Spotlight: Mercer Mohr

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Years ago, when I was corporate chef for Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Company in San Francisco, I also

served as the company’s “Master Salter” and caviar maker. We raised sturgeon on the farm, and

after three to five years, we smoked the sturgeon meat, salted the caviar, packaged it, and sold it to

chefs across the country.

What is your favorite hobby?

In addition to my cars, I have a large copper still and make whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and seasonal

“Apple Pie Moonshine” for friends and family. My wife, Emily, and I just finished a batch of “Hillbilly

Grappa.”We also design our own labels and custom bottles.

What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

Wagyu carpaccio with Osetra caviar, crème fraîche, and gaufrette potato chips.

What’s one item you can’t live without?

Water—and my wife, Emily. We also have two wonderful dogs: a big white Samoyed and a large

black Bernedoodle, a Bernese Mountain Dog and poodle mix. It would be hard to live without them,

or without the companionship of pets in general. My wife would also tell you that I need to get out

and socialize every day.

Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

That is like asking which of my kids I love the most. Each of my cars was purchased with a specific

purpose in mind, so they all have a special place. If I had to pick one, though, it would be the

Porsche.

When did you join the car club, and why?

It has been about a year. I would like to take advantage of more of the club trips. We live half the

week in Scottsdale, so unfortunately, we miss most of the meetings, but we are looking forward to

getting more involved with the other members.

What car are you most fond of and why?

For all-around comfort and dependability, I would choose the Porsche Panamera 4S, with active

suspension and rear-wheel steering. It is comfortable, roomy in the back seats, and the quietest car

I have ever owned.

For flat-out fun, the Lotus Emira with a standard transmission is hard to beat on a winding country

back road like Lower Loop Road in Sedona. My newest car is an Aston Martin Vanquish S.

What do you like most about the car club? What do you like the least?

I like the idea of getting together with like-minded car enthusiasts to drive, socialize, and share

stories. I do wish I could make it to a meeting now and then, but I enjoy the emails and the stories

from other members.

What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

One of my most memorable childhood trips was driving cross-country with my family on Route 66. I

was 10 years old, and my sister was 8. We stayed in old motels and ate at diners along the way.

What do you do for fun?

My wife and I like to eat out wherever we are. It is fun to keep up with the new restaurants in

Scottsdale—there are so many openings every month that it is hard to stay current. We also stay

home one night a week to try new recipes that I may use in one of my restaurants, or simply to grill

outdoors and play with the dogs.

If you had an unlimited budget, what would be your dream car?

A new Bentley Speed.