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Saturday, July 16, 2011

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
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. 

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