My First Whisky Fest – Whisky Fest Las Vegas 2023 The event: On the first weekend of this month, I was able to go with Greybeard to my first Whisky fest. Whisky Fest Las Vegas 2023 is put on by Whisky Advocate. They set up at the Resorts World event center. Each year, there are 4 to 5 Whisky Fest events across the United States and whiskey sections at some events like Big Smoke Miami. There are General Admission and VIP tickets as well as press passes. With a VIP or a Press Pass, you are able to go in an hour early for pours of the most special or anticipated offerings. Our press passes were provided for free by Whiskey Advocate. Check-in Experience: As we had a press pass, I could only go by the early check-in, which was a simple list with a number of tickets. We checked in together, got a normal VIP bracelet to show we could join the early pours and a goody bag with our Glencairn glass for tasting, and walked into the event with no muss no fuss. The Main Event: After a while, I found two main rooms, several food lines, and sodas and desserts. There were also several hot water stations to rinse your tasting glass. The layout was quite roomy, and for the most part, you had room to mingle and talk in-depth with the distillers at each booth. Booth design ranged from the provided black draped partitions to oversized barrels, industrial style shelving, fully enclosed to free and open, and a bit of everything. It is quite interesting to see who engages in pageantry and finery or is just there to let their whiskey speak. One of the most enjoyable booths for me was actually an Irish whiskey distillery…
Cigar Review: Book of Love by Romeo y Julietta Brand: Romeo y Julietta Vitola: Toro 6 x 52 Filler: Dominican Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra Binder: Dominican Smoking Time: 52 minutes Body: Bold Flavor: Medium to Full Price: $13.00 What Makes it Special: From the company, “The Romeo y Julieta Book of Love is one of the most flavorful blends we’ve ever made for the Romeo y Julieta brand,” said Pedro Ventura, director of operations, in a press release. “The most predominant tobacco in the blend is the Dominican Piloto variety from two regions of the Dominican Republic – Navarrete and La Canela – located in the heart of the Cibao Valley. This cigar from Romeo y Julieta, with its great complexity and medium-to-full body, will satisfy even the most educated of palates.” Blended by Raphael Nodal with the venerable team at Plasencia, this cigar is a 6 x 52 toro with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Dominican binder, and filler, with two piloto tobaccos from the Navarette and La Canela regions bringing the body. Produced by Tabacalera de García in La Romana, Dominican Republic. with MSRP set at $13 per cigar, it is packaged in a ten-count bright red box designed to look like classic books. Visual/Prelight Draw: The Sumatra wrapper is oily with no blemishes or large veins. It smells of rich earth and dark chocolate, with a sweet grain like milo or sorghum at the foot. Cold draw shows notes of sweet tea as well, with a medium effort. First Third: This starts deceptively mild in both body and flavor, showing only the hint of sweet tea from the cold draw at first. Ash is white and clean and holds well. Around an inch in the flavors start to move towards medium strength as the sweet grains and dark chocolate…
Since Greybeard and myself are heading to Vegas this weekend for Las Vegas WhiskeyFest 2023 we thought we would post the pour list, inidicate some of you favorites we’re looking forward to trying, then toss it to you, what pours would be on your list? Hit the survey link at the end to let us know what to focus on for YOU!2023 Whisky Pour List *Asterisk denotes pours only available during VIP hourBernheim Barrel Proof Blackened Whiskey – Gabe “Looking forward to seeing what new playlists have to bring to the table, plus the new lines from this one”FlagshipVol 3 CSWes HendersonRabbit HoleBomberger’s Declaration*Breckenridge DistilleryBourbonHigh Proof BourbonRum Cask FinishPX Cask FinishPort Cask FinishSpiced WhiskeyBulleitBourbonRye10 yr.*Bushwood SpiritsCharles Goodnight Texas Straight BourbonChivas XVCompass BoxArtist BlendGlasgow BlendHedonism – Gabe: “Yes”Orchard HouseThe Spice TreeThe Story of the SpaniardThe Peat Monster-Whisky Advocate’s #9 Whisky of the Year 2020 Metropolis*Art & Decadence*Crown RoyalReserve18 yr.*Dewar’s12 yr. – Whisky Advocate’s #4 Whisky of the Year 2022 15 yr.18 yr.19 yr.Double Double:21 yr. finished in Oloroso sherry casks*21 yr. finished in Mizunara oak casks* – Gabe: “YES!”Diplomático RumReserva ExclusivaMantuanoPlanasSeleccion de FamiliaElijah Craig Barrel ProofFlecha Azul TequilaBlancoReposadoAñejoBlanco The Ancer CocktailFrey RanchStraight BourbonStraight RyeFarm Strength100% Wheat*Single Barrel Rye*Single Malt Smoked*George DickelBourbon 8 yr.Bottled in BondDickel x Leopold CollaborationRye* – GabeGinza noGlen MorayChardonnay Cask FinishCabernet Cask FinishSherry Cask FinishPort Cask FinishPeatedRye Cask Finish12 yr.15 yr.18 yr. – Whisky Advocate’s #10 Whisky of the Year 2017 GlendaloughDouble Barrel7 yr. MizunaraPot Still Irish WhiskeyWild Botanical GinRose GinThe Glenlivet 14 yr. Hakutsuru Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond Heaven’s DoorAscension Kentucky Straight BourbonRevelation Double BarrelRefuge Straight RyeRevival Tennessee Straight BourbonBootleg Series V*iichiko Special Jack Daniel’sTennessee WhiskeyBonded Tennessee Whiskey- Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year 2022 Bonded Tennessee RyeSingle Barrel SelectSingle Barrel Barrel Proof*Bonded Triple Mash* Jefferson’s Ocean Reserve Johnnie WalkerBlackRyeBlue*Kamiki Whisky Kentucky OwlConfiscated – GabeTakumi EditionMaighstir EditionBatch…
Cigar Review: Black Star Lines Rosewood 1923 Brand: Black Star LinesVitola: Corona 6 x 48Filler: Dominican, NicaraguanWrapper: Mexican San AndrésBinder: EcuadorianSmoking Time: 57 minutesBody: Medium/FullFlavor: FullPrice: $13.50 What Makes it Special: Black Star Line Cigars has chosen the prestigious Fábrica Oveja Negra to craft their latest masterpiece—a tribute to the solemn centenary of the Rosewood massacre. A call for us to remember a racially motivated massacre resulting in the destruction of an entire Florida town. With a death toll never fully counted, as no criminal justice was ever levied against the perpetrators. I urge you to avail yourself of this chance to learn about it. Introducing the Rosewood 1923, a cigar that emerges in a 6 x 48 corona size, meticulously crafted to perfection. It boasts an exquisite Mexican San Andrés wrapper, elegantly embracing an Ecuadorian binder, with its heart and soul composed of a harmonious blend of Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan fillers. This union of premium tobaccos promises a symphony of flavors that will captivate even the most discerning aficionados. As this cigar pays homage to a significant historical event, its price point matches its significance. With an MSRP set at $13.50, the Rosewood 1923 exemplifies the weight and import of its historical namesake. Visual/Prelight Draw:The weight feels right. The resistance of the draw is spot on. A crisp cinnamon and baking spice allude to what is to come. First Third:A delectable commencement ushers in this exquisite cigar experience. Launching with a harmonious blend of various spicy peppers, warm and comforting cinnamon, luscious caramel, a luxuriously creamy texture, and the soothing finish of cedar wood. The generous plume of smoke that gracefully billows from the cigar adds to the overall sensory delight, enhancing the appreciation of its nuanced complexities. Like a masterful stroke of precision, the burn remains consistently razor-sharp, a testament to the meticulous…
Oliva Series V 135th Anniversary Edicion Limitada Brand: Oliva Vitola: Perfecto Filler: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Binder: Nicaragua Smoking time: 117 minutes Body: Medium Flavor: Bold Price: $14.99 What Makes it Special In the realm of premium cigars, Oliva’s reputation for excellence is unparalleled, and their latest masterpiece, the Oliva Serie V 135th Anniversary Edicion Limitada, exemplifies their unwavering dedication to quality and tradition. This exceptional blend marries dark and exquisite Ecuador Habano wrappers with the finest Nicaraguan tobaccos, and its unique 5.5”x54 perfecto shape, featuring a classic round cap and elegantly tapered foot, elevates it to a true work of art. But how does it smoke? Join in with me: Visual/Pre-Light Draw The prelight experience of this cigar is a harmonious blend of leather and cedar notes, setting the stage for a truly exceptional smoking journey. To me, the wrapper does not appear oily as some accounts suggest, but it is also neither dry nor cracking. Cutting with my V-cut went perfectly. First Third The experience of this cigar’s initial light – a fiery dance of habano spice and a smooth leather finish ignites the senses and hints at the richness of the blend. Second Third In the second third, this cigar offers a nuanced experience. As the taper opens, the spice transitions to the retro-hale while leather and caramel take center stage on the palate. The body is medium, and the burn is razor sharp. Final Third The final third of this cigar is pure delight! It’s a symphony of caramel sweetness and tantalizing spices, all beautifully wrapped up with a velvety, sweet-cream-like finish. Score This is an iconic anniversary release from a highly regarded brand. Suppose you like bold flavors that pair well with high-proof and smokey whiskeys or are a fan of the usual Serie V. In…
Cigar Review: United Cigar Group Firecracker Brand: United Cigar Group Vitola: 3.5 x 50 Filler: DOMINICAN & NICARAGUAN LIGERO, DOMINICAN SECO Wrapper: ECUADORIAN HABANO Binder: DOMINICAN CRIOLLO Smoking time: 17 minutes Body: Medium Flavor: Medium to Full Price: $6.49 What Makes it Special An original vitola with a closed foot and a long fuse, meant to set off a fiery explosion of flavor from the beginning. Let’s see how it works out together. Visual/Pre-Light Draw Visually the long fuse is dominant though the first thing I remove. I also opted to remove the band already since it is such a short vitola, and I didn’t want to struggle with it later or accidentally burn it. The wrapper is dry in appearance, with visible veins. First Third Once lit, a strong pepper hits you first thing as intended. It is especially pronounced on the lips as well, reminiscent of when I’ve done spicy wings challenges. A slight earthiness is present on the cool down. Second Third Nothing much to note on the flavor front, there was a bit of an unburnt portion here I corrected, ash holds to the halfway point. I am getting a slight creaminess on the retro. Final Third Still just dominant pepper and a slight creamines on the retro. The earthiness on the finish is still there. For its spiciness and the dry appearance of mine it does not force me to drink, which is very welcome. In such a short vitola I’m not surprised there isn’t much happening as far as flavor transitions, however it has lived up to its obvious intent. Score I will say this blend is likely not for everyone. But if you’re looking for a quick smoke that will punch you in the throat this will get that job done no problem.…
Cigar Review: Bongani 658 Toro Brand: Bongani Vitola: Toro Filler: Africa Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Africa Smoking time: 57 minutes Body: Medium Flavor: Mild to Medium Price: $14.99 What Makes it Special Bongani is a 3-year-old company operating out of Mozambique. They have partnered with Dominican master rollers to train their African staff, and all tobaccos and rolling is done in Africa. Previously only available in South Africa and Mozambique, they have only recently become available in the US. They use a Cameroon wrapper and African binders and fillers in this series and aged in unique Ghanian sourced Cedar. Visual/Pre-Light Draw Visually the wrapper is an oddly smooth Cameroon. Normally a very toothy wrapper, this one appears on the drier side of oily in actuality. The pre-light aroma is of strong but unique cedar. First Third Once lit a strong baking soda flavor joins the Ghanian cedar notes from prelight. A very clean and plentiful smoke is formed. The burn started off quite whonky, but then straightened out after about on centimeter. Once about an inch in the retro begins to belie a nutty flavor as well as the cedar becomes more subdued. Second Third In the second third a cinnamon like spice begins to form as the baking soda moves mostly to the retrohale. This along with an unexpected creaminess to the finnish is very enjoyable as the larger ring gauge begins to smoke a bit warmer than expected. Ash retention is not the best, if smoking this in a lounge be sure to roll the ash off before or around about an inch to avoid wearing ash on your shirt. Final Third Here this cigar is almost a cinnamon bomb if it weren’t for the strong sweet cream flavour, and nutty baking soda on the retro. This is every…
Leaf n Grain Society – Weller by Cohiba Cigar Review Brand: Cohiba Vitola: Toro Filler: Nicaragua, Esteli and Ometepe Wrapper: San Agustin Ligero Binder: Conneticut Medio Tiempo Smoking time: 47 minutes Body: Medium Flavor: Mild to Medium Price: $19.99 What Makes it Special The Weller by Cohiba is a robusto extra 5.5×50 that uses a Honduran ligero wrapper from San Agustín, a Habano medio tiempo binder from Connecticut, and fillers from the Estelí and Ometepe, Nicaragua. This cigar was provided for review. Visual/Pre-Light Draw As with many whiskey cigars, it smells very whiskey/booze-forward pre-light. Even after cutting, the draw immediately presents whiskey notes, followed by a sweet grassy earth tone. The wrapper appearance on mine could have been smoother, with a large vein structure, and it appeared drier than I would prefer. First Third After light, the first flavors are whiskey, hay from the pre-light draws, and a retro of earthiness. Thankfully, the whiskey subsides around the first inch, and you can pick out more individual flavors on the pallet. Second Third Around halfway, the components of Wellers flavor come through with butterscotch, vanilla, and baking spices in front of the earthiness from before. The draw is traditional for the luxury brand, a fine medium to loose draw, causing that dime-stacking effect to the ash with each puff. Smoke generation is above average. Final Third The final third aroma is of baked bread; flavors are earth, vanilla, cream, and a hint of baking spice. The label came off quite easily without disturbing the ash. Even with constant puffing, it won’t burn hot or off-kilter; no touchups or relights were ever needed. Score Down to the end, the spice is prevalent, with the notes of the whiskey’s vanilla and butterscotch on the retro. A well-balanced blend that is enhanced by the…
Reserva Liga Texas Cigar Review Brand: Stogius Maximus Vitola: Robusto Filler: Nicaraguan Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Nicaraguan Smoking time: 57 minutes Body: Medium Flavor: Medium to Medium Full Price: $9.50 What Makes It Special Only a little information is available on this new release. Created by Scott “Stogius Maximus” Lewis, a ubiquitous broker in the Texas boutique cigar world (and silvery-voiced quartet member), this cigar is currently only listed for sale at the Underground Cigar Shop as far as I can tell via web search. Manufactured at the venerable AJ Fernandez facilities in Nicaragua, it promises great quality, with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, undisclosed binder, and fillers from Nicaragua. Intrigued at such a non-descript release, I was left only to try it and pass my gavel solely on its merits. So let’s go! Visual / Pre-light Draw I purchased two robustos of this cigar, and they are as dark and oily as one would expect from a Connecticut Broadleaf. Precut aromas were of coffee and earth with a grassy sweetness at the foot. After cutting, a cold draw brought a pleasant medium resistance and a creamy coffee flavor. There was a strong roasting coffee aroma while toasting. Lighting went well, if not perfectly straight, though nothing required a touchup. First Third First draws feature a robust and creamy coffee flavor, with a hint of spice on the retro. There is also a slight metallic tinge to the aftertaste, but nothing untoward. Smoke production is excellent, with a competent medium draw. Towards the end of the first third, the burn has corrected itself, and we enter a first kind of “break” in the flavor transitions where the creaminess is front and center, and all other flavors take a back seat. Second Third Lots of creaminess still with a more…