Of Brew And 'Bacco
This weekend I sampled some fine beer and smoked an excellent cigar that I enjoyed quite a lot. Read on for details.
For the beer, I started off with a Moose Drool at Old Chicago. I thought it was supposed to be on tap, but it ended up being from the bottle. In spite of dashed expectations, I still enjoyed it. As far as taste goes, it was one of the best I've had. As some might know, I am a huge fan of Newcastle, both on and off the tap, and it has always held a special place in my beer tastes. But I must say that the smooth richness of Newcastle is somewhat eclipsed by the Moose Drool, in spite of its name. For those who have not indulged in the high taste of Newcastle, allow me to spell it out in a few words: creamy, medium-dark ale, with strong undertones of almost nutty persuasion. The Moose Drool is similar, but rounder in the fact that it is all that Newcaslte is, just more. I would highly recommend it. Beer #2 this weekend was the dark-but-not Tucher dopplebock, which is perhaps the best medium-dark beer I've had, albeit the strongest in alcohol content (about 9%.) The Tucher looks almost like a Guinness, with a weight more like a dark Newcastle - but still creamy on the backend. Excellent choice for someone NOT driving after having one. I get pints for around $3 at my local liquor store. The third flavor is Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale. It was on sale in a pint bottle for $3.57 at our BD International Wine Center, and I must admit, it was another very good choice. Although it appears very dark, the taste, although markedly nutty at about mid-drink through the finish, also has the illusion of being dark tasting - but it really isn't that dark, compared to the venerable Guinness Extra Stout. Fairly smooth, good flavor, but a little more zingy than say a Sam Adams Cream Stout (an awesome dark beer.) This weekend was an exceptional one for my beer tastes. All the brews I had - Moose Drool, Tucher Dopplebock, and Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, are all excellent beers and will definitely see time in my kitchen in the future.
Now on to the cigars...
I have not smoked a cigar for years, I would say at least 4-5, but wanting to get back in to it, I did some quick research and me and a friend decided on an Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 Flor Fina. Now my tastes not being honed as they will be after a few more cigars, I have to say that I quite enjoyed this one. Good flavor, smooth, neither sweet nor spicy, with a good finish, and never harsh. Toward the end I got some uneven burning, but that is to be expected with even the best cigars sometimes. It was a medium-bodied flavor with a good deal of taste for those who don't like the lighter Macanudos, but not so heavy as to be a cold-weather treat. All in all, without having much experience in the complexities of cigar taste, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good summer smoke.
Coming next time...
Today I bought a Monte Cristo White Toro, which was recommended to me by a cigar expert at a local humidor. He showed me a number of mild summer-style cigars with lighter leaves and light-to-mild taste. I was told the MC has a bit of spice tagged on to it, so I opted for a little more flavor as I see no reason to waste good time and money on light cigars (or beer for that matter.) I'm hoping to induldge tonight, but other factors dictating my schedule more than my desire for a tasty cigar, we'll just have to see. I'll be back soon with the report, and hopefully some new brew info too.
Charlie