The Ale
Snow Day Winter Ale
New Belgium Brewing
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
6.2% abv
55 IBU
On the bottle, “…dark caramel roasted Midnight Wheat braced
with a serious load of Styrian Goldings, Centennial and Casade hops?”
Had this beer on tap at The Oven in Caro Michigan and
enjoyed it so much I almost stayed the night in the town just so I could drink
another one or two. Looking forward to
having it today while, I watch my Detroit Lions.
Appearance: very dark brown body; hold it to the light and
you’ll see some mahogany highlights; super 2 finger light tan head that has
great staying power; just sheets of lacing hanging on the glass like a big old velvet
curtain.
Aroma: toasted grains/malts, hint of dark fruit, touch of
spice, light pine.
Flavors: deep roasted caramel malts, profound toasted grains,
and grassy bitter hops. Not all that
complex but, it sure is enjoyable.
Mouthfeel: nice moderate bitterness from start to finish, fine
fizzy carbonation, roasted notes and light-moderate bitterness linger on the
aftertaste, firm body, medium-full overall,
My Strength Rating: 6.5 – the hops kick it up notch (50
IBUs); deep roasted notes
To the Point: I really enjoyed this on tap and now I wish I bought
the twelve pack instead of the six pack.
I am waiting for my ‘Snow Day.’
The Cigar
Diamond Crown Maximus Toro #4
Wrapper: Dark Natural Ecuadorian; El Bajo Sun Grown
Fillers: can’t find anything; I’ll guess Dominican
Size: 6 x 50
I forget how much it cost but, it runs around $15.oo a stick
here in Michigan with our tax gouging politicians are work for us. Michigan did lower the cigar tax from 32% to
.50 cents per stick in the month of November 2012.
Bought a box the other month (October) and it is time to
review one. I have always enjoyed the #4
Maxiums. I never thought of it as
complex but, very enjoyable and a special treat now and then.
Appearance: for a super-premium cigar this stick always
seems to have a big vein running through it.
(see pic at bottom) I have always enjoyed
the Maximus Cigar since it came out way back when (you know you are old when
you can say that) and from what I can remember it has always had a rugged
leather look. Take the band off and give
to someone and they will knock the cigar.
Flavor and Mouthfeel Profile: sweet grains and slightly
nutty taste off the light; the nutty taste reminded me of pecan while it lasted. As the smoke continued, the sweet grains and
nutty note moved to the side and a rich forest floor earthy tone moved in. Toasty leafy vegetation, wood, and rich soil
are the main focus during the first third.
As it entered the second third (maybe a little sooner) I noticed a light
dusty white pepper mixing in with the forest floor qualities and a mild roasted
coffee. I have always thought of this
stick as a mild-medium smoke.
On the second half of this cigar the flavors are lightly
toasted grains, mild Alder wood, dry soil.
Still mild-medium in body.
My Strength Rating: 4 – smooth and enjoyable from start to
finish.
To the Point: Despite the price I still like this cigar;
probably why I bought a box; quality from start to finish.
The Pairing
This was a great pairing.
Both are on the edge of being complex; both have smoothness with the ale
having robust toasted qualities and bitterness while the cigar has mild-medium
toasty qualities. The cigar refreshes
the palate from the ale making for a nice contrast. The forest floor, mild coffee, and mild dusty
white pepper of the cigar comingle with the ales deep roasted grains and
moderate tasty hops. The pairing leaves
a light peppery aftertaste.
