On Saturday, February 21st, the doors of Casa Del Tabaco in Sparta, New Jersey opened for what turned out to be one of the best nights we've hosted yet. Fuego Fashion's Bourbon Tasting brought together bourbon lovers, cigar aficionados, and people who simply know how to enjoy a great evening — all under one roof.
If you weren't there, here's what you missed. And if you were, consider this your excuse to relive it.
The Venue: Casa Del Tabaco, Sparta NJ
There are cigar lounges, and then there's Casa Del Tabaco. Tucked into Sparta, New Jersey, this spot has everything — leather chairs that pull you in and don't let go, warm wood paneling, and an atmosphere that makes you forget what day it is. The massive Carlos Fuente mural behind the tasting station set the stage before anyone even poured a glass.
For our bourbon tasting, the lounge was transformed into the perfect setting. The main floor hosted the guided tasting, while the surrounding lounge areas gave guests room to spread out, light up a cigar, and settle into conversation. It's the kind of place where strangers become friends by the second pour.
The Bourbon: Presented by Wine Country of Newton, NJ
The star of the evening — the bourbon itself — was brought to us by Wine Country, based in Newton, New Jersey. Their team came prepared with a lineup that ranged from approachable to "where has this been all my life."
The guided tasting featured selections including Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond and Elijah Craig, among others. What made it special wasn't just the quality of the pours — it was the knowledge behind them. The Wine Country team walked guests through each selection with genuine enthusiasm, breaking down tasting notes, distillery histories, and pairing suggestions without ever making it feel like a lecture. They were friendly, approachable, and clearly passionate about what they do.
For anyone in the Newton, NJ area looking for a serious bourbon selection and knowledgeable staff, Wine Country is the move.
The Food: Sal's Pizzeria Came Through
No good tasting happens on an empty stomach. Sal's Pizzeria provided food for the evening, making sure guests had something solid alongside their pours. The combination of hot food, cold bourbon, and warm cigars is hard to beat — and Sal's delivered exactly what the night needed.
The Atmosphere: Cigars, Music, and Real Conversations
Once the guided tasting wrapped up around 9pm, the evening shifted gears. Guests moved deeper into the lounge, fired up cigars, and the live entertainment kicked in. There's something about the combination of bourbon warmth and cigar smoke that strips away pretense. Conversations flowed as easily as the drinks.
People came dressed sharp, but the vibe stayed relaxed. You had couples on leather couches, groups gathered around side tables debating bourbon rankings, and newcomers being welcomed like regulars. That's what a Fuego Fashion event is about — it's not exclusive in a way that keeps people out. It's exclusive in a way that makes everyone inside feel like they belong.
The Hosts: Dave and Douglas of Fuego Fashion
Dave and Douglas, the founders of Fuego Fashion, put this entire evening together. From coordinating with Wine Country for the bourbon selection to booking the live entertainment to making sure every guest felt at home — they handled it. These two have a knack for creating events that feel both elevated and effortless, and the February tasting was no exception.
If you've been to a Fuego Fashion event before, you know what to expect: attention to detail, genuine hospitality, and a night that runs longer than planned because nobody wants to leave.
The Photography: Mauricio Fernandez of Hariel Xavier Photography
Every image from this event was captured by Mauricio Fernandez of Hariel Xavier Photography, based in Sparta, NJ. Mauricio has a gift for catching the moments that matter — the mid-laugh expressions, the cigar smoke catching the light, the quiet moments between friends. His work is a big part of why our events look as good in photos as they felt in person.
Event photos and the slideshow were provided by Picsui, making it easy for every guest to relive the night and share their favorite moments.
What's Next: Two Events You Don't Want to Miss
The bourbon tasting was just the beginning of what 2026 has in store. Fuego Fashion has two major events coming up, and both are a serious step up:
Fashion Show at Atlantic Manor — March 29, 2026
We're heading to Atlantic Manor in Ogdensburg, NJ for a full fashion show experience. This is the signature Fuego Fashion event: a full-course gourmet dinner, premium open bar all night, two hand-selected premium cigars, an exclusive runway fashion show, and a VIP after-party back at Casa Del Tabaco. Catering by Guido's. Tickets are $150 per person, all-inclusive. Get your tickets here.
Fashion Event at Marbella — April 24, 2026
On Friday, April 24th, Fuego Fashion takes over Marbella Lounge at 610 Broadway, Newark, NJ. Doors open at 6pm. Open bar, all-you-can-eat buffet, fashion event on the red carpet, and complimentary premium cigars. Catering by Guido's. Same deal — $150 per person, everything included. Secure your spot.
Both events sell out. If the bourbon tasting is any indication of the energy Fuego Fashion brings, you don't want to be on the outside looking in.
Thank You to Our Partners
None of this happens without the people who make it happen:
- Casa Del Tabaco — Sparta, NJ. The best cigar lounge in the state. Period.
- Wine Country — Newton, NJ. Expert bourbon selection and an incredible guided tasting experience.
- Sal's Pizzeria — Keeping everyone fed and happy.
- Guido's — Catering for our upcoming Atlantic Manor and Marbella events.
- Hariel Xavier Photography — Sparta, NJ. Mauricio Fernandez behind the lens.
- Picsui — Event photos and slideshow.
To every guest who came out on February 21st — thank you. You made the night what it was. See you at Atlantic Manor.
