Tell us what you think
The Cigar
H. Upmann Hispaniola by Jose Mendez. The Binder is Dominican. Wrapper is Ecuador Sumatra. Fillers include Dominican Pilotico and Andullo and Nicaraguan. A creamy and smooth full flavored smoke. Tastes of notes of toasted almonds, cocoa, cedar and hints of spice. MSRP $8.50.
We both would classify this as a Medium to Full even through it is listed as a full bodied. Darrell thinks he has figured out what is happening to his cigars as far as the splitting and exploding. When he goes through the boxes to figure out what to review next he takes them out of the cellophane. With the activity that his boxes gets and it is most likely that the cigars are getting knocked about and causing the wrapper issues. Who knows. Darrell is going to change his habits to pull the cigars out of the cellophane just enough to get a good smell of it, then slip it back into the cellophane for continued protection. Words to live by: Protect Your Stick!
Mid-way through the stick there are notes of spice and settled into a Medium to Full flavor. A classic band and a reliable brand.
The Liquor
Grand Old Parr 12 Year Blended Scotch. A Diageo product. This whiskey is malty, very scented and cake like. Big on the palate, notably firm-bodied and malty with notes of grain and toasted sesame seeds and a touch of honey. The finish is soothing and long, developing slight lemon grass and pettiness. There seems to be very little info on it. MSRP $24.
With the Chilling cubes in the glasses, both Darrell and Bill can taste the honey flavor. While it is hard to believe Darrell just compared this scotch to Canadian whiskey, but not quite as mild
The notes on this liquor talks about developing slight pettiness. However, I get no peat from this. As it warmed up, the bite gets a little more prevalent, hits the back of the mouth and the honey taste is not as much in the forefront.
A contributor for Forbes magazine Joseph Micallef rated the Parr as the #1 best value blended whiskey for 2018. His #2 was Dimple Pinch 15 year at about $28. Number 3 was Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Batch 27 at $25. #4 Chivas Regal at 12 years at $30. $5 Dewar’s 18 year at $50. In 6th place came The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold for $28. Placing in 7th was the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend, 18 year at $70. Filling the number 8 place is Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V at $310. Joseph Micallef did make a note that 2/3 of all scotch sales are blended scotch.
Check out the article here.
In the end Darrell preferred this warm while Bill liked it better chilled.
This is not necessarily the best combination in the world, but not bad either. Sometimes it works out great, other not so much. Both are good, but we would both pick different things to pair with them. Not sure what yet. Perhaps we will cover it in another episode.
The More
Cigar Rights of America (CRA):
If you have not already, sign up for Cigar Rights of America. You get two Premium Cigars and they have form letters that you just put in your name and email address and click send. These will go to your Congress person and there was even one for the White House. They go to D.C. so you don’t have to. It is always good having someone fighting for you so you can enjoy what you enjoy without undo burdensome regulations and taxes. Keep American’s in jobs and support what you love to do!
2020 Winter Whiskey Tasting:
If you have not already, go to our events page and select the city of your choice for the 2020 Winter Whiskey Tasting. This event will be hosted in five cities (Dallas, St. Louis, Denver, Chicago, and Minneapolis) on January 25th, 2020. Get your tickets now. While the specific location of each event are TBD, they will have venues and you will not want to miss this. They have ticket price ranges for everyone. From $35 up to $60. Depending on the level of ticket you get you can taste from 2 hours for 15 tasting up to 3 hours for 20 tastings. There will be food available, giveaways, and more. From Scotch, Irish, Single Malt, Rye. . . this is a great way to start the year off. We will be a the event in Dallas. We look forward to seeing you there.
Legislation to help Craft Distilleries:
HR. 1175 and S 362 – Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019. This legislation is due to sunset. It creates the same type of progress tax on craft distilleries as it currently in place for beer and wine. This would be like giving craft distilleries a $275K tax break on the 1st 100K gallons. Contact your Congressman and let them know to push and support this important legislation.
Texas Distilleries:
Just a few years ago there were only 3 distillers in Texas. After changing the laws to allow selling their own product at the distillery we now have 150+. That one change has created a boom in distilling in Texas. There is a felling that Texas Distillers are the wild west of whiskey. They are starting to rank very high in International competitions. Some of the biggest and best reviewers are taking notice and talking more about Texas made whiskey products.
Preview of the After Show – The Great Texas Whiskey Boom:
“A decade ago, there was no Texas whiskey. Today, the state’s craft distillers are making world-class bourbons and single malts – and slick imitators are trying to stake a claim.”
There are 15 Distilleries list on the Texas Whiskey Trail covering mostly Dallas, Austin, and Houston areas. Covering such brands as Lone Elm, Garrison Brothers, Balcones, and more.
Check out this article and check out the After Show
Texas Monthly Nov 2019 issues article: The Great Texas Whiskey Boom
A touch of Christmas:
On a whim, we talk briefly about a Harry and David Holiday Entertaining and Gifting 2019 magazine (or flier?). “Since 1934, Harry & David has grown to become America’s premier choice for gourmet gifts. From our handpicked fresh fruit to our hand-packed gift baskets filled with delicious treats, we are committed to providing premium quality and excellence in every way.” If you want to impress someone, give a gift of fruit, meat, cheese, and more. We talk about it and go over one of the gift baskets. A great idea for Christmas for all kinds of people.
The “Gen Z’s” would rather have an experience instead of stuff. Things like this are an experience.
Look Back:
CAO American smoked in Jun 2012. 5-1/2×52 purchased from Mike’s Cigars for $4. Smoked it on the porch. Clean, medium to dark wrapper. Disappointing. Smooth on the draw, but harsh. Darrell did not rate it well and gave it a 6. We will have to do an episode with this one so Darrell can try it again and see how it compares to a review from 2012.
Next Weeks Episode:
Grab you a Belmoral Anejo XO Oscar Rothschild Masivo (what a mouth full that name is) and some Kaniche XO Artisanal Rum.
