Govenor’s Cigar and Bourbon Tasting

Friday Ellis and gang took over the back room at Restaurant Cotton in June for a special, one-night-only event featuring signature Nicaraguan cigars from Black Label Trading Co. Ellis said the event is the first of many he hopes to organize for Governor’s Cigar and Pipe, a tobacconist store that opened earlier this year on Forsythe Avenue in Monroe.

For the event, Ellis brought in James Brown, the founder of Black Label Trading Co., and together they partnered with Chef Cory Bahr to pair Brown’s cigars with complementary bourbon and food offerings. The by-ticket-only event quickly sold out, and Ellis said he’s hopeful of holding similar events in the future.

Throughout the evening, Chef Cory sent out dishes, the bar mixed drinks, and patrons enjoyed a good smoke on the patio while visiting with Brown and his wife, Angela, about their company, the cigars they make, and the life that goes with operating a cigar company and an adventure travel company.