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
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.
