La Herencia Cubana Toro and poperings hommel ale: Pairing

The Cigar

La Herencia Cubana Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Fillers: Jalapa, Condega, and Esteli regions of Nicaragua

Size: 6.5 x 52

I bought a box of these cigars so long ago I don’t recall when I bought them.  I have never reviewed this stick either.  I have started several times and each time something else came up and I never completed a review. 

Today, I have time and nobody to interfere (wife) with this research project of mine.  It is a Wednesday afternoon (snow day – Feb. 27) and not even a sporting event can take my attention away from this review.  So, let’s get busy.

Off the Light: mild-medium toasted grains right off the light.  The toasted grains continue as the main profile and I am thinking Beer.  This cigar would go nice with a porter, stout or ale with some hearty toasted grains.  A nice woody note appears – I’m not picking up cedar or oak at this point – it just reminds me of a hardwood. 

As I am sitting here trying think of tasting notes what this cigar smoking experience is reminding me of is ‘forest floor.’  Semi-composting leafs, dry fall leafs, fertile soil, and twigs.  This makes since with my first impressions of toasted grains (dry fall leafs) and a nondescript hardwood (twigs, composting leafs and soil).  That works for me. 

I just read on Cigars International site that it has a bold peppery style.  So far today and on my past to review this cigar (I did write a few notes down) I have not experienced any pepper or even bold pepper.  Let’s see as the smoking experience continues. 

The pairing with the poperings hommel ale is very pleasing.  The medium body of the cigar works well with the medium-full of the ale.  The hint of lemon twist and spice in the ale is a nice contrast to the earthy style of the cigar. 

Mid-Point: this cigar holds a very solid gray ash.  I am enjoying smoking this cigar and it is making me think why I don’t smoke this stick more frequently … probably because I have too many choices in my humidor and it just gets overlooked.  The mild-medium earthy forest floor notes are hitting the spot today.  The mouthfeel is smooth.

As for the beverage pairing the earthy style of the cigar seems to bring out that little touch of lemon and floral notes.  To me this is a really nice pairing.  Medium in body; tasty flavors; does not become jammy or puckering on the palate. 

At the true halfway point a little cedar spice shows up to the dance.  With each puff the cedar spice seems to become the major profile over the earthy tones during the first half. 

The cedar spice is bringing out the pink peppercorn note of the ale. 

Damn, this is my last bottle of poperings hommel and the glass is running dry.  Oh, that last sip was so tasty. 

Down the Stretch: as the cigar enters the final third the toasted grains description seems to fit here with a moderate cedar spice and rich soil.  The smoking experience becomes more medium to medium-full here on the finish.  The toasted notes become a bit burnt and the smooth earthy style becomes fuller in body. 

To the Point: I really enjoyed this cigar.  I’ll have to smoke this a little more often for I have plenty in the humidor. 

The Ale

poperings hommel ale

Brewed & Bottled by:

NV Van Eecke

Watou, Belgium

7.5% abv

11.2oz bottle

$16.99 a four pack

Aroma: light floral hops, a twist of lemon rind, hint of fresh apple and pear, hint of sweet malts and Belgium yeast.  Nice aromatic hops – sorry hopheads not bitter hops. 

Flavors: let this ale warm a little after taking it out of the fridge for the flavor pop once it hits the 50 degree mark; floral, a rosy-floral note, hint of lemon meat – just a hint, a little fruity – white fruit like, a pinch of coriander, a dash (one dash) of pink peppercorn, low sodium saltine cracker, sweet malts – sweet dough like

Mouthfeel: good Belgian carbonation, there is an oily feel from the hops, the nice fizzy and oily feel gives it a semi-creamy feel, lingering floral and that twist of lemon rind on the aftertaste

To the Point: this ale is soooo easy to drink and at 7.5% watch out for it will catch up to you.  This is one of my favorite Belgians – right up there with Piraat – I am not saying that it is like Piraat – I am saying it is one of my favorites like Piraat.  

Liga Privada #9 Belicoso and Witch’s Hat The Tuscan Coffee Stout: Pairing

The Stout

Witch’s Hat The Tuscan Coffee Stout

Witch’s Hat Brewing

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

4.5% abv

64 oz Growler

$14.00

Witchshatbrewing.com

Brewed with coffee from the Tuscan Coffee House in downtown South Lyon Michigan using their Witch’s Hut Stout.

Appearance: black body and a super thin dark tan head pours from the growler.

Aroma: rich coffee and bakers chocolate; it reminds me of an 80% dark chocolate with coffee beans. 

Flavors: follow the nose; coffee bean with dark roasted grains, 55% dark chocolate like note (doesn’t have the bitter bite of a higher percentage dark chocolate)

Mouthfeel: very low carbonation, semi-creamy feel, medium-body stout, medium on the flavors, dry finish, light roasted notes linger on the palate

To the Point: reminds me of an Irish Dry Stout from start to finish – medium in body and flavors; if you like coffee, like me, you need to try this Stout by Witch’s Hat.  Very easy drink and a low alcohol percentage to boot make this a good session stout. 

The Cigar

Liga Privada #9 Belicoso

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 6 x 52

$19.99 a stick

I have smoked a few of these #9’s and have enjoyed them.  This is a ‘great’ cigar.  I can’t believe that I have not reviewed one yet. 

Smoking Profile: dusty white pepper spice, toasted grains, baker’s chocolate, cedar wood, semi-smooth mouthfeel, lingering roasted notes on the palate.

The Pairing

This is a great pairing.  The toasted grains and baker’s like chocolate notes of the cigar mingle with the Stouts roasted grains, dark chocolate and tasty coffee flavors.  The white pepper and cedar woody notes circulate with the Stouts flavors and add some interest to the experience.  The medium style of this Stout works well with the bold style of the Cigar.  I think a stronger stout might be too much with this cigar.  

Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado and Leinenkugel’s Lemon Berry Shandy: Pairing

The Beer

Leinenkugel’s Lemon Berry Shandy

Jacob Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA

Leinie.com

4.2% abv

Weiss Beer with Blackberry Juice and Natural Flavors

Appearance: rosy peach fuzz with a thin white head that leaves some lacing behind

Aroma: berry soda, more like strawberry-raspberry than blackberry, undertone of lemon, very fresh

Flavors: berry bowl, tart blackberry, a faint lemon note floats around, undertone of wheat … maybe.  Add some more carbonation and you have a rose’ champagne.

Mouthfeel: mild-moderate carbonation, fresh and crisp, light lingering berry note – artificial like, the touch of lemon controls the sweetness. 

To the Point: I was not looking forward to doing this beer but, I think I like it.  As for a beer … forget it … it’s a berry cooler.  I was planning to take a few sips and write a review and then hand it off to the wife to finish but, I think I’ll light up a cigar.  Okay, halfway through I have had enough.  It would have to be one hot day to finish this beer. Okay, I don't like it in the long run ... a 6 ounce long run. 

The Cigar

Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado  

Gran Reserva Limitada

Wrapper: Cuadorian-grown Sumatra

Fillers: Ligero from Nicaragua, Condega and Esteli, Jalapa

Size: 6.5 x 52

Off the Light: roasted grains and rich soil.  As the smoking experience continues a dash of pepper appears with the tasty grains and rich soil profile. 

Mid-Point: soil and grains are still present with a medium-full coffee note and the black pepper appears.  If you like a peppery cigar this is good but not as peppery as the other sizes in this line-up.     

Down the Stretch: pretty much like the mid-point. 

The Pairing

Okay, not the best pairing but the beer dose refresh the palate after puffing on the cigar.  I had to pitch the beer half way through.  Can't expect much out of a beer-cooler style beer.  This cigar deserves better.  

Perdomo ESV 2002 Churchill and N’ice Chouffe: Pairing

The Cigar

Perdomo SEV 2002 Churchill

Estate Seleccion Vintage

Tabacalera Perdomo

Wrapper: Nicaraguan broadleaf sun-grown

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 7 x 54

$8.95 a stick

Notice the color difference in the wrapper (see pic)

The Torpedo is black and the Churchill is dark brown

I smoked a few of these sticks over the last month and I enjoyed a couple of them and then … I came across one that I did not care for as much as the others.  I’ll bet that the ones I liked had the black wrapper and the one I did not care for as much was this brown colored wrapper. 

Off the Light: soil earthy tone for the first inch.  As the smoking experience continued the soil earthy tone was still tasty and a damp campfire note developed. One inch into the stick and I can tell this is not as complex as the Torpedo size.  At this point I taste smoky wood and soil.  There is a slight spicy note swirling around.  My Strength Rating: 5 - medium

Mid-Point:  earthy tones of dried leafs and wood, a touch of campfire, and I am not picking up any spice at all at this point. 

Down the Stretch: the notes become a little more burnt, damp campfire like, dark soil, burnt leafs

To the Point: I liked the Torpedo size better because of it's complexity and more specifically the spice.  It might have been because of the wrapper - brown versus black wrapper - I'll buy the black wrapper.   

The Ale

N’ice Chouffe

Limited Edition

Ale Brewed with Spices (Thyme and Curacao Peel)

Brasserie D’Achouffe

Belgium

Achouffe.be

10% abv

75cl bottle/750 ml

$13.99

The problem I have with these 75cl bottles is getting that great sediment off the bottom of the bottle for the first pour.  Stirring or rolling a Belgian beer bottle does not work well before opening (experience) it just explodes when you open it.

Appearance: rich dark mahogany with a beige head and little lacing.  On the second half of the bottle (after stirring up the sediment) the body is a dark brown. The lacing is stronger on the second half of the 75cl bottle. 

Aroma: very faint, earthy yeast.  As it warmed sweet malty notes.

Flavors: this is a tough one; nothing standing out right away but I sure like for some reason (tasty should work).  As it warms up a nice spice note develops but I don’t know if I could pick out thyme.  Dusty orange peel, brown holiday nut raisin bread, allspice comes to mind with the bready note, thyme starts to show as the ale warms (halfway through the bottle), nice toasted grains, the dark candy-sugar also shows better as the ale warms up. 

This is liquid holiday dark bread - with orange peel, walnut, raisin, touch of allspice in the mix and thyme sprinkled on top of the crust. 

It is suggested on the bottle to serve at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  I have to agree from this experience.  When it was still chill from the fridge the notes were muted and they opened up as it warmed.  It is also suggested, on the bottle, to enjoy after dinner. 

  

Mouthfeel: smooth carbonation – in other words low, medium to medium-full body, full of flavors once it opens. 

To the Point: I really like this ale.  Top shelf stuff here.  I’ll have to plan to have this in stock next year for the holidays.  Hope I remember! 

The Pairing

This is a good pairing.  Nothing memorable though.  The dark notes work well together; the dark bready notes of the ale and the smoky earthy tones of the cigar make for a tasty pairing.  The slightly sweet candied-sugar of the ale brings out a slight sweet note in the Maduro wrapper.     

Ave Maria St. George Belicoso and Final Absolution Trippel: Pairing

The Ale

Dragonmead Final Absolution Trippel Ale

Belgian Style Tripple Ale

Dragonmead Microbrewery

Warren, Michigan, USA

Dragonmead.com

8.5% abv

Appearance: hazy golden body with a one finger white head; if it pours clear then you did not get the sediment off the bottom of the bottle.

Aroma: mild earthy yeast, very fruity, light Belgian spice, sweet

Flavors: fruity – white grape, banana, pear, apple and a touch of orange peel; sweet; tasty Belgian style yeast; light clove; mild floral hops

Mouthfeel: mild-moderate; sweet candied fruit, light tart feel, floral, smooth, very low carbonation, the alcohol does not come into play here on the taste so be careful

To the Point: a pretty good Trippel; a solid representation of this style; it is worthy to purchase

The Cigar

Ave Maria St. George Belicoso

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Sun-grown

Binder/Fillers: Honduran and Nicaraguan

Size: 6x54

Taste Profile: moderate oak and light soil notes off the light; as the smoke continues the oak style is still present with a swirl of sweet tobacco, touch of soil and light spice.  This Belicoso size does not seem to have the body of the Robusto size.  The Robusto came across as medium-full to me and this might be medium during this pairing. 

The Pairing

The dusting of white pepper spice of the cigar brings out a little spice in the ale.  The sweet fruity style of the ale helps to bring out the sweet tobacco note of the cigar.  Nice interplay.   I think a stronger cigar my overpower this tasty ale.  

The Glenlivet 12 Years of Age: Review

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Speyside

George & J.G. Smith, Ltd.

The Glenlivet Distillery

Banffshire, Scotland

40% abv

Theglenlivet.com

Appearance: crystal amber

Aroma: toasted caramel, lightly toasted marshmallow, smoky wood

Flavors: slightly smoky, honey, oak, sweet toasted caramel, slight ginger warmth

Mouthfeel: smooth and sweet on the delivery, warmth on the mid and late palate, light ginger and warmth lingers on the palate

My Strength Rating: 6 – medium-full 

Alec Bradley Prensado Double T and Witch’s Hat Edward’s Brown Ale: Pairing

The Cigar

Alec Bradley Prensado Double T

Wrapper: Trojes, Honduras
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Trojes, Honduras, Nicaragua

Size: 6 x 62 Box Press Oval Shape

Flavor Profile: off the light I get a full dark soil tone, espresso like expression, and a little smoked hardwood on the finish.  This cigar has a full bodied start.  As the smoke continues there is a strong musty white pepper and a fine grind black pepper with a citrus bite.  The bold coffee note, dark soil, and hardwood tones continue.  My Strength Rating: 7.5 – medium-full overall; the just shire volume of smoke from this big ring gauge kicks it up a notch. 

The stick I smoked last month I don’t remember having any major burning issues but, here during the first third the cigar wants to canoe on the burn. 

The Ale

Witch’s Hat Edward’s Brown Ale

Witchshatbrewing.com

22235 Pontiac Trail

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

5% abv

5% of the sales on this beer goes to the Huron Valley Humane Society

Edward’s Brown ale is named after the owners English Springer Spaniel, Edward.

Appearance: dark brown body with some cola like edges; one finger tan head on the pour that dissipates to nothing; no lacing

Aroma: roasted coffee beans, lightly toasted grains

Flavors: medium roast coffee, nice toasted grains, hint of grassy hops

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, mild roasted notes, light body, watery edge, light roasted notes linger for a short aftertaste

My Strength Rating: 3.5 (mild-medium) – lacking aftertaste and mild notes keeps it short of medium

To the Point: nothing special but, it sure makes a very good session beer.  This will be good to pair up with a fine cigar. 

The Pairing

Not a bad pairing.  The ale does help to refresh the palate … some.  This cigar is just too full bodied for the mild-medium brown ale.  The bold earthy tones, spicy notes and strong coffee of the cigar are just dominating the milder notes of the brown ale.  

EP Carrillo Golosos and Penfolds BIN 128 Shiraz 2006: Pairing

The Cigar

EP Carrillo Golosos

Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Dominican

Size 6.2 x 60

Off the Light: big dose of peppery spice. Very easy draw and tons of gray smoke. As the smoking experience continues the black pepper spicy style just tantalizes the tongue on the first inch or so.   The spice is still bold but the earthy tones are starting to show.  Toasted oak campfire wood with toasted fall leafs making for a rich mouthfeel.  The texture is rough leather like and zippy on the spice note.  Full bodied – I’ll give it an 8.5/9 on my strength scale.

Mid-Point: the peppery style is still strong but not as bold as the first couple of inches.  The toasty notes are still rich. I’ll give it an 8 on my strength scale.    

Down the Stretch: The peppery style is still present and thank god it has mellowed some.  The smoking experience is still bold and rich.  Toasted oak campfire is a little stronger; the toasted leafs are a little burnt; the mouthfeel is leathery and very dry – water is needed.  

The Wine

Penfolds BIN 128 Shiraz 2006

Coonawarra

Penfolds Wines

Australia

14.5% abv

$29.90

I have not had this wine in years, it has to be eight or ten, and I am looking forward to enjoying this fine red wine.  I have always liked BIN 128 and 28 Shiraz.

Appearance: black-purple with a purple rim

Aroma: pepper mill mix spice, earthy tones, splendid floral and underneath all this is a rich dark berry note.

Flavors: nice pepper mill mix – it is like I can taste the sweet pink peppercorn, the musty white, spicy green and the citrus spicy black peppercorns; there is an enjoyable thick earthy tone of soil and oak wood; black plum skin, cherry and dark berries.  To me this is not a fruit forward wine – it is earth and spice forward. 

Mouthfeel: thick, bold, mouth-coating, jammy, spicy, lingering dark berry and spice on the aftertaste, full-medium feel

To the Point: just as I remember maybe even better. A very good to excellent bold Shiraz.  I enjoyed the first glass with my dinner – a French demi-glazed shitake mushroom Filet Mignon. 

The Pairing

I have two heavy weights doing battle here on this pairing.  You want a super bold and rich pairing … well this is it.  I have to admit that I was worried about the strong peppery style of this cigar doing battle with the Penfolds peppery notes.  But, that was not a problem and I love this peppery mix.  The rich toasted oak and toasted earthy tones of the cigar complemented the wine barrel oak notes and earth of the Shiraz.  This pairing to not for the faint of heart.  Only big boys need to apple for this bout.    

Perdomo ESV 2002 Torpedo Maduro and Cave Spring 2008 Riesling Icewine: Pairing

The Cigar

Perdomo Estate Seleccion Vintage 2002 Torpedo

Tabacalera Perdomo

Wrapper: Nicaraguan broadleaf sun-grown

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 6.5 x 54

$9.50 a stick

Off the Light: first couple of puffs soft soil and then it builds to a strong almost burnt coffee note, crisp fall leafs, campfire.  As the smoking experience continues past the first inch the notes are still robust in style but have settled from the ‘strong almost burnt’ notes.  The earthy tones of crisp fall leafs and twigs seem to be leading the way with a medium spicy coffee note, campfire, fine grind pepper mill mix, and a long lingering robust finish.  My Strength Rating: 8

Mid-Point: the earthy tones are still up front to me, the coffee note seems smooth now, there is just a hint of the fine grind pepper mill mix, and the sweet pink peppercorn seems to be on the finish.  My Strength Rating: 7

Down the Stretch: just like the mid-section. 

To the Point: when making your selection make sure to get a stick that is almost black in appearance.  The dark brown wrapper is not as tasty in my humble opinion.  A very good maduro smoke otherwise. 

The Icewine

Cave Spring 2008 Riesling Icewine

Cave Spring Icewine

Cave Spring Cellars

Jordan, Ontario, Canada

Cavespring.ca

10% abv

100% Riesling

Appearance: golden crystal with nice legs on the glass

Aroma: light bouquet, sweet pear

Flavors: honey dipped white summer fruit – apple and pear; golden raisin; very light lemon twist on the finish

Mouthfeel: silky smooth, nice icewine syrupy feel coats the palate and lingers on the palate with a touch of lemon twist – the kind you just rub on the rim of a glass.

To the Point: a must buy for icewine drinker.  This is a sipper – just like all icewines.  One or two ounces and that is it – the sugar content is way too high to drink more – believe me.   

The Pairing

This is going to be an interesting pairing.  A full-medium bodied cigar with bold notes and a sweet icewine with mild flavors and a medium body due to the syrupy like consistency.  This could be a good contrast or total crap. 

This cigar would make for a good after dinner smoke and this icewine is a great dessert wine. 

After a few puffs of the cigar I take a sip of the icewine.  Wow, what an effect.  The icewine just smoothed out that robust style of the cigar.  The toasty earthy tones, medium coffee, and spicy style of the cigar mellowed out the mouthfeel in just one sip of this sweet icewine.  What a great contrast. 

I then take a couple of sips of the Cave Springs Icewine and then introduce the cigar – the sweetness that coats the palate lingers while I enjoy a few puffs of the cigar.  The sweet white summer fruits mingle ever so gently with the toasty earth, coffee and spicy style of the cigar.  I think it even mellows out the strength rating of the cigar.   

This is two thumbs up for me on this pairing.

San Miguel Torpedo and Tri-City Fortunato: Pairing

The Cigar

San Miguel Torpedo

Wrapper: Sun Grown Sumatra-seed from Ecuador

Fillers: Esteli, Jamastran, Ometepe

Size: 6 x 52 box press

I have not smoked one of these since March 2011 when I bought a five pack.  I enjoyed the cigar (see review).  This past week Cigar International had a special price of $39 for 20 sticks so I bought two bundles (trusting my own review).

Taste Profile: the cigar starts off with a strong peppery style.  As the smoking experience continues the musty white pepper is full and an earthy note develops with some wood.  The texture is wool like for the peppery notes dance on the tongue during the aftertaste.  The earthy note reminds of dry soil and the wood seems like cedar. 

To the Point: I am glad I bought these for the crazy low price of 2 bucks a stick. 

The Ale

Tri-City Fortunato

Belgian Trappist Ale

Tri-City Brewing Company

Bay City, Michigan, USA

Tricitybrewing.com

7.5% abv

24.8 IBU’s

Appearance: murky brown with a two finger beige head

Aroma: musty and earthy yeast; light; not much else

Flavors: earthy yeast, earthy grains, dirty caramel, slightly nutty, dark fruit like – a little fig, there is a slight tart note that reminds me of a non-descript citrus rind

Mouthfeel: for 7.5 abv the alcohol does not stand out … making it easy to drink; almost a creamy feel; low carbonation; lightly sweet – lightly tart;

To the Point: not a bad Trappist Ale, for the price (compared to a real Belgian Trappist: double or triple the price) it is do-able.  I would try this again to have something different. 

The Pairing

The earthy styles of these products work well together; the white peppery profile of the cigar adds some character to this pairing.  Nothing special here on this pairing but, once again it is do-able.  

Crown Royal Reserve: Review

The Crown Royal Distilling Company

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Blended Canadian Whisky

40% abv; 80 proof

Appearance: crystal amber

Aroma: very faint, sweet grains and caramel

Flavors: very light sweet grains, caramel, touch of oak

Mouthfeel: typical Crown – very smooth, clean, light warmth

To the Point: looking for ultra-smooth … this is it. This reminds me of Johnnie Blue but with some flavor and without the price. I can only see doing this on the neat side because it is sooo smooth. This should pair well with any cigar.  

Oliva Serie V Melanio Torpedo and Founders Dirty Bastard: Pairing

The Cigar

Oliva Serie V Melanio Torpedo

Wrapper: Cuadorian-grown Sumatra

Fillers: Ligero from Nicaragua, Condega and Esteli, Jalapa

Size: 6.5 x 52

$13.50 a stick in Michigan

Smoke Profile: Nice dose of black pepper, tasty grains, mellow and somewhat creamy coffee (coffee with milk undertone).  The cigar does start off strong and mellows a bite as it moves to the mid-section and finishes with a robust style (some burnt notes). 

To the Point: I like this full-medium style cigar.  This Torpedo is not as full as the Robusto size. 

The Ale

Founders Dirty Bastard

Scotch Style Ale

Founders Brewing

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Foundersbrewing.com

8.5% abv

50 IBUs

I got these two bottles from my neighbor up-north.  I think it costs around 12 or 14 bucks a six pack – but, don’t trust me here – just a guess. 

Appearance: murky brown body with a nice tan two finger head that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: lightly toasted caramel, earthy grains, a little toffee coffee tone

Flavors: the seven varieties of imported malts give you layers of rich tasty notes, some sweet grains, toasted caramel, hint of oak, a swirl of that toffee coffee note, light spice (mild green peppercorn like) probably coming from the alcohol and hops,

Mouthfeel: rich, very light fizzy carbonation feel, earthy, light bitterness (I expected more), the alcohol does not stand out that much to me but has a little alcohol warmth on the finish,

The Pairing

This is a great pairing.  The black pepper note from the cigar brings the light peppery spice of the ale up a bit and I like that; the light creamy coffee undertone of the cigar mingles with the hint of toffee coffee note of the ale; the ale has a rich style to the taste and the cigar helps to manage that; 

Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto and He’brew Funky Jewbelation: Pairing

The Cigar

Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto 

Wrapper: Cuadorian-grown Sumatra

Fillers: Ligero from Nicaragua, Condega and Esteli, Jalapa

Size: 5 x 52

Taste Profile: full black pepper spice off the start.  The peppery profile continues to be front and center with some earthy tones in the background.  By the mid-point the black pepper spice calms down some and the earthy style plays a bigger role.  The spiciness of this cigar gives it a full-medium feel overall to me.   

The Ale or Ales in this Case

He’brew Funky Jewbelation

The Chosen Beer

A blend of 6 ales aged in 73% Rye Whiskey Barrels and 27% Bourbon Barrels

Here are the six ales from Shmaltz He’brew line-up: Jewbelation Fifteen aged 3 months; Vintage Jewbbelation aged 9 mths; Bittersweet Lenny’s RIPA aged 1 mth; Origin aged 14 mths; Reunion Ale ’11 aged 7 mths; Messiah aged 14 mths.

Shmaltz Brewing Company

Shmaltzbrewing.com

Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

9.8% abv

$12.99 a bottle

1pt. 6oz bottle

I just might have to do a glass of Crown Reserve with this beer.

Appearance: black body with a good two finger dark tan head that leaves some nice lacing.

Aroma: sweet grains from the bourbon and whiskey barrels; dark roasted malts, dark fruits, dark chocolate like,

Flavors/mouthfeel: what a mix a flavors and mouthfeel; the sweet mixes well with the bitter; fig juice, sweet grains, light spice from the rye, semi-sweet chocolate, low carbonation, light syrupy feel, nice lingering coffee bitter note lingers on the palate; medium-full to me … I’ll give it a 6 on my strength scale. 

To the Point: a very tasty ale, the ale builds some body as it warms up, the aroma is pleasing and the flavors interesting, a must try for those who like dark ales. 

The Pairing

Both of these are in the medium-full range with the cigar leaning toward the fuller side and the ale leaning toward the medium side of town.  The spiciness of the cigar blends well with the dark fruit and dark roasted notes of the ale.  

Kristoff GC Signature Series Double Toro and Gouden Carolus Noel: Pairing

The Ale

Gouden Carolus Noel

Het Anker

Mechelen, Belgium

11.2oz bottle

$19.99 four pack

10.5% abv

Appearance: Brown body with a light tan head

Aroma: black licorice, sweet fancy raisin, coffee,

Flavors: the black licorice stands out to me … reminds me of Smith Brothers Licorice Cough Drops, then the coffee hits the palate and then hints of sweet fancy raisin, fig, and a touch of chocolate.  I do not notice the alcohol.

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, very light bitter note hits the mid palate if you are paying attention, black licorice and a light roasted coffee with milk lingers on the aftertaste.  Body weight seems to be medium-full.  That 10.5% abv does not even seem to be a factor so, watch out.   

My Strength Rating: 6 – just making it into the medium-full range. 

To the Point: I have never had this beer before and when I took a quick sniff and a sip … I thought what did I waste my money on … this is just plain old sweet, sweet and sweet … well … it also has some weird flavor.  Then I said, I need to review this … let’s do it and get it over with.  After thinking about what I smelled and what I was actually tasting I then started to like this Ale.  After all … I love black licorice (the good stuff) this is not your cheap sweet Swizzler type licorice.   Not for everybody but, if you think about what you are drinking and understand … then you may like it … if you like licorice. 

This was an interesting tasting for I went from hating it from the first sip to thinking about it and trying to understand it and eventually liking it (maybe really liking it).

On beer advocate it scored a 90 with 419 reviews.  I would have guessed it to be in the 70’s.  I don’t know if I am ready to say it is exceptional nor am I going to say it is average. 

The Cigar

Kristoff GC signature Series Double Toro

Kristoff.com

Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro

Binder: Cuban Seed Honduran

Fillers: Cuban Seed Dominican, Cuban Seed Honduran, Cuban Seed Nicaraguan

Size: 6 x 60

Off the Light: a bit airy, coffee … mild coffee, light dry vegetation.  As the smoke continues, the coffee note stays on the mild side; a mild forest floor tone cultivates with a little dry earthiness, dry leafs are still present and a hint of wood builds.  (Earth, leafs, and wood = forest floor)  There is a touch of sweet tobacco swirling around the other notes.  The cigar held a good inch and a half gray ash.  Mild-medium here at the start.  I’ll give it a 3 on my strength scale. 

Mid-Point: by the halfway point the cigar builds to a 4 which is still a mild-medium smoke on my strength scale.  The coffee reminds me of a mild-medium roast with milk and this has moved to the front; the forest floor tones follow now; the wood note makes me think of a light sweet yet spicy cedar;

Down the Stretch: Getting down to the last couple of inches and the cigar starts to move to the medium range.  The coffee is a nice medium-mild roast; the forest floor notes are starting to become a little burnt but still tasty.    

Thirty years of smoking cigars and I have never dropped a cigar right into an ashtray – butt end right into the ashes and I did just that.  A little spit on the finger and it wiped off pretty good. 

To the Point: I have not reviewed the Robusto yet but, I smoked one the other day and I enjoyed it and I think it was a little fuller than this big boy. 

The Pairing

I liked this pairing.  The licorice flavors of the Ale melded with the earthy and mild coffee tones of the cigar.  They worked well together and did not interfere with each other.   I would like to smoke a fuller bodied cigar with this ale

Ave Maria Barbarossa Churchill and Flying Horse Royal Lager Beer: Pairing

The Beer

Flying Horse Royal Lager Beer

Bombay Breweries

Bangalore, India

1pt 6oz bottle

$3.69

4.7% abv

Appearance: light-bright golden lager body with a very thin white head

Aroma: grainy malts, bread like, crisp and clean

Flavors and Mouthfeel: crisp and clean in feel, sweet grains, bready, mild hops must be doing their job to keep the sweetness in check, light body, mild carbonation

To the Point: an average to slightly above average lager, easy to drink,

The Cigar

Ave Maria Barbarossa Churchill

Size: 7 x 48

Flavor and Mouthfeel Profile: forest floor mossy like tone with a dusting of white pepper off the light.  As the smoke continues the oak starts to show up and add some strength to the earthy tones.  There is a slight nutty note that swirls around the other flavors.  The cigar has a dry smooth leathery texture.  This cigar is pretty consistent throughout the smoking experience.

To the Point: I have to admit that I like a cigar with a good oaky presence.  I guess that is why I like the Ave Maria line-up.  I have not found a size in their line-up that I don’t like.   

My Strength Rating: 5.5 – the oak and the dry smooth leathery texture

The Pairing

The Flying Horse Lager does not add much to the tasting experience.  It does help with the overall mouthfeel while smoking this cigar.  Well, the light sweet grains of the Lager seem to manage the medium oaky note of the cigar.  The Lager refreshes the palate after puffing on the cigar.  One could call this a boring pairing or let me call it … an easy experience.  Not all pairings are wow.  You have to have experiences like this to know what a wow experience is like.