San Miguel Torpedo and Tri-City Fortunato: Pairing

The Cigar

San Miguel Torpedo

Wrapper: Sun Grown Sumatra-seed from Ecuador

Fillers: Esteli, Jamastran, Ometepe

Size: 6 x 52 box press

I have not smoked one of these since March 2011 when I bought a five pack.  I enjoyed the cigar (see review).  This past week Cigar International had a special price of $39 for 20 sticks so I bought two bundles (trusting my own review).

Taste Profile: the cigar starts off with a strong peppery style.  As the smoking experience continues the musty white pepper is full and an earthy note develops with some wood.  The texture is wool like for the peppery notes dance on the tongue during the aftertaste.  The earthy note reminds of dry soil and the wood seems like cedar. 

To the Point: I am glad I bought these for the crazy low price of 2 bucks a stick. 

The Ale

Tri-City Fortunato

Belgian Trappist Ale

Tri-City Brewing Company

Bay City, Michigan, USA

Tricitybrewing.com

7.5% abv

24.8 IBU’s

Appearance: murky brown with a two finger beige head

Aroma: musty and earthy yeast; light; not much else

Flavors: earthy yeast, earthy grains, dirty caramel, slightly nutty, dark fruit like – a little fig, there is a slight tart note that reminds me of a non-descript citrus rind

Mouthfeel: for 7.5 abv the alcohol does not stand out … making it easy to drink; almost a creamy feel; low carbonation; lightly sweet – lightly tart;

To the Point: not a bad Trappist Ale, for the price (compared to a real Belgian Trappist: double or triple the price) it is do-able.  I would try this again to have something different. 

The Pairing

The earthy styles of these products work well together; the white peppery profile of the cigar adds some character to this pairing.  Nothing special here on this pairing but, once again it is do-able.