Smoke & Oak Explores the Intertwined Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars—and Offers a First-of-Its-Kind Pairing Guide

New Book by Sebastian Saviano Releases May 28, 2025

MIAMI, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The American Cigar Press proudly announces the release of Smoke & Oak: The Shared Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars – An American Story of Craft, Culture & the Science of a Perfect Pairing, the latest work by author, researcher, and entrepreneur Sebastian Saviano. Following the success of America’s Cigar Story, Saviano turns his attention to the historic and sensory convergence of two of America’s most iconic crafts.

Spanning over four centuries, Smoke & Oak traces how cigars and bourbon—once humble colonial commodities—evolved into enduring symbols of craftsmanship, ritual, and regional pride. The book offers a rare blend of historical narrative and scientific insight, examining how these industries developed in parallel and why their pairing has become a meaningful cultural expression.

“Where America’s Cigar Story focused on the historical journey of a single tradition, Smoke & Oak looks at what happens when two traditions meet—and why that meeting resonates so deeply,” said Saviano, founder and CEO of The American Cigar Co. “This book is for anyone who has ever savored a pairing and wondered what story lies behind the flavor.”

Key Highlights of the Book:

  • A comprehensive dual history of American bourbon and cigars, from the 1600s to the modern boutique era.
  • The challenges of Prohibition and the Cuban Embargo—and how each industry adapted and revived.
  • Scientific exploration of flavor compounds, fermentation, and molecular pairing dynamics.
  • Regional terroir comparisons between Kentucky bourbon and premium cigar tobacco regions.
  • A full pairing guide including tasting techniques, a color Bourbon & Cigar Pairing Wheel, and practical tips for curating your own experiences.

Targeted at cigar aficionados, bourbon lovers, cultural historians, and hospitality professionals, Smoke & Oak brings together heritage and science in a richly engaging and accessible format.

Smoke & Oak: The Shared Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars will be available May 28, 2025, in hardcover through major booksellers and select cigar lounges. For more information, visit www.theamericancigarpress.com.

Media Inquiries and Review Copies:

Members of the press, industry publications, or event curators interested in receiving a review copy of Smoke & Oak or arranging an interview with the author may contact press@theamericancigar.com.

About The American Cigar Press:
The American Cigar Press is dedicated to documenting and preserving the rich history of craft, culture, and industry.

Publication Details:
Smoke & Oak: The Shared Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars – An American Story of Craft, Culture & the Science of a Perfect Pairing
ISBN: 979-8-998-51170-7 | LCCN: 2025936408

Contact:
Sebastian Saviano
The American Cigar Press
press@theamericancigar.com
305.770.8099
www.TheAmericanCigarPress.com

SOURCE The American Cigar Press