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@bq
Right - mini review:
The cigar was a Bolivar Belicoso Fino, and was beautifully smooth all the way down, starting off mild and aromatic, and warming up nicely with a fruity, complex second half. The idea was to pair the first half with the first cognac and the second half with the second.
The cognacs were amazing. No other word for them. Both from Thomas Hine, the first was their Antique XO premier cru Grand Champagne. This was light and fruity, and delicious, with a smooth finish. Matched with the cigar it developed a nice spiciness. It paired really well, with neither the brandy nor the cigar overpowering the other, and each enhancing the flavour. The second was their Cigar Reserve, created with Hunters and Frankau. This was more woody and sweet, with quite a subtle flavour at first but a long spicy finish. Great cognac, almost whisky-like in its character. I thought it drowned out the cigar to some extent, but a nice enough drink. It did somehow make the cigar taste more smoky, which is an odd thing to say. Must be due to the extent to which it opened the taste receptors
We got a nice talk from the H&F guy as he unwrapped a stogie and described the different leaves, where they grew, how they effected the flavour, how they were wrapped, etc.
I'd do another of these tastings - I thought during the Suntory one how well the Yamazaki would go with a cigar - but it was bloody cold tonight so I didn't hang around. Maybe in the spring.