Flor de las Antillas Toro Gordo and Jewbelation Sweet 16: Pairing

The Ale

Jewbelation Sweet 16

16^th Anniversary Ale

He’Brew the Chosen Beer

Shmaltz Brewing Company

Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

Shmaltzbrewing.com

16 Malts / 16 Hops

16% abv

1pt 6oz bottle

$10.99

I have never had this ale before and I have to admit that I am not looking forward to reviewing this one.  I just have that perception that it is going to be on the sweet side, too sweet side, for me.  But, it may contrast well with this medium-full cigar that has a nice dose of pepper. 

Appearance: coffee black body with a two finger dark tan head; leaves some sticky lacing on the glass with each sip

Aroma: rich sweet malts, roasted malts, just a touch of alcohol, not as boozy as I thought it would be, let’s see what happens as it warms up, fig, chocolate syrup, coffee; the nose has that boozy tone as it warms. 

Flavors: this has a very rich style, the kind that can become too much for me, rich sweet  malts followed by some toasted grains, burnt sugars, dark chocolate covered caramel, a squirt of Hershey mild chocolate syrup, hoppy spice or is it the alcohol,

Mouthfeel: a bit syrupy, thick and chewy is a good way to look at it, rich toasted and slightly burnt notes cover the palate, sweet on the front and mid palate, hoppy spice and alcohol peppery feel on the finish with the sweet note swirling around, low carbonation feel,

My Strength Rating: 8.5 – full bodied

To the Point: as they say on the bottle, ‘this is about cupcakes and unicorns’ and I feel like I just ate three too many cupcakes and I am only halfway through this bottle.  This is a sipper.  Would I buy another one? … No.  If you like bold and rich malts … this is for you. 

The Cigar

Flor de las Antillas Toro Gordo

My Father Cigars

Wrapper: Sun Grown Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 6.5 x 56 smooth box-press

Smoky’s of Northville: $9.95

Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year for 2012

They gave the Toro size a 96 rating out of 100

I smoked this cigar about a week ago and liked it.  I have not reviewed the cigar yet; I usually write a review before I pair it with a beverage.  Tonight I am just going to dive in and pair it up. 

Off the Light: a solid dose of white pepper greets the palate.  As the burn gets past the ½ inch point a dusty soil earthy tone develops with some lightly toasted grains.  My strength rating on the first third; 7 

The Pairing: the ale seems to dominate this peppery beginning of the cigar.  The rich, sweet, and toasty malts with the syrupy mouthfeel just coats the palate and mellows this cigar out like a little baby.  When I take a few sips of the ale that thick texture with its burnt sugars, toasted grains, and chocolate covered caramel notes just lingering around as I puff on the cigar for a tasty experience. 

Mid-Point: the musty white pepper is still leading the way with the dusty soil, toasted grains, and woody notes give this cigar a nice earthy feel.  A medium roast coffee note appears here at the mid-point.  The mouthfeel is dry and semi-smooth.  I have to admit that I don’t think this size is as complex as the Toro size.  The Gordo also seems to be a bit fuller than the Toro.  Late in the mid the white pepper mellows and becomes more of an undertone.   My strength rating on the mid; 6.5

The Pairing: I did not think I would be able to finish this very rich and bold ale but, this cigar was its savior.  Here is the situation; puff the cigar first and then sip the ale or sip the ale and then puff on the cigar; for me … sip the ale and then puff on the cigar is the best experience.  The cigar seems to be dominated by the ale when I smoke the cigar first and then sip the ale.  I really like how the cigar blends with the ale when I drink the ale before puffing the cigar. The flavors of the cigar seem to mingle with the bold aftertaste of the ale.    

A glass of water needs to be nearby during this pairing.  This is a very dry pairing. 

Down the Stretch: the white pepper has taken the back seat to the earthy tones as the cigar enters the final third.  There seems to be a nice toasted oak note that has developed.  The toasted grains and dusty dry soil are still present.  The musty white pepper is more of an undertone here at the beginning of the final third but, then starts to build as I get close to the end.  The mouthfeel is dry and slightly spicy.   My strength rating on the stretch; 6.75

My Strength Rating: 6.5/7 – medium-full bodied

To the Point: not as complex as the Toro.  The strength rating seemed to be consistent throughout the smoking experience on the Gordo.  The flavors of the Gordo seemed to be fairly simple compared to the Toro.  This seems to be how I perceived these two when I sampled them last week at the cigar store.  

Flor de las Antillas Toro: Review

My Father Cigars

Wrapper: Sun Grown Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 6 x 52 smooth box-press

Smoky’s of Northville: $7.95

Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year for 2012

They gave the Toro size a 96 rating out of 100

I smoked this Toro size the other week and followed it up with the Toro Gordo size.  The Toro seemed smoother than the Gordo size, I don’t know if it was my palate (something that I ate before having the Toro) or that’s how it is.  Let me review these two different sizes today.  I’ll smoke the Toro first (12 noon) and then tonight smoke the Toro Gordo. 

Off the Light: firm dose of white pepper right off the bat.  After the first half inch the white pepper mellows a bit and a nice sweet earthy style starts to develop.  At the one inch mark the ash is firm and gray.  Along with the sweet earthy tone there seems to be a hint of toasted pecan and espresso like coffee.  As the cigar nears the end of the first third the toasted pecan seems to have faded with the espresso, earth, undertone of white pepper and a toasted oak becoming the main profile.  Overall, the first third came across as medium-full.  I’ll give it a 6.5 on my strength rating. 

Mid-Point: the mouthfeel seems semi-smooth and seems to be settling in at a 6 on my strength scale here at the beginning of the mid-point.  The coffee note moves to a roasted dark roast, French Roast like.  There seems to be a sweet tobacco leaf note swirling around the earthy and woody tones.  The white pepper undertone is just that – just a hint of it – enough to give it the musty tone of white pepper.  Overall, for the mid-point, I’ll place it at the 5.5 on my strength scale – at the top of medium.  I think I can call the mouthfeel smooth at this point (at the end of the mid-point).

Down the Stretch: as the cigar enters the final third the toasted pecan shell or pecan wood reappears.  The mouthfeel is smooth during the final third.  A dry soil earthy tone with a medium roast coffee makes for a medium bodied smoking experience.  I’ll give a 5.5 on my strength scale. 

My Strength Rating: 6 overall for this ever-changing strength rating – just on the edge of medium-full. 

To the Point: the ever-changing strength rating makes for an interesting smoking experience.  I give a 7 on the first half inch; a 6.5 overall on the first third; then it changes to a 5.5 on the mid; 5.5 on the finish. 

The flavors are complex and seem to change with each inch of the cigar.  

I’ll have to buy more of these to store away in the humidor.   

Higher Grounds Dark Roast Sumatran Coffee and Hemingway Best Seller Maduro

Dark Roast Sumatran Coffee

Gayo Mountain

Higher Grounds Trading Company

Traverse City, Michigan

Here is the description on the bag: ‘Distinctive earthy, wine-like flavors. Very rich, full-bodied & Chocolatey. Very low acidity.’

This description is pretty darn close.  They call it ‘wine-like’ – what I was picking up was a little floral/herbal with a hint of berry.  I like the nice soil earthy tone.  When the cup cools a little I do pick up a little dry cocoa powder likeness on the finish. 

A Fuente Hemingway Best Seller Maduro

I am going with a high end cigar here to pair with this tasty cup of coffee from Higher Grounds.  This Maduro has a nice mild earthy tone of dry yet rich soil with a mild-medium roast coffee likeness.  I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale – just inside the medium-mild zone. 

The pairing: this is a terrific way to enjoy a morning cup of coffee while looking at the NCAA March Madness Bracket Standing – especially since I am on top in our cigar store group.

What does the winner of the March Madness Bracket get?

I wish

Augusto Reyes Signature Gordo and Northern Hawk Owl Amber Ale: Pairing

The Cigar

Augusto Reyes Signature Gordo

Wrapper: Habano

Dominican Puro

Size: 6 x 60; double toro

Flavor Profile: Earthy dry grains, sweet tobacco, smooth and elegant style, not complex at all but, stylish in its simplicity.  This cigar does not change throughout the smoking experience.  Not a cigar to make you say ‘wow’ but it is a very enjoyable mild-medium smoke.  This cigar should be easy to pair with a variety of beverages.  And I like ‘variety of beverages.’     

The Ale

Right Brain Northern Hawk Owl Amber Ale

Right Brain Brewery

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Rightbrainbrewery.com

5.8% abv

22oz bottle / 1pt 6oz

I bought a variety four pack of 22 oz bottles while I was at the brewery and the cost is … $45.00.  Damn … this better be super great stuff.  Avery’s Maharaja is only $9.00 for a 22 oz bottle and that is super top shelf stuff.  They just started bottling so costs are high for them right now. 

I know, right off the bat, it is not super great stuff here – this is an Amber Ale – not one of my favorite styles.

Appearance: fairly clear amber body with a thin tan head and no lacing to speak of – I had to do a very aggressive pour to get some head.  Nothing worse than working to get some head. 

Aroma: smell … smell … smell again … lightly toasted white bread and not much else.  Once the ale warmed up some still no nose. 

Flavors: nice spice from the hops also a little sea grass feel, lightly toasted caramel, sweet bread – the kind that has a little fruit and nuts in it. 

Mouthfeel: thin on the delivery then opens on mid and finish; toasted bread texture, dry sea grass on the mid, very fine carbonation, spice on the finish with a touch of sweet bread, dry feel – a little water along the way won’t hurt. 

To the Point: as far as amber ales go this is tasty; no bouquet; an easy session beer with a nice 5.8 abv just don’t drink too fast but, at $5.50 an eleven ounce glass of beer here this is no session beer

Pairing: I would like to pair this with a Ruben sandwich and of course a fine cigar. 

The Pairing

A nice mild-medium pairing.  The soft earthy grains and sweet tobacco notes of the cigar seem to be a perfect match for this easy going Amber Ale.  The flavors all seem to mingle well with one another for an enjoyable experience.  

Perdomo ESV Robusto Natural and Peninsula Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc: Pairing

The Wine

Peninsula Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc

Peninsula Cellars

Old Mission Peninsula

Hog’s Back Vineyard & Ligon Vineyard

PeninsulaCellars.com

$25.00

13% abv

Appearance: a pretty crimson body with a ruby edge

Aroma just after opening: reminds me walking into a wine room at a winery; nice aromatic berry bowl and a touch of spice

Aroma after allowed to breathe: blackberry, black plum, black currant with a nice touch of spice.  The dark berry notes seemed to be a little more discernible after the wine opened up. 

Flavors: boysenberry, raspberry, currant, hint of earth, as the wine opens a slight tart cranberry with a touch of toasted oak, light spice probably coming from the oak, flavors come together well

Mouthfeel: mixed berries on the delivery and mid; light spice on mid and finish; smooth – they use the word elegant on the bottle to describe the mouthfeel;

My Strength Rating: 6 – just limping into the medium-full range

To the Point: I like this Franc

The Cigar

Perdomo ESV Robusto Natural

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 5 x 54

I smoked this cigar at the Perdomo preview at Smoky’s of Northville and it was full bodied on the first half and seemed to mellow a bit on the second half.  Let’s see how it reviews today. 

Off the Light: nice strong cedary spice right off the bat – it had me sneezing.  Underneath that powerhouse cedary style there are some earthy tones that remind me of dry fall leafs, mushroom and moss.  This cigar emits tons of gray smoke.  The cedar spice calms down a little and now the spice reminds me of white and green peppercorn mix. 

The Pairing: now this is a good pairing.  I paired this wine with that Bad Ass Cigar which was bad – I’m glad I had this cigar selected to do with the second half of this bottle.  The strong spicy style of the cigar is a nice contrast with this smooth and elegant Cab Franc from Peninsula Cellars.  The cigar seems to bring out the oak spice in the wine and the soil like earthy tone.  This is a good example of what a fine cigar matched with the right wine can be … a quality experience. 

Second Half: as the burn entered the second half the spice really subsided.  Toasted grains, dry leafs, cedar, and dry soil.  Boy is that first half a man’s cigar.  The first half is not made for the faint of heart.  The smoke from this cigar is just amazing.  The mouthfeel changes from the steel wool like texture on the first half to a semi-smooth wool like feel. 

The Pairing: the dark berries of the wine just seem to transfer to the cigar for a pleasing experience.  This is a very good medium-full matching.  The cedar from the cigar mingles with the toasted oak from the wine.  The wine seems to bring out a semi-creamy feel in the cigar.  This is just one fine pairing. 

What a difference in a beverage and cigar pairing – from the Bad Ass Cigar to this Perdomo SEV Natural.  The Bad Ass cigar did not add anything to the tasting experience and the Perdomo is just pure bliss to this cigar fan.  

To the Point:  I like this.  Perdomo is back on my radar.  I’ll be buying a few more of these.   

Bad Ass Cigar and Peninsula Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc: Pairing

The Wine

Peninsula Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc

Peninsula Cellars

Old Mission Peninsula

Hog’s Back Vineyard & Ligon Vineyard

PeninsulaCellars.com

$25.00

13% abv

Appearance: a pretty crimson body with a ruby edge

Aroma just after opening: reminds me walking into a wine room at a winery; nice aromatic berry bowl and a touch of spice

Aroma after allowed to breathe: blackberry, black plum, black currant with a nice touch of spice.  The dark berry notes seemed to be a little more discernible after the wine opened up.

Flavors: boysenberry, raspberry, currant, hint of earth, as the wine opens a slight tart cranberry with a touch of toasted oak, light spice probably coming from the oak, flavors come together well

Mouthfeel: mixed berries on the delivery and mid; light spice on mid and finish; smooth – they use the word elegant on the bottle to describe the mouthfeel;

My Strength Rating: 6 – just limping into the medium-full range

To the Point: I like this Franc; I only bought one bottle – I’ll have to get some more. 

The Cigar

Bad Ass Cigar

Frankenmuth Cigar Company

989-652-0511

Supposedly a Kid Rock cigar – If it is anything like the Bad Ass Beer … I should be ready to throw it in the trash halfway through.  I still ask myself ‘why the hell did I buy this cigar.’  They were probably selling them at the beer tent last year and the beer made me buy it.  One, I am not a Kid Rock fan; Two, the label is just pure tacky – two confederate flags stand behind the name Bad Ass with two stripper silhouettes. 

Actually, the cigar is not bad.  Not great but, not bad.  Smooth earthy tones with a touch of mild coffee.  This is a fairly simple mild-medium cigar.  The cigar is too one dimensional or simple so, it will bore the advance cigar smoker.

Oh, the second half of the cigar was a different story.  A strange note evolved.  The best I can call it is … factory floor.  I don’t know what a factory floor taste like but, it probably is not good and so is the second half of this cigar.  Time to say good bye to this cigar – I just can’t finish it.    

The Pairing

During the first half of the cigar:

This is an okay pairing.  This cigar really can’t hurt anything but; it is not going to maximize your tasting experience when you pair it with something.  The mild earthy tones of the cigar work with the mild earthy tones of the wine.  The nice thing about this simple mild-medium body cigar is that it does not interfere with the tasting notes of this wine.   

I am going to push the envelope with this wine and pair the second half of the bottle with a fuller bodied smoke that is peppery.  I’ll have to eat something to get that nasty taste of the Bad Ass Cigar out of my mouth.  

Another bad cigar with someones famous name attached to it.  

March Matching 2013 The Final Game

We have The Edge Maduro Toro going against the Padilla Limitado 2006.  The beer that I have selected for the March Matching 2013 is the Witch’s Hat Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale.  This is going to be a great game.  Both these cigars show characteristics that will match up with the Ales taste profile.  From what I experienced in Game 1 and Game 2 from these two cigars and the Sir Edward’s Ale I am going to love this experience. 

My only concern is with The Edge.  The Edge and the Ale became a little too rich in taste in the final third of the cigar.  The first two thirds of the smoking experience were just wonderful and hard to beat. 

The Padilla Limitado 06 was just smooth and delightful from start to finish. 

To read about (click on link below)

The Set-up – March Matching 2013

Play in Game Pinar del Rio’s Oscuro vs Habano

Game 1 Padilla Limitado 2002 vs Kinkycristo by KinkyFriedman

Game 2 The Edge by Rocky Patel vs Pinar del Rio Habano

March Matching 2010

March Matching 2011

No 2012

Today’s Match-up

Padilla Limitado Edicion Especial 2006 Stats:

Size: 6 x 54

smooth rich soil, medium roast coffee, and baker’s chocolate

I am going to give this match up a 1:9 odds on favorite

The Edge Maduro Toro by Rocky Patel Stats:

Size: 6 x 52

Dark roasted French Roast coffee notes mingles with some dried brown spice and toasted pumpernickel.  The mouthfeel is very pleasing and smooth for a medium-full bodied smoke.

I am going to make the betting odds 2:1 with The Edge and Sir Edward’s match up

The Ale

Sir Edward’s Double Brown by Witch’s Hat Stats:

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

Witchshatbrewing.com

The taste profile follows the nose with toasted grains, rich coffee with a light shot of cream, dry sea grass swirls around the mid palate, and 85% dark chocolate like bitterness on the finish and more so on the aftertaste.  The mouthfeel has a moderate-syrupy feel with roasted notes lingering on the palate and a dry finish.

The Padilla won the coin flip to meet the lighter and be paired up with this tasty Double Brown Ale. 

No problems off the light and boy this cigar just hitting the spot.  This stick has been sitting in my humidor for about four years and the sad part is I will only have one more left after doing this March Matching.  The dark rich soil note of the cigar adds some nice depth and structure to the Double Brown Ale.  The medium-full coffee style of the cigar is playing well with the medium roast coffee tone of Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale.  The dry baker’s chocolate like style of the cigar mingles nicely with the ales dark chocolate like note.  This pairing is smooth, rich, and delicious. 

Time to light up The Edge: a perfect light of the cigar and a nice 1-1/2 finger pour of the Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale.  The Edge shows a tasty display of dark roasted coffee notes right off the get go.  Some dried fall leafs; light dry green and/or brown spice; and the pumpernickel bread like quality starts to all mingle together on the cigars flavor profile.  A few sips of the ale and we have a game going on here.  The cigar really brings out that coffee with a shot of cream in the ale.  There is a sheet of lacing clinging to the glass and long syrupy legs gently glide down the side of the glass.  The rich flavors and mouthfeel – of both the cigar and the ale are just heightened in this pairing. 

Half Time Report:

What a battle.  The Padilla Limitado comes out hitting on all cylinders.  The experience was rich and delicious.  It looked like no other cigar could come close in maximizing ones experience then, The Edge hit the hardwood floor with its rich and bold pairing with the Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale.  We have a tie here at the half in the March Matching Final Game. 

Second Half

The Edge takes the first possession.  The mild coffee note of the cigar shows up to play with the ales rich coffee and shot of cream.  The toasted fall leafs and light spice of the cigar brings out the roasted grains of the ale.  The experience is rich and full of flavors.  This is a must pairing. 

The Padilla Limitado Edicion Especial 2006 Cigar comes out swinging.  The cigar is still maintaining its smooth style and during the pairing the cigar has a creamy feel to it.  This is a smooth, rich, and elegant pairing.  This cigar always the Sir Edward’s Ale to display all its tasty notes; the dark chocolate, dry sea grass, roasted grains and that wonderful coffee like flavor. 

This is one special March Matching – The Ale – The Cigars – The Experience – this is the place to be.  Let’s take a commercial break.  The Padilla leads by two points with 5 minutes to go.  In basketball terms that will be a half hour. 

For those of you who live in Michigan - Witch’s Hat Brewing is located in the town of South Lyon on 22235 Pontiac Trail.  They are in a strip mall located near Busch’s grocery store and Taco Bell.  The have a mug club and the mugs are hand blown glass made by the Dearborn Glass Academy and each mug is unique.  If I lived near the place I would be a member for sure. 

Back to the Game

What a classic game for the ages.  These two fine cigars found their perfect beverage pairing with this Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale. 

This Ale is named after the owner’s dog Edward.  Right now if you buy the Sir Edward’s they are donating 10% of their sales to the Huron Valley Humane Society.

Each time I smoke one of these cigars with the ale I think it’s the winner.  This is nip and tuck right up to the end.  The one thing that I do find interesting is that the 8.9% abv is not really a factor except that I am starting to feel it myself with only 10 or so ounces left in the 32 oz growler. 

The Padilla pairing is still so smooth and rich with each sip of the ale.  The Edge by Rocky Patel pairing is rich and bold and is not becoming too powerful like it did in Game 1. 

At the end of regulation we have a tie and we are going into overtime.  This is a first for the March Matching Games.  Hoop tee dew baby this is one great March Matching. 

With only two inches to smoke in each cigar let’s see which one comes out the winner.    

The Padilla comes out with a three point lead with its smooth and elegant style still hanging on.

The Edge’s bold style is now getting in the way.  The cigar picks up a slight bitter note that brings out the dry sea grass bite in the ale. 

In overtime we have the Padilla Limitado Edicion Especial 2006 Cigar coming out on top with its smooth and elegant pairing with the Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale.

It was one of those games you don’t won’t to see a loser for there really is not one – expect for if you don’t ever experience either one of these with this tasty ale.  

March Matching 2013 Game 2

Pinar del Rio Habano and Rocky Patel The Edge Maduro go head to head while

I enjoy a 32 oz growler of Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale from Witch’s Hat Brewery.

sorry the best pic I could get

To read about (click on link below)

The Set-up

Play in Game

Game 1

Let’s introduce the Ale and the Cigars:

The Ale

Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ale

Witch’s Hat

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

8.9% abv

Witchshatbrewing.com

The Double Brown Ale has a rich malty nose with touch of coffee and lightly roasted grains.  The taste profile follows the nose with toasted grains, rich coffee with a light shot of cream, dry sea grass swirls around the mid palate, and 85% dark chocolate like bitterness on the finish and more so on the aftertaste.  The mouthfeel has a syrupy feel with roasted notes lingering on the palate and a dry finish.

The pictures have been taken, the pre-game stats have been written, and a few sips of the Double Brown Ale have my palate ready to light these cigars up.

The Cigars:

The Habano

Pinar del Rio Toro Habano

Habano Sun Grown

Liga Cubana No. 5

Wrapper: Dominican Republic Habano Sun Grown

Binder: Criollo ’98 from Dom.

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Dom. Rep.

Size: 6 x 50

This cigar starts off with a nice Habano spicy flavor.  The spice reminds me of green peppercorn.  There is a good earthy tone with a touch of woody notes that help to give it some body.  I’ll give it a 6/6.5 on my strength scale. 

By the mid-point the peppery spice has settled.  The dusty earthy tone remains with a mild-medium coffee note and a sweet woody character – I am thing Alder wood.  I think I’ll give it a 5/5.5 on my strength scale here at the mid-point.

The cigar is pretty much like the mid-point as it smokes through the final third.  It is a little more robust in body. 

This cigar won the play in game beating its brother the Pinar del Rio Oscuro cigar.  It was the contrast in flavors that made this an interesting pairing.  The Edge is going to be similar to the Pinar Oscuro in that the cigar will complement the ales flavors.  Let’s see how they rumble here today on the hardwood.  

The Edge

Rocky Patel ‘The Edge’ Toro Maduro

Wrapper: Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: ? Secrete

According to Rockypatel.com

Size: 6 x 52

My Strength Rating: 6.5

Here is what I had to say about ‘The Edge’ back on May of 2011.

I can’t believe I have never reviewed this stick.  A few years back every time I went in to the cigar store I would pick up 4 sticks just to store away in my humidor.  Well, I have a good collection of these babies.  So, it is time for a review. 

I have always liked this cigar for its size, price, and flavor.  The flavor is fairly consistent all the way thru the smoking experience.  Dark roasted French Roast coffee notes mingled with some dried brown spice and toasted pumpernickel.  The mouthfeel is very pleasing and smooth for a medium-full bodied smoke. 

This cigar should pair well with most stouts, porters and dopplebocks.

The Habano cigar has won the coin flip

The Battle

The Habano cigar opens up with some spicy notes and woody tones.  A few sips of the ale and that nice contrasting experience is still pleasing.  The cigar brings out the dry sea grass and moderate dark chocolate bitterness in the ale.

The Maduro cigar starts off with some dark bread and mild earthy coffee like qualities.  After getting the burn established I take a few sips of the Ale; ooooh, this is nice.  The dark roasted coffee like flavor of the Cigar starts to kick in and mingles oooh so well with the coffee with a light shot of cream like flavor of the Ale.  The moderate syrupy texture of the Ale seems to be more noticeable during this pairing compared to the Habano and Ale pairing. 

The Habano cigar comes back with some of that nice Alder wood like flavor and a touch of earthy mild-medium coffee like notes.  The things that I am not picking up during this exchange are the toasted grains and the moderate syrupy like mouthfeel of the Ale.  Otherwise, I really like this pairing.  I do like how the peppery notes of the cigar bring out the hoppy notes of the Ale. 

The Maduro cigar plays oh so nice with the Ale.  The coffee flavors mingle well; the gentle brown spice and pumpernickel like bready notes comingle with the Ales hops.  The bitter notes are more of an undertone during this pairing.  The Ales toasted grains, coffee, and dark chocolate like qualities are very pleasing with The Edge Cigar.  The moderate syrupy feel that the Ale should have is in play during this pairing.  I really like this mouthfeel during the exchange of these two. 

This has been a classic battle on the old hardwood floor.  The Pinar del Rio Habano played a great game with its contrasting style to the Sir Edward’s Double Brown Ales flavors.  But, the winner is Rocky Patel’s ‘The Edge’.  The Edge just plays so well with the Ales flavors and mouthfeel.  The toasted grains and dark chocolate like flavors of Sir Edward are spot on; the mouthfeel of the Ale is spot on.  I would smoke either one of these cigars with this ale and be satisfied.  But, The Edge by Rocky Patel just maximizes my experience.  It was the French Roast like coffee note of The Edge, the toasted grains, the mouthfeel, and the rich comingling notes of both that just hit the spot.  On this day The Edge wins by just five points.  

This should be a classic match-up with The Edge going against the Padilla Limitado.  Click hereto see the match-up 

Go to Smoky’s or Sit in my Cigar Lounge in my Garage

The guys at Smoky’s wonder and make fun of me for wanting to sit in my garage rather than sit at the cigar store.  Well – do they serve good food and drink at Smoky’s  … no … and here is what I serve at my Cigar Lounge (garage). 

Do you get, a fresh off the grill rib eye steak with black smoked sea salt, smoked black peppercorn, sage, a twist of my garlic spice, and Tuscan olive oil, at Smoky’s … No.

Spring green salad with red, yellow, and green sweet mini peppers, portabella mushroom, cucumber, sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet onion with spinach dressing, mix peppercorn, and oregano.  No.   

Grilled asparagus in violet vinegar, Tuscan olive oil, and veggie spice.  No.

Fried apples from Cracker Barrel. No.

Black Star 2010 Cabernet Franc. No.

VSG Spellbound.  Yes

I get one out of six at Smoky’s … I get six out of six at home.  

Enjoy your veggie pizza and wings boys

Not only do I get to talk food but live it!

March Matching 2013 Game 1

Final Four – Game One

We have the Padilla Limitado 2006 going against the Kinkycristo by Kinky Friedman.  This is the Belicoso match up. 

Cigar #1Stats

Padilla Limitado Edicion Especial 2006

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Honduran

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Honduran

Size: 6 x 54

Cigar #2 Stats

Kinky Friedman Kinkycristo

Wrapper: Honduras Habano

Binder: Costa Rican

Fillers: Honduran and Nicaraguan

Size: 6.2 x 54

Interestingly enough I have never reviewed the Padilla Limitado.  These cigars have been rolling around my humidor for years.  I think I even bought these before I started blogging three years ago.  I just can’t believe I have never written a review.  The next thing about this cigar I don’t think you can find it on the market anymore.  The 2006 Limitado is truly limited. 

These two cigars should be a tough battle because they should be so similar in their taste profile.  I am expecting an earthy profile with notes of coffee, wood, hints of chocolate, and a slight peppery spice.  

Odds: Padilla 1:1; Kinkycristo 2:1 with this Ale.

Beer Stats

sorry, the best pic I could get

Sir Edward’s Double Brown by Witch’s Hat

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

Witchshatbrewing.com

The Double Brown Ale has a rich malty nose with touch of coffee and lightly roasted grains.  The taste profile follows the nose with toasted grains, rich coffee with a light shot of cream, dry sea grass swirls around the mid palate, and 85% dark chocolate like bitterness on the finish and more so on the aftertaste.  The mouthfeel has a syrupy feel with roasted notes lingering on the palate and a dry finish.

The Padilla won the coin flip and will meet the lighter and Ale first.

Off the Light: rich dark soil, coffee and a touch of baker's chocolate.  I introduce the Ale after a few puffs and this is one nice exchange.  The dark soil of the cigar plays well with the toasted grains and grassy hops of the ale.  The coffee styles of these two mingle well.  The coffee note of the cigar seems to be a little fuller than the ales medium roast coffee style with a touch of cream.  The ‘nice exchange’ has a smooth creamy feel between these two.

The Kinkycristo is up:

Off the Light: forest floor notes swirl around the palate with notes of crisp fall leafs, composting soil, and light wood.  After a few puff I have a sip of the Sir Edward Ale and the forest floor notes of the cigar make a good interchange with the ales coffee, toasted grains and sea grass like flavors.  The ‘good interchange’ feel seems to be semi-smooth … maybe a little 0000 steel wool like.  The cigar seems to have a slight bitter note during the exchange. 

After the first quarter – I am liking the Padilla match up over the Kinkycristo.  It’s that smooth texture and the interplay of the coffee notes.

2^nd quarter:

The Kinkycristo shows signs of soil, light wood and a sweet spicy note starts to swirl around on the palate.  The sweet spice reminds me of pink peppercorn which has a sweet peppery note.  I think it is this sweet spicy note that is giving this exchange that semi-smooth texture.  I think I am not picking up that nice coffee note from the ale during this pairing. 

The Padilla still has that smooth rich soil, medium roast coffee, and the baker's chocolate still in the mix.  It might be the age of this cigar (around four years in my humidor).  This cigar brings out that coffee with a shot of cream in the ale.  The syrupy texture of the ale is play extremely well with the smooth style of the cigar.  The roasted notes of the ale are mixing well with the cigars toasted notes.  I thought this stick had a peppery style but, I did not experience it during this pairing. 

I have to make a call right now … the Padilla Limitado is the winner.  This is a slam dunk.  I thought they would be much closer in this battle.  It was not so much the flavors but the mouthfeel that won this encounter.  The flavors were a little better with the Padilla versus the Kinkycristo.  It was the mouthfeel that maximized the experience. 

So, it is the Padilla Limitado Edicion Especial 2006 that will be going against the winner of the next round – the Pinar del Rio Habano versus The Edge by Rocky Patel. 

Click here to read:

March Matching the Set-up

March Matching the Play in Game

March Matching Game 2

March Matching Final Game