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.