Citizenship

I realize that I haven't posted in a while, but sometimes one becomes so busy that some things get put on the back burner for the moment, only to have them brought back to the forefront when it becomes more conducive. And that is exactly what has happened.

Therefore, I am going to remedy this by discussing a recent rum and cigar tasting event held this past Tuesday at the Nashville sushi restaurant, Virago.  Having lived in California for a while, Virago is reminiscent of my time in Hollywood.  And rightfully so as the executive chef, Robbie Wilson, used to hold the same position at the Beverly Hills Japanese restaurant, Matsuhisa.  Virago spared no expense in creating a Zen-ful environment with wood brought in from Japan to flesh out the interior of sunken bars and lounges.  There is also a rooftop patio that overlooks Nashville's skyline and this is where we were. The event was by invitation-only and extended to members of the private member club, Citizen.  The rums were provided by the distributor Horizon Wine & Spirits, and the cigars were from Toraño in collaboration with UPtown's Smoke Shop.

The four rums that were featured were: Plantation Rum XO, Appleton Reserve, Atlantico Rum, and Ron Cartavio XO.  Although all 4 were good rums, the top two of the four were the Plantation and the Atlantico.   I was partial to these two because of their notes of vanilla, toffee, caramel and oak as well as their smoothness.  All 4 were delivered neat but I do believe they will all mix well with whatever your preference.  If you head to the store sometime soon, I highly recommend you picking up one of these bottles.

The cigar featured that evening was the Toraño 1959 50 Year Robusto.  The stick has a Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper, but its binder and filler are from Nicaragua.  It's a well constructed cigar that lit easily and stayed lit (and left me with an ash of around 3 inches before it finally fell when I was more than halfway through).  First notes were slightly nutty with a bit of caramel.  It was very smooth and creamy.  Into the 2nd third, it became a bit spicier but very even, not overpowering. The smoke was plentiful throughout the cigar.  Into the last third, I found a bit of cocoa/coffee mixed with pepper.  It's a mild/medium bodied cigar that I found paired really well with all of the rums that evening.  I found it to be a very relaxing cigar and give it a rating of 93.

OSA NATION

It is well known that CAO was brought into the fold of General Cigars, but since then has remained somewhat quiet. After the dust settled, Ed McKenna and Rick Rodriguez knew that they needed to continue the quality of the brand, yet grow the company and expand their portfolio. They ventured down to Honduras and Nicaragua to learn more about the products that are produced, and started the next evolution of CAO. And from this emerged OSA Sol.

The name OSA is for Olancho San Agustin, the area from which the Honduran wrapper is grown. The binder is Connecticut Broadleaf and the filler is a blend from Honduras and Nicaragua. There are three Lots produced: Lot 50, (5x50), Lot 54 (6x54) and Lot 58 (6.5x58).

In launching the new line, CAO has embarked upon a tour that started in Nashville, CAO's birthplace. The event was held at Uptown's, and the place was packed. Patrons enjoyed the new OSA line, Latin music, food and drinks. Having recently come back from traveling up North, I finally got a chance to try the OSA myself, the Lot 50 (Robusto).

This earth brown stick with small veins had a firm construction with an earthy/woodsy aroma. The cigar lit easily and maintained a nice even burn. The initial taste had a woodsy character, but the essential oil from the leaves seemingly contributed to a slight tangy taste which is a nice change from a typical cigar. (This must be the "provocative taste" in the "Olancho San Agustin tobacco" mentioned in the press release a few months back.) It had a good mild draw and moderate smoke with the ash holding on to between an inch to an inch and a half.

Entering the 2nd third of the cigar, the mild/medium flavored cigar became a bit more flavorful with a bit more pronounced wood taste and a hint of pepper and entering into the third, a dash of cocoa. The strength and flavor continue throughout the cigar with the burn and smoke remaining constant as well. I needed to relight only once, and that was no doubt to my talking to both Rick and Ed and not minding the cigar in my hand.

I was pleased with the new CAO smoke and gave OSA Sol an 88, not bad for Rick and Ed's first creation. I hope this is a sign of things to come and I definitely look forward to future releases. And after spending time with these guys, they definitely have shown a great passion for the industry and a real desire to produce products that make their audience happy. I wish you guys the best! 

CAO girls surrounding Ed and Rick at the OSA Nation Tour launch at Uptown's in Nashville.

Bacardi OAKHEART

Recently, Bacardi sent me a sample of their new spiced rum, OAKHEART. Rum is a personal favorite of mine and I've no less than 10 bottles of 6 different kinds in my cabinet. I decided to make it a true challenge and see how OAKHEART stood up to the classic and #1 leader in spiced rums, Captain Morgan Original.

I decided to perform the challenge as impartially as possible. I spread the test over several days to allow for a fresh perspective with my nose, tongue and brain instead of trying to perform the tests all in one night and missing something. I even had my wife to help to provide an added level of impartiality.

The CHALLENGE:

OAKHEART vs Cpt. Morgan Original

The first test was the blind smell test. The first that I was given smelled of vanilla, cinnamon, with a hint of nutmeg. I was sure it was Captain, but asked for it not to be revealed until after I tried the second. The second drink smelled oaky, and had a more caramel and nutmeg aroma than vanilla or cinnamon. Of course, it was the OAKHEART that was the second.

I then moved on to a blind tasting of the drink neat. This time, OAKHEART was the first drink. It was oaky in taste, but not overbearing to make you think you're drinking Jack Daniels. It definitely had a more pronounced caramel flavor quality with a hint of spice, and a nice finish with a touch of sweet fruit. And to top it off, it was smooth, almost to the point where one would ask if it was really rum you were drinking. Comparing it with my second drink, the Captain definitely had strong vanilla and cinnamon notes, but it also had the kick at the end that one anticipates when drinking liquor straight.

My initial impression was that OAKHEART is quite an impressive drink. It has layers of flavors woven together like a tapestry and yet was so smooth that I was pleasantly surprised. I definitely wasn't expecting it to be this tranquil.

The next tests were to enjoy it over ice, and then to mix it with Coca-Cola. As one would already expect, enjoying OAKHEART over ice would be a given. Even in a glass stein taken from the freezer, this drink is good. But what about mixing it with Coke? Initially, the oak may make you think you're drinking "Jack and Coke" for a second, but that quickly passes. The rum compliments the vanilla/caramel flavor already in the Coke and since so many people enjoy fruit in their cola (cherry/lime/etc), the hint of fruit from the rum gives a nice ending. Don't be too surprised if you start seeing requests for "OAK and COKE".

The final test was to mix the rum in strawberry daiquiris. The OAKHEART again was the first drink and the subtle oak flavor to the daiquiri make for a new, refreshing drink. The spice mildly gave it some of that familiar character with which we are all familiar. The Captain daiquiri had more exposed cinnamon and nutmeg flavor, but also had that slight kick on the end.

My overall impression is that Bacardi's OAKHEART is a solid drink that will do well. The company ventures back into the spiced rum category, and does so by sticking to its roots. Don Facundo Bacardi Massó, the founder and namesake for the company, wanted to "tame" rum to make it into a refined drink for upscale taverns, and did so by filtering rum through charcoal and aging it in oak barrels to further mellow the drink. OAKHEART is just that, a mellow spiced rum that is respectable neat, on the rocks, or mixed. The one thing that Captain Morgan has going for it is the vanilla and how it brings out the cinnamon. Those are my two favorite flavors. However, Captain is not the easiest going down. And why drink something that's rough going down if there's something that's easier? Maybe Bacardi will one day take the spiced rum a step further and incorporate greater vanilla and maybe call it NATIVE, or something. After all, distilled rum came from the Caribbean, and vanilla is native to Gulf Coast Mexico (the Spanish conquistador Cortés is credited with introducing vanilla to Europe and the word is derived from the Spanish "vainilla" which means little pod).

OAKHEART is a rum that has definitely found its way to my liquor cabinet. And with it's quality, and it's suggested retail price point, it should definitely find it's way to yours. It's a velvety bouquet of sweet aromas and flavors that will enhance any occasion.

Tweet-up 2011

This past weekend, my wife and I had the great pleasure of being invited to Tweet-up 2011 in Chattanooga, TN.  Tweet-up is an annual event put on by Tiki Bar Online (David Jones and Keith Hollar), Stogie Review (Jerry Cruz and Brian Hewitt), and hosted by Burns Tobacconist/Chattanooga Billiards Club (Wes Thornton and Matt Allen).  This was it's 2nd year, and let me tell you that it was not only well done, but stands to be the biggest thing outside the IPCPR in our industry given a little more time.

Some of this year's guest list included Jon Huber (Crowned Heads) , Matt Booth (Room 101), Frank Herrera (La Caridad del Cobre), Sean Williams (El Primer Mundo), and Steven Ysidron (Savinelli).  There were also everyone's favorite reps such as Zev and Dave of Drew Estate, and Allan of Oliva and a great deal of people who enjoy a good herf.  This list is not exhaustive by any means, it's just that there were so many people there.

 

(smoking  Ideology by 262 Cigars - Thanks Clint)

The event started on Friday and the day culminated with a trip to watch the Chattanooga Lookouts, the local minor league baseball team. Saturday was the big day since most people were not at work.  There was the midday gathering at Burns East, where we helped Erin Park (@boxprezprincess) celebrate her birthday and saw Jon Pelham walk away with about 60% of everything in the raffle (followed by Kristy Lyda who walked away with 30%).  Then the 2nd session was at Burns Downtown for a liquor tasting.  Finally the night wrapped up at the club, Envy, for the afterparty which was sponsored by Savinelli (Thanks Steven).  It was there that we discovered it was also Matt Booth's birthday, and the Jager commenced to pouring.  Kind of reminded me of when I hung out with LMFAO a couple of weeks ago.  Do I hear "Shots?" 

I will admit that I didn't take too many pictures mostly because I was enjoying myself, but I did take some.  I knew that there would be several that would pop up since Burns had a dedicated photographer running around.  I also got video of Matt from Burns giving thanks to all the cigar industry guys, which was echoed by the crowd.  I have this to say about the event, if you're passionate about cigars, then this is family.   Make plans to come next year, for it will definitely be bigger and better!

National Rum Day

So every 16th of August is National Rum Day, one of my favorite days of the year.  Although I enjoy all spirits, I am very partial to rum.  Spiced rum in particular.  And no, I don't believe that it has to do with the fact that the LeRoys hired privateers.

Bacardi, the leader in traditional rum sales, recently announced that they were once again going to produce a spiced rum, called Oakheart.  Captain Morgan currently is the leader in spiced rums, distantly followed by Sailor Jerry.  Surpassing ol' Jerry shouldn't be too difficult with such a small market share and weak product offering.  But does Bacardi have what it takes to take the Captain head on?  Financially it does, but let's see how the product stands up to the balancing pirate.  I, for one, can't wait to give it a shot and share my review!

In other National Rum Day news, Bacardi also recently won a dispute in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Third Circuit over the Havana Club rum marketing, trademark and brand.  If you'd like to read the particulars, click here:

http://www.bacardilimited.com/news080411.html

Crowned Heads partner with E.P. Carrillo Cigar Co.

Crowned Heads have just announced that they have partnered with  Ernesto Perez-Carrillo to create their first brand, "Four Kicks" and you can thank Kings of Leon for influencing the name.  

“Four Kicks’ is a concept that has been with me for over a year now. After an intensive 6 month search of the best cigar-makers in the business, it became clear to us that Ernesto was the choice to bring our vision to fruition,” commented Jon Huber of Crowned Heads.

With a release of late 2011, these sticks will come in four sizes (Corona Gorda, Robusto, Sublime, and Piramide) and have a suggested retail of $6.95-8.65 per cigar.  Can't wait to give these guys a try.

Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie No. 13

Recently I picked up the newest vitola in the Cabinetta Serie, the 7.5” x 38 Lancero.  This well-wrapped, slightly firm stick is capped with a dark sun grown Criollo head and has a lighter Ecuadorian shade with a Nicaraguan filler.  There was a nice even sheen and the veins were rather slight.  The aroma was that of earth and nuts.

 The cigar lit very easily and produced a very creamy, vanilla taste with just a hint of coffee.  This 1st third was very smooth and mild.  The ash held on at an inch to an inch and a half.

The 2nd third opened up a bit more into a more medium flavor with a bit less creaminess.  Spice notes became apparent and blended well with the already existing earthy/hay notes.  The smoke remained constant and plentiful throughout the entire cigar.

The final third became a bit milder with the spice notes mellowing.  There was a return of the coffee notes and an introduction of cocoa, and the two blended really well together.  The smoke was smooth and cool the entire smoke until the last inch where it finally became warm.  I only needed to relight once at the end around where the light and dark wrappers meet.

This was a very pleasing smoke that did not disappoint.  I give it a 93.