express
Match owners Jeff and Sara Mouttet .
A Perfect Match
Mouttets open cigar bar in New Albany
PHOTOS BY STEVE SQUALL
Nearly five years after opening Match Cigar Bar in Jeffersonville , Jeff and Sara Mouttet have opened Match New Albany at 147 E . Main St .
“ We found the perfect location close to many wonderful restaurants and shops ,” said Jeff Mouttet . “ We feel Match will bring yet another reason to visit Southern Indiana .”
Upscale yet approachable , Match is housed in a building that dates to the 1870s and features exposed bricks and original hardwood floors . The speakeasy-style boutique cigar and bourbon bar offers specialty cocktails and artisan and local spirits , beer and wine . Food is available from Urban Bread Company , which is located next door .
“ For Match New Albany , we wanted to integrate everything we ’ ve done in Jeffersonville at Riverside Cigar Shop and Lounge and Match Cigar Bar ,” Jeff explained . “ We have a great bourbon selection and the ability to smoke a premium cigar . … Our people are very knowledgeable about either bourbon or cigars , and we want you to feel like you can ask questions and it ’ s a place where you can learn .”
Not exactly an aficionado ? That ’ s just fine , said Jeff . “ One of the great things about the cigarbourbon culture , people are so friendly and nobody looks down on you if you do it this way or you do it that way . … Match is a nice , upscale welcoming place to be .”
And that means for the ladies , too .
“ A lot of the macho has been taken out of it ,” said Sara , “ and I think this space signifies that . It ’ s not all just a manly guy club anymore . It ’ s definitely fun for the ladies as well because it ’ s really all about relaxing and enjoying the experience with who you ’ re with , whether that ’ s women or men .”
94 EXTOL • AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017