Haute Toys

Out of the Humidor: Camacho Liberty 201

Small production and great quality have made Camacho a favorite among cigar aficionados since 1961. The Camacho philosophy has always been to stay true to its heritage and honor the land from where the tobacco is grown, while providing a simple, dominant experience.

In 2002, Camacho first offered its annual limited edition collection (one size, one blend) using the best tobaccos available. Just as a particular wine’s vintage runs its course, so too do the limited runs of Camacho Liberty. This year’s blend epitomizes the Camacho experience—straightforward, rich, and fabulously tasting tobacco.

The shape is unique to Camacho, resembling a snake that has just swallowed a rat. It is the fullest bodied Liberty edition of late and is composed of a blend of Honduran and Dominican filler tobaccos, a Honduran binder, and Honduran wrapper.  Not only do these cigars sell out quickly, but they are always sought after by collectors long after they’ve been released.

Packed individually and in boxes of 20 for $16.60 per stick, they are available for a limited time at premium tobacconists and www.camachocigars.com. – Michael Herklots

Hauto: Porsche 918 Spyder

This hybrid concept car debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last March. Universally applauded for its drop-dead good looks, the Porsche 918 Spyder integrates visual cues from Porsche’s last supercar, the Carerra GT, but sheds volume for a sleeker, more tightly wrapped package. This car consists of a hybrid drivetrain that is capable of either admirably efficient mileage (78 mpg) or enthralling performance (0 – 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, top speed of 198 mph).

The 918 features four drive modes that offer varying degrees of electric motor integration with commensurate levels of fuel efficiency and inversely proportionate performance. Porsche may be the only manufacturer with immediate plans to produce a pure two-seater sports car hybrid.

This model features a new Porsche cockpit interface that includes a wheel mounted selector for the various hybrid modes, three large display dials for gauges, and a center console touch screen. The steering wheel also features the paddle controls of the company’s famously robust dual clutch PDK 7-speed transmission, as well as a new button that provides temporary overboost via the car’s electric systems, a feature that Porsche has dubbed E-boost.

Pricing and target volume are yet to be released, but it’s reasonable to expect similar numbers to the Carrera GT, ($440,000, with roughly 1,270 examples between 2003 and 2006.) – Mike Daly

Haute Yacht: Mi Sueño

The 190-feet Mi Sueño, recently delivered by Trinity Yachts, boasts a handful of well-designed relaxation areas that could make other superyacht owners green with envy. This yacht provides an extra place to welcome guests and relax with a wine-tasting room. Interior designer Patrick Knowles delineated it with marble and tile underfoot and silver leaf overhead. Knowles further commissioned custom, climate-controlled wine cabinets to line the walls with more than 400 bottles of wine. Plush benchseats, flanked by petrified tree trunks that serve as end tables, let the guests gather to discuss the libations. They can even select a cigar from humidors beneath the wine cabinets.

Another well-fashioned gathering area is the sundeck, which has lounges for catching rays, an alfresco dining spot, a bar, and both a hot tub and dip pool. The semi-circular bar has an aft countertop, accompanied by a few bar stools, and a forward counter top, which butts up directly against the hot tub. This allows an intimate setting for guests to laugh and talk with one another, and also request tropical drinks within arm’s distance.

Mi Sueño is available for charter for a party of 12 in the Mediterranean for about $355,682 per week. International Yacht Collection holds the central listing, though you can also book through your favorite charter broker. – Diane M. Byrne

Haute Gadget: Amazon’s Third Generation Kindle

The new Amazon Kindle design is an improvement over the former model. The size is reduced by 20 percent and the weight by 15 percent, while still maintaining the 6-inch reading screen. With enhanced battery life, a single charge can last up to one month of use. In addition, this generation boasts double the storage (up to 3,500 books) and 20 percent faster page turns. The new Kindle also features new tools like a point-and-click dictionary and text-to-speech, which can turn your books into books-on-tape.

Unlike the iPad’s LCD screen, the Kindle can be as easily read in sunlight. In the wake controversy over the iPad’s overheating issue, the Kindle claims to never get hot, making the device comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.

The Kindle now comes in two versions: The full version Kindle is priced at $189 with a 3G capacity and global wireless coverage. The Wi-Fi-only version is just $139 but does not have these features. Both versions of the third generation Kindle are available at www.amazon.com. – Melissa Martin

Haute Gadget: Gresso’s Luxor Las Vegas Phone

If you’re in the habit of losing your cell phone, this one may not be for you. Gresso has unveiled its new Luxor line of mobile phones that includes the $1 million Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot and the $20,000 Luxor Las Vegas. Inspired by the Egyptian-themed Luxor Hotel and Casino and the aesthetics of modern Las Vegas, the Jackpot comes bathed in 180 grams of gold along with 45.5 karats of black diamonds decorating the front and 200-year-old African blackwood encasing the back. Every key on the keypad features a crystal sapphire, polished manually with the help of diamond tool. Fear not running into a friend boasting the same phone. Only three Jackpots will be made, each engraved with the personal number on the back.

If the $1 million price tag is too rich for your blood, consider Gresso’s Luxor Las Vegas. The $20,000 phone comes encased in gold and embellished with a bezel and African blackwood, but loses the black diamonds to drop the price.

Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot, $1 million, and Gresso Luxor Las Vegas, $20,000, will be available at
www.gresso.com. – Susan Stapleton