Tag: Beirut

Smoking the Oliva Serie V Melanio 2025 Robusto at a wedding in Lebanon

Have a Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2025

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Oliva Serie V Melanio Limited Edition 2025 Robusto Extra
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Robusto Extra (5 inches x 54)
Strength: Full

A full-bodied, powerful cigar that produces thick, creamy smoke. It reminds us why the Figurado once won Cigar Aficionado‘s Cigar of the Year title. It’s built masterfully. It’s so well-constructed and so well-balanced that I had to make an effort to find weaknesses, and I couldn’t find any.

I paired it with a 12-year-old Scotch, and it kept me company for two beautiful hours.

I’d love to smoke more of these and keep a few sticks in my humidor. So, maybe that’s what I’ll do.

A review of the E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos cigar

Have a Cigar: E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos
Country: Dominican Republic
Shape: Parejo
Size: Double Toro (6 inches x 60)
Strength: Full

I paired the first third with sparkling water and espresso, the rest with bourbon. The E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos is a big, well-constructed cigar with a great draw… a perfect lounge cigar, one that can easily keep you company for two or more hours. Smoke it slowly. Take your time with it. Blow out the smoke, have a sip of something strong, say something deep. Expect notes of cocoa, coffee, cedar, and earth.

Review of the Barka Talliya wine from the Bekaa Valley

Lebanese Wines: Barka Red Talliya 2019

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Barka Red Talliya 2019
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Year: 2019
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: December 16, 2025

Another Lebanese red. This one is a nice medium-to-full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, offering an impressive harmony of notes. I got hints of black fruits, earth, leather, and oak.

It has medium acidity and balanced tannins, which makes it easy for everyone to enjoy.

This was my first time trying anything by Barka. So, now I know that their other wines must also be worth trying.

Cheers.