A Refined Retreat: Inside Christian Gnizak’s Bourbon and Cigar Room

From carefully curated cigars to premium bourbons, one homeowner creates a contemporary space for savoring life’s finer indulgences.

Christian Gnizak enjoys a good cigar – mostly lighter ones such as Nicaraguan cigars – paired with a good bourbon. Christian, along with his wife Rima, lives on Santa Marie Court in their home that features a bourbon and cigar room on its lower level.

Christian describes his room as contemporary in style.  It features an air filtration system, and he has a humidor, which houses his collection of cigars.  

His preferred bourbons are Blanton’s, Blanton’s Gold, Angel’s Envy, and 1792 Bourbon, which is a straight bourbon whiskey from the historic Barton 1892 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.

How to Smoke a Cigar

If you are a novice to cigar smoking, here are a few tips to try one:
  • To smoke a cigar, first cut the cap, then toast the foot evenly with a flame like a butane lighter.
  • Without inhaling, puff gently to draw smoke into your mouth to savor the flavor before exhaling. 
  • Pace yourself with puffs every 30-60 seconds, don't inhale, and let the cigar die out naturally for an enjoyable experience.