Lucile Aurore Dupin, perhaps better known by her pen name George Sand, once said, “A cigar is the perfect complement to an elegant life.” The French novelist wrote this in the early 1800s, yet some two centuries later, the infatuation of a good cigar has not changed much. A proper stogie is often viewed as the manifestation of reaching a high level of success and living the good life.

Out in the middle of Southeastern Oklahoma sits an oasis. That’s how Tommy McDaniel, co-owner of Hochatown Distilling Company (HDC), describes Hochatown, which is more than three hours from Dallas and four from Oklahoma City. With scenery like the Ouachita National Forest, Beavers Bend State Park, Cedar Bluff and Mountain Fork River all nearby, the area's natural beauty may rival locales like the Grand Canyon.