What new bourbon are we pumped about? Which hiking trail are we exploring? Why is the next supercar so cool? The Manual is dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life. Each week, our editors and guests get together for a round-table discussion about what’s new, exciting, and unique in the men’s lifestyle world. So pop open your favorite brew, step into your man cave, and start streaming. Shout out to Portland-based No Kind of Rider for our intro/exit music.
This week’s Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast heads 90 miles south of Key West to the home of rum, sugarcane, communism, and cigars. Yes, our latest episode focuses on all things Cuba.
Editor-in-Chief of The Manual, Cator Sparks, recently traveled around Cuba on a cruise. While he didn’t like the cruising aspect of the trip, he came away with more than enough recommendations, tips, tricks for anyone orchestrating a visit to the country. From aking sure you have enough cash currency on hand to understanding that internet hot spots are few and far between, Cator offers up a memorable description of his time on the isle and how its people and culture are one of the Caribbean’s true joys.
Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Cuba Episode
Next up, Spirits Editor Sam Slaughter gives us a rundown of Cuba’s rum wars between Bacardi and Havana Club. It’s too complicated to explain here — take a listen to understand the internecine and labyrinthine battle of the two biggest booze titans in the world. Slaughter also tells us the truth behind the Daiquiri and delights us in a few stories about Ernest Hemingway’s bad behavior, including how he (apocryphally or not) drank 48 ounces of rum in one sitting. The round table also explores a little Cuban history, vintage cars, and egg-shortages.
Further Reading
Photo Gallery: Classic Cuban Cars to Take You Back in Time: Known as United Nations Cars, vintage American vehicles from the 40s and 50s flourish with engines cobbled together from parts from all around the globe. The bodies are all US, the innards are all international.
Rules Governing American Travel to Cuba Have Changed Again: With the kind of leadership we have in government right now, it’s no wonder the rules and restrictions governing American travel to Cuba change so often. We give you the scoop on the latest.
Best Bottles of Rum Under $20: You can’t talk about Cuba without talking about sugarcane and, of course, rum. Check out our picks for the best bottles under $20.
