two Guns opened a second barbershop about one block north in the Adare building. The shop was modern and reminiscent of what he experienced in New York. Essentially, New York barbering was transported to the Emerald Isle.

In 1969 the Waldorf located in the Westin building closed its doors and the Waldorf Adare, as it was called, continued the craft of barbering. The times were changing and so were the hairstyles. Soon after, the shop was transformed into a Spanish Style Café.

Liam was working at his father’s shop when the opportunity to purchase the legendary Waldorf came calling. Liam and his daughter Linda obtained the shop and started the process of uncovering a legend from the grave of linoleum, “The first thing we did when we took over the reins at the Waldorf was to bring it back to exactly the way it was when it first opened in March 1946. There had been some modifications to the shop, back when it was just an old barbershop, and not a vintage shop. But all the changes were just on the surface.” Fortunately most of the modifications done in the 60’s/70’s were only superficial and under the linoleum the beautiful original terrazzo floor waited to be unveiled!

The Waldorf is not a nostalgic themed barbershop because it remains in its original form and contains many barbering artifacts. According to Liam, “There is a barber’s coat hanging in the backroom that is 100 years old. Two of the chairs date from 1908. Let me just say, when I’m at the Waldorf Barbershop, there are always about a half dozen things 100 years old or so within 20 feet of me.” Having the original sinks, fixtures and décor keeps the shop authentic. The backroom serves as a museum of sorts for barbering instruments and memorabilia.

The Waldorf offers world class grooming for men by highly skilled barbers. Liam, a barbering legend, believes the barber chair is an equalizer of ego for the famous and commoner, “Yes, we see them come in to the shop they wait just like everyone else. After all where else would they go? And we treat them just like every other customer. The other way we look at that is that every normal customer gets the movie star treatment. The only time a famous person came in outside of normal hours was when Frank Sinatra was playing Dublin back in ‘86 if I remember correctly. The shop opened a half hour early to accommodate him getting an edge up.”

Not only is Liam continuing the barbering tradition but also Linda, his beautiful daughter, is following in her father and grandfather’s footsteps. She started working in her grandfather’s shop when she was 12 years old.  According to Liam,“She is the other part of the team, who along with Mr. H, drive the business forward. An excellent, word class and competition-winning barber. She brings the old styles to a new level of accuracy.” If you are fortunate to get your hair cut by Liam his approach is open and masterfully honed, “Every one is different – every cut is different, sometimes I don’t know how I’ve done the haircut till I think about it after. But I’ll do whatever is required to get the hair to sit just right.” Liam masterfully feels the cut without giving it too much thought and the craft is like breathing, natural.

The Waldorf is a testament to the tradition of barbering and is propelled by the Finnegan’s and the talented staff of barbers who are influencing barbers world-wide. According to Liam, “People of all ages want to look sharper and more groomed now. This applies especially to younger people. There is a huge interest in the kind of work we do, and a real interest and appreciation for the craft of traditional barbering. For me personally, I am very proud to be a barber. It is a great craft to work at. It wasn’t always seen as such. I believe my legacy will be having been a part of the reappreciation of this old craft.” The Waldorf barbershop, created by Tommy Two Guns has been in continuous business for 84 years, the Waldorf represents the golden age of barbering. Much like William’s shop, the Waldorf is a mix of society, culture and life with roots that are spreading beyond the Finnegan family and Ireland.

Waldorf Barbershop and Shaving Saloon  www.facebook.com/Waldorf.Barbershop

Mr. M

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LYB!

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An Old Curious Saying, “The Word Of A Gentleman Is As Good As His Bond”

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Gents,

The great author Charles Dickens (1812-1870) wrote a phrase that echoes and casts a shadow upon all who read it in The Old Curiosity Shop (1840-1841), “the word of a Gentleman is as good as his bond.” The statement declares that words spoken by a Gentleman have value and are binding but tragically today words become an audible sound that never make it into practice or action.

A Gentleman’s word is binding because there is value in what is said but only when actions follow. The idea of a bond is something that you are obligated to fulfill. For instance, if you tell a friend that you will be at their house at 5 p.m. and don’t show up, you have demonstrated your words do not have any value.

A Gentleman’s word reflects who you are and the actions will prove whether you are trustworthy. Individuals start business arrangements with the mere exchange of words, ideas and concepts, trust and security is the foundation to forming relationships. If the person proves to be untrustworthy by their actions they have proved their meaningless value. Their word cannot be valued and trusted.

In the technologically advanced era of emails, facebook, twitter, text messages and anything else that can be used to communicate with others, the spoken and written word needs to be a Gentleman’s bond. If we fail to meet our obligations then words will be meaningless sounds and relationships will be broken.

Men of tradition and distinction have upheld their word by binding themselves to what they say. Never over commit and fulfill your obligations because only then will you demonstrate that you are a Gentleman whose word is his bond.

Mr. M

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LYMLRMBGB!

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Nikki & Matt Hill: A Soulful Love Story

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Gentlemen,

“I got a man, way to treat me so right…I got a love, so sweet and so true” are lyrics to a heart pounding soulful song powered by the voice of Nikki Hill complimented with the energized guitar playing of Matt Hill.

Witnessing a stage full of musicians playing with intensity and love for music is just about as good as it gets. Unless you are fortunate enough to see Nikki and Matt, whose love goes beyond notes and lyrics on sheets of paper. The music produced by this power couple penetrates the soul and paints a picture of love.

The sound of the young lady from Durham, North Carolina is reminiscent of Lavern Baker, Etta James, Ruth Brown, Little Richard, and Otis Redding. Nikki started her vocal journey in a place that is familiar to many legends and those seeking solace for the soul. At the young age of 8 years old Nikki began to sing in the church choir and continued into her teens. I watched a video of Nikki performing Saved and her introduction speaks volumes about the woman with a soulful booming voice, “Gospel music never leaves you, no matter where you go. The intensity and the energy of Gospel music is something that is unforgettable.” Music and singing is not only entertainment but also spiritual.

Not only does Matt play a mean axe but he also has a prolific voice with shades of The Band, Waylon Jennings, Carl Perkins, Albert Collins and Howlin Wolf.  Listening to Matt’s heartfelt lyrics remind you of the great lyricists in country and blues that sang of love lost and found, joy and pain and may strike a chord with where you have been in life or where you currently are. He released two albums and won the 2011 Best New Artist Debut at the Blues Music Awards.

About six years ago a group of friends insisted that the two youngest people in their group should meet. Apparently the mutual group of friends believed the two would “hit it off.” According to Nikki, “they were right! We became great friends and that is still the base of our relationship now.” This March the couple will celebrate their second wedding anniversary and the love they share is unmistakeable, “everyday is memorable with Matt. Every time we share the stage, or we’re up late driving to the next destination, or we are just enjoying each other’s company, it’s all very memorable for me.” The bond is based in love but also in music.

One vital component in any band is not only a mutual love for music but also chemistry among the members, Nikki and Matt are fortunate. Nikki says, “When we play together I feel like we can set the stage on fire!” The intensity and mutual energy is evident in the recordings and performances. It is very difficult to listen or watch them perform without wanting to tear up the dance floor.

Matt has released two recordings and the latest, Tappin That Thang features Nikki providing the back up vocals. Nikki’s first EP features Matt on guitar. Keep a watchful eye in 2013 because they will be touring extensively and Nikki will release her full-length album. The couple travels around the country and abroad sharing their love of music and experiencing life together as musicians, friends and soul mates.

I cannot fully describe the depth and intensity that must accompany this talented and blessed couple. Musicians travel many back roads and highways with friends and band members to get to their next gig. Undoubtedly at times it is not glorious but the Hill’s are impacting more than the music scene with their soulful story of love. At the end of the day Nikki and Matt have each other.

www.nikkihillmusic.com

www.facebook.com/nikkihillmusic

www.facebook.com/matthillmusic

Mr. M

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LYMLRMBGB!

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Ready For St.Valentines Day?

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Gents,

It is the beginning of February and Gentlemen are preparing to celebrate St. Valentines Day with their special lady. Some of the great love songs in history depict the feelings between a man and a woman; “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley, “Strangers In The Night” by Frank Sinatra,  “To Be With You” by Thee Midniters, or “At Last” by Etta James. Music may set the tone for your night but don’t forget that your actions will speak louder.

The origin of St. Valentines Day has several different versions and the only thing agreed upon is that Valentine/Valentinus was martyred for his actions. The Catholic Church has three saints named Valentine or Valentinus but I prefer the story of a priest who defied the Roman Emperor Claudius II during the third century. The Emperor outlawed the marriage of young men because he believed that they would make better soldiers. Valentine did not agree with the Emperor and continued to marry young couples and was killed for his actions. One could say that he fought for love against an unjust Emperor who overstepped his boundaries.

Gentlemen across the world demonstrate their love and care for women in different ways and February 14th is set apart to recognize that special someone in your life. Whether you buy a card, box of chocolates, flowers or plan a special dinner, the important thing is that you do something.

Mr. M

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LYMLRMBGB!

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A Gem That Would Make Vargas Proud

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Gentlemen,

The great Peruvian born painter Alberto Vargas created images for Esquire magazine that inspired men during World War II. The son of a prominent photographer he was sent to Europe to study photography but instead fell in love with art. His life took a turn that no one ever imagined and when he arrived to the United States he was not the photographer his parents planned. Vargas became an artist that would change the way we look at women because he mastered the pin-up and created a timeless jewel. Sometimes detours in life can give birth to destiny.

A young lady from conservative Orange County, California traveled to New York City in March 2003 and fell in love with the sites and sounds of the big city. The experience was so great that in October 2003 she decided to uproot from Orange County and move to New York City. LIttle did she know but that decision would change her life. She quickly found a job and began to experience the sites and sounds of Manhattan, cocktails at South Street Seaport and the Lower East Side and the amazing Coney Island. It was a vibrant place full of culture and art.

One discovery in particular would give birth to the burlesque dancer, pin-up model and actress known as Ruby Champagne.  According to Ruby, “I discovered the New York School of Burlesque, where I started learning the Art of Burlesque and made a couple new friends who shared the common interest and love of Burly-Q.” Success did not come overnight because Ruby started as a back up dancer and modeling burlesque costumes. It is difficult to keep someone so talented and beautiful in the background and after a lot of hard work she eventually made her burlesque debut in New York.  By October 2006 tragedy struck her life and there were a few deaths in the family and she decided it was time to come back home.

The young lady that left California to explore the vibrant and culturally thriving city came back as Ruby Champagne. The dream of performing did not remain in New York and Ruby says, “thanks to the world wide web I was able to find connections to continue pursuing my goal of performing in Los Angeles when I moved back to California.” The opportunities were not limited to the Art of Burlesque but thanks to many friends and networking she was able to begin modeling as a pin-up. One great moment for Ruby was being crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas in 2010. Not only has Ruby modeled but she also ventured into acting. Ruby has appeared in New York City, Texas, New Mexico and throughout California.

A Ruby is among the four precious stones (Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond) and I believe the talent, skills and natural ability is what makes her valuable. The future for Ruby Champagne is bright and the possibilities are endless. She has a smile that can melt anyone and a radiant personality that is lacking in many entertainers today. I have no doubt that she will appear internationally and if I was part of the directing and production teams of Mad Men or Boardwalk Empire I would quickly secure her because I know she could stand her ground with Donald Draper or Nucky Thompson. That is my preference but this talented gemstone can succeed in any opportunity she is given.

Alberto Vargas took a detour from photography in Europe and embraced art that gave birth to pin-ups. It was an unexpected detour in Ruby’s life, while in New York, that gave birth to the great entertainer known as Ruby Champagne the burlesque dancer, pin-up model and actress. The young lady is courageous and found her art and is on the path to fulfilling her destiny.

Gentlemen of tradition and distinction have long embraced and cherished the lovely ladies of burlesque and pin-up. The art of Mr. Vargas inspired men in WWII to paint them on the nose of their planes and give them names like Georgia Peach and Sentimental Journey. I hope that modern Gentlemen continue to appreciate and be inspired by their beauty and talent because I do not doubt that Mr. Vargas would have painted this Ruby.

 photos courtesy of: Girlie Show Photo, Bella Bombshells, Angela Morales Photography

Ruby Champagne on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/rubychampagne.mexicanspitfire

Mr. M

www.facebook.com/Gentlemens.Ave

 

LYRMBGB!

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What Is The Difference Between History and Tradition?

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Gentlemen,

Recently I met with my old professor and mentor for a cup of coffee that lasted over 5 hours. We stayed much longer than either of us anticipated discussing family, life and the future. During our conversation he pulled out a pocketknife that had a wood grain handle and began to talk about it. He told me “I really wanted this knife because it belongs to my father (90 years strong).” The knife is worn and over sharpened but he looked at it as if he had seen a precious piece of cutlery for the first time and said, “this is a banana knife and people in the packing house need it to make sure they have the right tool for the job.” His family owns one of the oldest grower/packing houses in central California (96 years).  I quietly thought, a Gentleman with a PH.D that carries his father’s pocketknife around, “you are a badass!” The knife is not a showpiece and he uses it often, noticeable in the wear, but it is a rich part of his tradition. Tradition is often confused with history and they are worlds apart.

History is the past and exists in events, memories and stories. Maybe you sit around with family/friends and the stories typically beginning with, “When I was younger we used to…” or “I remember…” At times there is distance and disconnect with the facts and genuine feelings can be associated with the memories. History is at the mercy of being able to recall the details with accuracy and often times family members or friends say, “No, it happened like this…” The saying, history is HIS-Story has some element of truth.

Tradition may begin in history but instead of being a memory it exists in the present. The origin of the word “tradition” comes from the Latin tradere, trans=across + dare=give (Macbook dictionary). The root word means to pass along beliefs and customs. Tradition can be created and developed during the present and continue into the future. In other words, tradition is active compared to history that is inactive. The tradition can be as simple as cooking breakfast for your loved ones every Sunday morning, playing poker two times a month with a group of friends or caring for your elderly parents. Either way, it is a repeated behavior based in your beliefs.

The only way history can be transformed into a tradition is by creating and teaching in the present. It can be something that you learned as a child and no longer practice and by taking action you create tradition. I have never heard anyone speak fondly of letting traditions die out and those that are established and rekindled can live on.

We at Gentlemen’s Avenue believe that part of being a Gentleman is being able to teach and create traditions with friends, family and the community because only then can we tradere, “pass along”, beliefs and customs to others. We believe in tradition so strongly that our motto is “Modern Men of Tradition & Distinction”. Everyone has different traditions, whether it is going to a traditional barber that practices the craft of barbering for a quality cut or preserving your fathers pocketknife. It is important to create and teach traditions to younger generations your children, nieces/nephews or apprentices.

Photo Courtesy of Master Barber Bertus with Jens (Father & Son)

www.schorembarbier.nl/

www.facebook.com/Schorem

Mr. M

www.facebook.com/Gentlemens.Ave

Modern Men of Tradition & Distinction

LYRMBGB!

 

 

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Quality Craft Beer At The Modern Bruery

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Gentlemen,

On January 16, 1920 the world for beer craftsman in the United States changed with the 18th Amendment to the Constitution known as Prohibition and the effects are still lingering today. The effort to ban alcohol consumption in the United States did not start over night and began in the late 1800’s with the temperance movement and by 1916 half of the country already prohibited alcohol coupled with the Volstead Act of 1919, alcohol became illegal and breweries closed. Once prohibition was repealed in 1933 many of the brewers did not come back and only a few reopened. The period of ordinary flavorless tasting beer was born and quality-crafted beer was destined for extinction.

So what happens when a Gentleman pursuing a law degree begins to craft quality beer? A craft beer company named the Bruery is born (combined Brewery and family name Rue). Ironically it was the law that almost killed craft beer and Patrick Rue a first year law student along with his brother Chris began to revive a tradition, quality crafted beer.

The Bruery is located in Placentia, CA and houses the brewery and a tasting room where the discerning Gentleman can come and have a few or more than a few quality crafted beers. You will not find any of the “Big Company” generic flavor beers, nothing that resembles Budweiser, Coors, Miller or any of the smaller labels they may own. The Big Companies have one focus to sell as much beer as possible.

The Bruery is focused on Ales and according to Benjamin Weiss, Director of Marketing for The Bruery “Ales run the gamut from stouts to IPA’s to lambics to browns. We like to play with our beer and get a lot of flavor, so ales are the way to go.” One thing The Bruery is not lacking is flavor and you may have a moment of “this tastes strange” (unfamiliar) because the Big Company generic Lager has desensitized our taste. What you experience at The Bruery is full of flavor with dynamic ingredients and only by exploring will you enjoy old world craft beer from a modern Bruery. When it comes to ingredients The Bruery is aggressive in creating a quality craft beer, “We’re influenced by all of the flavors, smells, experiences and cultures around us.”

The Bruery is reminiscent of old world beer crafting because many of the traditional methods are used. For one, the beers are not pasteurized, “We keep our beers alive. Many of our beers are cellarable for anywhere from 1-20 years and having live yeast in the bottle is what will help those beers mature with time” Weiss says. Also, the bottled beer is naturally carbonated “this is the more natural and historical way of doing things. While we do experiment and we do have to force carbonate some of our higher alcohol beers, we like to adhere to tradition when possible. Again, this natural carbonation and addition of yeast to the bottles allows the beer to develop with age.”  No-pasteurization and naturally occurring carbonation was not enough to create high quality craft beer because The Bruery also ages the beer! The process of barrel aging is timely and expensive but The Bruery dedicates approximately 50%of the production to oak barrel aging compared to most brewers that age less than 2% of their production. Currently The Bruery has a warehouse with 3,000 oak barrels.

The best way to explore the quality-crafted beer from The Bruery is by purchasing a flight (pictured right) in which you can mix and match several different beers and taste each one, just think a sampler tray. If you have no clue what to ask for let the friendly and knowledgeable tasting room servers prepare a flight based on your preferences. One note of caution, not all beers are year round so take note of what you like and find out what collection it belongs to; year round, seasonal, special, special draft. My favorite is Saison Rue described as “Belgian/French style farmhouse ale brewed from rye 8.5% abv” which thankfully is year round! The tasting room is open to the public, tours are also available and food trucks are stationed outside. A great way to really explore the beer is by joining one of The Bruery societies.

It took a few decades to prohibit alcohol and craft beer never made it back into the mainstream. In order to enjoy quality craft beer knowledge and exploration will be required. Many other craft brewers across the United States are making the journey in the marketplace. The Bruery is on a path with old world beers in mind and defining what quality crafted beer should be ahead. At last count The Bruery is available in 20 states and in Eastern Europe. You can always stop by The Bruery to enjoy, explore and experience quality crafted beer.

Gentlemen of Tradition and Distinction have long enjoyed beer and only through quality and innovation can the beer craft remain relevant and progressive. A hearty CHEERS to the men and women of The Bruery!

Online:

www.thebruery.com

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/thebruery

Mr. M

www.facebook.com/gentlemens.ave

 

LYRMBGB!

 

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