Padilla Habano Burberry Perfecto and Dogfish HELLHOUND

The Ale

HELLHOUND

Robert Johnson’s Hellhound on my ale

Ale brewed with lemons

10% abv

100 IBU

1pt 9.4oz bottle

$14.00

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Inc.

Milton, Delaware, USA

Dogfish.com

Appearance: burnt orange with plenty of head to go around and solid lacing on the glass.

Aroma: ample citrus on the nose and sweet bread

Flavors: pink grapefruit on the deliver; lemon rind, of course, hitting mid-palate; a little sweet floral swirling around;

Mouthfeel: firm citrus bit on the back of the palate, a warm and peppery finish that lingers on the aftertaste, long lasting tingling on the cheek and gums, and I just had a pineapple burp.  This would be nice on a cool spring or fall day.  The alcohol warmth is too much for a warm summer day. 

My Strength Rating: 9 – firm tasty citrus notes and a long lasting aftertaste. 

To the Point: a good hoppy ale.  It seems to be lacking something or it is just that I am not a big lemon rind fan. (which is true, I don’t care for lemon flavor in my beer) 

The Cigar and Pairing

Padilla Habano Burberry Perfecto

Wrapper: Three different wrappers to make an argyle pattern

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: 5.7 x 54

Off the Light: fairly light and airy, a rather dull start, it could be that this strong citrusy ale is having a negative effect on this cigar.  Nothing much on the first third. 

Mid-point: I truly believe this ale is having a BIG impact on this cigar.  The Strong citrusy and peppery style of the ale is overruling any flavors from this cigar.  This is too bad, for the last time I had this cigar was back on May 19^th of last year and I was saving this one (since last year) for a good pairing. 

There is some cedar notes coming thru on the cigar with a touch of spice starting to pick up.  But, if I drink the ale first and then take a few puffs of the cigar well … the cigar is just plain smoke.  I really have to rest the palate and then take a puff of the cigar to get a vague idea of cigar flavor and then take a sip of the ale which just destroys the smoking experience.  This is one reason why I do not like pairing strong IPA’s with a cigar. 

Down the Stretch: I should have paired this cigar with a quality white wine.  Now, don’t get me wrong, this cigar is not super special it just looks that way.  But, I think a good quality white wine would bring out some good qualities of this cigar. 

The cigar continues to be rather dull while paired with this IPA.  It is just hard to notice any qualities of the cigar during this pairing. 

My Strength Rating: 4 during this pairing I really could not get a real feel for it. 

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur #1 and Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2009: Pairing

The Wine

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Duckhorn Vineyards

Napa Valley

St. Helena, California, USA

Duckhorn.com

$29.00 The Fine Wine Source (Livonia, MI)

Appearance: light straw

Aroma: light and fresh summer fruit

Flavors: wonderful mixture of tropical and citrus; tropical notes remind me of guava and papaya with a light squirt of citrus (not bitter).

Mouthfeel: crisp, fresh, and truly refreshing.  Has an elegant feel for a white wine. 

My Strength Rating: 2.5/3

There are not too many white wines that could hold up to this heat, did I say it was 92 – it is now 97, there are not too many white wines I like when they get warm.  And, yes reds have no chance in this heat.  That is why I don’t drink to many red wines in the summer.  But, remember I am not a big white wine drinker.  I think the point I want to make is the difference between some inexpensive (cheap) whites and some moderate to higher end whites.  The cheap ones seem to develop an unpleasant tasting note as they warm up.  So, the second point is keep em’ chilled!!!

One nice thing about this white wine is that as it warmed up (it’s 92 degrees out here) it did not develop any bitter or strange tasting notes. 

I am going to pair this Duckhorn with my favorite mild-medium cigar. 

The Cigar and Pairing

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur #1

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Filler: Dom Rep., Hon., Nic.
Size: 7-1/4 x 54

Off the Light: toasted wheat bread.  As the smoke continues a little almond nut creeps onto the scene.  Then, the oak starts to show up.  3.5 on my strength scale for the first third. 

The Pairing: this is a perfect match so far.  The oak from the cigar mingles well with the tropical and touch of citrus from the wine. 

Mid-Point: toasted marble bread (wheat & rye), the nut taste is more walnut like, and the oak is the main profile to me.  The mouthfeel is mild-medium at best with a velvety smooth delivery.  On my strength scale I’ll go a 4. 

The Pairing: the idea behind this blog is to learn how to maximize your pleasure when pairing your cigar and beverage.  Well, to me this pairing is a clear winner.  On a hot summer day like this one – this is the perfect pairing to me.  After a few puffs of the cigar it is just a pleasure to take a sip of this delicious white wine. 

Down the Stretch: The toasty flavors are still pleasing, the roasted nutty flavor is still in the mix and the oak is just a touch fuller.  4.5 on my strength scale.

The Pairing: With the notes just a touch fuller on the cigar it seems to bring out the citrus note just a bit on the Sauvignon Blanc.  During this pairing I prefer to have a few puffs of the cigar and then a sip or two of the Duckhorn. 

This will go down as one of my favorite pairings.  Not just for white wine and cigar but, for pairings period (red wine and beers). 

Maximize your pleasure and try this pairing. 

Man O’ War Armada and Ice Wine Pairing

The Cigar

Man O War Armada

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro

Binder: Jalapa Viso

Fillers: ligero from Esteli and Ometepe Nicaragua

Size: 5.5 x 52 box-press

Came in the sampler called: Man O War Box-Press Sampler Tin

Cost: $50.00 for 10 sticks

Off the Light: smooth creamy coffee with pleasing toasted sweet note.  I don’t know what that ‘sweet’ note was, roasted caramel?, toasted vanilla?, I do know that I like it but, it was short and ‘sweet’ for it was gone by the one inch mark.

From that one inch mark to the half-way point the notes remind me of a rich medium roast coffee, toasted wood, and a dash of pepper.  The smoke has a smooth leathery texture.

Second Half: a rich soil earthy tone evolves, the toasted wood now reminds of a toasted oak, the medium roast coffee is still in the mix but, it is more of an undertone to the earthy notes.  There is a fine grind pepper mill blend of black, green, white, and pink peppercorn.  The pepper style plays a bigger role in the second half. 

This baby is packing a punch during the final inch and half.  It is very robust with earth and dark roast coffee.  The smoke is burning a bit warmer at this point too.  A sip and swirl of the Ice Wine really helps to control the taste profile of the cigar during this part. 

My Strength Rating: 5.5 – this ended up being a good medium strength smoke during this pairing.  I think the strength rating could be higher if I smoked this one by itself.  But, I only got one of these Armada sticks in the sampler pack. 

To the Point: a fine smoke for $5.00 – it reminds me of the MOW Ruination with a smoother delivery for the peppery spice is not as bold. 

The Ice Wine

Jackson-Triggs Vidal Ice Wine 2007

10.5% abv

187ml bottle

Just over $20.00 a bottle

Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

Flavor: Oh do I love ice wine, this one reminds me of honey dipped tropical fruits; papaya and mango and then there is a splash of summertime nectarine.

When you drink this wine you should use an Ice Wine glass which holds about 50ml. And, that is all you should drink of this lovely sweet wine. The sugar content is really high.

The Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine has a fantastic summertime fresh fruit and tropical fruity flavor. The papaya and mango covers the tropical and the nectarine covers the summertime fruit. That sweet, syrupy, ripe nectarine in a glass.

The Pairing

Pairing this MOW Armada with the Jackson-Triggs Ice Wine 07 is a real treat.  This is the perfect dessert.  The ultra-sweet style of the Ice Wine makes this interesting.  The honey dipped tropical fruits just swirl around with the coffee and toasted woody notes of the cigar.  

After several exchanges I like the experience best when I sip the Ice Wine first and then take a puff of the cigar.  This adds a nice robust feel to those honey dipped tropical fruits.  I don’t get this experience when I puff the cigar and then sip the Ice Wine. 

When drinking the Ice Wine you need to swirl the sip around the palate for a moment and this will coat the palate for a longer tasting experience when you smoke the cigar.  Then, when the mouthfeel of the cigar builds it is time for another sip of that tasty Ice Wine and repeat the experience.  Remember; don’t exceed two servings of the Ice Wine for the sugar level will get you if you do.  Also, use an Ice Wine glass (about 50ml).  Yes, that is a small amount but Ice Wine is a sipper. 

Ave Maria Salomon and Toasted Head 2010 Untamed White: Pairing

The Wine

Toasted Head 2010 Untamed White

White Blend: 70% Viognier, 27% Chardonnay, and 3% Moscato

13.5% abv

Toasted Head Winery

Woodbridge, California, USA

Toastedhead.com

Read my full review on WinePostings

This white wine blend is a very tasty summer treat.  Luscious honey dipped tropical fruits an undertone of oak and the right touch of pink peppercorn on the finish.  This white has a firm and long aftertaste of summertime fruits; peach, pear, apricot with a touch of spice. 

The Cigar

Ave Maria Salomon

Click here to read the Ave Maria’s full review.

This cigar has a very pleasing mossy earth, meaty walnut and oak wood tones.  There is a nice touch of spice to make things interesting. 

I paired this cigar with a Belgian-style Dubbel ale so, this should pair well with a white wine. 

The Pairing

The oak and walnut style of the cigar plays well with wines honey dipped tropical fruits.  The wines sweet tones linger on the palate long enough to intermingle with the tasty flavors of the cigar.  

Now, I am going to sit back and enjoy this beautiful summer day with this tasty pairing with my new drinking buddy. 

5 Vegas Gold Bullion and Troubadour Blond: Pairing

The Cigar

5 Vegas Gold Bullion

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade

Filler: Honduran, Dominican

Size: 6 x 60

These 5 Vegas Golds are very smooth and tasty mild cigars.  Out of the 5 Vegas lineup I think I like the Gold the best.  It reminds me of one of my favorite cigars; Hoyo Excalibur #1.  And, what you can buy these for at Cigar International it is a deal.

Off the Light: toasted white bread slightly buttered.  As the smoke continues the toasted bread is mingled with an almond nutty note and the oak profile is starting to build.

Look at the size of this cigar compared
to a hammer head

Mid-Point: smooth mild oaky profile with light toasted grains and a nice almond nut like quality.  This cigar is perfect for this summer day.  It is time to pour that Troubadour Blond Ale to finish up the last half of the cigar.

Down the Stretch: One thing about this cigar is that it does not change much.  The mild-medium oaky profile is still tasty.  The toasted bread and almond nutty note is still in the mix. 

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – the texture is smooth and delicious all the way to the nub. 

The Ale

Troubadour Blond

Blond Ale - Refermented in the bottle

6.5% abv

11.2oz bottle

$17.00 a four pack

Br. The Musketeers

Ursel, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

Freshness date on the cap: 19/3/11

Okay, I have to admit that I had a love affair with this blond last year.  From what I remember is that I think this is one of my favorite Blond Belgian Ales. 

Appearance: cloudy amber-orange body with a beautiful white head that has big time staying power. 

Aroma: Belgian hoppy and yeasty nose.  As the ale warms up so does the hoppy musty spice. 

Flavors: rich earthy tone probably from the yeast, fruity but nothing distinct, a bit of citrus rind and meat that gives it a little bitterness, then the sweet malts come to play, it seems like a rich earthy honey,

Mouthfeel: this baby is smooth, semi-creamy and enjoyable.  Mild-medium bodied ale that is not overpowering in taste.  Rich earthy style.

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – mild-medium structure overall. 

To the Point: while the fruity notes seem muted they are tasty at the same time.  Nice and pleasing sweet earthy profile.  If you want to give yourself a treat pick up a four pack.  Or, pick up two and invite me over!

The Pairing

This was a no brainer pairing.  Both are mild-medium in structure and both are pretty straight forward in their delivery.  The mild oaky profile of the cigar plays well with the sweet earthy tones, dried fruits and light citrus meat of the ale.  Nothing complex and that is a good thing on a warm summer evening here in Grindstone City, Michigan. 

Blend Lab ZB-652 and Cigar Box Malbec 2009: Pairing

The Wine

Cigar Box Reserve Malbec 2009

14% abv

Argentina

Cigarboxwine.com – and they have a picture of their wine with a cigar!  I am surprised that people did not complain of second hand smoke!!!  I also like the Dean Martin music. 

It has been a summer of great beers (some not so great) and I just reviewed a bunch of white wines so, I am ready for my old favorite … red wine.  As a matter of fact I reviewed this wine on the WinePostings blog back at the beginning of the year, January 12^th, 2011.  I enjoyed it then; I hope I enjoy it today.

A beautiful 70 degree day here in the Tip of the Thumb of Michigan.  Perfect to do a red wine review.

This bottle made an eight hour drive yesterday and sat on the kitchen counter last night, so it is not just coming out of the cellar and it feels like it is room temperature.  (Little warmer than how I would like it)  Let’s see how it reviews.

Appearance: with just a little in the glass the wine has a nice rich ruby color

Aroma: nice spice on the nose, with a touch of violet and big moist dark berries.

Flavors: bold black berry, currants and a firm tart cherry bite with a swirl of dark chocolate.  There seems to be a toasted oak note and a nice mineral earthiness to this wine.

Mouthfeel: very thick, almost jammy, flavorful, lingering tart berries,

My Strength Rating: 6/6.5 – during this pairing

This wine would be great with a piece of 70 – 80% dark chocolate.  You know what … I going to get a piece before I light my cigar.  That is a piece of dark chocolate. 

I fetched myself a piece of Ghirardelli Midnight Reverie 86% Cacao.  Oh yeah, that did the trick.  While I am enjoying this moment I think I’ll check my wine posting from January to see any differences. 

Alright I am ready to pair this Malbec with my cigar.

The Cigar

Blend Lab ZB-652

Cigars International Blend Lab

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

Binder: Cameroon

Filler: Dominican ligero, Dominican Pilato  Cubano

Size: 6 x 52 torpedo

Yesterday it took me eight hours to make a three hour journey and I had a lot of fun doing it.  Part of the fun was that I sampled two CI Blend Lab cigars along the way.  This was one of them and the cigar yesterday had some issues dealing with construction.  (see pictures)  But, I did enjoy the taste.  So, let’s review this cigar today and pair it with a tasty Malbec red wine called Cigar Box.  CI recommends this cigar to be paired with a bold red wine and from what I can remember from yesterday … I think that is a good suggestion. 



Nothing worst than a crack in the butt



Off the Light: nice toasted wood and earth notes.  As the smoke continues the toasted hardwood is pleasing and the rich soil like earthy tones are tasty.  There is a soft peppery spice that floats along the smoking experience.  This is a nice medium body smoke at best. I’ll give a 4.5 on my strength scale at this point.

The Pairing: These two work well together.  While I am enjoying this experience all still get all the flavors of these two products.  The only difference that I can talk about is that the cigar seems to pick up a dark chocolate like character during this pairing. 

Mid-Point: I am going to have to add that dark chocolate note that I just mentioned.  The toasted hardwood quality and rich soil earthy tones are still tasty.  Not the most complex cigar but, that is a good thing sometimes. 

The Pairing: there is a toasted oak and roasted vanilla note showing up in the wine during the last few exchanges.  The earthy tones are mixing well together and think this is the main profile during this pairing. 

Down the Stretch:  the smoke is smooth and medium bodied.  There is still a soft spicy character intermingled with the toasted hardwood, earthy tones and I am staying with that dark chocolate note during this pairing.

The Pairing: I am enjoying that touch of roasted vanilla from the wine.  The dark berry and tart cherry notes are mingling well with the hardwood and earthy tones of the cigar.  Let’s not forget about the tasty dark chocolate and earthy tones of the wine.  This has been a very good pairing today. 

I enjoyed the last two inches of the cigar with some of that Ghirardelli 86% dark cacao and the wine.  Wow, what a treat.  I need to enjoy more dark chocolate with a cigar. 

My Strength Rating of the cigar: 5 – during this pairing.  

Just in time to fix a Filet Mignon for dinner.  Just wish I had someone to share it with … oh, I do ME. 

5 Vegas Gold Nugget and Mendocino Vineyards Chardonnay 2009: Pairing

The Wine

Mendocino Vineyards Chardonnay 2009

Mendocino County Made with Organic Grapes

Geyserville, California, USA

13.5% abv

Appearance: bright crystal sunny yellow

Aroma: light fresh summer fruits with a hint of citrus meat

Flavors: the lively citrus profile reminds me of lemon meat and red grapefruit.  It also reminds me of mineral water with a heavy dose of fresh lemon.  There is a good undertone of sweet tropical fruits with splash of fresh tart apple. 

Mouthfeel: acidity on the finish, nice fresh fruits linger on the palate for a short spell. 

My Strength Rating: 4 – a very tasty mild-medium white wine. 

Pair this with white fish or shell fish, summer salad.  I personally would never pair this with salmon, for one I do not like salmon with any type of lemon sauce.  Don’t take a tasty fish like salmon and put lemon on it.  Why do you put lemon on white fish or that breaded white fish?  Because it tastes like nothing so, you have to add lemon.  Just the same reason Americans put a lime in beer – because the beer tastes like nothing otherwise.   

Here is a good pairing

The Cigar

Vegas 5 Gold Nugget

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade

Filler: Honduran, Dominican

Size: 4.5 x 44

My Strength Rating: 2

These 5 Vegas Golds are very smooth and tasty mild cigars.  I usually get a nice mellow oaky flavor and a mild almond like nutty note.  This stick is pleasingly smooth on the palate.  It is not a complex cigar.  The Vegas 5 Golds are pretty straight forward. 

The burn on the cigar is perfect and it holds a firm light gray ash that is nice and tight.

I like this cigar for pairing with mild dishes, white fish or shell fish.  They also pair well with pilsners, lagers, other lighter beers and white wine.

The Pairing

At first I thought liked this pairing.  I was not thinking much about it.  I was just sitting back and enjoying.  Then I said, ‘it’s review time wake-up,’ and then I started to think about the experience. 

While overall it is not a bad pairing but, this cigar did have a little negative effect on the Chardonnay here.  That zippy lemon profile was muted a little so, that is not all bad.  But, the part that I liked was the undertone of a mixed sweet tropical fruit bowl.  Well, that seems to be muted as well.  I can only guess that the oaky profile of this cigar cuts back on the flavors in the wine during this pairing. 

But, when I am busy doing something else here and I am not paying attention to the details it is not all that big of a deal. 

I’ll have to pair this cigar with an oaked Chardonnay next time. 

Padron 4000 Maduro and Ass Kisser Double IPA: Pairing

The Ale

Ass Kisser Double IPA

9% abv stated on the bottle

9.2% stated on the web site

1pt 6oz bottle

$10.99 a bottle

Rahr and Sons Brewery

Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Asskisserales.com

Made with Warrior Hops

Appearance: dirty orange with orange highlights, ½ finger head with an aggressive pour, some lacing on the glass.  Once I get the sediment into the glass it becomes very cloudy.

Aroma: sweet malts, some light citrus notes

Flavors: white grapefruit bitterness, undertone of sweet caramel malts, slight peppery finish.  As the ale warms there seems to be a pineapple note swirling around a golden raisin like note (not dominate) and an earthiness that mixes with a touch of spice and pine. 

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, citrus and pine tingle on the tongue, oily feel, wool like texture. 

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – good citrus with a touch of pine and a good lingering aftertaste.  Let’s give it a B+. 

To the Point: a pretty good Double, not super strong on the bitterness which I was expecting. 

I recommend a cigar with the main profile of earthy notes to be paired with an IPA and if you can get a cigar with an earthy profile with a floral note that is even better.  Now, the Padron has a good coffee profile so, let’s see how this pairs up with this Ass Kisser.

The Cigar and Pairing

Padron 4000 Maduro

Nicaraguan Puro

Size: 6.5 x 54

Off the Light: medium roast coffee notes right off the bat.  After a half an inch some spice comes into play with some dry earthy tones. 

The pairing is pretty good so far.  I was afraid that the coffee notes of the cigar may increase the bitter interplay between the two.  During this first third of the cigar the ales flavors are very tasty.  The caramel note, on the ale, is good on the nose and is still present on the taste.  The citrus notes are tasty and are under control during this pairing.

Mid-Point: the medium dark roast earthy coffee profile is going well.  I am not picking up any sweet maduro notes.  At times the spice is present and then on the next few puffs nothing. 

I am enjoying this pairing.  It has a full mouthfeel on the palate.  The cigar is pleasing to smoke with this IPA and the Ale is tasty at the same time. 

Down the Stretch: This cigar is consistent.  Earthy medium roast coffee continues to be the main profile.  The cigar burns perfectly and never becomes bitter.  It is not very complex but, that is a good thing some times. 

My Strength Rating: 6 during this pairing.  I think this ale kicks up the rating a whole point. 

The pairing is going well down the stretch.  The citrusy, piney, earthy hops, of the ale, with its touch of caramel and spice seems to work well with this coffee and earthy cigar.  I recommend this pairing. 

Punch Gran Puro Santa Rita and Scrimshaw: Pairing

Scrimshaw

Pilsner Style Beer

12oz bottle

$1.69 a bottle only bought two

Fort Bragg, California, USA

Northcoast Brewing Company

Northcoastbrewing.com

Appearance: a nice white head sits on top of a brassy-golden color body.  Some foamy lacing and there is a thin layer of head floating atop the beer.  A deeper body color than I would expect for a pilsner.

Aroma: not much, slight B.O. note, yes to me a faint body odor but, it is not a bad one.  The second bottle was more yeasty and doughy like on the nose.

Flavors and Mouthfeel: a touch of malty sweetness on deliver, grainy, fruity, mineral water, with a mild-medium bitter note.  A Fairly crisp and somewhat refreshing pilsner.  Brewer’s yeast lingers on the aftertaste.

Not too often I will do a cigar pairing with a pilsner but, this one I think I will.  There is a nice overall character to this pilsner. 

My Strength Rating: 3.5

The Cigar

Punch Gran Puro Santa Rita

Honduran Puro

Wrapper from San Agustin Valley

With sungrown binder and filler tobaccos

4.5 x 52 in size

I have never had this little one before.  I like its big brother the Sesenta, which measures in at 6.2 x 60.  So, let’s see how this one measures up. 

Damn, I just looked for a review on Sesenta on my blog and I have never reviewed that dog.  I’ll bet I have some in my humidor to review. 

Off the Light: rich tobacco and portabella mushroom like earthiness.  As the smoke continues there is a bit of white pepper, sage and mushroom earthiness. 

The Scrimshaw Pilsner is very refreshing with this stick.  Here on the first half of the cigar (it’s only 4 inches long), it seems that the cigar picks up the body of the pilsner.  The touch of white pepper from the cigar brings out a bit of spiciness in the Scrimshaw.  I it is the white pepper like quality from the cigar just mingling with the pilsner as it swirls around on the palate. 

The first half of the cigar was pleasing.  Nothing too spicy or too strong.  I would have to say it is medium bodied at best to me.  I also like to call the taste profile of this cigar as, ‘classic cigar tobacco taste.’ 

The Second Half:  the white pepper picked up for a little bit as it passed the mid-point.  The earthy tones seemed a little thicker and more soil like than mushroom. 

The pilsner seems to be a good pairing with this cigar.  Neither are complex and the flavor profiles really don’t interfere with one another.  This is a good pairing to just sit back and relax with on a summer day.  The mouthfeel is medium overall during this pairing and does not leave you wanting water to cleanse your palate. 

The cigar ended some earthy tones like forest floor.

My Strength Rating: 5 – simple, straight forward, one could call it uneventful.

Blend Lab CI ZK-660 and Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno 2009

The Wine

Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno 2009

15% abv

Paso Robles, California, USA

25% Syrah, 20% Petite Sirah, 18% Mourvedre, 16% Zinfandel, 15% Grenache, 5% Tempranillo, 1% Tannat

Appearance: deep purple

Aroma: rich dark berries, sweet spice, delicate earth

Flavors: mixed dark berries, the cinnamon slaps you silly, a touch of vanilla, 60% dark chocolate style,

Mouthfeel: thick, jammy on the tongue, long thick layers of dark berries linger on the palate,

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – the long lingering notes raises the point value. 

To the Point: If you want to know what a cinnamon note is like in wine then, get this bottle and have a drink.  Very interesting and tasty wine.

The Cigar

Blend Lab CI ZK-660

Wrapper: Brazlian Arapireca Maduro

Binder: Habano Nicaragua Viso

Fillers: Jalapa Ligero, Esteli Ligero, Condega Viso

$8.50 a stick

Cigarsinternational.com

Off the Light: hardwood, heavy soil earthy tone, and a touch of burnt coffee.

As the cigar continues there are a variety of earthy notes; on a couple of puffs I picked up a peat moss tone, rich black soil seems to be the main profile, hardwood, rich tobacco leaves.  The coffee note has settled to a grainy, earthy cup of joe. 

Paired with Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno 2009.  This cigar is really nice with this glass of wine.  The cigar seems to tame the bold dose of cinnamon.  The dark berry bowl mix of the wine mingles well with the earthy tones and coffee of the cigar.  

Mid-Point: The earthy French Roast coffee note has taken front and center in the flavor profile.  There is a dry dusting of 70% dark chocolate like character swirling around the palate.  With that Brazlian Maduro wrapper on this cigar it reminds me of the CAO Brazlian Amazon.  The mouthfeel is dry yet smooth.  There is a dry lingering dusty cocoa powder aftertaste.  

The Pairing: The dark chocolate like qualities of these two is very tasty during the exchange.  The wine seems to have a mocha like tone and caramel note during this pairing.  When I sip the wine and that bold cinnamon like note coats the palate and then when I puff the cigar that sweet spice circulates with the cigar smoke for a pleasing taste experience. 

Down the Stretch: This cigar has ample smoke.  The coffee flavor is still bold, the dark chocolate note is still swirling around and there is a spicy brown mustard note on the scene (it could be Gulden’s Spicy Brown).  None the less the cigar has a good green peppercorn like spiciness that builds during this third.  The mouthfeel is very dry and wool like in texture.  On the last inch of the cigar the flavors are just dry and dusty.   

The Pairing: the mouthfeel is thick and dry.  A glass of water is needed to refresh the palate at this point.  The dark berries, that touch of vanilla, and the dark chocolate from the wine is still tasty and it really helps the cigars dry texture at this point in the game. 

My Strength Rating: (cigar) 6.5 overall.  Starts off medium and ends medium-full in the final third. 

To the Point: an interesting smoke.  It reminded me of the CAO Amazon which I’ll have to smoke one tomorrow to experience the comparison.