The Ale
Little Kornkny Ale 2006
Norrebro Bryghus
Barley-Wine Style Ale
“…brewed with US hops and European malts…”
“…notes of plums, dried fruits, spice, and caramel.”
Copenhagen, Denmark
12% abv
1pt 4.3oz bottle
$25.00 a bottle
On sale $21.00
Appearance: dark brown body with a thin tan head this turned to nothing in a split second.
Aroma: rich sweet caramel, touch of delicate spice
Flavors: sweet caramel mixed with molasses and brown sugar upfront, dry fig, dried brown spice, touch of pink peppercorn, touch of semi-sweet chocolate, vanilla extract. This is a sipper. When the ale warms up the alcohol spice is a little more noticeable.
Mouthfeel: smooth, a touch boozy or cognac like, note much in carbonation, a syrupy sweetness dominates the palate and lingers on the tongue.
My Strength Rating: 7.5 – the syrupy feel adds some good weight, the cognac likeness adds depth and the complex flavor profile adds a lot of character.
This Barley-Wine Style Ale should be very good to pair with a cigar.
Don Pepin Series JJ Maduro Sublime
Wrapper: Broadleaf Maduro
Fillers: Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo
Size: 6 x 54
$13.75 in Michigan
This cigar has been around for a while for the white cigar band has turned to a cream color from the tobacco.
Off the Light: dry earth and hardwood greet the palate. As the smoke continues there is a fine grind peppercorn blend that plays on the palate and sinuses.
Mid-point: dry earth, forest floor, toasted oak, medium dark roast coffee, white peppercorn mustiness,
Down the Stretch: The toasted oak note was a bit stronger, roasted tobacco, dark roast coffee, and dry earthy notes. The peppercorn notes seemed to take a back seat during the last third.
My Strength Rating: 7 - firm medium-full body with rich meaty flavors.
The Pairing
When I take a few puffs of the cigar and then sip the ale the cigar helps to cut through some of the sweetness and leaves a wonderful aftertaste.
Now, when I sip the Barley-wine style ale first I get that rush of sweetness and the other flavors of the ale and then when I puff the cigar it seems like some of the flavors transfer to the cigar. The maduro sweetness is little more noticeable.
This is a solid pairing.
