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DECEMBER 2008

Two years ago, when film producers decided to reboot the James Bond movie series and bring it back to basics, critics became skeptical and fans were in an uproar. The fantasy formula was removed in favor of grittier storytelling and, perhaps more importantly, the ultra-suave Pierce Brosnan was out, and in to fill the shoes of 007 was the rugged Daniel Craig.

The idea proved successful, as Casino Royale, led by a superb performance from Craig, raked in nearly $600 million worldwide. Now, Craig is back as Bond in the soon-to-be-released Quantam of Solace. Cigar Aficionado takes the reader on the set of Quantam of Solace and speaks with Craig about his success.

Also in this issue, we take a look at what has made the James Bond franchise thrive for 55 years. In addition, we interview golfer Rocco Mediate, the man who went toe-to-toe with Tiger Woods at last year's U.S. Open and nearly beat him, too. This issue features a story of a high-tech online poker scam uncovered by two players, as well as a comprehensive list of places to travel before you die.

That -- and much more -- is in the December issue of Cigar Aficionado, on sale now. For a preview, take a peek at the table of contents, below. To make sure you don't miss any future issues, subscribe online or call 1-800-992-2442 today. For back issues, visit our Book Store.
Here is the December issue's table of contents:

UP FRONT

CIGAR HIGHLIGHTS

EDITORS' NOTE

OUT OF THE HUMIDOR -- Your letters.

THE GOOD LIFE GUIDE

ELECTRONICS: Tivoli brings home the world of radio.
PLACES: Cabo's Esperanza purveys pampered privacy.
TOOLS: Tommy Bahama packs all your smoking needs.
GOURMET: Lamb crown roast for a regal table.
STYLE: Formal wear demands a special shoe.
SPORT: Is your wedge doing enough for your short game?
TIME: Cartier is in the pink.
WHEELS: Aston Martin gets its snarl back�just like 007.
DRINK: C�te-R�tie, the bang-for-the-buck appellation?
FUN: Adventures in truffle hunting.

FEATURES

COVER: CRAIG... DANIEL CRAIG � When the James Bond moviemakers wanted a new type of 007 for 2006's Casino Royale, one that was rugged but flawed, they made a surprise choice: not a smooth operator, but the distinguished actor Daniel Craig. The gamble worked and he's reprising the role in Quantum of Solace.

LICENSE TO THRILL � The subject of the world's all-time greatest film franchise, the debonair but deadly superagent James Bond, began 55 years ago when a retired British intelligence officer with a taste for the nightlife turned novelist. With the support of a president, the character captured the imagination of moviegoers the world over.

GOLF: ENTER MEDIATE � At 45, journeyman golfer Rocco Mediate changed his life with a near upset of Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open. Now, the "Joe Roast Beef" of golf is an inspiration to duffers around the globe.

GOLF: CONFESSIONS OF A WOUNDED WEEKEND GOLFER � The Shotmaker, Cigar Aficionado editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken, suffers a knee injury and a layoff before playing through the pain.

GAMBLING: A WEB OF DECEIT � How two online poker players discovered a high-tech version of the old-fashioned "peeps" scam perpetrated by former insiders and what is being done about it.

SPORTS: EARLY DEPARTURES � Skip college for the pros? That's the question more and more top players are asking themselves. It's a risk-reward analysis. The big leagues hold out big bucks, but missing the maturation process that college offers has often led to not-well-publicized downfalls. We look at the success stories as well as the cautionary tales.

TRAVEL: THE BUCKET LIST � From the Great Pyramid to the Taj Mahal to the Great Wall of China, only select super destinations make our travel Bucket List (as in "you must see these places before you kick the bucket"). We asked the experts to name the sites, experiences and adventures you should savor before you die.

WATCHES: ADVENTURES IN TIME � The ranks of classic watches are filled with diving and flying watches that were built for exacting performance in intense situations. Not only are they fully functional timepieces, they've created styles all their own.

TECH: CELL-ING POINTS � Today's mobile phones are measured by the extraordinary tricks they do: taking pictures and videos, playing and organizing tunes, navigating with GPS and, oh yeah, making phone calls.

GIFT GUIDE: CIGAR STYLINGS � This year's holiday gift guide explores cigar accoutre-ment by design themes. Be they classic, colorful, metal or modern looks�don't mix your motifs.

CIGARS

TASTING --We rate 79 cigars in six sizes: Churchills, corona gordas, figurados, lonsdales, panetelas and robustos, plus Connoisseur's Corner, our vintage cigar tasting.

PROFILE: MAYOR OF VEGAS --Flamboyant and irreverent, Oscar Goodman seems to perfectly reflect the city he serves. He's a former mob lawyer who enjoys all the high life that Las Vegas has to offer. Below that surface is an even more surprising story.

INTERVIEW: C.A.O.'S TIM OZGENER --C.A.O. went from obscure meerschaum pipe maker to one of the great success stories of the cigar world with its solid product and innovative marketing and packaging. Meet Tim Ozgener, the founder's son and president, as the company goes into a new phase after a recent sale.

CIGAR DIARY: TRAVELING WITH JAMES SUCKLING --Our man in Havana, James Suckling, heads for Las Vegas and an after-hours smoke off with senior editor Dave Savona, Jorge Padr�n of Padr�n Cigars and Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana.

MADE FOR YOU -- Items from around the world that become personal to the user: custom ashtrays, safari-grade luggage, cutting-edge knives, log homes, a glass for your beer and a sanctuary room.