Crown Royal Maple: Review

Happy New Year

The Crown Royal Distilling Company

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

40% abv; 80 proof

Appearance: deep amber

Aroma: big time maple syrup and I think I smell the pancakes underneath

Flavors: no flavor – maple; oh yes big time maple; if there are any other flavors it is way underneath the MAPLE flavor

Mouthfeel: smooth – what do you expect from Crown; maple on the deliver, mid, and finish; moderate warmth

To the Point: you will want to drink this with your pancakes in the morning, a short pony shot for me, the maple flavor is too much

La Flor Dominicana Factory Press III and New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale: Pairing

The Cigar

La Flor Dominicana Factory Press III

I usually have the stats on the stick but, I don’t have that information anymore.  You see, I have reviewed this cigar two times now (a year or so ago) and the reason it is not posted … my computer went down both times and I never got the word document back.  Here is the other situation, this was a true ‘limited’ release and I’ll bet I will not find any info on the net (I will look).  While I have reviewed this cigar two times before, one year ago, I have had this last one just sitting there in the humidor.  I have not been itching to review this again because the burn on this cigar just simply sucks.  Here are some of the pictures from one year ago:

Since, I think this cigar sucks … what a better day to do this review than on the last day of the NFL season while I watch my Detroit Lions … who suck just as well.  Let’s see how this cigar burns this time.  From what I remember the flavor was not so bad … but, I hate a cigar that burns this poorly. 

As for the Detroit Lions … the first game of the season I did a cigar review and a season prediction … 9 – 7 … here they are 16 games later and ready to go 4 – 12.  Here is my prediction for this game: if this cigar burns as poorly as it did one year ago … they loss big time to the Chicago Bears - 31 to 7.  If the cigar burns well the Lions win 38 to 27.  If the cigar only has minor issues with burning – the score will be … 17 – 14 with the Bears winning.      

Here is what I found on this stick

“Connecticut broadleaf wrappers that have been aging for several years. The filler is Corojo aged from the very first crop our farm produced in 1997, while the binder is a Sumatra seed (also grown on our farm) put to age for the last eight years.”

Source: Halfwheel.com

Size: 6.25 x 58

Off the Light: medium roast coffee and a nice soil earthy style.  As the smoke continues there is a light peppery spice mixed in with the soil earthy style and the coffee note builds in some strength … let me call it ‘dark roast coffee’ , the cigar has a dry dark chocolate finish.  

So far the cigar is burning just fine.  The ash looks like crap … just like the Lions season. 

An inch and a half into the burn and the cigar is starting to canoe.  Let’s see if it corrects itself. 

At the two and half point the cigar corrected itself.  Things are looking good for the Lions (according to the burn of the cigar). 

Mid-Point: the cigar has a nice earthy coffee main profile, the spice is not noticeable at this point, the dry dark chocolate finish is light but still in the mix.

Down the Stretch: (edited after the game started) the flavors are more robust in taste, burnt earthy tones, coffee notes that have been on the burner too long, and as for the burn ... some burning issues; the cigar keeps tunneling and needs corrections with the lighter.    

The Ale

New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Newbelgium.com

5.6% abv

$9.99 a six pack

I had a bottle of this the other night and I found it to be … uninteresting … just like this football game I am getting ready to watch between the Bears and the Lions. 

Appearance: deep dark mahogany body with a thin tan head that leaves some sticky lacing on the glass.

Aroma: very light bouquet; light roasted malts

Flavors/mouthfeel: roasted grains, a little chocolate note in the mix, simple in style, light/moderate carbonation, fairly clean feel and finish.

To the Point: to me … not all that interesting, too simple on the nose and taste, should be good to pair with a mild or medium bodied cigar, should work with a full bodied smoke … there are no flavors in the ale that should interfere with a bold smoke. 

The Pairing

Two rather simple products here; the chocolate notes are light and work well together; the earthy tones of the cigar mingle well with the roasted grains of the black ale.  The ale does a nice job refreshing the palate during this pairing.  I have to say that I like this pairing more than what I expected. 

As for my football game prediction (still have to smoke the final third but it's game time) … the cigar only had one small burning issue (at the two inch mark) and it corrected itself … so … the Lions win … 38 – 27 in a come from behind win.  (personally … the Lions lose big time)  

Diamond Crown Maximus Toro #4 and Snow Day Winter Ale: Pairing

The Ale

Snow Day Winter Ale

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Newbelgium.com

6.2% abv

55 IBU

On the bottle, “…dark caramel roasted Midnight Wheat braced with a serious load of Styrian Goldings, Centennial and Casade hops?”

Had this beer on tap at The Oven in Caro Michigan and enjoyed it so much I almost stayed the night in the town just so I could drink another one or two.  Looking forward to having it today while, I watch my Detroit Lions. 

Appearance: very dark brown body; hold it to the light and you’ll see some mahogany highlights; super 2 finger light tan head that has great staying power; just sheets of lacing hanging on the glass like a big old velvet curtain.

Aroma: toasted grains/malts, hint of dark fruit, touch of spice, light pine. 

Flavors: deep roasted caramel malts, profound toasted grains, and grassy bitter hops.  Not all that complex but, it sure is enjoyable. 

Mouthfeel: nice moderate bitterness from start to finish, fine fizzy carbonation, roasted notes and light-moderate bitterness linger on the aftertaste, firm body, medium-full overall,

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – the hops kick it up notch (50 IBUs); deep roasted notes

To the Point: I really enjoyed this on tap and now I wish I bought the twelve pack instead of the six pack.  I am waiting for my ‘Snow Day.’ 

The Cigar

Diamond Crown Maximus Toro #4

Wrapper: Dark Natural Ecuadorian; El Bajo Sun Grown

Fillers: can’t find anything; I’ll guess Dominican

Size: 6 x 50

I forget how much it cost but, it runs around $15.oo a stick here in Michigan with our tax gouging politicians are work for us.  Michigan did lower the cigar tax from 32% to .50 cents per stick in the month of November 2012. 

Bought a box the other month (October) and it is time to review one.  I have always enjoyed the #4 Maxiums.  I never thought of it as complex but, very enjoyable and a special treat now and then. 

Appearance: for a super-premium cigar this stick always seems to have a big vein running through it.  (see pic at bottom)  I have always enjoyed the Maximus Cigar since it came out way back when (you know you are old when you can say that) and from what I can remember it has always had a rugged leather look.  Take the band off and give to someone and they will knock the cigar.   

Flavor and Mouthfeel Profile: sweet grains and slightly nutty taste off the light; the nutty taste reminded me of pecan while it lasted.  As the smoke continued, the sweet grains and nutty note moved to the side and a rich forest floor earthy tone moved in.  Toasty leafy vegetation, wood, and rich soil are the main focus during the first third.  As it entered the second third (maybe a little sooner) I noticed a light dusty white pepper mixing in with the forest floor qualities and a mild roasted coffee.  I have always thought of this stick as a mild-medium smoke. 

On the second half of this cigar the flavors are lightly toasted grains, mild Alder wood, dry soil.  Still mild-medium in body. 

My Strength Rating: 4 – smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

To the Point: Despite the price I still like this cigar; probably why I bought a box; quality from start to finish. 

The Pairing

This was a great pairing.  Both are on the edge of being complex; both have smoothness with the ale having robust toasted qualities and bitterness while the cigar has mild-medium toasty qualities.  The cigar refreshes the palate from the ale making for a nice contrast.  The forest floor, mild coffee, and mild dusty white pepper of the cigar comingle with the ales deep roasted grains and moderate tasty hops.  The pairing leaves a light peppery aftertaste.  

Carlos Torano Exodus Gold 1959 BFC and Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin 2008: Pairing

The Cigar

Carlos Torano Exodus Gold 1959 BFC

Wrapper: Habana 2000

Fillers: Dominican, Honduran, Mexican, Nicaraguan, and Costa Rican

Size: 6 x 60 box press

Taste Profile: fine black pepper spice and soil earthy tones off the light.  As the smoke continues the soil earthy tones are medium-full; the wood reminds me of toasted oak; the spice continues but not as strong as off the light,

The Wine

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin 2008

Gnarlyhead.com

Gnarly Head Cellars

Manteca, California, USA

14.5% abv

$7.60 a bottle

I have had this bottle floating around for a while so it is time to do a review. 

Appearance: deep garnet body with a purple edge

Aroma: dark berries, nice spice box … dry green spice with a dash of pepper

Flavors: black current, boysenberry, plum, oak on the mid and late, toasted vanilla, hint of roasted marshmallow, black licorice, nice earthy tone, dash of pepper on the finish

Mouthfeel: earthy feel, the dark berries coat the palate, light bitterness on mid and late, semi-smooth feel, medium-full body,

To the Point: this is proof you can get a good tasting wine for under 10 bucks, I enjoyed this wine, I would buy this again, a good medium-full bodied wine to have at your next party for those who enjoy a red wine with some body. 

The Pairing

These two were very good together.  They really mirror one another in their taste profile and body.  The earthy tones and wood notes just mingled together like good old friends.  This was a good medium-full bodied experience.  The dark berries of the wine just shined with each sip of the wine and each puff of the cigar.  

Julius Caeser Churchill: Review

Wrapper: Havana Seed Ecuadorian

Binder: Central American

Fillers: Central American

Size: 7.25 x 52

Diamond Crown Julius Caeser

Flavor Profile: earthy tones of dry soil, wood, and dry leafs (forest floor); medium roast coffee; dry green spice and fine grind black and white pepper; dry leathery texture

To the Point: these cigars run around $12 to $15 in Michigan; for the price it is just good; I have smoked several of these sticks and some have heavy veins in the wrapper; the flavor is okay to good for a $15 cigar; I would rather smoke a Diamond Crown Maximus before this stick.  

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Years Old: Review

Highland Park

Distilled in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland

Highlandpark.co.uk

43% abv

750ml bottle

$80.00

Appearance: light golden crystal

Nose: touch of floral, vanilla, candied fruit, wood, hint of peat

Flavors and Mouthfeel: honey, vanilla, touch of salt, trace of floral maybe lavender like, hint of peat, light smoky feel on the finish, smooth, nice viscosity, moderate warmth on the finish, fairly simple in style but tasty.  

This single malt pairs well with a full bodied cigar.  

CAO VR Full Fathom Five and Leinenkugel’s Creamy Dark: Pairing

The Lager

Leinenkugel’s Creamy Dark

Leinie.com

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA

4.9% abv

Appearance: deep dark cola like body with a tan head that does not stay around for the party.

Aroma: light roasted grains, very faint nose

Flavors: moderately roasted malts, tobacco, faint hops to help keep the malts in balance.  Rather simple in taste.

Mouthfeel: spritzy feel from the carbonation, I wish there was a ‘creamy’ feel, mild-medium mouthfeel, crisp and easy to drink dark lager, thin aftertaste

To the Point: typical easy drinking Leinenkugel, not big in flavor, but if you want to drink a few and sit around the campfire during the winter … this should do the trick (that is the only reason I pick it up).  For the cigar smoke this should be easy to pair with any stick. 

My Strength Rating: 4 – simple, thin, crisp, no aftertaste to talk about

The Cigar

CAO VR Full Fathom Five

Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro Arapiraca

Fillers: Nicaragua, Mexico

Size: 5.5 x 55 box-press

Flavor profile: earthy, woodsy, and peppery with a leathery texture.  This is a rather simple cigar that is enjoyable.  Medium in body at best. 

To the Point: Not big in the taste category but should do the trick if you are looking for an easy smoking experience. 

My Strength Rating: 4 – limited aftertaste, simple in taste

The Pairing

These two should get along just fine.  They are real similar to one another; simple in their flavor profile and mild-medium to medium at best in strength.  But, if you get to boring friends together for the first time they either hate each other or they just get along just fine.  Let’s find out. 

Well, anytime a beer has a tobacco or smoke flavor they should go well with a cigar and this one does.  The slightly roasted grains of the lager mix well with the earthy and woody style of this cigar. They are working well together.  Okay, this pairing is not going to wow you but, not every experience needs to be great.  Sit back and enjoy the campfire and you still will say, ‘life is great.’  Campfires have that effect. 

La Sirena King Poseidon and Sanson Estate Baco Noir 2008 Reserve: Pairing

Around the World with King Poseidon

So far I have reviewed this cigar with an English Ale, a Tawny Port from Portugal, and an Ale from the United States.  Tonight let’s visit Canada.   

The Cigar

La Sirena King Poseidon

Size: 6 x 60

Click to read full review

The Main Profile of the Cigar: Dark roasted coffee, hints of wood, earthy tones, peppercorn mill mixture.

The Wine

Sanson Estate Baco Noir 2008 Reserve

SansonEstateWinery.com

Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada

VQA

12.5% abv

$25.00 Canadian

My last review of this wine was April 17, 2011.

Let’s see how it is aging.

Aroma: big bowl of berries

Flavors and Mouthfeel: the berry bowl style continues with red and black currants, black raspberry, boysenberry, black berries, oh hell throw in a little tart cherry to boot, along with a touch of wood.  Nice acidity to add a little character.  I still think it is a mild-medium bodied red wine.  I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale. 

The Pairing

I thought this cigar was going to be too strong for this wine.  And … it is … just a bit.  The strong earthy tones and coffee notes of the cigar mask some of the tasty berry notes of the wine.  The acidity, of the wine, seems to be a little more pronounced during this pairing but, it is not out of control.  This is not a great pairing but, it is not bad either.  Let me call it okay.  This wine needs a cigar to match its body style; mild-medium.  The Cigar likewise needs a bolder fuller bodied red wine.  Every pairing is an adventure – just that some adventure are better than others.  

Macanudo Gold Label Gold Bar: Review

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade

Binder: Mexican

Fillers: Dominican, Mexican

Size: 5 x 60

This cigar sports a light tan colored wrapper that has that slight golden sheen like the Gold Label line is known for. 

Flavor Profile: very mild and mellow off the light; a dusting of white peppercorn mixes inؓith some sweet grains, mild cedar, and white mushroom earthiness.  The mouthfeel is smooth and mellow just like a Macanudo. 

To the Point: if you like very mild to mild … well, this is the one for you.  This would be an excellent before dinner smoke and should pair well with some good white wines.  I do like a mild cigar now and then … when I am in the mood for one I would smoke this one again. 

My Strength Rating: 2 – it’s a Macanudo … need I say more.  Mild on delivery and a smooth clean finish.  

Black Crown Robusto and Leinenkugel's Snowdrift Vanilla Porter: Pairing

The Porter

Leinenkugels Snowdrift Vanilla Porter

Leinie.com

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA

6% abv

“Complex Malt Character Reveals Layers of Coffee and Cocoa” – on the bottle

Appearance: a nice tan head sits on top of an almost coffee like colored body with some cola edges.  Note much on the lacing.  The head was gone before I noticed it was gone.  When I poured my second glass I had a nice two finger head that took about three minutes to dissipate and it left a thin tan layer sitting on top.   

Aroma: coffee with a roasted vanilla bean

Flavors: pretty much what they have on the label. This is what I say, ‘sweetened coffee and semi-sweet chocolate with a dose of vanilla bean. 

Mouthfeel: light-moderate bitterness, toasted sweet malts, good body weight for a porter, a lingering semi-sweet chocolate note on the finish

To the Point: I have to admit that I did not have much hope for this one.  But, I like it.  I enjoyed a couple sitting by the campfire the other week.  And two is about all I can take of this Porter because I start to grow tired of the sweetness.    

Thinking of that sweetness … I know what could help battle it … the right cigar.

The Cigar

Black Crown Robusto Cigar

Wrapper: Honduran Habano

Binders: yes, two: Honduran Habano and Nicaraguan Ligero

Fillers: Seven different long filler from Central America

Size: 5 x 50

Click here to read my last review of this cigar.

For dinner tonight I had a mushroom/swiss brat with southern style beans and southern style potato salad.  I then selected this beer for doing a review and halfway through the beer I thought of this cigar for the pairing. 

This cigar has a nice spicy style mixed with a forest floor earthiness and a French Roast Coffee note.  I did not think this cigar was a spicy or full off the light like the last review but, I had been drinking this Vanilla Porter beforehand and that could have taken the edge off the flavor profile. 

What I am hoping for is this cigar to take the edge off of this sweet Vanilla Porter. 

I think the sweet coffee note of the Porter is mixing with the French Roast Coffee style of the cigar and giving a little balance here.  The earthy forest floor tones of the cigar are helping to give the Porter a little more body and I think the vanilla bean note, in the ale, is a little more distinct.  The light-moderate bitterness of the Porter still seems the same. 

I have to say that I am really enjoying this pairing.  

Pinar del Rio Clasico Exclusivo Torpedo and Red Hoptober Ale: Pairing

The Ale

Red Hoptober Ale

Fall Seasonal

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

6% abv

22 oz bottle

$3.99

Appearance: plain and simple to me … it looks like root beer soda – a dark caramelized body in color with a tan two finger head.  Holding it up to the light the mahogany shines through. 

Aroma: light citrusy hoppy nose with some toasted grains in the mix

Flavors: white grapefruit meat (it’s under control), toasted light rye, lightly roasted caramel, herbal? Or sea grass? From the hops on the back, 

Mouthfeel: decent carbonation; light hoppy notes tantalize the tongue; toasted grains and a light roasted caramel help to balance things out; a moderate aftertaste;

To the Point: I have only had one bottle so far but, I am willing to buy more.  It is tasty.  Exceptional … I am not ready to go there yet … “very good” sure.  Not harsh or heavy on the palate.  Worthy of a try.  Understand that it is a red amber ale with some Cetennial, Cascade and Eldorado hops.  The light-moderate bitterness with a touch of sweetness should satisfy most specialty beer drinkers.  

The Cigar

Pinar del Rio Clasico Exclusivo Torpedo

 

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade from Ecuador

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Dominican

Size:6.5 x 52

Taste Profile: this cigar sports a nice oaky profile with a mild coffee note, lightly toasted grains and dry summer soil. 

To the Point: I like stick.  The price point is right (inexpensive) and it has a taste profile that hits my palate.  I have not smoked one in quite a while and this reminds me that I should smoke the Pinar del Rio Classico a little more frequently. 

The Pairing

After a few sips of the Ale I said to myself, let’s do a mild-medium smoke with a little oaky profile to the taste and this looked like a winner. 

This ended up being a good pairing.  The oaky profile and mild-medium body of the cigar mixed well with the Ales light hoppy-ness.  I think a cigar with a peppery profile might bring out the bitterness in the Ale.  

La Sirena King Poseidon and Old Crafty Hen: Pairing

Around the World with King Poseidon

The Ale

“Old Crafty Hen”

Vintage Ale

Morland Brewing

England

1pt .9oz bottle

$4.49 a bottle

6.5% abv

I read that this ale has been brewed since 2008 but, just came to the United States in November of 2011.  I wonder if they still brew “Hen’s Tooth”.  I really liked that ale. 

Appearance: rich copper body with a light tan one finger (if that) head

Aroma: malt focused; caramel, biscuit, and dark fruits

Flavors: lightly toasted caramel, raisin, a little plum skin, apple, light woody tone, to me the alcohol does not play a role in the flavor

Mouthfeel: light carbonation, smooth, mild hop bitterness on the finish giving it a semi-dry feel on the palate.

To the Point: a very tasty Vintage Ale.  I would buy this again. 

The Cigar

La Sirena King Poseidon

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

Binder: two Cuban seed Nicaraguan tobacco

Fillers: Nicaraguan Criollo 98 and Corojo 96

Size: 6x 60 

I just reviewed this cigar last week with a very good tawny port (click here to see post) so; tonight I am going to pair it with a good English Ale.  I smoked another King Poseidon just the other day and really enjoyed it.  Earlier today I reviewed the “Old Crafty Hen” and I think these two should pair up really well. 

Off the Light: tonight I get a nice robust dark roasted coffee note greets my palate on the first few puffs.   As the smoke continues there is a rich composted earth tone with some woody notes that develops with a hint of spice.  The dark roasted coffee note really seems to dominate.  The cigar holds a good gray ash with little to no flaking. 

The Pairing: The coffee like profile of the cigar mingles well with the lightly toasted caramel and dark fruit notes of this English Ale.  Both of these products have a light woody tone and during this pairing an oaky note seems to stand out. 

Second Half of the Cigar: full bodied dark roasted coffee and earthy tones dominate with a measure of oak and a white and green peppercorn blend in the mix.  This is a smooth and full bodied experience.  It does not seem to be the most complex smoke, but for my palate it sure is tasty.

The Pairing: this ale really seems to be mellow and it helps to mellow out this full bodied smoke.  On the second half of this smoke the spice profile picks up a bit and a sip of the ale just refreshes the palate making me want another puff of the cigar.  This is a really nice ale to have with a full bodied cigar. 

Around the World with King Poseidon Series

Click here to read about this cigar paired with:

Brux

20 year old Port

Baco Noir Wine 

Curivari Seleccion Privada Diplomaticos and Swordfish Double Cascadian Dark Ale

The Cigar

Curivari Seleccion Privada Diplomaticos

Curivari.com

Nicaragua Puro

Criollo and Corojo Tobaccos

Size: 6.25 x 54

Personally, some guy must have measured this one … I would bet it is no bigger than 52 on the ring gauge. 

Off the Light: the palate is greeted with roasted grains and a medium roast coffee style.  As the smoke continues there seems to be an Alder wood quality in the mix. Smooth delivery and medium in body.

Mid-Point: The woody quality continues with a mild-medium coffee and roasted grains.  The Curivari web site says it has a sweet finish.  I’ll call it a semi-sweet finish.  Also on the web site it says it has flavors of vanilla and wood.  I am having a hard time picking up the vanilla note.  The smooth texture makes for a pleasing smoking experience. 

Down the Stretch: a pretty consistent smoke throughout.  Medium body, nice toasted notes and a smooth delivery. 

To the Point: I like this stick.  If you like a medium bodied smoke with some good roasted notes this is it. 

The Ale

Swordfish Double Cascadian Dark Ale

Reel Ales

Fish Brewing Company

Olympia, Washington, USA

Reelales.com

7.5% abv

64 IBUs

1pt 6oz bottle

The store I go to gave me this bottle.

Appearance: black body with a two finger tan and creamy looking head that leave some massive lacing on the glass. 

Aroma: nice hoppy presence that reminds me of soft pine; roasted grains in the mix, a touch of semi-sweet chocolate

Flavors: the hoppy notes come through with a tasty mix of pine and citrus rind; the toasted malts are present with roasted grains, bitter chocolate bite, toasted … slightly burnt caramel, I think you can even throw in coffee … medium roast coffee

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, nice bitter style (it does have a 65 IBU), the malts are doing their job for some balance, lingering roasted notes on the aftertaste, a touch of 99% dark chocolate bitterness, not heavy like a stout – closer to a porter in mouthfeel 

To the Point: to me it is a tasty dark ale and perfect on this cold fall day here in Michigan. 

The Pairing

This is one fine pairing.  The roasted grains, medium coffee and nice woody style of the cigar comingles well with the Ales hoppy tones and roasted malts.  The medium body of the cigar keeps the bitterness of the Ale in check.  A stronger or spicier cigar would bring out the bitterness of the Ale and may be too much.  

Ave Maria Cigars: Quick Reviews

Clermont Corona

Size: 5.5 x 45

Profile: Nice full bodied start off the light. Settles to a medium-full after the first half inch.  Solid oak and earthy style while the peppery spice plays on the nose and the back of the palate.  I smoked this little stogie down to the nub – my finger tips and lips started to feel the burn. 

I paired this cigar with Altenmunster Festbier.  This Marzen style beer is a mild brew yet tasty.  It has sweet toasted malts, light rye bread likeness, and grassy hops to give it some balance. This Oktoberfest may not be big in style but, it is tasty and easy to drink.  As for the pairing; this is very pleasing.  The oaky profile of the cigar mixes it up well with this beer.  Altenmunster just refreshes the palate and makes me want another puff of the cigar. 

Crusader Robusto

Size: 5 x 52

Profile: This stick starts off differently than the Corona.  Nice sweet tobacco notes with a soft earthy tones.  The mouthfeel is more medium-full on this Robusto compared to the full bodied start of the corona.  As the smoke continues on this Robusto the oaky wood note develops as the soft earthy tones and sweet tobacco swirl around the palate.  So far I have not noticed the spice showing up (half-way thru).  As soon as I write that on the next few puffs the white pepper spice hits the palate.  The second half of this cigar finishes on the full side of medium-full.  The sweet tobacco notes seem to fade in the second half.   

Knights Templar Toro

Size: 6 x 48

I don’t remember the last time I had a Toro size with a 48 ring gauge.  I like the 52 or 54 sized Toro’s.

Profile: has a hint of sweet tobacco but not as much as the Crusader Robusto.  The oak was up front here at the start.  As the smoking experience continues this stick is reminding me of the Churchill size with the oak as the main profile with a little earthiness and this stick has just a hint of dusty white pepper. 

I paired this stogie with Xingu Black Beer.  The oaky profile of the cigar was a nice contrast to the black beers toasted grains and roasted caramel. 

Ave Maria Lionheart and Peirano Estate Petite Sirah 2008: Pairing

The Cigar

Ave Maria Lionheart Box-press

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 5.5 x 55

Special Edition Sampler

Taste Profile: nice woody tone that reminds me of oak, a touch of walnut, earthy notes, and dusty white pepper. The cigar has a dry leathery texture.  The cigar provides plenty of smoke, burns evenly, and has a solid medium body just on the edge of medium-full. 

The Wine

Peirano Estate Petite Sirah 2008

The Heritage Collection

Peirano Estate Vineyards

Graton, California, USA

11.2% abv

See full review (click here)

This wine has a very nice bouquet.  To me this wine has rich dark berries, dark soil earthy tones with a firm oaky presence, and hint of soft white pepper. 

The Pairing

These two match up well with their oaky tones and dusty white pepper spice.  The dark berries of the wine mingle well with the earthy and walnut notes of the cigar.  I like puffing on this and when the dry leathery mouthfeel kicks in a sip or two of the wine refreshes the palate and those tasty dark berry notes are just wonderful.