San Lotano Oval Pyramid and Rodenbach Ale Anno 1821: Pairing

The Ale

Rodenbach Ale Anno 1821

Sour Ale

Flemish Red Brown

Brewery Rodenbach

Roeselare, Belgium

75% ‘young” Ale, 25% Ale matured for two years

1 pt 9.4 oz bottle

$9.99 a bottle

5.2% abv

Appearance: cordovan body with a tan head

Aroma: light bouquet with a touch of apple mash

Flavors: over-ripened apples, cola, muted tart tone,

Mouthfeel:  moderate carbonation, muted notes, low sour, light-moderate tart,

To the Point: I liked the Grand Cru, I would skip this one, and it is okay

Read the Rodenbach Grand Cru Review

The Cigar

San Lotano Oval Pyramid

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000

Binder: Nicaragua

Fillers: Nicaragua, Honduras & a secret

Size: 6.5 x 54

$12.99 at Smoky’s of Northville Michigan

I have smoked a couple of the other sizes and have enjoyed them.  They are not the most interesting cigar out there but, they have a good overall impression.  They are a good medium to medium-full smoke.  Knock about three bucks off the price and they would be worth smoking now and then.  Good ol’ Michigan 32% cigar tobacco tax. 

Flavor Profile: the main focus is soil earthy tones, hardwood, and a hint of dusty white pepper.  Along the way a cedary note appears and dry coffee grounds.  The mouthfeel is dry and a little flannel like in texture. 

These San Lotano Ovals should pair well with most beverages. 

The Pairing

Not the most interesting pairing I have had.  There does not seem to be too much interplay between the two.  The best exchange seems to be having a few puffs of the cigar and then a good sip of the Ale.  That cola like style seems to refresh the palate and makes me want another puff of the stogie.  The other way; drinking the Ale first and then a few puffs of the cigar seems to dampen the flavors of the cigar – in other words … ‘boring’.

This cigar needs a more interesting beverage.