Indian Tabac Classic Chief Corojo Double Corona – Paired with White Wines

Today, I am pairing this cigar up with a couple of white wines. One is a sparkling wine from Harrow, Ontario, Canada. It is from Colio Estate Vineyards and the sparkling wine is named Lily. I have had this sparkling wine several times so, on my last trip to the winery, I picked up a couple of bottles.

This brings me to how I selected this bottle today. I opened the refrigerator to get the bottle of Riesling out and I see that I had an un-corked bottle of Lily sitting there and it looked like the stopper was ready to get pushed out. Now, this bottle was opened two weeks ago and it still had half of a bottle left to it. Of course at first I was disappointed that I wasted this sparkling wine. I pulled the lever on the stopper and a loud “pop” announced that it still had effervescence left in the tank. The ‘pop’ was so loud the dogs all ran for cover! I then had to taste it to see if it was any good. It was like I just uncorked a fresh bottle. I love these new stoppers that I bought this past winter. They have worked great, yes great, not good, GREAT. They have saved a bottle of red that I forgot about , I usually won’t drink it pass one day, but on day two it was still good. The stopper saved a couple of beers that were in 750 ml bottles that got left in the fridge and a few days later – still good – just like I uncapped the bottle right then. Now, I can throw away all the other corking devices that I have bought over the years that tried to save or prolong the life of a wine or beer. Let’s move.

The Cigar
Indian Tabac Classic Chief Corojo Double Corona
Wrapper: Habana Corojo
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran
Size: 7-1/2 x 52
My Strength Rating: 4.5/5
I have always enjoyed this cigar from Rocky Patel. It is a nice medium body smoke all the way down to the nub. The cigar always burns well for me and holds a strong ash. The profile of the cigar never builds to any strong or bitter notes when I smoke it to the end. The smoking experience is pretty straight forward. There is a solid earthy quality with some nice spice and light woody notes. I like the little tingle that the Corojo adds to the mouthfeel.

The Sparkling Wine
I have always enjoyed the Colio Lily Sparkling Wine. It has a nice fresh fruit taste with those wonderful bubbles. The effervescence just explodes when it hits my palate. Paired up with the Chief Cigar; this pairing works very well together. The strength rating of the cigar is not too strong to take away from the fresh fruits of the wine. The earthy and spice profile of the cigar has a smooth yet tongue tingling mouthfeel and when combined with the sparkling wine the bubbles just add to that pleasant tingling sensation. The light, crisp, refreshing effervescence just refreshes the palate making an enjoyable pairing.

The Wine
The Riesling is from Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Columbia Valley. This pairing I was a little concerned about. I thought that the body of the cigar would be a bit too much for this white wine. The bottle says, “…peach, ripe apricot and citrus flavors.” To me the fruit flavors are very crisp and the citrus profile is very light and more on the back of my palate. Of course it has the usual petrol taste that comes with a Riesling.

Paired up with the Chief Cigar; I am surprised, it works quit well. I still get the wonderful fruity notes on the front of the taste. The petrol mouthfeel is really more of an undertone during this pairing. The earthy and spice notes of the cigar must neutralize this note. But, then I just tasted the wine first and that petrol note is right there and I feel it moving through the sinuses. Okay, wine first again and yes the petrol notes are still there. Let’s see; cigar first this time … and again … yes the fruit notes are more pronounced during this exchange and the petrol note is minimized. This is a good pairing but, I would like to smoke a milder cigar (maybe with a little floral note) to see if that would maximize my experience with this Riesling.

Who said, ‘You can’t smoke a cigar with a white wine.”

Hops Deficiency Day

poperings hommel ale

I think I am experiencing hops deficiency! Well, Global Beer to the rescue, let’s review poperings hommel ale this month.

For those of you who do not like the overly hoppy, super bitter tastes of American style IPAs, don’t just look at this bottle on the shelf and keep walking; pick it up for a real hoppy treat.

When you open the 750 ml bottle be ready for the aroma of sweet grain hitting your nose. The taste is very crisp and a wonderful hoppy, lemon, citrus flavor. Don’t worry, nothing overpowering. The floral-rosy edges start to build and as the ale warms up some nice malty undertones come into play.

I want to rate this ale a 5.5 on my strength scale but, with the nice flavors that develop during warming, I am going to give it a 6.

The variety of notes that dance across the tongue is delightful when the ale opens up. Poperings hommel ale has a great range for foods as well. The sweet malts well go with golden raisins and the hops will work with my Michigan dried cherries. This tells me that this ale should have a great range for a quality cigar.
Going to the milder side or fuller side should give you a great pairing.

The Plan
So, let’s plan for Hops Deficiency Day. I will plan for going to the milder side of 6 pts. for my afternoon cigar pairing, then a seafood hommel dinner and then a fuller cigar for my after dinner cigar.

Cooking with popering hommel

The day before, Hops Deficiency Day, you need to purchase sea scallops, jumbo shrimp, red bell peppers and a sweet onion. Coat your scallops and shrimp in extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with Old Bay lemon and herb seasoning and I added my mushroom mania seasoning. Mushroom Mania is a finely chopped mixture of porchini, shitake and bolete mushrooms, chives, minced onion and sea salt. Slowly, pour in some poperings hommel ale. Then, in another container place your red bell pepper and sweet onions (in chunks) in some poperings as well. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

During Hops Deficiency Day place the scallops, shrimp, peppers and onions on shish kabob skewers. Keep the liquid and place the kabobs and liquid in the same baking pan. Use the liquid to baste during cooking.

First Matching – Punch Gran Puro

Puro - meaning that all the tobaccos; wrapper, binder and fillers, are from one country and in this case they are reported to be from the San Agustin Valley of Honduras. The Sun Grown wrapper and binder help to deliver a robust taste. I am going to smoke the Sesenta
Gran Puro, which is a big 6.2 X 60 beauty, that delivers a medium bodied, spicy and peppery treat to the palate. I rate this cigar a 5 on my point system.

The pairing goes well. The Punch Sesenta did not disrupt any of the true characteristics of the hommel. The flavors from both of these products really work with one another. This ended up to be a perfect before dinner experience.

Dinner Time

If weather permits get the grill going and add some apple wood to smoke the kabobs.
If you are using the oven just leave the kabobs in the baking dish and you are ready to go. Use the liquid to baste the kabobs at least twice during cooking. When the kabobs are done cooking grate some Romano Cheese over the kabobs.

Enjoy a glass of poperings hommel ale with your meal. And, this meal was ohhh sooo good!

After Dinner Matching – Camacho Triple Maduro

Ok, I love full-flavored cigars and I have great expectations here. I matched up the Camacho Triple Maduro 6/60 for my after dinner treat. This 6 inch and 60 ring gage giant is a wonderful cigar. People are intimidated by this cigar. They think the fullness is going to kick their butt. BUT, that is why you should smoke the 60 ring gage and not the smaller ring gages. The larger ring gage will give you a cooler smoke and the flavor is amplified. The smaller ring gages in this line I would rate higher in strength and it is all due to the diameter of the cigar because they are made with the same tobaccos.

I give this cigar, one of my favorites, an 8 on my strength scale. This cigar delivers a nice balance of rich spicy notes with a sweet peppery taste that lingers for a great full-flavored taste.

The Camacho helps to bring out some of the fuller flavors of the poperings hommel ale. The ‘mouthfeel’ coats your tongue and teeth for a terrific aftertaste. Don’t just drink this ale or any quality Belgium for that fact, experience every sip, swirl this ale within the mouth to enjoy every sip.

The hoppy notes are brought to the forefront and the sweet malty undertones are moved to the background. So, a little different experience than the Punch Gran Puro but, the Camacho made me want to have another mouth full of hops. What more do you want on Hops Deficiency Day?

With these big ring gage cigars make sure you have time. It takes me an hour and a half or close to two hours to smoke one 6 x 60 cigar. Outdoors with the wind it will burn a little faster.

With a 750 ml bottle of poperings hommel ale with each cigar and dinner, you will have an eventful day to plan so, the name Hops Deficiency Day.

Enjoy the experience,

Bruce

Also see this posting for another cigar pairing

A Wine & Cigar Pairing: Macanudo 1968 Gigante Cigar and Lyeth 2007 Meritage Red Wine

The Cigar
Wrapper: Honduran
Binder: Connecticut Habano
Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, Ometepe
Size: 6 x 60
My Strength Rating: 6/6.5
I have avoided this cigar for a long time. A Macanudo at $12.00 a stick, here in Michigan, and I know what I am going to get – a Macanudo! Now, back in the 1980’s when I started to smoke premium cigars, I started with Macanudos and Royal Jamaicans’. But, that lasted a few years until I was off to other cigars. I would have to say it has been 15 years since I have tried one and the only reason I had one then was because I had not had one in 5 or 6 years. Then, one day at the cigar store my dentist was smoking one and I asked him what he thought. He said it was very good. Then, I saw the price tag, $12.75 – I almost fell over. Mark orders off the kiddy menu at a fine dining restaurant to save a buck. Damn, that must be ‘very good’ then! I was in that humidor like a bolt of lightning and found that there were three left on the shelf and of course I bought all three.

I like how the cigar starts off with a smooth earthy and coffee profile. There seems to be a light sweet cedar note that adds some character. With each puff there is a nice tangy feel on the tongue.

By the halfway point of the cigar, the rich and robust style continues. There is a solid meaty earthiness that fills the palate with each puff. The sweet cedar is a nice undertone to the earthy nature of this cigar. I have only dropped one ash so far and I have a good two inch ash hanging on right now.

The final third: The boldness kicks in this final section of the cigar. Burnt hardwood notes, stronger earth and some peppery notes. Now, I need some water to sooth the palate. Too bad I ran out of the wine on the final two inches. The strength rating is kicking up to a solid 7 at this point, maybe a little fuller.

The Wine
You can read the complete review on the posting dated Wednesday, April 14. But, this is a very pleasant tasting wine. It is to me, a mild-medium bodied red wine. I score it a 4 on my strength scale. The cherry and dark berry flavors are light and pleasing.

The Pairing
During the exchanges of the wine and the cigar, the earthy qualities are pronounced and the roasted coffee notes are a little dryer. As for the wine, the dark berry plays more of a role up front and a then the cherry turns to more of a sweet cherry note on the finish. This cigar makes the wine feel a little fuller during this exchange. Okay, I’ll call it a whole 4.5 now. I said, ‘a little.’

I think this wine is a little light for this cigar. The flavors are nice and work together but, this cigar needs a fuller bodied red wine to match up well.

5-Vegas Series ‘A’ Atomic and Celebrator Doppelbock

The Cigar
Wrapper: Costa Rican Maduro
Filler: It must be a secrete because, all I can find on it right now is it is a ‘three country blend’
Size: 4.5 x 54
My Strength Rating: during this pairing 6
This is a nice robust flavored cigar. Solid spice with some black pepper type notes just tingle the tongue. With that Costa Rican wrapper of course you are going to get some good chocolate and full bodied coffee flavors. There are also some dry earthy tones to the smoke. This would be a great cigar with a full bodied coffee like a French Roast in the afternoon. I’ll have to try that one day.

The Beer
A 6.7% abv beverage by Ayinger Brewery. “Finest Bavarian Double Bock Beer” as it says on the label. It is pretty damn good. I have always liked the big malty caramel nose and taste on this fine Doppelbock. I reviewed this beer back on January 31 of this year. This is what I had to say then – “The beer has a great sweet malty taste and creamy style. It is light in carbonation and rich in complexities.” The caramel notes and mild coffee along with some nice 70% chocolate type notes makes this a very tasty treat to me. In a matter of fact I’ll bet that a good piece of dark chocolate would be great with this beer.

The Pairing
The beer needs a solid medium-full bodied cigar to duel with the malty sweetness of this beer. When I puff the cigar and drink this yummy beer the coffee and chocolate profile blend together oohhh so well. I also think the strong malty characteristics help to maintain the solid spicy notes of the cigar. From what I remember, when I have smoked this cigar before, is that it can get a bit dry and harsh when it is smoked alone.

This is a super pairing – If you are looking for a maduro to go with this beer remember you need one with a good coffee and/or chocolate profile. I don’t think a maduro with just an earthy and spice quality will do the job to maximize your pleasure.

Romeo Y Julieta Habana Reserve and Short’s Brewing The Magician: Review

Short’s Brew - The Magician - Dark Red London Style Ale

The Ale
Short’s Brewing Company is in Elk Rapids, Michigan. The ale is described as, toasted caramel, raisins, toffee and slight roasted chocolate with very light hop. (shortsbrewing.com/)

It has a nice reddish-brown appearance, in the sun, with a thin head that disappears fairly fast, with very light to no lacing to speak of. The aroma seemed a little light, sweet toffee and bready. I liked the toasted caramel and dry dark fruit notes. The ale does have a good dryness and light bitterness on the palate that makes me think of an English Ale. But, the way the roasted and toasted malts and hops mingle it also makes me think of an Oktoberfest beer. To me there is a nice watery edge that helps to refresh the palate from the dryness of the ale. Now, on the aftertaste, on the gums, I taste a little dark raisin. The moderate carbonation helps to add to the dry style to the taste, otherwise with more carbonation along with the nice little watery edge would wash the palate clean. For my strength rating on this ale I will have to go with a 4.5 or 5.

The Cigar
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran
Size: 6 x 56
My Strength Rating: 5.5/6
I enjoy the earthy style of this cigar. It also has some nice spice and light pepper that plays on the tongue. Some people talk of a slight sweetness from the smoke, but I think I get a little herbal spice were they say sweet. Now, the manufacturer of this cigar markets it as a full flavored cigar, fuller than other Romeos - sure. Full of flavors – Okay. But, to me this is medium. During this pairing it was an easy 5.5 on my strength rating. The cigar on its own I think reaches to a 6 strength at times.

The Pairing
I like this pairing. The solid earthy and light spice notes of the cigar comingle well with the roasted and toasty malts of the ale. Any sweetness from the ale takes a back seat during this pairing. For awhile I was trying to figure out if there was a solid woody style to both the ale and cigar. I seemed like a light oak taste.

The rich smooth tobaccos of the cigar, along with its earthiness, seem to bring the taste of the ale up in taste profile. And, the nice little watery edge and moderate carbonation refreshes the palate. This was an enjoyable pairing.

A Wine & Cigar Pairing: Trilogy Ovation Cameroon and Lyeth 2007 Meritage Sonoma County

The Cigar
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Mexico, Costa Rica, Nic.
Size: 5.25 x 54
My Strength Rating: 5
I have always liked this Cameroon cigar. So, when Cigars International was moving them out, I bought some. And now, I am finally down to my last three sticks. The wrapper on this cigar always looked rich. And, you know what; the taste is rich. I like the blend of the nice spice, nuts and cedar notes on the palate from this cigar.

The cigar starts off with a 4 strength rating on the first third of the smoke. The ash is a solid light gray.

The middle third of the cigar builds a little strength. The three notes of spice, nuts and cedar are still present. The cigar continues to hold a firm ash.

With the final third of the cigar, the intensity builds to a 5 or 5.5 strength rating. The spices are a little stronger maybe even a little pepper starts to play on the tongue. The nice nutty quality turns to a roasted nut quality and a toasted rye bread. The nice sweet cedar notes are turning to a burnt hardwood note. And, the smoke is warmer. Now, don’t be alarmed, these are not overwhelming flavors and the cigar does not get bitter either. As the cigar approaches the final inch it is only reaching a 5.5 or 6 strength rating to me.

The Wine
Lyeth (“Leeth”) is a value priced Meritage. I was out to dinner last night and had a Justin 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner. The music was so good that we decided to stay a little longer so I ordered another bottle of wine. Giulio’s had a special on this wine for the night, $30 a bottle (maybe $15 at a store), so let’s try it. I knew I was only going to have one glass but, I figured I would write a review today with the remainder of the bottle.

It has a nice deep ruby red appearance. The aromas are very light and clean for a red wine, which makes me worry about what I bought. This is not a big bold Meritage. It is, what it is, an inexpensive Meritage. Now, that is not a knock on this wine. I have had plenty of Meritage wines in this price range and many of them are to one dimensional in their profile.

Here is the skinny on this one: I personally think this is a very pleasant tasting red wine. If you are having a lot of guests over this would please most of the company. This would also be good as a before dinner wine or with a lighter meat or fuller fish dinners. I would drink this with my tomato bacon salmon dinner (of course grilled over charcoal – with a chunk of pecan wood for smoke) or with veal chops. The notes of the wine are light. There are light cherry and berry notes with some nice delicate spice. I think I have to give this Meritage a 4 strength rating. This is an very good wine for the casual wine drinker.

The Pairing
This is what I expected from this pairing. I knew from the one glass that I had last night that it was going to be a medium or mild-medium bodied wine and what should I pair up with a Meritage that is on the mild side of medium – a Cameroon wrapped cigar with a nice nutty profile. What I like most about this pairing is that the wine has this nice smoothness to the aftertaste and the cigar has a rich smoothness to its mouthfeel.

Ashton Cabinet Belicoso and Petrus Gouden Tripel Ale: Review

Petrus Sampler Pack Series

The Ale
The Petrus Triple Ale is a 7.5 abv. that is described as, “mild and easygoing, with a flowery hoppy taste that is balanced between the bitterness and sweetness and a smooth mouthfeel.” (Globalbeer.com) For me this ale rates a 3.5 on my strength scale for beers.

Globalbeers web site says, “Triple Style, which means that the brewer used three times the normal amount of malt to brew this higher alcohol ale.”

This beer always pours a perfect two finger head for me. The head is a beautiful white foam that dissipates fairly quick. The pale cloudy golden body always has a little yeast sediment floating around. It is a living beer after all, meaning they add extra yeast at the time of bottling. The carbonation is just wonderful to make a truly refreshing triple ale. Which, personally I think this ale is misunderstood. People see ‘triple ale’ and they think, big malty, super sweet with some hops in the game. Read the description, “mild and easygoing.”

This ale has a nice citrus tartness of lemon and orange along with some red apple sweetness. Speaking of sweetness the malts are dancing on the palate as well. Then, I notice a little herbal spice, they call it flowery hoppy, whatever!

Here is the best part – The balance between malts and hops is just right. The style is smooth and refreshing. The crisp and dry mouthfeel does not overwhelm the palate. For food pairings think of salads, fish, any veggie meal or mild meat – like veal chops.

The Cigar
Wrapper: Ecuador, Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: 5 x 52
My Strength Rating: 3
The Ashton Cabinet Cigar is a sophisticated smoke. In today’s world people want bolder, spicier, peppery and in your face smokes. It is time to relax and truly enjoy a classic. Really, sit back and enjoy this cigar. Cigar smoking is about enjoyment. Take the time to experience the quality. So, I have to say that this cigar, like the Petrus, is misunderstood.

The feel of the wrapper is silky smooth, like lingerie. The taste is smooth and creamy. Really, take your time to enjoy this experience. I enjoy the mild pecan like woodiness, white pepper and toasted wheat bread notes. Some pecan wood smoked salmon would be perfect with this cigar. The cigar holds a strong salt and pepper looking ash and bellows out some wonderful clouds of white smoke.

The Pairing
The pairing is TOP SHELF. Top shelf action that is misunderstood. Both are mild and easy going,' if you remember that you will not be disappointed.

Your fuller cigars will overpower this ‘mild and easygoing’ ale. The cigar with too much black pepper notes or coffee or chocolate or other strong spicy notes is going to interfere with your experience.

The smooth and creamy style of this cigar compliments the ‘mild and easygoing’ nature of the triple ale. The smooth white pepper notes from the cigar mix well with the herbal spice of the ale. The citrus profile from the ale works well with the woody qualities of the cigar. I have enjoyed both the Petrus Tripel and the Ashton Cabinet many a times, by themselves, and I have to say, neither one takes away from the other. So, you get to experience the flavors of each of these, during your tasting, as they are meant to be.

If you are going to pair up a cigar with this Petrus – the Ashton Cabinet will help to maximize your pleasure.

Man O’ War Salomon Cigar and Calabaza Blanca White Ale: Tasting

Calabaza Blanca is from the Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Brewery in Dexter Michigan. This ale is barrel aged and bottle conditioned according to the front label on the bottle, so there should be no argument about that. The ale pours a good looking two finger head of white foam. The color is a clear pale yellow. There is some nice lacing on the glass and the aroma is definitely citrus and coriander.

As my taste buds get ready for a dose of coriander I am not surprised with the smack of citrus rind tartness and coriander spice. This leaves me thinking of a big Granny Smith apple taste of tart green apples as well. The fine carbonation and little watery edge, helps to keep the palate clean. There is a nice lingering tartness that plays on the aftertaste though. This is a nice interpretation of a Belgian wit bier.

The Cigar
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 7.1x58
My Strength Rating: 7.5 during this pairing
Now, this was not a planned pairing – this is how it all came about. I opened my small table top humidor that houses my salomon sized cigars and said, what should I smoke tonight? Then, I saw the Man O’ War sitting there with a nice crack in the foot of the cigar. The other day I did a little repair work on this one. I have a bottle of confectioner’s glue that is great for repairing cigars that are broken. The minding looked good so, I head off to the beer fridge. I said to myself, pick the first beer that I look at. (Nobody else listens to me so I talk to myself) Bam, just like that I see this bottle. I don’t know if it was the light blue artistry on the label or the blond bending over and Tiger Woods is playing in the Masters this weekend that took my eyes to this bottle but, it was in my hand and I was heading out to the cigar room in my garage.

This stick has a solid robust profile of oak, spice, coffee and medium-full earthiness.

The Pairing
I have to admit, I would not pair these two up thinking about the taste profile of this ale and the solid oaky taste of this cigar along with the coffee and spicy notes. But, these two do not really interfere with each other. I think it is the spice profile in each that brings these two together. The herbal hop bitterness of the ale is balanced with the coffee bitter of the cigar. The oaky nature of the cigar has some game to play with the tart citrusy notes of the ale.

During this pairing I am thinking of the taste like this: take a lemon wedge and bite it and that is the aftertaste I am experiencing from this ale.

More Ashtrays

Jet Black four finger ceramic

Romeo y Julieta ashtray with picture in middle

Freebie from CI

An eight finger advertising ashtray

My 'H' ceramic ashtray

The Hyde Park, No. 1940, Made in USA

If it not an ashtray - it makes a good one finger ashtray anyways.

Looks like something an alter boy would hold with holy water in it.

Ashtray - Floorstanding

Cigar Ashtrays

A wonderful crystal three finger cigar ashtray


















Cigar ashtray
A great looking piece of art nouveau
Three finger with matchbook holder










Daisy pattern in the center with lots of other detail around

Notice the fish pattern on the fingers









One of the four faces on this heavy ashtray











The detail is great on this early 1900's piece of art work

Nice sparkle from a cut glass candy dish turned ashtray






Top view of candy dish ashtray







Freebie

Three finger 1960's glass ashtray

A simple two finger

CAO La Traviata Cigar and Petrus Blond Ale Review

Petrus Sampler Pack Series

Appearance: An attractive looking hazy golden orange (yellow held to the light). Nice soft white head, a two finger pour, that disappears quickly. The head leaves some nice lacing on the glass.

Smell: Bready from the yeast and slight sweetness. Little uninspiring.

Taste: It is not a complex tasting ale. Fresh tasting – Yes. The Petrus has a soft orange taste with some grains and plenty of yeast for that bready character. It has a very light hoppy bite and it is pleasantly sweet from the malts. This is a very good summertime drink because of the smooth, refreshing mouthfeel.

Mouthfeel: Very refreshing. No lingering notes. This is giving me a clean feel to the palate. The nice watery edge and carbonation cleanses the mouth. Think of eating a melon or cantaloupe and how the mouth feels refreshed.

For just under 5 bucks for an 11oz. bottle – I’ll have to have something to celebrate when I have this again.

My strength rating: 4 Mild-medium in body. I could even say 3.5.

The Cigar
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nic., Dom Rep. with ligeros tobaccos
Size: 5 x 50
My strength rating: 5.5
I had my first one yesterday and I really enjoyed the experience. So, I had to do a tasting today with this stick. I like the soft pepper and bold spice being delivered by the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and the ligeros fillers. The Cameroon binder kicks in the nutty notes with a nice creamy-smoothness to the smoke. There is a nice complexity to this cigar. I like how the taste changes and evolves as I smoke this stogie. I feel like the body changes from a six strength to a 5.5 and for a moment or two, then the creamy-smoothness says it’s a 5 and then kicks back to a 5.5 or 6. Don’t just smoke this cigar – experience it – pay attention to the profile as you enjoy this quality smoke.

The Pairing
This is an excellent pairing. The light peppery and spice of the cigar is refreshed by the qualities of the ale. The nutty notes and smooth earthy nature of the cigar mingle well with the soft orange and grains of the Petrus. The smoothness of each of these complements each other, making an enjoyable experience.

As I finish the final two inches of the cigar there is a stronger black pepper note along with the bold spice that are returning but, the refreshing nature of the ale cleanses the palate. The nutty notes seem to take a backseat during the final two inches. Don’t worry there is no need for a glass of water along the way because of the nice water edge and carbonation of the blond ale. Overall, during this pairing, the mouthfeel is refreshing for that perfect summer day.

Perdomo 2 Natural and Bell’s Special Double Cream Stout and Dunkin' Donut Coffee

Perdomo 2 Day - My last two sticks - Let's make a day of it!

The CigarWrapper: Nicaragua Natural

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 5 x 50

My Strength Rating: 4.5

The cigar is not all that complex. It has a nice medium roast coffee profile along with some nice earthy notes and some mild spice. This would be a very good stick to smoke with a coffee – medium roast of course! These are my words from a posting last week so, today I am doing coffee in the morning and then a stout at night.

This morning I am pairing the Perdomo cigar with Dunkin’ Donut medium roast coffee. I have two cigars left and when I retrieve them from the humidor I notice that one is a little darker than the other (Hope that it shows in the picture above). Now, I know I don’t like this in a maduro cigar but, with a natural wrapper I usually do not notice a big difference in taste.

This was a good pairing. The coffee gave the cigar a fuller mouthfeel and I liked that. The earthy notes, medium coffee and light spice of the cigar worked well with the medium roast coffee. The cigar, I would say only picked up a half a point in strength for a solid 5 strength rating all the way thru this matching. The final couple of inches did pick up some bitterness. I usually like a 3 or a 4 strength rating for a morning cigar but, I like this especially if I would have a full hearty breakfast. I’ll have to remember this for my outdoor breakfasts that I have during the summer months.

I have to say, I think it is a pleasant smoke. It is not anything to write home about but, then again you probably never write home. Let’s see how it serves up some taste with a stout.

The ale that I have selected is Bell’s Special Double Cream Stout. This ale is complex. The other day I sampled a bottle to see what this beer is all about. I was not sure what I thought; do I like it, do I not? So, tonight I am going to have one before dinner to establish what these flavors are all about. Then, I’ll do the pairing after dinner.

The ale like I said is complex – a candy like sweetness is quickly interrupted by some really nice roasted, almost burnt quality, malts. Then, just in a blink of the eye there is a sourness that is interrupted by a little bitterness and an earthiness or maybe a grainy coffee. The chocolate is hard to notice in the background because all that other stuff going on inside the mouth. Then, I start to think ‘sour’ – what was that – ‘sour’- was it sour lemon rinds or sour milk, I don’t think it was sour vinegar. After several sips I just came to the conclusion, whatever sour it is, I don’t like it in the ale. And as the ale warmed up I really didn’t like the sour note. But, I really liked those roasted malts and some of the sweetness. I think the hop bitterness was nice but, the hoppy lemon rind was a distraction for me in this ale. I just can’t call it sour milk taste because that sounds really unappealing. Double cream? I don't even know if it was there, too much going on with this beer. I would recommend trying this beer and drinking it slowly to try and get all the flavors that are going on.

When I paired this ale up with the Perdomo cigar I liked how the earthiness of the cigar managed the malts and the hops of this ale. The sweetness was not as intense and that sour note was managed a bit. I also liked how the bitterness was a little more pronounced and then the roasted malts were still solid. But, this gave me the opportunity to say, where is the cream! The creamy profile is on the front of the taste, right when it passed over my lips. And then, to me it is lost with all the intense flavors going on in the mouth. I would like this more if the creaminess had a chance to play a role in the mouthfeel.

This was the right cigar to pair with this very complex beer. The cigar is not complex and pretty straight forward with its earthy, medium coffee and light spice profile. Come to think of it I never noticed any of the light spice from the cigar, probably because of the complexity of the ale. I wonder what will happen when I pair this ale up with a stronger cigar with some solid coffee, chocolate and solid spice. Will it be taste bud overload or, will it be the matching that will maximize my pleasure?