Tag: Beirut

Lebanese Red Wines: Noe

Lebanese Wines: Noé 2012

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Noé 2012
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache
Year: 2012
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: November 19, 2023

I got this bottle from Ardoum Winery. The winemaker explained that they would never make the Noé again because the grapes they used to make the blend weren’t from their own vineyards. From now on, the winemaker explained, they would focus on producing wines made with their own grapes, and they’d be calling them Ardoum. Therefore, it can be said that this was the first and last time I would uncork a bottle of Noé.

The 11-year-old wine slid into my glass, blood-red. I took a sip, worrying that it had passed its prime, but it was still good. I could definitely taste the years. Ferric notes lingered on my tongue for a long moment after I swallowed my first sip. I took a second sip to study its structure, and then a third sip to say goodbye.

Paradiso Papagayo XXL

Have a Cigar: Paradiso Papagayo XXL

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Name: Paradiso Papagayo XXL

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro Gigante (6 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium

How many Paradiso cigars have I smoked? Many. And honestly, even though some of my fellow aficionados consider them “entry-level” cigars, I just love them. All Paradiso cigars are great, especially the Quintessence and the Revelation lines.

And if I had to categorize them, I’d put them under the “everyday cigars” category. I’d light one when I’m starting the charcoal grill, or when I’m driving, or when I’m at the beach, or when I’m working on something… You know — when I’m doing everyday stuff. Not all cigars are made to be smoked on wedding days. Paradiso cigars are made to help us celebrate the small things. They’re made to give us a taste of paradise in between our day-to-day stuff.

Great price. Great burn. Great Taste.

Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto

Have a Cigar: Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto

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Name: Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto

Country: Dominican Republic

Shape: Parejo

Size: Robusto (5 inches x 50)

Strength: Full

The end of the year is around the corner, and every day is becoming busier than the one preceding it. And colder, too. There’s a lot of work to do. But I’m trying to hang in there like I always do.

I’m not smoking cigars as much as I used to, but an occasional cigar is very much needed.

I smoked this Diamond Crown Maximus at an Italian restaurant. I paired it with Glenfiddich 12 and a good steak. Overall, it was a pretty decent cigar, and I wouldn’t mind burning another one soon.