The Cigar
Padron 7000 Series 6-1/4 x 60.
A medium bodied cigar made with all Nicaraguan construction. This cigar features notes of Milk, chocolate, spice, leather, wood, and nutty undertones. Subtle hints of white pepper and sweetness. MSRP $8
The cap on this stick is really small. Be very careful when we you cut this one. We both used a V-cut which left enough of the cap to help keep the cigar together. Padron’s construction is top notch regardless if you get their $8 stick or $25 stick. We know that the less experienced rollers are put on the lower cost cigars, but they are still good. The quality control is maintained even on this stick. This is one of the reasons why you just can’t go wrong with any Padron. We were both a little disappointed that we could not get the chocolate flavor from it, but neither of us generally get the chocolate when we it is in the description.
The ash on this was solid. It did not want to come off. This is much preferred over the ash that just rains down on you. The leather, wood and nut flavors come across. A very good stick.
The Liquor
Old Fashioned Mixes
Old Grandad 114: MSRP $21, Maker’s Mark: MSRP $20, Texas Crown: MSRP $23, 1792: MSRP $24.
We end up with a bonus liquor of Woodford Reserve Bourbon: MSRP: $27
Darrell used the New York Bartender’s Guide. Four ingredients, Whiskey, Sugar, Agastrona Bitters, and Lemon twist.
A quick history of the Old Fashioned. There are other recipes, we used the original. Jerry Thomas, considered the father of mixology, is probably the first person to add this drink to his book. The Jerry Thomas Guide 1862. He describes it as a whiskey cocktail and a way to sweeten your whiskey and spice your whiskey by adding sugar and bitters. Combined with ice and strained over a fancy wine glass. Garnished with a lemon twist. It seems the first time this drink was made in the way it is called an Old Fashioned was in 1881 at the Pendennis Club in Lewisville, Kentucky by a bartender that worked there. In honor of James E. Pepper, a Bourbon Distiller who brought it to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City.
Order of sampling:
Texas Crown: It kind of disappeared in the ingredients. Could be due to the 80 Proof. It is kind of like a Long Island Iced Tea in that the liquor sneaks up on you. It is a bit like drinking candy and it is easy to forget that it is there. Very good.
1792: Seems a bit more bitter than the mix with the Texas Crown. Getting some citrus flavors. The liquor does let you know it is there. There was also a taste of honey with it. The 1792 is not bad in the Old Fashioned.
Maker’s Mark: The Maker’s Mark comes through strong. It changes the flavor of the Old Fashioned. Not quite what you would expect and different from the other mixes. The lemon taste goes away. There is a lingering after taste that is kind of clinical.
Old Grandad 114: Great flavor. This mix brings out an orange taste that comes We still think this makes the best Old Fashioned of them all. With the mix, this brings out an orange flavor that is smooth going down. By far the best.
Woodford Reserve: This was a bonus Bourbon. We both got more cherry than the 1792 and comes across as a sweeter mix.
Our Ranking:
Both Darrell and I rank the in best to worst order. For the first three we agree. 1st being the Old Grandad 114. Second comes the Texas Crown. Third was the Woodford Reserve. Darrell and I disagree on the fourth and five places. I say Maker’s Mark in fourth and 1792. Darrell says 1792 in fourth and Maker’s Mark in fifth.
The More
You choose the next drink:
We want you to choose what drink we do in the next episode. The choices are: Tom Collins, High Ball, South Side Fizz, Mint Julep, and Bee’s Knees. On our website or Instagram, give us your choice for the next show.
Tom Collins: Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, ice, club soda, and lemon wedge
High Ball: Whiskey, and Ginger Ale or soda
South Side Fizz: Gin, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint Club Soda
Mint Julep: Bourbon, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup, Water
Bee’s Knees: Gin, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup
Cassie Question:
What super expensive food or drink would you not pay for? Darrell is Champagne. Bill says Crab. What is yours? Answer Here
Patreon
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Over rated, over priced food – filet mignon. Give me a top quality sirloin any day.
With you on that. I make a better filet at home anyway. I almost never get steak out.