Macanudo Cru Royale and Port Royal Export: Pairing

The Beer

Port Royal Export

Pilsner Style

Cerveceria Hondurena

Portroyalhn.com

Product of Honduras

12oz bottle

4.8% abv

Ingredients: Water, Barley Malt, Adjuncts and Hops

Appearance: typical clear gold pilsner color, the head is like shaving cream and stays around forever, globs of foam and lacing on the glass and they just don’t go away.

Aroma: boiled corn

Flavors: boiled over cooked corn, not overly sweet, a dull hop style to give some balance,

Mouthfeel: surprisingly a dull carbonation level,

My Strength Rating: 3.5 - smooth and let’s keep with this theme – dull

To the Point: cool looking packaging that makes you think you have something special but, you don’t – uhm, sounds like my life.  This beer needs to be ice cold.  Coming from my beer fridge is just not good enough on this warm 80 degree day.  In no time the beer warms up and is as boring as it can get.  Don’t get me wrong it is not nasty or bad – it is just dull and boring.  The head that stays around forever is pretty cool. 

The Cigar

Macanudo Cru Royale

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Fillers: Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Brazilian

$8.99 from Smoky’s of Northville

I have never had this cigar before but, when I went to the humidor to find a cigar to go with this beer well, the name said it all and I wanted a Royal or Royale treatment.  Let’s see how it reviews.

This Macanudo is very soft and somewhat spongy on the feel.  The overall strength is mild-medium so, I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale.  Some may call it medium.  It has nice roasted tobacco notes and a pleasing earthy coffee style.  This cigar may go well with some IPA’s or a good cup of coffee.  The texture is fairly smooth with a lingering toasty aftertaste. 

The Pairing

This went fairly well.  Being a Macanudo I thought it would be on the mild side of medium and would be as full as I would like to go with this beer.  The beer did refresh the palate after puffing on this fine cigar.  Overall, an uneventful pairing.  The beer was just too … dull.  

Romeo Y Julieta 1875 Belicoso

Wrapper: Sumatra

Binder: Dominican

Fillers: Dominican

Size: 6.1 x 54

$8.99 Smoky’s of Northville

Taste Profile: This cigar is pretty consistent through-out.  It has a slightly dry soil earthy and mild-moderate toasty tobacco leaf profile.  The texture is somewhat leathery and dry with a mild-medium mouthfeel. 

To the Point: not the most interesting smoke overall.  Now, I remember why I don’t pick this one up.   

Augusto Reyes Jr. Sixth Generation and Ardbeg 10 Year Old

The Single Malt Scotch

Ardbeg 10 Year Old

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Non Chill-filtered

Ardbeg Distillery Limited

Isle of Islay, Argyll, Scotland

46% abv

$49.99 from The Super Fine Wine and Liquor in Canton, Michigan

Served ‘neat’

Appearance: straw gold, nice legs on the glass after a swirl around

Nose: moderate peat, apple wood smoke, sweet malt

Flavors: some peat swirls around early with a touch of campfire on the end, sweet grains, slightly toasted oak, applepear fruit, a pinch of salt, personally I like leaving this in the mouth and swirling it around. 

Mouthfeel: smoky feel, gentle ginger spice on the gums and the oily style keep it there for a good aftertaste, nice warmth

The Cigar

Augusto Reyes Jr. Sixth Generation

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Dominican Republic

Fillers: Nicaragua and Dominican

Size: 6 x 60

$7.59 Smoky’s of Northville

Taste Profile: Good earthy, cedar and light spice off the light.  As the smoke continued the spice started to build.  The spice reminds me of a pepper mill mix. The earthy tone and cedar wood note remains in play throughout with a hint of dry cocoa powder.  The mouthfeel is wool like and dry.  Today, I’ll give it a 6 on my strength scale placing it at the medium-full range.   

The Pairing

These two make a very good medium-full pairing.  Whether I puff the cigar first and then a sip of the Scotch or sip the Scotch and then puff on the cigar I am enjoying this pairing. 

After puffing on the cigar for a while the Ardbeg seems to replenish the palate with the sweet grains and fruit coming into play first and then the bolder flavors following. 

The Ardgeg 10 year old has a nice peaty quality that exhibits some smoke and a little campfire along with some toasted oak that fills the palate.  The warmth of the Scotch also builds with each sip.  The cigar then returns the favor and refreshes the palate from the full bodied Scotch.  The warmth of this Scotch makes this cigar feel like a medium bodied smoke. 

I really like how all the flavors of the cigar and the Scotch just mingle together. 

AVO La Trompeta LE12 and Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Pairing

The Cigar

AVO La Trompeta LE12

La Trompeta means the The Trumpet.  That is why they have three lighter circles on the wrapper - to represent the three keys on the trumpet.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown

Binder: Dominican Piloto

Fillers: Dominican (Ligero?) and Peruvian Seco

Size: 6.5 x 54 Torpedo

$17.99 at Smoky’s of Northville

Don’t forget that Michigan has a 32% tobacco tax

Off the Light: mild earthy start with fresh mowed grass, touch of wood and fine grind pepper.   As the smoke continues the grassy note makes me think of sea grass; the wood reminds me of alder wood; and the fine grind peppery spice is pleasing.  The mouthfeel has a smooth leathery feel.  I’ll have to give it a 5 on my strength scale on the first half of this cigar.

Second Half: the grassy note seemed to change to a lightly toasted grain, the wood tone is still pleasing, and the fine grind pepper is still tasty.  One could make the argument for a light earthy coffee note.  The overall strength rating is still a 5.  This is a quality medium smoke. 

The Scotch

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Blended Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker and Sons

Kilmarnock, Scotland

40% abv

$200.00 a bottle from the Super Fine Wine and Liquor Store in Canton Michigan

Appearance: Amber – it looks just like the Gold Label – I held them side by side.  Some nice legs on the glass.

Nose: wet oak, hint of oak spice, grain, honey – the bouquet his is light overall

Flavors: nutty, grains, a sweet honeycomb and oak, (sounding like a breakfast cereal), every once in a while I get a mild ginger spice. 

On a clean palate – on another day – the flavors were pretty similar but the mild ginger like spice was consistent with each sip and it lingered on the palate for a short while.  I like it better today than the other week when I first opened the bottle.  

Mouthfeel: I get a hint of warmth on the finish when I exhale, other than that it is one super smooth Scotch.  Blue might be to smooth for its-own good.  To me this leaves a void – did I really experience anything special here except for it super smooth panache.  

The Pairing

This was a nice pairing.  This mellow Scotch did not overwhelm this tasty cigar.  The silky smooth style of the Blue was complemented with the nice leathery smooth texture of the AVO cigar.  I enjoyed having a sip of the Blue first and then a few puffs of the cigar.  The mild ginger spice mingled politely with the cigars mellow fine grind pepper like notes.   The mild honey note and grains of the Scotch circulated with the cigars interesting earthy style.  Puffing the cigar first seemed to mute the mild flavors of the Blue a tad during this exchange.  

Partagas 1845 Corona Extra and Johnnie Walker Swing: Review

The Scotch

Johnnie Walker Swing

Exceptionally Smooth Scotch Whisky

Blended Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker and Sons

Kilmarnock, Scotland

Johnniewalker.com

40% abv

$66 and some change

The bottle rocks back and forth - so the name Swing.  

On the box: “Created in the early part of the twentieth century by Sir Alexander Walker, world famous whisky master blender and connoisseur.  Inspired by the golden age of transatlantic travel, Sir Alexander’s creastion captures the essence of luxury travel and is a lasting tribute to the sophistication of the 30’s era.”

The day I bought this bottle I had a glass and I was not impressed.  It had a mild band-aid taste on the first few sips till the scotch opened up. 

I had a glass or two the other night and enjoyed this smooth and mellow blend.

Let’s do a review now

Appearance: rich amber

Aroma: touch of sherry, vanilla, and pear

Flavors: lightly roasted vanilla and oak, fruity – apple and pear, touch of sherry, very light smoky feel

Mouthfeel: like they say, ‘exceptionally smooth’ – slightly creamy, low warmth, touch of sherry lingers on the palate for a short time. 

To the Point: while I didn’t have a great start with this Scotch I have grown to like this smooth and mellow malted beverage.  Personally, I like this better than the Blue and Gold.  This is a good thing due to the big price difference.  I say if you want a tasty smooth and mellow Scotch that is tasty the Swing is the way to swing. 

The Cigar

Partagas 1845 Corona Extra 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Viso

Binder: Connecticut Habano Broadleaf

Fillers: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero, Nicaraguan Guardian Viso, Esteli Seco, ASP Seco

Size: 4.5 x 46

$6.99 – Smoky’s of Northville

Off the Light: moderate soil earthy tone, light-medium coffee and a nice woody style.  As the smoke continues moderate soil earthy tones, nice touch of cedar wood, moderate coffee, sweet and toasted tobacco leafs, the spice reminds me of a dusty white peppercorn with a touch of green peppercorn.  I’ll give it a 4.5 on my strength scale during the first half.  This Extra Corona seems a little more robust in style than the other sizes that I have smoked in this line up. 

I’ll have to admit that I have not smoked much from the Partagas brand in the last decade and this new 1845 is going to bring me back.  I have enjoyed the new 1845 line up and I guess I’ll have to make a visit to some of their other sticks that I have not smoked nor reviewed. 

Second Half: soil, wood, toasted tobacco leaf, and the light roasted coffee notes continue during the second half. 

The Pairing

The interplay between the beverage and the cigar is always interesting to me.  Sometimes a few puffs of the cigar and then a few sips of the beverage works and then other times a few sips of the beverage and then a few puffs of the cigar mingles well.  Well, my point here is - that this pairing works with having a few puffs of the cigar and then having a sip of this scotch is the way to go.  I get the nice earthy tones of the cigar and then the Swing refreshes the palate with its tasty vanilla, oak, light fruit, and sherry notes. 

Side Point: I think this Partagas 1845 should pair well with an IPA beer.  Look for this in the future.  

Partagas 1845 Robusto: Review

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Viso

Binder: Connecticut Habano Broadleaf

Fillers: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero, Nicaraguan Guardian Viso, Esteli Seco, ASP Seco

Size: 5.5 x 49

$7.69 – Smoky’s of Northville

Off the Light: moderate soil earthy tone, light-medium coffee and a nice woody style.  As the smoke continues moderate soil earthy tones, nice touch of cedar wood, light/moderate coffee, sweet and lightly toasted tobacco leafs, light spice that reminds me of a dusty white peppercorn.  I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale during the first half.

Second Half: soil, wood, okay let’s call it forest floor, with a nice touch of light moderate coffee.  With the small ring gauge it does burn a little on the warm side so make sure to take your time smoking this little stick.  Puff this cigar too fast will make the overall profile a bit more robust.  Take your time and you get all the good earthy notes that this cigar has to offer. 

My Strength Rating: 4.5 – the smooth style helps to keep it on the medium range.

To the Point: this is a tasty robusto.  Pair this with a nice Alt or Nut Brown beer. 

Tonight I enjoyed this cigar with the Detroit Brewing Beer called Detroit Dwarf.  The lightly toasted caramel and the nutty notes of the beer paired well with the tasty earthy tones of the cigar.  

Cain Maduro Double Toro and Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: Pairing

The Wine

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley

Rutherford, California, USA

Caymus.com

15.2% abv

Appearance: a very pretty dark purple

Aroma: dark berries; blackberry dominates, nice oak and brown spice

Flavors: dark berries; black currants, black plum, and let’s throw in a little black cherry.  Then there is a swirl of vanilla-caramel-oak in the mix here on the first glass.  A touch of tart cranberry on the finish.

Mouthfeel: smooth and supple texture.  The sweet notes hit the front and then a touch of spice in the mid and then a light tartness on the finish.  A long linger aftertaste of dark berries and a light touch of vanilla. 

To the Point:  I have to say on the first two or three sips I was a little concerned.  The vanilla-caramel note was smack in my face and the rest of the flavors seemed to be hiding in the background.  After swirling the glass for a minute or two I must have called all the flavors to order. 

So, decant this bottle for a little bit and the flavors should all be inline and ready to enjoy. 

The Cigar

Cain Maduro Double Toro

Straight Ligero

Wrapper: Maduro

Fillers: Nicaragua: Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa

Size: 6 x 60

$9.75 they may be more now in Michigan for this stick has been in the humidor for a long time – 2 or 3 years. 

Flavor Profile: this is one hearty cigar.  If you like a robust smoking experience this should fit the bill.  Deep dark soil and hardwood notes dominate.  There is a good dose of coffee grounds and a solid peppery spice. 

I have more of these Cain’s in my humidor somewhere.  I’ll have to do a little digging around and find them to enjoy them.  The only problem with having about 800 cigars in a humidor – you lose track of some of them. 

The Pairing

I thought this cigar would complement this wine and it does.  The wine has that vanilla-caramel-oak swirling around the dark berries and the cigar has the firm earthy tones and peppery spice. 

I was thinking that I would pair a more elegant style of cigar with the Caymus Cabernet but, that would have been too easy.  I wanted to test the upper limits of a bold cigar with this wine and I am glad I did.  Did it maximize my tasting experience?  Well, probably not.  But, it is damn good anyways. 

I think this cigar has brought out the brown spice in the wine.  The vanilla-caramel note is more of an undertone now and the oak has come forward a bit.  

San Lotano Oval Robusto and Angry Orchard Hard Cider Crisp Apple: Review

The Cider

Angry Orchard Hard Cider Crisp Apple

Angry Orchard Cider Company

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Naturally Gluten Free

12 oz bottle

5% abv

$8.69 a six pack

This year I said to myself, ‘Self, why don’t we do some ciders on the beer and cigar blog?’  Well, when I saw this on the shelf at a local grocery store I grabbed it up.

Now, I have not had many ‘hard ciders,’ I may have had one here and there.  Woodchuck is the lineup I have had a few from. 

Appearance: light golden amber that is just crystal clear as can be.

Aroma: fresh apple cider

Flavors: just like the aroma – fresh apple cider, the alcohol does not even play a role in this. 

Mouthfeel: crisp, clean, low to no carbonation, almost creamy feel, sweet apples linger on the palate

To the Point: I really needed this tonight – you see I didn’t want a beer nor did I want a wine and this really hit the spot for something different.  This would be tasty on a warm summer day.  I would buy a six pack again. 

The Cigar

San Lotano Oval Robusto

By: A.J. Fernandez

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000

Binder: Nicaragua

Fillers: Nicaragua, Honduras & a secret

Size: 5.5 x 54

The three sizes in the picture: Robusto 5.5x54; Gordo 6.5x60; Pyramid 6.5x54

Taste Profile: the Robusto size has a rich soil tone, some hardwood, white pepper like spice, light-medium coffee, and a dry texture on the finish. 

My Strength Rating: 6 – on the light side of medium-full

To the Point: a quality earthy smoke that will need a beverage to keep the palate refreshed.    

The Pairing

The Angry Orchard Crisp Apple was sure refreshing to have with this San Lotano Oval Cigar.  The dry mouthfeel of the cigar just begs for a refreshing beverage and the Hard Cider is doing the trick. 

There is nothing special between the exchanges of these two.  The notes don’t really mix together; the apple flavor does not transfer over to the cigar for example.  But, like I said the Hard Cider is truly refreshing to have with a cigar.  

La Gloria Cubana Serie N JSB and Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple: Pairing

A Three Stick Review Day

The Cigar

La Gloria Cubana Serie N JSB

Wrapper: Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size:5.5 x 54

$7.59 – Smoky’s of Northville

Flavor Profile: fresh dark roasted coffee, rich forest floor compost, a touch of dry dark chocolate 87% like, and there is a little twang that tantalizes the tongue.  I’ll give it a 6/6.5 on my strength scale.  

The Ale

Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple

Brouwerij Van Steenberge

Belgium

Globalbeer.com

Guldendraak.be

11.2 little stubby bottle

10.7% abv

$19.99 a four pack

Appearance: amber with some golden highlights when held to the light.  White 2 finger plus head.  Some lacing on the glass. 

Aroma: oh the Belgian yeast, stone fruit, maybe a little mango, sweet malts, I didn’t pick up any alcohol till I was halfway through.  Swirl the glass every now and then to reinvigorate the bouquet.   

Flavors: sweet malts surround the fruity notes, stone fruit like the nose with a golden raisin added to the mix, delicate hops to add some balance, tasty yeast in the mix.  Fairly simple … I guess I expected more complexity from this Quad.

Perfect two finger head

Mouthfeel: this is really nice, sweetness when the beverage is on the cold side and then a soft bitterness appears as it warms.  As it warms this ale gets better with each sip.  The carbonation is low with a nice fizzy feel on the palate.  This helps to give it a semi-creamy feel. 

To the Point: the mouthfeel is special.  The flavors are very good but not complex and that is not always a bad thing – for it is a good thing here.  I really like the Gulden Draak 9000.  I will have to pick up a few more to keep it in stock. 

My Strength Rating: 6.5

The Pairing

These two are really good together.  They complement each other.  The cigar has the big earthy coffee style going on and the Quad has the sweet stone fruits happening with a semi-creamy mouthfeel.  This is one of those pairings you don’t want to end. 

This is the best pairing of the day.  I started off with coffee and a stick then, I had a beer and a stick (a three stick and review day) and for the night capper this Gulden Draak 9000 and a La Gloria N.  What a day.  

Partagas 1845 Double Corona and Atwater Purple Gang Pilsner: Pairing

The Cigar

Partagas 1845 Double Corona

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Viso

Binder: Connecticut Habano Broadleaf

Fillers: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero, Nicaraguan Guardian Viso, Esteli Seco, ASP Seco

Size: 7.2 x 54

$8.99 – Smoky’s of Northville

Flavor Profile: This one really reminds me of the 1845 Gigante.   Moderate soil earthy tones, nice touch of cedar wood, light/moderate coffee, sweet and lightly toasted tobacco leafs, light spice that reminds me of a white and green peppercorn.  I’ll give it a 5 on my strength scale. 

I can’t figure out why a few of the guys at the cigar store don’t like this stick. 

The Pilsner

Atwater Purple Gang Pilsner

Atwater Brewery

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Atwaterbeer.com

Appearance: pale gold and a slightly hazy with a huge white head that stays around.  Good lacing on the glass

Aroma: typical very light pilsner bouquet.  White bread.

Flavors: light grains, white bread, and mild hop bitterness.  While it is a typical pilsner taste; it is a tasty typical pilsner.  Should be nice on a summer day. 

Mouthfeel: moderate-low carbonation, smooth, mild malts and hops

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – mild-medium; right on the edge of mild

The Pairing

I was not expecting much from this pairing but, these two seem to like each other.  The cigar seems to bring out a little body in this Pilsner.  The light grains seem to be a little earthy like during this pairing.  The Pilsner leaves the cigar alone for I don’t notice any changes in the smoke.  The beer is refreshing after a few puffs of the cigar.  While nothing special here it is enjoyable even if the Yankees are kicking the Tigers ass today in baseball.  

Casa Magna Corona and Margaritaville Coffee Latitude Attitude: Review

The Cigar

Casa Magna Corona

Nicaraguan Puro

Wrapper: Ligero Cuban seed Colorado

This Colorado wrapper gives this cigar a nice reddish brown color.

Fillers: Cuban seed Ligero and Visos tobaccos from different areas around Nicaragua 

Size: 6 x 46

Flavor Profile: From off the light to the finish this cigar has a solid medium-full style with flavors of dark roasted coffee to hearty earth and a nice touch of cedar.

It is said to pair with a Speyside Single Malt Scotch. 

This morning I am pairing it with a medium roast coffee by Margaritaville Coffee called: Latitude Attitude. 

The Coffee

Margaritaville Coffee Latitude Attitude

Medium Roast

Margaritaville Coffee has a wide range of roasts:

Pirates Gold: Dark Roast

(I don't have the name): Medium/Dark Roast

Latitude Attitude: Medium Roast   

Sunrise in Paradise: Light/Medium Roast

(I don't have the name): Light Roast

License to Chill: Decaf

I found these at Big Lots: $5.00 for a 12oz bag

I have had all of these and I personally think they are straight forward in their coffee flavor; meaning they do not have any special flavors to them.  I have to admit that I do like a simple coffee that is still tasty and that is what they are.  I can tell the difference between each of the roasts and the decaf is pretty good as well.  I always find it hard to find a decaf that tastes good.

I think this coffee lineup by Margaritaville Coffee is a must try for cigar smokers to try to help understand the difference between the different roast styles for describing flavor profile notes. 

The Pairing

This medium roast called Latitude Attitude is matching well with the Casa Magna Cigar that I am enjoying this morning.  The cigar has a full dark roast coffee profile and this medium roast coffee helps to make this pleasing on the palate. 

Coffee is a perfect pairing with most cigars for their flavor profiles match up so well.  

Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year Old: Review

Blended Scotch Whisky

The Centenary Blend

Johnnie Walker and Sons

Kilmarnock, Scotland

Johnniewalker.com

40% abv

$89.99

Here are the notes from the packaging:

“…aromas of soft raisins, coffee, fresh malts and light cream give way to voluptuous flavours of vanilla, honey rich fruit, and a trace of light smoke in the long finish.”

Let’s see how I did

Appearance: amber

Aroma: white mushroom, peach licorice stick, and wet malts

Flavors: honey on the front, with a lightly toasted vanilla-oak, golden raisin

Mouthfeel: very light warmth on the palate, very light warmth on the finish, silky glide over the tongue and super smooth buttery finish,

To the Point: to me this was hard to review, or what I call it, ‘it’s not reviewogenic’.  I like drinking this one without thinking about it.  If you want something with some spicy notes, peat, and some warmth to it – well – look elsewhere for this is not for you.  It’s silky smooth and easy to drink on the neat side.  No rocks needed here nor a splish-splash of water - for it is smooooth from start to finish. 

For me the best way to experience the Gold Label is to swirl it around the palate and make sure get it under the tongue.  Just coat the palate and you will maximize the experience. 

Pair this with La Aurora Puro Vintage Cigar

With this cigar you get to experience the delicate flavors of the Gold without overpowering them with a strong full bodied cigar.   Personally, I like taking a few sips of the Scotch and then a puff of the cigar for the flavors of the Scotch are still swirling around on the palate and it feels like the vanilla and honey flavors transfer to the cigar.  The Scotch actually refreshes the palate from the cigars dry leathery mouthfeel. 

Click here to read review on the La Aurora Puro Vintage