Vintners Own: Custom Make Your Own Wine
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As someone who enjoys pairing spirits with cigars, wine has been an increasing item of interest. Just this past year at the IPCPR cigar trade show, I discovered that indeed many of the manufacturers are enjoying wine as their pairing of preference as well. There is a curiosity factor for me to discover more, and with so many parallels between the making of wine and the making of cigars, the pairing seems to be very appropriate. I think the varieties and styles lend themselves to compliment the notes of a cigar and the cigar to compliment the wine. Naturally, what is most important at the end of it all is our preference and taste.
My friend, Jonathan Fiant, then introduced me to someone who focuses on just that- the individual’s taste: Vintners Own.
Vintners Own is a specialized custom crush facility making “small lot” barrel productions. Their grapes are sourced from California’s Wine Country and are cold-storage-shipped directly to their facility in Houston. They are very particular about their grape selections and maintain the highest quality throughout every step of the process.
This means you can visit their facility and become part of the wine making process with your very own wine. Select your varietal of choice and their master wine maker will assist you to find the perfect path to the creation of your own wine. And from crush, to barrel tasting, to the labeling of the bottles- you are involved all along the way. The result is a true wine to reflect your taste.
I had the pleasure of visiting their facilities and getting the full tour. Wow, they are very passionate about what they do! And after a few tastings, I can see their passion follows throughout their entire production. When you walk into their facilities, the first thing you will notice is this beautiful sorting table and conveyer belt.
This assists in separating stems, leaves, and any other MOG (materials other than grape), which is done all by hand. This is a step that generally takes place only in premium wine making. Removing MOG produces clean grapes to then be crushed and create a better wine. Once crushed, it is on to fermentation, barrel aging, blend and tasting, then finally bottling!
One of the recommendations they make when you are beginning the creation of your own wine is to bring a bottle of your existing favorite wine for their master wine maker to taste. This gives everyone involved a solid point of reference and helps to maintain the qualities you are looking for. Part of the process also includes determining your preference of alcohol content, tannin levels, ‘oakiness’ and acidity you want in your wine.
Taste is very personal and intimate, and when you are making your own wine you want it to be as accurate to your preferences as possible. This is something that Vintners Own understands and respects, and one of the reasons they allow you to become as involved as you want with an expert by your side.
And this is just the preview- I’ll be following up with another visit including video of the process happening in action! (I cannot help but think of cigars the whole time- from sorting, to removing the stems by hand, fermentation, aging, and blending. There is much in common).
You can discover more about Vintners Own and their Barrel Ownership Program at:
www.vintnersown.com
Cigar Review: Drew Estate Undercrown
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This is a cigar I have been very excited about! Liga Privada fans already know what I am talking about- the Undercrown. A great cigar with a truly wonderful story:
“In early 2009 we asked our torcedores to smoke less Liga Privada cigars because they were leaving too few to be exported. This request was met with the disappointment you would expect, but rather than being disgruntled they responded by blending their own signature liga.
Incorporating many of the same rare tobaccos, but of different ages and primings, the cigar they created was no mere replacement. Rather it is an exceptional smoking experience of uncompromising quality and flavor that deserves to be smoked by all.
It is always the master makers who are heralded, but the reality is that great cigars are the product of many talented people, most of whom toil in factories with no publicity ever. They are the uncelebrated heroes who make all of our lives more pleasurable with the cigars they craft. And therefore, it is with great pleasure that we are now sharing their factory floor creation with you as Undercrown, borne of our worker’s ingenuity, resourcefulness and passion for a great cigar”
-Drew Estate
Cigars are more than the items we hold in our hands to consume- it connects us with the people who make them, the people we smoke with, and the people we have strong memories with. It’s a cultural experience that any cigar smoker in the world can relate to, but also a personal experience when it comes to our tastes and preferences. I think that is one of the great beauties of this pleasurable hobby. The story of this cigar reminds me of how important that connection is.
The Undercrown is a medium to full bodied cigar, balanced with lots of complexity. Notes of cocoa, spice, and earth were present throughout the smoke. The construction is what you would expect from a Liga Privada- absolutely beautiful.
Smoker Friendly: Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival
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Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Annual Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival hosted by Smoker Friendly! A Beautiful setting, great cigars, microbrews, spirits, cigar celebrities and an amazing crowd of people- what more could you ask for?
Upon walking into the event you are greeted with a bag of cigars for you to enjoy along with a commemorative glass to taste new spirits with. Also in the bag are lighters, drink coupons, a Cigar Press Magazine, a cigar cutter, and other great treats. Once in, you also are given a raffle ticket to place in the box prize of your choice! This means as you walk through the booths, you can decide which prize is the one you want to go after (not to mention better chances at something you really want).
It’s very exciting to see such a successful cigar smoking festival happen in Boulder, Colorado. Tickets sold out this year, and there were more people anxious to get in. (Keep this in mind for next year- don’t wait until the last minute, save your spot as soon as you can). The view of the mountains as you smoke a cigar in the company of happy fellow cigar smokers brings a beautiful focus of community and lifestyle. After all, that is what it is all about.
I met so many great people, and really enjoyed bonding over new whiskies, beers, and discussing our favorite cigars. The weather was gorgeous and the VIP area granted us many comfortable seating options to enjoy these conversations over. Food and beverages were easily accessible and the staff was very friendly as well. Everything was done first class.
And let’s not forget the music- the band kept the energy high with an assortment of great tunes (performed very well I might add). I’m definitely looking forward to next year!
I want to thank Terry Gallagher from Smoker Friendly for inviting me to be a guest at this beautiful event and for taking the time to talk to us and explain what it is all about.
Town and Country Cigars: Xikar Event
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Last week I had the pleasure of attending the HC cigar and Xikar event at Town and Country Cigars in Euless, TX. It is a special treat when you can enjoy a cigar and cocktail together, and is even better when you are surrounded by truly amazing people! The humidor and selection was beautiful, and the hospitality was first class.
Featured at the event was the complete HC cigar collection as well as the newest accessories from Xikar.
I got to enjoy one of my personal favorite pairings, too. In the bar (yes, there is a nice bar in the back) is my favorite whisky- the Yamazaki 18. It paired absolutely beautifully with the HC Colorado I was smoking and is definitely a pairing I will be doing again.
If you are ever in the Dallas area this is a must visit shop. Mike Peacock and his staff will make you feel at home.
I want to thank everyone at Xikar and at Town and Country Cigars for puting together a wonderful event and for having me as a guest!
Photography by Robert Hart
Meet the Cigar Manufacturers: IPCPR 2011
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Discover what is new this year, what their favorite cigar and drink pairing is and more about their history. Meet the faces behind your favorite cigars and cigar accessories.
General Cigar: Wayne Newton Accepts a Donation for the USO
Rocky Patel Cigars: Rocky Patel
Rocky Patel Cigars: Nimish Desai
Rocky Patel Cigars: Nish Patel
EO Brands Cigars (601 & Murcielago)
Drew Estate Cigars: Steve Saka
Drew Estate Cigars: Jonathan Drew
Prometheus Accessories & God Of Fire Cigars
IPCPR 2011 Las Vegas Introduction
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This year the annual cigar trade show- IPCPR, was held in the Venetian in Las Vegas. It was an amazing show and was the first year the IPCPR granted membership opportunities to the media. I was honored to officially become a member in the company of the manufacturers and retailers of whom I have a great respect for.
There were so many great moments to share from the show, both on the floor of the show and at events afterward. And since it was Vegas- sleep was not something on the agenda for most! But a great time was certainly had by all. You’ll be seeing the great moments from the show soon as I begin posting the videos. There are many to go through and I look forward to you experiencing the show with me. Right now I wanted to share with you some of the great moments that occurred after the show as well as my photos of the booths.
There were incredible dinners and cocktail events happening each night after the show. The first night in Vegas was spent at a party hosted by Alec Bradley the day before the show. Alan Rubin was there and introduced me to a sneak peak video of a roller working in the factory on their latest project. As I was watching the video… wow, I saw him use nine leaves on a single cigar, grabbing tobacco from a different table because they wouldn’t all fit on his. It was a treat to see, hopefully he will be sharing it online, too. If not maybe when enough people ask he will (hint, hint).
cigars and drinks with friends (love how many drinks are in front of us, ha-no, not all ours)
The next morning was the first day of the show followed by a cocktail reception hosted by Zino Platinum, then dinner with William Paley of La Palina Cigars at Cut. What a treat! The meal was amazing and the people made the night that much more spectacular. I had the pleasure of getting my hands on the much anticipated El Diario, too! I’ve been excited about this new addition for quite some time and was delighted with the cigar. This is a medium plus bodied cigar with more spice, however the La Palina elegance is still present in the finish. During dinner I had the fortune of meeting Brian and Terry Chinnock of Chinnock Wine Cellars. As we were talking and wine was being poured, someone noticed the bottle and made the announcement: we were having two bottles from Chinnock Wine Cellars tonight- a 2007 and a 2006 Merlot. It’s a great moment when you not only meet some amazing people, but get to enjoy their own creation the the company of great friends. I had the pleasure of smoking Brian’s “Little Havana” cigar the next day at the show with a glass of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and it was an incredible pairing. I’m still thinking about it. I’m hooked on that “Little Havana” and am anxious to see it in stores. I was really impressed with the flavor and balance of the cigar as it complimented the wine. William Herrera (formerly of El Titan and now with Drew Estate- so excited about that by the way, we have some incredible things to look forward to there) blended the cigars for Chinnock Cellars.
Following dinner on the same night (like I said- it’s Vegas and the entertainment never ends) we were on our way to a blogger party hosted by Drew Estate! It was nice to relax and catch up with the bloggers while having a cigar and overlooking the Las Vegas strip.
The next evening began with the Toraño Hospitality Suite! Drinks, cigars, and great conversations were had as we relaxed and celebrated the end of the first day of the show. It was great to see Charlie and catch up with Oliver, Liza, and Gabriel from Toraño, too. I also had the pleasure of catching up with the beautiful Christine Morgan (@LadyoftheStick)!
From there it was on to a wonderful dinner hosted by Ashton Cigars at Postrio. Everything Ashton does is first class, and their dinner was no exception. I had the honor of sitting with Sathya Levin and enjoyed many great cigars, cocktails, conversation, and a beautiful dinner I will not soon forget!
Another special treat that occurred in the evenings that followed the IPCPR was enjoying a cigar and mojito at Casa Fuente. This particular experience was made even more personal as I smoked an aged Opus X Maduro Lancero that was given to me by Carlito Fuente from his own collection. This is a cigar that was rolled 8 years ago and will not be brought into production. Wow, it was amazing! I still remember the bittersweet chocolate powder notes of flavor… not to mention smoking this cigar with Carlito at Casa Fuente. Incredible.
Many great moments were had this year, and there is much more to look forward to! Videos are being uploaded now and will continue to be posted here on the blog. Speak with you soon!
Cigar Tasting: Reinado Cigars Torpedo
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Reinado Cigars uses a unique method of fermentation that has been kept a secret. I personally don’t need to know what the secret is, only that it produces a very smooth and wonderful characteristic in the smoke. This particular cigar is a Torpedo and a Nicaraguan puro (meaning the wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos are all from Nicaragua). It is medium bodied to medium plus.
At the beginning of the cigar, I tasted notes of rich fruits, dark cherry, a subtle sweetness and leather characteristics with a medium bodied flavor. As I progressed into the second third of the cigar, a black pepper flavor began to grow as well as the body and strength. By the end of the cigar the sweetness had slowly faded and the fuller bodied characteristics where shinning through with a medium plus strength. Throughout the smoke, the wasn’t a moment where the strength surpassed the flavor or body.This is an elegant smooth smoke with some very interesting flavor characteristics.
The first time I smoked the cigar I was thinking of rum as a pairing ( in particular a Zafra or Zacapa aged rum), because of the notes of sweetness, fruit, and spice. I think they could play off each other nicely. But as I smoke it again I find myself thinking about a wine pairing. I’ll certainly be having some fun experimenting, but if you have any recommendations as far as wine or another spirit is concerned, I would love to hear them!
Torpedo: 6 1/8th x 52
Wrapper, Binder, & Filler: Nicaragua
Winston Churchill Lancaster Cigar Pairing & Review
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This is an unexpected double pairing review. Once I found the interesting difference of flavor profiles in the cigar when paired with two very different drinks I knew I would have to share the discovery with you!
Lancaster from Winston Churchill, made by Davidoff:
4 1/2 x 46 Belicoso
Wrapper: Ecuador Special Sun Grown
Binder: Pelo de Oro
Filler: Jalapa Especial Seco, Piloto Seco, San Vicente Ligero, Criollo Seco
This is a medium bodied cigar with very woody/oak flavor characteristics. I taste notes of grass or hay as well as an earthy quality that rounds out the tastes nicely. There is a subtle sweetness and hint of spice present in the finish. For someone looking to take the next step from a mild or mild plus cigar, this may be a great transition for you.
I have been into short smokes lately as they are perfect for the travel time I spend in my car between destinations, or as a quick relaxing smoke when I get home. The flavor profile is satisfying and great on its own- or as your first cigar to start the day/evening or after dinner dessert (so to speak).
The first pairing to be discussed was the one I intended on reviewing the cigar with. This is a 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky from Glenmorangie that has been finished in a Burgundy wood cask. I adore the flavor or Burgundy, though it may be an acquired taste. I know for instance, for example, that personally I just don’t like Sherry Casks. If it is balanced well enough I’m alright with it, but too much and all I taste is sulfur. It goes back to subjective personal tastes- which is why the one you like is all that matters!
When I pair the Lancaster with the Burgundy finished Glenmorangie the characteristics of the smoke become richer and more complex. I taste notes of coffee, some vanilla, and more hints of spice that the scotch is bringing out. I love how the characteristics of a scotch and a cigar can compliment each other and bring out certain notes.
Next up, is the unexpected pairing: A Last Word Cocktail.
This was an unexpected pairing because I tend to hesitate when it comes to acidic qualities in a beverage being paired with a cigar. Because of that I tend to pair my cigars with cocktails that are stirred rather than shaken (quick note: if a cocktail is shaken there is probably some lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice involved! Otherwise the drink can be stirred to perfection).
Last Word:
3/4 oz Gin
3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz Lime Juice
3/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur
I adore this cocktail. You have some interesting flavor components involved but they balance out together in perfect harmony. I find this to be a very refreshing and calming drink. This is the reason I was having it the night of the accidental pairing. It was so hot outside I wanted something refreshing and elegant, but still very interesting. And that is exactly what I got- out of both the drink as well as the cigar.
I found that the cigar took a unique change, still medium in bodied but somewhat smoother in a perhaps more crisp clean sense of flavor instead of the lingering heavier richness which occurred when paired with the Scotch. I love that depending on my mood I know I can experience this same cigar in three different ways. It’s also great if you have friends with you who want to each go their own direction as far as taste is concerned with the cigar.
Scotch, Cigars, and the Bonds They Create
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One of the greatest connections I have experienced recently is the relationship between whisk(e)y and cigars, and the people who strengthen that bond. It is an amazing thing when your passion directs you to some truly great people who are on a similar path. While on the hunt to learn more about rye, bourbon, scotch, cognac and whiskey and seeing which tastes combine with which cigars, I discovered something else I wasn’t expecting. And though unexpected, in the end it really isn’t surprising when I look back.
That discovery is that both cigars and scotch have a culture around them that at the heart of it is about bonding. Because we are talking about personal tastes, there is a level of intimacy into our personal perspectives that both scotch and cigars give a comfortable link to. There is no wrong answer when it comes to what your favorite scotch or cigar is- or even how to drink or smoke it. Yes- I know I am definitely opinionated on the matter but I am also able to realize that just because something is my preference doesn’t make it the only way. As long as the item is being thoroughly enjoyed by the consumer, what else matters?
What is fun though is watching someone else enjoy your favorite scotch or cigar for the first time. Then seeing what you have in common as far as taste profiles are concerned and then each discovering something new to try. It’s exciting just talking to someone about it and making the comparisons.
While hunting for some of my favorite selections (particularly the ones that are rare releases or no longer in production) I have met some passionate scotch connoisseurs. One gentleman in particular I got to know while smoking cigars at a scotch tasting at a local Cigar bar. Needless to say the conversation was one with lots of excitement over the different styles of whiskeys and cigars. And it didn’t end there. It turns out he brings people together at his house once every month or so and hosts a tasting. Most times, he encourages everyone to bring a bottle (hopefully of something others may not have had yet) and everyone shares a taste of something new. His name is Bob and he is an excellent host. He is very knowledgeable and organizes the selections into a tasting order, then gives a bit of history on each item prior to tasting. Cheese and crackers, as well as water, are provided throughout the evening to encourage a clean palate between tastings as well as keeping everything in order. Afterward, it is off to the patio with our favorite selection of the night to be paired with a cigar.
The friends I have made there I have gotten to know better through the events we attend- primarily focused on cigars or a particular spirit. And each event it isn’t unusual for us to meet another who will join us in our tastings. It ends up feeling like a big family. That is what cigars and scotch do, though. Food and wine do it as well. They make bonds between people as the passion for the hobby is strengthened as well. It is more than a social gathering- it is a culture.
One of the fun new elements that has found its way into my lifestyle is hunting down a special rye, bourbon, scotch, or cigar for one of my friends. It isn’t just about me- we look out for each other and look forward to sharing our finds together. It’s about bringing something into our little community. There is a sense of victory about it that strengthens the connection not only between us as a group, but with our passion for taste.
The pictures here are a preview of a few of my favorites from my personal collection. Each bottle has a story- from the distiller and from my own personal memories. I love that combination and enjoy bringing that into my cigar smoking experiences. Look for some of these bottles in my next cigar video pairings. In the meantime, if you have a favorite scotch, rye, bourbon or whiskey you would like to share please do in the comments! If there is a particular pairing you favor I would love to hear it as well. This could be a fun experiment!
A special thank you to Allen, John, and Christy and to Freddy, David, and Hugo. You know why 
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