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Cigar Review: Cohiba Red Dot

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The Cohiba Red Dot is the first and standard offering by the Dominican-based and General Cigars headed Cohiba brand. Utilizing top shelf leaves and fine fermentation processes, it’s considered one of the company’s most luxurious lines. The Red Dot is rolled in the Dominican Republic and Famous Smoke Shop, based out of Pennsylvania, generously sent in samples for this review.

Blend Specifics

Vitola: Corona 5”x42

Wrapper: Cameroon

Binder: Indonesian Jember

Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano

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Appearance and Construction

The Cohiba Red dot has a light brown, almost tan coloured wrapper that also has a slight green tint. Minimal veins, tight though visible seams. An almost velvety feel with a slight tooth, and a slightly mottled appearance. Dense, even packing and this corona sports a decently applied triple cap.

Smoke and Flavor Characteristics

Cold Aromas: The wrapper shows wet manure, a little grass / hay and a buttery nut. The foot presents cedar / sweet wood and hay. The cold draw opens to a day wood with a bit of pine and a faint fresh mint. It also has a fairly easy and open draw.

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First Third: The first notes are a dry and sweet grain cereal, some black pepper, cedar, a refreshing mint wash and a bit of manure-earth. The aroma is thick with cedar and a touch of leather. Near razor sharp burn, and the ash formation is tight, white, with distinct rings. A very spicy start. The spice calmed a bit. The ash was tapped at one inch due to the small ring gauge of this cigar. The body is medium to full, the flavor is medium to full as well, while the strength is just shy of medium to full.

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Second Third: The second third is still brimming with spice. The fresh mint is still hanging around, as well as the cedar, but there’s also a deeper leather note that’s come in. the sweet cereal is here and there in faint accentuations. The aroma is still pleasantly pungent. The spice has come down way down and the cigar has eased into a mellow burn and profile. The profile is till holding at medium to full in body, medium to full in flavor and medium to medium to full in strength.

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Final Third: The final third is still teaming with flavor and an increased level of balance. The spice is still present and lasts long on the finish but isn’t quite as overwhelming as it was earlier in the session. The cedar and leather with a slight sweetness are still the main components of this smoke. Performance has been great throughout and even up to this point. Removing the band happens pretty easily as the band is held with self-adhesive glue. The cigar ends up as it started and as it has been throughout, with the body at medium to full, the flavor at medium to full and the strength just shy of medium to full.

Final Thoughts

The Cohiba Red Dot is what one would come to expect of an ultra premium offering from large company. Thoroughly consistent, fine grade leaves and fermentation process, and consistent flavor profile and construction. At times it can feel a bit one-dimensional but with all the spice packed into this little vitola, it stays fairly interesting. This cigar makes for a good breakfast or after lunch smoke, in this vitola.

Smoking time was 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Grade: A

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Whisky Review: Akashi White Oak

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Akashi White Oak Review
I picked up this bottle of Akashi White Oak at my local liquor store for the simple fact that it is produced in Japan and, well, we all know the Japanese whisky craze going on right now. So at $35/bottle, I thought, why not?
Akashi White Oak whisky is crafted using barley imported from Scotland and pure underground water from the Eigashima Distillery. From there, it is finished in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which is immediately apparent on the nose and the palate.
Here’s the review.
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Spirit details

Proof: 80
Country: Japan

Nose

Slightly aggressive, the scent of this scotch is tantalizing, with orange peel, oak, vanilla, and a touch of spice.

Palate

Akashi White Oak really engages the taste buds with a lot of complexity to a level that is tough to find in a value whisky. This whisky shows its age a bit aggressiveness about halfway through the taste journey, but the finish is malty and long.

Conclusion

Akashi White Oak really is a wonderful whisky to have on hand – great aroma, wonderful flavors, etc.  The heat, however, definitely disrupts the experience, which is why I can’t justify a grade higher than B+ (good).

Final Grade: B+

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Scotch Review: Tomatin Dualchas

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tomatin dualchas

Since the beginning of my journey into the single malt Scotch world in 2013, Tomatin has been a favorite value brand for me. Tomatin Dualchas represents the brand’s first no age statement scotch, and another huge win for the company.  At about $30 per bottle, this scotch deserves a spot (or two) on your whisky shelf.

Cask Type: Matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Virgin Oak casks
Strength: 43% alc./vol.

Nose

The nose is deep, a bit fruity, with touches of vanilla and spice.

Palate

Although this scotch isn’t peaty, it is a bit of a flavor bomb. On one side are the woody notes brought out by aging in ex bourbon and virgin oak casks. On the other are bright citrus notes of lemon and a touch of pine. A really delightful combination.

Finish

The finish for Tomatin Dualchas is simultaneous long and sweet while also being light and refreshing.

Conclusion

As mentioned, this scotch is well worth the price. I’m a huge fan of Tomatin 12, 15 and 18 year (also wonderfully priced), so those could be worth looking in to as well.

 

 

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Cigar Review: Camacho Select Super Robusto

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I picked up this Camacho Select at Cigar Cigars in Cleveland, OH while in town visiting. I didn’t have many expectations because I had no intro to this cigar, but wow was I blown away writing this review. Here it is:Camacho Select

Blend Specifics:

Wrapper: Cameroon (Honduras)
Filler: Honduras
Binder: Honduras

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics

The smell off of the foot is a mixture of wood, hay, and nuts — actually very exceptional in that those notes are very distinct and very present at the same time.

When I light this cigar up, I’m greeted by a really wonderful, smooth, mild to medium bodied smoke that has distinct notes of nuts, milk chocolate, farm-fresh cream, and a nice musty backdrop that reminds me of going up into my grandpa’s forgotten attic.
By about an eight of an inch into this smoke, I can already tell I’m smoking something really special. I’m not sure if it’s because this cigar is pre-Davidoff merger and thus has been aging for a few years now or if it is just masterful blending, but most cigar smokers will know the feeling when you first light up a cigar you know you’re going to really enjoy for the next few hours.
By the second third, I’m fighting the urge to close my computer and stop taking notes. One drawback with reviewing cigars is that, if you spend too much time focusing on the notes (yes, it is possible), you can miss the enjoyment of the cigar itself. In this case, I’m deciding to continue writing based on the assumption that I’ll be dropping by my B&M tomorrow and picking up a few more to savor later.
The second third is a glorious mix of wood, buttercream, and milk chocolate. Not much more to say other than the draw is perfect, smoke production is great, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the cigar.
In the final third, it’s a bit more of the same with a few minor additions: some light saltiness, a slightly more bready texture, and of course more of that delightful milk chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

This cigar isn’t in production any longer, but if you get your hands on these, buy at least three. The Camacho Select really showcases what Honduran puros can do: distinct flavor profiles, and nearly always a silky-smooth texture that is hard to find anywhere else.
Final Grade: A
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Wine Review: The 50 by 50 Pinot Noir

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50 by 50 pinot noir

This evening I was fortunate enough to try the 50 by 50 Pinot Noir. The story behind this wine is unique in that it’s a creation of Gerald Casale founding member of the prolific band DEVO. During the late 70’s and early 80’s Gerald and the band began to tour the world extensively. When given the opportunity to visit vineyards in Italy, France, Spain and other regions Gerald jumped at the chance to learn and discover the pleasures of wine. As the story goes his love specifically for Pinot Noir came later on around 1990. Having been fortunate enough to taste the legendary Domaine de la Romanée Conti with friends the love affair began. Years later Gerlad began creating the 50 by 50 Pinot Noir in Sonoma County. The name derives itself from the blending of a 50/50 blend of two Pinot Noir clones; the Pommard and the 667 Dijon clone. Produced in a Burgundian style this Pinot Noir is a treat for the senses. Below are my tasting notes.  Enjoy!

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Appearance: Beautiful light brick color.

Nose: Some bright cherry and red fruits with a bit of cinnamon and spice.

Taste: This wine starts off with upfront flavors of cherry, a bit of ripe strawberry and cola. Mid palate shows almost coffee like notes with spice and cherry intermingling. The finish smacks of red berries, fresh sage and earth which linger on and on. With some decanting this wine opens up to reveal tart cherry, all spice and a pronounced finish of earth and coffee. Stylistically this Point has the ripe red fruit flavors of a Californian Pinot Noir along with the richness and elegant finish a good Burgundy possesses. The wine is harmonious and for the price of around $34 a very good value for a wonderful Pinot Noir.

Conclusion: Gerald’s passion for wine is evident as demonstrated by his excellent Pinot Noir. Make no mistake this is not a vanity project from a celebrity but an homage to true fans of the grape with all the care and attention clearly shown here. This is a wine I recommend picking up before it sells out!

Website: http://www.thefiftybyfifty.com/order.html

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