that was then..
When it first opened its doors at 53rd Street in Manhattan, the Stork Club became an icon, a shimmering beacon of elegance, influence, and exclusivity. It was where the golden era of the 1930s and ‘40s was immortalized nightly, as movie stars, socialites, and world leaders mingled under the glow of Manhattan’s skyline. The Stork Club wasn’t merely a nightclub, it was the nucleus of culture, a place where reputations were forged, deals were struck, and history was made. Today, nearly a century later, the Stork Club's legacy rises once more, refined and reimagined for a new audience. On January 9th, at the grand Albion Summit, the Landmark Club will unveil the Stork Club Whiskey Cigar Lounge, a modern iteration of this cultural phenomenon. With its unveiling, we welcome the launch of the Stork Club No. 53, a cigar that draws inspiration from its storied past while charting a bold, innovative course forward.The original Stork Club was the place to be seen. From Humphrey Bogart to Marilyn Monroe,
Ernest Hemingway to Frank Sinatra, its patrons defined an era of unparalleled glamour and sophistication.
Founder Sherman Billingsley cultivated more than a venue.. he created a universe. The club’s strict velvet
rope policy ensured exclusivity, while its impeccable service and opulent ambiance kept its doors as the
pinnacle of New York nightlife.
But the Stork Club was never just about indulgence. It was a statement. It was power, refinement, and
audacity wrapped in one gilded package. It stood for possibility—the ability to be at the right place, at
the right time, among the right people.
And that ethos is exactly what the Stork Club No. 53 aims to revive: a world where elegance meets purpose,
where indulgence meets intention.
Photo Credit: @cigarcrumbs
THIS IS NOW
To bring this vision to life, the Stork Club, led by Frank Cretella and John Williams, turned to Kingmakers, known for crafting cigars that are more than just a smoke—they’re a statement. Kingmakers approaches cigars as symbols of identity and culture, blending the legacy of tradition with modern sophistication. Together, Landmark Club and Kingmakers created the No. 53, a cigar that doesn’t just honor history, it transforms how we think about cigars in today’s world. This partnership is about more than cigars. It’s about rethinking how cigars are experienced. The new Stork Club Whiskey Cigar Lounge will be more than a venue, it will be a destination, a sanctuary where members can gather, connect, and reflect. It’s where the ritual of lighting a cigar becomes a moment of reflection, where modernity meets the weight of history.
Crafted in the lush tobacco fields of Estelí, Nicaragua, the Stork Club No. 53 is the pinnacle of curated craftsmanship. Built with an aged San Andrés Mexican wrapper and a balanced blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos, the medium-bodied cigar exudes complexity and elegance. Notes of toasted almonds, cedar, and espresso swirl together in a seamless dance of flavor, creating a profile that lingers long after the smoke has settled.
Packaged in sleek spanish cedar boxes adorned with subtle nods to the Stork Club's iconic imagery, every detail of the No. 53 reflects the craftsmanship and refinement behind its creation. This is not just a cigar, it’s a bridge between eras, a tribute to a bygone golden age infused with the spirit of today.
The Stork Club Whiskey Cigar Lounge at the Albion Summit will redefine exclusivity. Set against the stunning backdrop of one of Landmark Club’s most luxurious properties, the lounge is more than just a venue, it’s an experience. Membership extends beyond cigars, offering bespoke events, curated networking opportunities, and access to a world-class community of achievers and tastemakers. For those who value the weight of legacy and the thrill of innovation, the Stork Club No. 53 is more than a cigar. It’s a totem. A statement of sophistication and reflection. It transforms the way cigars are experienced, infusing each draw with the glamour of the past and the promise of what’s to come.
To learn more about becoming a member, or to make a reservation to visit the Albion Summit Whiskey and CIgar lounge contact your Kingmakers concierge at [email protected]
AS FEATURED ON
- Cigar Journal
https://www.cigarjournal.com/landmark-hospitality-launches-stork-club-lounge-exclusive-cigar/ - Cigar Snob
https://www.cigarsnobmag.com/news/2025/01/03/landmark-hospitality-launches-stork-club-cigar-lounge-membership/
- Half-Wheel
https://halfwheel.com/stork-club-name-returns-for-cigar-concept/445875/ - FOH Cigars
https://www.fohcigars.com/forum/topic/161249-stork-club-name-returns-for-cigar-concept/
- Cigar Coop
https://cigar-coop.com/2025/01/landmark-hospitality-brings-back-stork-club-with-lounge-program-and-cigars-from-kingmakers.html
- Cigar Inspector
https://www.cigarinspector.com/news/the-stork-club-name-returns-with-a-cigar-concept/
- Oxford Cigar Company
https://oxfordcigarcompany.com/2025/01/03/landmark-hospitality-launches-stork-club-cigar-lounge-membership-program-with-flagship-cigar-made-by-kingmakers/
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