A Conversation with Bryant Thompson…
The result of a stellar career as a promoter in the nightlife entertainment industry, where he honed his skills in brand development and customer engagement, the name Bryant Thompson is synonymous with innovation and excellence. So, after accumulating more than 20 years in marketing and sales, guided by his love of tobacco and the culture that surrounds it, he found an important niche for this industry and united the two paths, giving birth to Smoke ‘N The Desert.
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Inspiration and Vision
In 2019, Smoke ‘N The Desert was conceived by two innovative minds: Bryant Thompson of Red Level Entertainment and humidor company Angels Safe Cigar. The shared dream was to create an extraordinary experience during Cigar Week in Phoenix, the very heart of Arizona. But more than just an event, they envisioned bringing together enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the craftsmanship, heritage, and community spirit that surrounds premium tobacco.
The dream took shape thanks to the collaboration Bryant obtained from experts who shared his love of cigars, and together they carefully planned a weekend that would offer an unforgettable experience. 2020 brought with it unexpected challenges that temporarily halted the plans, and even when in January 2022 the death of Angel – founder of Angels Safe Cigar and a key figure in Bryant’s career – was added to this, this did not stop the project, but rather it propelled it as a way to honor his legacy.
New partners have joined the initiative, and with Keake Williams, Trimarco Coleman and Michael Dix bringing a wealth of experience and passion, Smoke ‘N The Desert remains a top-notch event. Fans enjoy a variety of activities that cater to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. These include cigar tastings and pairings, workshops and seminars, live entertainment and networking opportunities.
Traveling across the states, Bryant has seen notable changes in the cigar community: “There’s more diversity all the time. A lot of women and younger people are embracing the culture, which is great.” She also exemplifies the differences between cities: “Chicago (Illinois) has a long tradition of cigar lounges that cater to a more classic, traditional crowd. Phoenix (Arizona) has a more relaxed, contemporary vibe. Both have vibrant communities, but the experiences in each are different.”
Desert Smoke Cocktail
If Bryant were to create a signature cocktail for Smoke ‘N The Desert, it would be a blend of bold and smooth flavors, much like the event itself. “I would use a base of aged whiskey , for its depth and richness. I would add a touch of coffee liqueur, which represents the robust flavors of cigars; a little vanilla syrup, to smooth it out, and I would finish it with a twist of orange peel, to add a refreshing citrus note… I would call it Desert Smoke .”
Ingredients:
— 2 oz of aged whiskey .
— 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur.
— 0.25 oz vanilla syrup.
— Orange peel twist
Instructions:
— Combine the aged whiskey , coffee liqueur and vanilla syrup in a mixing glass with ice.
— Stir well to cool and combine flavors.
— Strain into a rocks glass, over a large ice cube.
— Decorate with the orange peel.
Through dedication, collaboration and love for cigars, Bryant Thompson and his team continue to elevate the Smoke ‘N The Desert experience, which is not just an event, but a celebration of the cigar lifestyle that brings enthusiasts together to share their passion.
