Curivari Reserva Limitada 4000 and Justin Isosceles 2006: Review

The Wine

Justin Isosceles 2006

Justin Vineyards and Winery

15% abv

86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot – (unfiltered).

Justinwine.com

6 months barrel aged before blending and then an additional 16 – 18 months oak barrel aging.

I last reviewed this wine on December 12, 2010.  Click Here to see review.  This is not going to be a full review.  I am planning to just sit back and enjoy this wine with a Curivari Reserva Limitada 4000.  Click Here to see the cigar review.

This wine still needs to be decanted. 

The Isosceles has a very deep purple body that is near black when the glass is full.  The aroma has a smoky earth style with blackberries at its core.  The blackberry and dark currant notes are full, earthy and on the tart side.  There is a toasted caramel note with a hint of roasted vanilla from the oak.  Damn, I like this wine.  This baby is six years old and still kicking.  Actually, this wine can age up to 2025.  I only have two bottles left and I am hoping to do the next one in 2016.  I’ll bet they (the two bottles) don’t make it through 2013.  I’ll try for 2016.

The Cigar and Pairing

Curivari Reserva Limitada 4000

Size: 6.25 x 54 Torpedo

Nicaragua Puro that sports a Colorado wrapper

Criollo and Corojo tobaccos

Curivari.com

Back in March of this year I said in the review, “This cigar has a nice medium roast coffee, green and white peppercorn spice, toasted grains and a semi-dry mouthfeel.”

This cigar is pairing well with the Isosceles Wine.  The earthy dark berries of the wine are blending well with the medium roast coffee likeness of the cigar and its toasty grains.  Tonight, I am only picking up a dusty white peppercorn resemblance, on the cigar, during this pairing.  I was a little concerned about the mouthfeel for this pairing for the cigar has a semi-dryness and the wine is dry for sure.  But, there are no issues with the mouthfeel for me.  This is a very good medium-full bodied pairing. 

Okay, I am not going to think any more about this pairing and I am going to my leather chair here my cigar lounge and enjoy the next glass of wine with this tasty cigar.  

Drew Estate Undercrown Corona Doble and Aspall Perronelle’s Blush Cider: Review

The Cider

Aspall Perronelle’s Blush Cider

English Draft Cider

Blended with a dash of blackberry juice

Aspall

Suffolk, England

5.7% abv

500ml bottle

$5.99 on sale

Appearance: reddish copper body

Aroma: sweet apple; the berry reminds me more of pomegranate than blackberry on the nose.    

Flavors: sweet red apple, I can buy the blackberry note here,

Mouthfeel: a little acidity from the blackberry, silky smooth feel, lingering dark berry note on the palate that is pleasing, low carbonation

My Strength Rating: 2.5

To the Point: If you like hard ciders this is a must try.  I’ll be going back to the store to buy up the rest of these. 

The Cigar

Drew Estate Undercrown Corona Doble

Wrapper: San Andreas Otapan Negro Último Corte

Binder: T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano

Fillers: Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan

Size: 7 x 54

$10.99 at Smoky’s of Northville

Drewestate.com

I reviewed the Gran Toro and enjoyed it – let’s see how the Corona Doble smokes. 

Off the Light: semi-sweet soil earthy tone.  As the smoke continues the earthy tone is tasty and a mild-medium roast coffee note appears.  In the first couple of inches the mouthfeel is silky-smooth. 

I am about two inches into the smoking experience and some toasted grains and a hint of sweet tobacco start to mix in with the tasty medium roast coffee and soil like qualities.   

The Pairing During the First Half: The Undercrown Cigar pairs very well the Hard Cider.  The earthy coffee note of the cigar mingles with the fruity notes of this Blush Cider.  The sweet apple style transfers some of the sweetness to the cigar when I take a drink and then puff on the cigar.  Both of these products have a silky style mouthfeel and this is making for a near perfect pairing so far. 

Second Half of the Cigar: the earthy coffee and toasted grain profile builds some body; the sweet tobacco is still present as the cigar enters the second half.  Well into the second half the smoke is medium to medium-full in body.  At times the notes are a little burnt and slightly bitter during the final few inches. 

The Pairing During the Second Half: The linger mouthfeel of apple-berry from the Cider makes a tasty experience with each puff of the cigar.  As the cigar notes become a bit more roasty and toasty the Blush Cider helps to refresh the palate.    

EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos and Einbecker Ur-Bock Dunkel: Pairing

The Beer

Einbecker Ur-Bock Dunkel

Einbecker Brauhaus AG

Einbeck, Germany

6.5% abv

11.2 oz stubby green bottle

Appearance: deep copper, used penny colored body with a slightly dirty white head that was thin and leaves no lacing on the glass.  With an aggressive pour on the second one the head was closer to a two finger. 

Aroma: oh, the malts are coming through here.  Toasted caramel with a touch of molasses, light rye bread,

Flavors: pretty much like the nose.  Slightly burnt caramel with a hint of molasses, light rye bread and roasted grains. 

Mouthfeel: mild carbonation, lightly burnt malts, just a hint of bitterness on the aftertaste, 

To the Point: I am no Dunkel expert but, I do like one once in a while.  This dunkel is pretty tasty and seems true to its style.  I would buy this again. 

My Strength Rating: 6 – on the light side of medium-full.  Good body and a pleasing aftertaste.  For some reason I want to have a Rubin sandwich with this dunkel. 

The Cigar

EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos

Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Dominican

Size: 6 x 52

Epcarrillo.com

$7.49 Smoky’s of Northville Michigan

Here are the different sizes:

Stellas: 5 1/8 x 42

Brillantes: 5 x 50

Divinos: 6 x 52

El Decano: 6 x 60

Gran Via: 7 x 49

Flavor Profile: overall, this is a boring smoke.  The flavor is one dimensional – toasted white bread.  It is almost almond milk creamy and smooth.  This is mild smoke.  I do like mild smokes but, I need something to hang my hat on and this comes up empty to me. 

To the Point: for those of you who like mild with very little flavor, well this is it.  Next time at the store I’ll have to by Mark a stick and see what he thinks.  I think it is right up his alley. 

My Strength Rating: 2.5

Pairings: I think this stick would go very well with a lot of white wines and I am going to plan to do just that.  Just thinking of that – I like this cigar a little more now that I am thinking about it.  This stick should pair well with a lot of different beers. 

Thinking of different beers – how about a Dunkel.  I smoked this cigar the other day and I think it might go with this beer. 

The Pairing

The rich toasted malts of the Ur-Bock mix well with this mild bodied smoke.  Now that I am experiencing this I think a bolder cigar may take away from this tasty dunkel.  I get to taste all the flavors this beer has to offer and the beer also makes this cigar a little tastier.  This is a good example of how a beverage can impact the cigar you are smoking.  Okay, the word ‘impact’ might be too strong in this situation.  How about the word - influence. 

I have to admit that I think differently about this cigar from this pairing.  When I review this cigar I thought it was too boring by itself and now I see that it does serve a purpose.  I think I’ll buy a couple more to pair it with some white wines.    


Add on: I just finished this stick with a Short's Brew Pontius Road Pilsner and the pairing was as boring as it could get.  But, those that don't like flavor - this could work for you.  

San Lotano Oval Pyramid and Rodenbach Ale Anno 1821: Pairing

The Ale

Rodenbach Ale Anno 1821

Sour Ale

Flemish Red Brown

Brewery Rodenbach

Roeselare, Belgium

75% ‘young” Ale, 25% Ale matured for two years

1 pt 9.4 oz bottle

$9.99 a bottle

5.2% abv

Appearance: cordovan body with a tan head

Aroma: light bouquet with a touch of apple mash

Flavors: over-ripened apples, cola, muted tart tone,

Mouthfeel:  moderate carbonation, muted notes, low sour, light-moderate tart,

To the Point: I liked the Grand Cru, I would skip this one, and it is okay

Read the Rodenbach Grand Cru Review

The Cigar

San Lotano Oval Pyramid

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000

Binder: Nicaragua

Fillers: Nicaragua, Honduras & a secret

Size: 6.5 x 54

$12.99 at Smoky’s of Northville Michigan

I have smoked a couple of the other sizes and have enjoyed them.  They are not the most interesting cigar out there but, they have a good overall impression.  They are a good medium to medium-full smoke.  Knock about three bucks off the price and they would be worth smoking now and then.  Good ol’ Michigan 32% cigar tobacco tax. 

Flavor Profile: the main focus is soil earthy tones, hardwood, and a hint of dusty white pepper.  Along the way a cedary note appears and dry coffee grounds.  The mouthfeel is dry and a little flannel like in texture. 

These San Lotano Ovals should pair well with most beverages. 

The Pairing

Not the most interesting pairing I have had.  There does not seem to be too much interplay between the two.  The best exchange seems to be having a few puffs of the cigar and then a good sip of the Ale.  That cola like style seems to refresh the palate and makes me want another puff of the stogie.  The other way; drinking the Ale first and then a few puffs of the cigar seems to dampen the flavors of the cigar – in other words … ‘boring’.

This cigar needs a more interesting beverage.  

San Lotano Oval Gordo: Review

By: A.J. Fernandez

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000

Binder: Nicaragua

Fillers: Nicaragua, Honduras & a secret

Size: 6.5 x 60

$13.99 @ Smoky’s of Northville

The three sizes in the picture: Robusto 5.5x54; Gordo 6.5x60; Pyramid 6.5x54

Off the Light: a solid dose of soil earthy tones with a nice splash of spice.  As the smoke continues the spice reminds me of dusty white pepper.  A hardwood note develops to mingle with the heavy soil.  I’ll give it a 6 on my strength scale. 

Mid-Point: finally getting to the mid-point; rich soil still on the main profile, with some hardwood, some cedar, just a hint of that white pepper, and a nice dry medium-dark coffee note.  

Down the Stretch: the solid forest floor quality continues on the final third, a light dusty white pepper spice continues, the mouthfeel is dry and dusty like

My Strength Rating: 6 – right on the boarder of medium medium-full. 

To the Point: a quality earthy smoke that will need a beverage to keep the palate refreshed.    

Drew Estate Undercrown Gran Toro: Review

I’ll admit it right here and now; I am not a Drew Estate fan.  I still have night mares about when their cigars first hit the market.  Jan (the owner then) of Trader Tom’s handed me a cigar with glitter and some stinky incense type smell to the cigar. All I could say to her was, “Really, you want me to smoke a cigar with glitter on it.”  I smoked about half of it from what I remember.  That cigar was from their Acid line of cigars.  Needless to say I am not a fan of the Acid line.

Now, let’s look at this real cigar.  I have heard good things about it and Joe from Smoky’s of Northville says, ‘I think this is great!’  Just don’t ask him to spell great. 

Drewestate.com

Wrapper: San Andreas Otapan Negro Último Corte

Binder: T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano

Fillers: Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan

Size: 6 x 52

$9.99 at Smoky’s of Northville (Michigan TAX)

Take away the Michigan tax and it would be around 8 bucks.

Off the Light and First Half: a mild-medium earthy flavor with a touch of sweet grains.  As the smoke continues there is a nice toasted wheat and rye style to me; a mild-medium coffee note that is tasty; that touch of sweet grains is still swirling around the medium earthy tone; there is a hint of green peppercorn spice.  The mouthfeel has a smooth leathery texture … maybe a little more like suede.  I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale.

Second Half: damn this stick puts out the smoke.  Tons of smoke while smoking it and all it does is keep emitting smoke while sitting on the ashtray.  The earthy style starts to show a deeper soil like note; the coffee builds in strength to a medium roast; I don’t notice the sweet grains or much spice at this point; the grains have a more toasted quality.  The texture is more leathery on the palate during the second half.  I’ll give it 5 on my strength scale. 

This cigar paired well with the Biggby Costa Rica Blend which is a medium roast coffee. 

To the Point: a very good smoke.  Not that complex and that is not a bad thing.  I like the mouthfeel of this smoke.  I’ll be buying more.  

Macanudo Cru Royale and Port Royal Export: Pairing

The Beer

Port Royal Export

Pilsner Style

Cerveceria Hondurena

Portroyalhn.com

Product of Honduras

12oz bottle

4.8% abv

Ingredients: Water, Barley Malt, Adjuncts and Hops

Appearance: typical clear gold pilsner color, the head is like shaving cream and stays around forever, globs of foam and lacing on the glass and they just don’t go away.

Aroma: boiled corn

Flavors: boiled over cooked corn, not overly sweet, a dull hop style to give some balance,

Mouthfeel: surprisingly a dull carbonation level,

My Strength Rating: 3.5 - smooth and let’s keep with this theme – dull

To the Point: cool looking packaging that makes you think you have something special but, you don’t – uhm, sounds like my life.  This beer needs to be ice cold.  Coming from my beer fridge is just not good enough on this warm 80 degree day.  In no time the beer warms up and is as boring as it can get.  Don’t get me wrong it is not nasty or bad – it is just dull and boring.  The head that stays around forever is pretty cool. 

The Cigar

Macanudo Cru Royale

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Fillers: Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Brazilian

$8.99 from Smoky’s of Northville

I have never had this cigar before but, when I went to the humidor to find a cigar to go with this beer well, the name said it all and I wanted a Royal or Royale treatment.  Let’s see how it reviews.

This Macanudo is very soft and somewhat spongy on the feel.  The overall strength is mild-medium so, I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale.  Some may call it medium.  It has nice roasted tobacco notes and a pleasing earthy coffee style.  This cigar may go well with some IPA’s or a good cup of coffee.  The texture is fairly smooth with a lingering toasty aftertaste. 

The Pairing

This went fairly well.  Being a Macanudo I thought it would be on the mild side of medium and would be as full as I would like to go with this beer.  The beer did refresh the palate after puffing on this fine cigar.  Overall, an uneventful pairing.  The beer was just too … dull.  

Romeo Y Julieta 1875 Belicoso

Wrapper: Sumatra

Binder: Dominican

Fillers: Dominican

Size: 6.1 x 54

$8.99 Smoky’s of Northville

Taste Profile: This cigar is pretty consistent through-out.  It has a slightly dry soil earthy and mild-moderate toasty tobacco leaf profile.  The texture is somewhat leathery and dry with a mild-medium mouthfeel. 

To the Point: not the most interesting smoke overall.  Now, I remember why I don’t pick this one up.   

Augusto Reyes Jr. Sixth Generation and Ardbeg 10 Year Old

The Single Malt Scotch

Ardbeg 10 Year Old

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Non Chill-filtered

Ardbeg Distillery Limited

Isle of Islay, Argyll, Scotland

46% abv

$49.99 from The Super Fine Wine and Liquor in Canton, Michigan

Served ‘neat’

Appearance: straw gold, nice legs on the glass after a swirl around

Nose: moderate peat, apple wood smoke, sweet malt

Flavors: some peat swirls around early with a touch of campfire on the end, sweet grains, slightly toasted oak, applepear fruit, a pinch of salt, personally I like leaving this in the mouth and swirling it around. 

Mouthfeel: smoky feel, gentle ginger spice on the gums and the oily style keep it there for a good aftertaste, nice warmth

The Cigar

Augusto Reyes Jr. Sixth Generation

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Dominican Republic

Fillers: Nicaragua and Dominican

Size: 6 x 60

$7.59 Smoky’s of Northville

Taste Profile: Good earthy, cedar and light spice off the light.  As the smoke continued the spice started to build.  The spice reminds me of a pepper mill mix. The earthy tone and cedar wood note remains in play throughout with a hint of dry cocoa powder.  The mouthfeel is wool like and dry.  Today, I’ll give it a 6 on my strength scale placing it at the medium-full range.   

The Pairing

These two make a very good medium-full pairing.  Whether I puff the cigar first and then a sip of the Scotch or sip the Scotch and then puff on the cigar I am enjoying this pairing. 

After puffing on the cigar for a while the Ardbeg seems to replenish the palate with the sweet grains and fruit coming into play first and then the bolder flavors following. 

The Ardgeg 10 year old has a nice peaty quality that exhibits some smoke and a little campfire along with some toasted oak that fills the palate.  The warmth of the Scotch also builds with each sip.  The cigar then returns the favor and refreshes the palate from the full bodied Scotch.  The warmth of this Scotch makes this cigar feel like a medium bodied smoke. 

I really like how all the flavors of the cigar and the Scotch just mingle together. 

AVO La Trompeta LE12 and Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Pairing

The Cigar

AVO La Trompeta LE12

La Trompeta means the The Trumpet.  That is why they have three lighter circles on the wrapper - to represent the three keys on the trumpet.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown

Binder: Dominican Piloto

Fillers: Dominican (Ligero?) and Peruvian Seco

Size: 6.5 x 54 Torpedo

$17.99 at Smoky’s of Northville

Don’t forget that Michigan has a 32% tobacco tax

Off the Light: mild earthy start with fresh mowed grass, touch of wood and fine grind pepper.   As the smoke continues the grassy note makes me think of sea grass; the wood reminds me of alder wood; and the fine grind peppery spice is pleasing.  The mouthfeel has a smooth leathery feel.  I’ll have to give it a 5 on my strength scale on the first half of this cigar.

Second Half: the grassy note seemed to change to a lightly toasted grain, the wood tone is still pleasing, and the fine grind pepper is still tasty.  One could make the argument for a light earthy coffee note.  The overall strength rating is still a 5.  This is a quality medium smoke. 

The Scotch

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Blended Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker and Sons

Kilmarnock, Scotland

40% abv

$200.00 a bottle from the Super Fine Wine and Liquor Store in Canton Michigan

Appearance: Amber – it looks just like the Gold Label – I held them side by side.  Some nice legs on the glass.

Nose: wet oak, hint of oak spice, grain, honey – the bouquet his is light overall

Flavors: nutty, grains, a sweet honeycomb and oak, (sounding like a breakfast cereal), every once in a while I get a mild ginger spice. 

On a clean palate – on another day – the flavors were pretty similar but the mild ginger like spice was consistent with each sip and it lingered on the palate for a short while.  I like it better today than the other week when I first opened the bottle.  

Mouthfeel: I get a hint of warmth on the finish when I exhale, other than that it is one super smooth Scotch.  Blue might be to smooth for its-own good.  To me this leaves a void – did I really experience anything special here except for it super smooth panache.  

The Pairing

This was a nice pairing.  This mellow Scotch did not overwhelm this tasty cigar.  The silky smooth style of the Blue was complemented with the nice leathery smooth texture of the AVO cigar.  I enjoyed having a sip of the Blue first and then a few puffs of the cigar.  The mild ginger spice mingled politely with the cigars mellow fine grind pepper like notes.   The mild honey note and grains of the Scotch circulated with the cigars interesting earthy style.  Puffing the cigar first seemed to mute the mild flavors of the Blue a tad during this exchange.  

Partagas 1845 Corona Extra and Johnnie Walker Swing: Review

The Scotch

Johnnie Walker Swing

Exceptionally Smooth Scotch Whisky

Blended Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker and Sons

Kilmarnock, Scotland

Johnniewalker.com

40% abv

$66 and some change

The bottle rocks back and forth - so the name Swing.  

On the box: “Created in the early part of the twentieth century by Sir Alexander Walker, world famous whisky master blender and connoisseur.  Inspired by the golden age of transatlantic travel, Sir Alexander’s creastion captures the essence of luxury travel and is a lasting tribute to the sophistication of the 30’s era.”

The day I bought this bottle I had a glass and I was not impressed.  It had a mild band-aid taste on the first few sips till the scotch opened up. 

I had a glass or two the other night and enjoyed this smooth and mellow blend.

Let’s do a review now

Appearance: rich amber

Aroma: touch of sherry, vanilla, and pear

Flavors: lightly roasted vanilla and oak, fruity – apple and pear, touch of sherry, very light smoky feel

Mouthfeel: like they say, ‘exceptionally smooth’ – slightly creamy, low warmth, touch of sherry lingers on the palate for a short time. 

To the Point: while I didn’t have a great start with this Scotch I have grown to like this smooth and mellow malted beverage.  Personally, I like this better than the Blue and Gold.  This is a good thing due to the big price difference.  I say if you want a tasty smooth and mellow Scotch that is tasty the Swing is the way to swing. 

The Cigar

Partagas 1845 Corona Extra 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Viso

Binder: Connecticut Habano Broadleaf

Fillers: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero, Nicaraguan Guardian Viso, Esteli Seco, ASP Seco

Size: 4.5 x 46

$6.99 – Smoky’s of Northville

Off the Light: moderate soil earthy tone, light-medium coffee and a nice woody style.  As the smoke continues moderate soil earthy tones, nice touch of cedar wood, moderate coffee, sweet and toasted tobacco leafs, the spice reminds me of a dusty white peppercorn with a touch of green peppercorn.  I’ll give it a 4.5 on my strength scale during the first half.  This Extra Corona seems a little more robust in style than the other sizes that I have smoked in this line up. 

I’ll have to admit that I have not smoked much from the Partagas brand in the last decade and this new 1845 is going to bring me back.  I have enjoyed the new 1845 line up and I guess I’ll have to make a visit to some of their other sticks that I have not smoked nor reviewed. 

Second Half: soil, wood, toasted tobacco leaf, and the light roasted coffee notes continue during the second half. 

The Pairing

The interplay between the beverage and the cigar is always interesting to me.  Sometimes a few puffs of the cigar and then a few sips of the beverage works and then other times a few sips of the beverage and then a few puffs of the cigar mingles well.  Well, my point here is - that this pairing works with having a few puffs of the cigar and then having a sip of this scotch is the way to go.  I get the nice earthy tones of the cigar and then the Swing refreshes the palate with its tasty vanilla, oak, light fruit, and sherry notes. 

Side Point: I think this Partagas 1845 should pair well with an IPA beer.  Look for this in the future.  

Partagas 1845 Robusto: Review

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Viso

Binder: Connecticut Habano Broadleaf

Fillers: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero, Nicaraguan Guardian Viso, Esteli Seco, ASP Seco

Size: 5.5 x 49

$7.69 – Smoky’s of Northville

Off the Light: moderate soil earthy tone, light-medium coffee and a nice woody style.  As the smoke continues moderate soil earthy tones, nice touch of cedar wood, light/moderate coffee, sweet and lightly toasted tobacco leafs, light spice that reminds me of a dusty white peppercorn.  I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale during the first half.

Second Half: soil, wood, okay let’s call it forest floor, with a nice touch of light moderate coffee.  With the small ring gauge it does burn a little on the warm side so make sure to take your time smoking this little stick.  Puff this cigar too fast will make the overall profile a bit more robust.  Take your time and you get all the good earthy notes that this cigar has to offer. 

My Strength Rating: 4.5 – the smooth style helps to keep it on the medium range.

To the Point: this is a tasty robusto.  Pair this with a nice Alt or Nut Brown beer. 

Tonight I enjoyed this cigar with the Detroit Brewing Beer called Detroit Dwarf.  The lightly toasted caramel and the nutty notes of the beer paired well with the tasty earthy tones of the cigar.  

Cain Maduro Double Toro and Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: Pairing

The Wine

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley

Rutherford, California, USA

Caymus.com

15.2% abv

Appearance: a very pretty dark purple

Aroma: dark berries; blackberry dominates, nice oak and brown spice

Flavors: dark berries; black currants, black plum, and let’s throw in a little black cherry.  Then there is a swirl of vanilla-caramel-oak in the mix here on the first glass.  A touch of tart cranberry on the finish.

Mouthfeel: smooth and supple texture.  The sweet notes hit the front and then a touch of spice in the mid and then a light tartness on the finish.  A long linger aftertaste of dark berries and a light touch of vanilla. 

To the Point:  I have to say on the first two or three sips I was a little concerned.  The vanilla-caramel note was smack in my face and the rest of the flavors seemed to be hiding in the background.  After swirling the glass for a minute or two I must have called all the flavors to order. 

So, decant this bottle for a little bit and the flavors should all be inline and ready to enjoy. 

The Cigar

Cain Maduro Double Toro

Straight Ligero

Wrapper: Maduro

Fillers: Nicaragua: Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa

Size: 6 x 60

$9.75 they may be more now in Michigan for this stick has been in the humidor for a long time – 2 or 3 years. 

Flavor Profile: this is one hearty cigar.  If you like a robust smoking experience this should fit the bill.  Deep dark soil and hardwood notes dominate.  There is a good dose of coffee grounds and a solid peppery spice. 

I have more of these Cain’s in my humidor somewhere.  I’ll have to do a little digging around and find them to enjoy them.  The only problem with having about 800 cigars in a humidor – you lose track of some of them. 

The Pairing

I thought this cigar would complement this wine and it does.  The wine has that vanilla-caramel-oak swirling around the dark berries and the cigar has the firm earthy tones and peppery spice. 

I was thinking that I would pair a more elegant style of cigar with the Caymus Cabernet but, that would have been too easy.  I wanted to test the upper limits of a bold cigar with this wine and I am glad I did.  Did it maximize my tasting experience?  Well, probably not.  But, it is damn good anyways. 

I think this cigar has brought out the brown spice in the wine.  The vanilla-caramel note is more of an undertone now and the oak has come forward a bit.  

San Lotano Oval Robusto and Angry Orchard Hard Cider Crisp Apple: Review

The Cider

Angry Orchard Hard Cider Crisp Apple

Angry Orchard Cider Company

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Naturally Gluten Free

12 oz bottle

5% abv

$8.69 a six pack

This year I said to myself, ‘Self, why don’t we do some ciders on the beer and cigar blog?’  Well, when I saw this on the shelf at a local grocery store I grabbed it up.

Now, I have not had many ‘hard ciders,’ I may have had one here and there.  Woodchuck is the lineup I have had a few from. 

Appearance: light golden amber that is just crystal clear as can be.

Aroma: fresh apple cider

Flavors: just like the aroma – fresh apple cider, the alcohol does not even play a role in this. 

Mouthfeel: crisp, clean, low to no carbonation, almost creamy feel, sweet apples linger on the palate

To the Point: I really needed this tonight – you see I didn’t want a beer nor did I want a wine and this really hit the spot for something different.  This would be tasty on a warm summer day.  I would buy a six pack again. 

The Cigar

San Lotano Oval Robusto

By: A.J. Fernandez

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000

Binder: Nicaragua

Fillers: Nicaragua, Honduras & a secret

Size: 5.5 x 54

The three sizes in the picture: Robusto 5.5x54; Gordo 6.5x60; Pyramid 6.5x54

Taste Profile: the Robusto size has a rich soil tone, some hardwood, white pepper like spice, light-medium coffee, and a dry texture on the finish. 

My Strength Rating: 6 – on the light side of medium-full

To the Point: a quality earthy smoke that will need a beverage to keep the palate refreshed.    

The Pairing

The Angry Orchard Crisp Apple was sure refreshing to have with this San Lotano Oval Cigar.  The dry mouthfeel of the cigar just begs for a refreshing beverage and the Hard Cider is doing the trick. 

There is nothing special between the exchanges of these two.  The notes don’t really mix together; the apple flavor does not transfer over to the cigar for example.  But, like I said the Hard Cider is truly refreshing to have with a cigar.