La Herencia Cubana Toro and poperings hommel ale: Pairing

The Cigar

La Herencia Cubana Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Fillers: Jalapa, Condega, and Esteli regions of Nicaragua

Size: 6.5 x 52

I bought a box of these cigars so long ago I don’t recall when I bought them.  I have never reviewed this stick either.  I have started several times and each time something else came up and I never completed a review. 

Today, I have time and nobody to interfere (wife) with this research project of mine.  It is a Wednesday afternoon (snow day – Feb. 27) and not even a sporting event can take my attention away from this review.  So, let’s get busy.

Off the Light: mild-medium toasted grains right off the light.  The toasted grains continue as the main profile and I am thinking Beer.  This cigar would go nice with a porter, stout or ale with some hearty toasted grains.  A nice woody note appears – I’m not picking up cedar or oak at this point – it just reminds me of a hardwood. 

As I am sitting here trying think of tasting notes what this cigar smoking experience is reminding me of is ‘forest floor.’  Semi-composting leafs, dry fall leafs, fertile soil, and twigs.  This makes since with my first impressions of toasted grains (dry fall leafs) and a nondescript hardwood (twigs, composting leafs and soil).  That works for me. 

I just read on Cigars International site that it has a bold peppery style.  So far today and on my past to review this cigar (I did write a few notes down) I have not experienced any pepper or even bold pepper.  Let’s see as the smoking experience continues. 

The pairing with the poperings hommel ale is very pleasing.  The medium body of the cigar works well with the medium-full of the ale.  The hint of lemon twist and spice in the ale is a nice contrast to the earthy style of the cigar. 

Mid-Point: this cigar holds a very solid gray ash.  I am enjoying smoking this cigar and it is making me think why I don’t smoke this stick more frequently … probably because I have too many choices in my humidor and it just gets overlooked.  The mild-medium earthy forest floor notes are hitting the spot today.  The mouthfeel is smooth.

As for the beverage pairing the earthy style of the cigar seems to bring out that little touch of lemon and floral notes.  To me this is a really nice pairing.  Medium in body; tasty flavors; does not become jammy or puckering on the palate. 

At the true halfway point a little cedar spice shows up to the dance.  With each puff the cedar spice seems to become the major profile over the earthy tones during the first half. 

The cedar spice is bringing out the pink peppercorn note of the ale. 

Damn, this is my last bottle of poperings hommel and the glass is running dry.  Oh, that last sip was so tasty. 

Down the Stretch: as the cigar enters the final third the toasted grains description seems to fit here with a moderate cedar spice and rich soil.  The smoking experience becomes more medium to medium-full here on the finish.  The toasted notes become a bit burnt and the smooth earthy style becomes fuller in body. 

To the Point: I really enjoyed this cigar.  I’ll have to smoke this a little more often for I have plenty in the humidor. 

The Ale

poperings hommel ale

Brewed & Bottled by:

NV Van Eecke

Watou, Belgium

7.5% abv

11.2oz bottle

$16.99 a four pack

Aroma: light floral hops, a twist of lemon rind, hint of fresh apple and pear, hint of sweet malts and Belgium yeast.  Nice aromatic hops – sorry hopheads not bitter hops. 

Flavors: let this ale warm a little after taking it out of the fridge for the flavor pop once it hits the 50 degree mark; floral, a rosy-floral note, hint of lemon meat – just a hint, a little fruity – white fruit like, a pinch of coriander, a dash (one dash) of pink peppercorn, low sodium saltine cracker, sweet malts – sweet dough like

Mouthfeel: good Belgian carbonation, there is an oily feel from the hops, the nice fizzy and oily feel gives it a semi-creamy feel, lingering floral and that twist of lemon rind on the aftertaste

To the Point: this ale is soooo easy to drink and at 7.5% watch out for it will catch up to you.  This is one of my favorite Belgians – right up there with Piraat – I am not saying that it is like Piraat – I am saying it is one of my favorites like Piraat.  

Liga Privada #9 Belicoso and Witch’s Hat The Tuscan Coffee Stout: Pairing

The Stout

Witch’s Hat The Tuscan Coffee Stout

Witch’s Hat Brewing

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

4.5% abv

64 oz Growler

$14.00

Witchshatbrewing.com

Brewed with coffee from the Tuscan Coffee House in downtown South Lyon Michigan using their Witch’s Hut Stout.

Appearance: black body and a super thin dark tan head pours from the growler.

Aroma: rich coffee and bakers chocolate; it reminds me of an 80% dark chocolate with coffee beans. 

Flavors: follow the nose; coffee bean with dark roasted grains, 55% dark chocolate like note (doesn’t have the bitter bite of a higher percentage dark chocolate)

Mouthfeel: very low carbonation, semi-creamy feel, medium-body stout, medium on the flavors, dry finish, light roasted notes linger on the palate

To the Point: reminds me of an Irish Dry Stout from start to finish – medium in body and flavors; if you like coffee, like me, you need to try this Stout by Witch’s Hat.  Very easy drink and a low alcohol percentage to boot make this a good session stout. 

The Cigar

Liga Privada #9 Belicoso

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 6 x 52

$19.99 a stick

I have smoked a few of these #9’s and have enjoyed them.  This is a ‘great’ cigar.  I can’t believe that I have not reviewed one yet. 

Smoking Profile: dusty white pepper spice, toasted grains, baker’s chocolate, cedar wood, semi-smooth mouthfeel, lingering roasted notes on the palate.

The Pairing

This is a great pairing.  The toasted grains and baker’s like chocolate notes of the cigar mingle with the Stouts roasted grains, dark chocolate and tasty coffee flavors.  The white pepper and cedar woody notes circulate with the Stouts flavors and add some interest to the experience.  The medium style of this Stout works well with the bold style of the Cigar.  I think a stronger stout might be too much with this cigar.  

Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado and Leinenkugel’s Lemon Berry Shandy: Pairing

The Beer

Leinenkugel’s Lemon Berry Shandy

Jacob Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA

Leinie.com

4.2% abv

Weiss Beer with Blackberry Juice and Natural Flavors

Appearance: rosy peach fuzz with a thin white head that leaves some lacing behind

Aroma: berry soda, more like strawberry-raspberry than blackberry, undertone of lemon, very fresh

Flavors: berry bowl, tart blackberry, a faint lemon note floats around, undertone of wheat … maybe.  Add some more carbonation and you have a rose’ champagne.

Mouthfeel: mild-moderate carbonation, fresh and crisp, light lingering berry note – artificial like, the touch of lemon controls the sweetness. 

To the Point: I was not looking forward to doing this beer but, I think I like it.  As for a beer … forget it … it’s a berry cooler.  I was planning to take a few sips and write a review and then hand it off to the wife to finish but, I think I’ll light up a cigar.  Okay, halfway through I have had enough.  It would have to be one hot day to finish this beer. Okay, I don't like it in the long run ... a 6 ounce long run. 

The Cigar

Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado  

Gran Reserva Limitada

Wrapper: Cuadorian-grown Sumatra

Fillers: Ligero from Nicaragua, Condega and Esteli, Jalapa

Size: 6.5 x 52

Off the Light: roasted grains and rich soil.  As the smoking experience continues a dash of pepper appears with the tasty grains and rich soil profile. 

Mid-Point: soil and grains are still present with a medium-full coffee note and the black pepper appears.  If you like a peppery cigar this is good but not as peppery as the other sizes in this line-up.     

Down the Stretch: pretty much like the mid-point. 

The Pairing

Okay, not the best pairing but the beer dose refresh the palate after puffing on the cigar.  I had to pitch the beer half way through.  Can't expect much out of a beer-cooler style beer.  This cigar deserves better.  

Perdomo ESV 2002 Churchill and N’ice Chouffe: Pairing

The Cigar

Perdomo SEV 2002 Churchill

Estate Seleccion Vintage

Tabacalera Perdomo

Wrapper: Nicaraguan broadleaf sun-grown

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 7 x 54

$8.95 a stick

Notice the color difference in the wrapper (see pic)

The Torpedo is black and the Churchill is dark brown

I smoked a few of these sticks over the last month and I enjoyed a couple of them and then … I came across one that I did not care for as much as the others.  I’ll bet that the ones I liked had the black wrapper and the one I did not care for as much was this brown colored wrapper. 

Off the Light: soil earthy tone for the first inch.  As the smoking experience continued the soil earthy tone was still tasty and a damp campfire note developed. One inch into the stick and I can tell this is not as complex as the Torpedo size.  At this point I taste smoky wood and soil.  There is a slight spicy note swirling around.  My Strength Rating: 5 - medium

Mid-Point:  earthy tones of dried leafs and wood, a touch of campfire, and I am not picking up any spice at all at this point. 

Down the Stretch: the notes become a little more burnt, damp campfire like, dark soil, burnt leafs

To the Point: I liked the Torpedo size better because of it's complexity and more specifically the spice.  It might have been because of the wrapper - brown versus black wrapper - I'll buy the black wrapper.   

The Ale

N’ice Chouffe

Limited Edition

Ale Brewed with Spices (Thyme and Curacao Peel)

Brasserie D’Achouffe

Belgium

Achouffe.be

10% abv

75cl bottle/750 ml

$13.99

The problem I have with these 75cl bottles is getting that great sediment off the bottom of the bottle for the first pour.  Stirring or rolling a Belgian beer bottle does not work well before opening (experience) it just explodes when you open it.

Appearance: rich dark mahogany with a beige head and little lacing.  On the second half of the bottle (after stirring up the sediment) the body is a dark brown. The lacing is stronger on the second half of the 75cl bottle. 

Aroma: very faint, earthy yeast.  As it warmed sweet malty notes.

Flavors: this is a tough one; nothing standing out right away but I sure like for some reason (tasty should work).  As it warms up a nice spice note develops but I don’t know if I could pick out thyme.  Dusty orange peel, brown holiday nut raisin bread, allspice comes to mind with the bready note, thyme starts to show as the ale warms (halfway through the bottle), nice toasted grains, the dark candy-sugar also shows better as the ale warms up. 

This is liquid holiday dark bread - with orange peel, walnut, raisin, touch of allspice in the mix and thyme sprinkled on top of the crust. 

It is suggested on the bottle to serve at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  I have to agree from this experience.  When it was still chill from the fridge the notes were muted and they opened up as it warmed.  It is also suggested, on the bottle, to enjoy after dinner. 

  

Mouthfeel: smooth carbonation – in other words low, medium to medium-full body, full of flavors once it opens. 

To the Point: I really like this ale.  Top shelf stuff here.  I’ll have to plan to have this in stock next year for the holidays.  Hope I remember! 

The Pairing

This is a good pairing.  Nothing memorable though.  The dark notes work well together; the dark bready notes of the ale and the smoky earthy tones of the cigar make for a tasty pairing.  The slightly sweet candied-sugar of the ale brings out a slight sweet note in the Maduro wrapper.     

Ave Maria St. George Belicoso and Final Absolution Trippel: Pairing

The Ale

Dragonmead Final Absolution Trippel Ale

Belgian Style Tripple Ale

Dragonmead Microbrewery

Warren, Michigan, USA

Dragonmead.com

8.5% abv

Appearance: hazy golden body with a one finger white head; if it pours clear then you did not get the sediment off the bottom of the bottle.

Aroma: mild earthy yeast, very fruity, light Belgian spice, sweet

Flavors: fruity – white grape, banana, pear, apple and a touch of orange peel; sweet; tasty Belgian style yeast; light clove; mild floral hops

Mouthfeel: mild-moderate; sweet candied fruit, light tart feel, floral, smooth, very low carbonation, the alcohol does not come into play here on the taste so be careful

To the Point: a pretty good Trippel; a solid representation of this style; it is worthy to purchase

The Cigar

Ave Maria St. George Belicoso

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Sun-grown

Binder/Fillers: Honduran and Nicaraguan

Size: 6x54

Taste Profile: moderate oak and light soil notes off the light; as the smoke continues the oak style is still present with a swirl of sweet tobacco, touch of soil and light spice.  This Belicoso size does not seem to have the body of the Robusto size.  The Robusto came across as medium-full to me and this might be medium during this pairing. 

The Pairing

The dusting of white pepper spice of the cigar brings out a little spice in the ale.  The sweet fruity style of the ale helps to bring out the sweet tobacco note of the cigar.  Nice interplay.   I think a stronger cigar my overpower this tasty ale.  

The Glenlivet 12 Years of Age: Review

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Speyside

George & J.G. Smith, Ltd.

The Glenlivet Distillery

Banffshire, Scotland

40% abv

Theglenlivet.com

Appearance: crystal amber

Aroma: toasted caramel, lightly toasted marshmallow, smoky wood

Flavors: slightly smoky, honey, oak, sweet toasted caramel, slight ginger warmth

Mouthfeel: smooth and sweet on the delivery, warmth on the mid and late palate, light ginger and warmth lingers on the palate

My Strength Rating: 6 – medium-full 

Alec Bradley Prensado Double T and Witch’s Hat Edward’s Brown Ale: Pairing

The Cigar

Alec Bradley Prensado Double T

Wrapper: Trojes, Honduras
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Trojes, Honduras, Nicaragua

Size: 6 x 62 Box Press Oval Shape

Flavor Profile: off the light I get a full dark soil tone, espresso like expression, and a little smoked hardwood on the finish.  This cigar has a full bodied start.  As the smoke continues there is a strong musty white pepper and a fine grind black pepper with a citrus bite.  The bold coffee note, dark soil, and hardwood tones continue.  My Strength Rating: 7.5 – medium-full overall; the just shire volume of smoke from this big ring gauge kicks it up a notch. 

The stick I smoked last month I don’t remember having any major burning issues but, here during the first third the cigar wants to canoe on the burn. 

The Ale

Witch’s Hat Edward’s Brown Ale

Witchshatbrewing.com

22235 Pontiac Trail

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

5% abv

5% of the sales on this beer goes to the Huron Valley Humane Society

Edward’s Brown ale is named after the owners English Springer Spaniel, Edward.

Appearance: dark brown body with some cola like edges; one finger tan head on the pour that dissipates to nothing; no lacing

Aroma: roasted coffee beans, lightly toasted grains

Flavors: medium roast coffee, nice toasted grains, hint of grassy hops

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, mild roasted notes, light body, watery edge, light roasted notes linger for a short aftertaste

My Strength Rating: 3.5 (mild-medium) – lacking aftertaste and mild notes keeps it short of medium

To the Point: nothing special but, it sure makes a very good session beer.  This will be good to pair up with a fine cigar. 

The Pairing

Not a bad pairing.  The ale does help to refresh the palate … some.  This cigar is just too full bodied for the mild-medium brown ale.  The bold earthy tones, spicy notes and strong coffee of the cigar are just dominating the milder notes of the brown ale.  

EP Carrillo Golosos and Penfolds BIN 128 Shiraz 2006: Pairing

The Cigar

EP Carrillo Golosos

Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Dominican

Size 6.2 x 60

Off the Light: big dose of peppery spice. Very easy draw and tons of gray smoke. As the smoking experience continues the black pepper spicy style just tantalizes the tongue on the first inch or so.   The spice is still bold but the earthy tones are starting to show.  Toasted oak campfire wood with toasted fall leafs making for a rich mouthfeel.  The texture is rough leather like and zippy on the spice note.  Full bodied – I’ll give it an 8.5/9 on my strength scale.

Mid-Point: the peppery style is still strong but not as bold as the first couple of inches.  The toasty notes are still rich. I’ll give it an 8 on my strength scale.    

Down the Stretch: The peppery style is still present and thank god it has mellowed some.  The smoking experience is still bold and rich.  Toasted oak campfire is a little stronger; the toasted leafs are a little burnt; the mouthfeel is leathery and very dry – water is needed.  

The Wine

Penfolds BIN 128 Shiraz 2006

Coonawarra

Penfolds Wines

Australia

14.5% abv

$29.90

I have not had this wine in years, it has to be eight or ten, and I am looking forward to enjoying this fine red wine.  I have always liked BIN 128 and 28 Shiraz.

Appearance: black-purple with a purple rim

Aroma: pepper mill mix spice, earthy tones, splendid floral and underneath all this is a rich dark berry note.

Flavors: nice pepper mill mix – it is like I can taste the sweet pink peppercorn, the musty white, spicy green and the citrus spicy black peppercorns; there is an enjoyable thick earthy tone of soil and oak wood; black plum skin, cherry and dark berries.  To me this is not a fruit forward wine – it is earth and spice forward. 

Mouthfeel: thick, bold, mouth-coating, jammy, spicy, lingering dark berry and spice on the aftertaste, full-medium feel

To the Point: just as I remember maybe even better. A very good to excellent bold Shiraz.  I enjoyed the first glass with my dinner – a French demi-glazed shitake mushroom Filet Mignon. 

The Pairing

I have two heavy weights doing battle here on this pairing.  You want a super bold and rich pairing … well this is it.  I have to admit that I was worried about the strong peppery style of this cigar doing battle with the Penfolds peppery notes.  But, that was not a problem and I love this peppery mix.  The rich toasted oak and toasted earthy tones of the cigar complemented the wine barrel oak notes and earth of the Shiraz.  This pairing to not for the faint of heart.  Only big boys need to apple for this bout.