Chateau Oumsiyat Merlot at Qortoba

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Oumsiyat Merlot 2018

Name: Chateau Oumsiyat – Merlot 2018
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Merlot
Year: 2018
Country: Lebanon
Region: Mount Lebanon

Experience

Date Consumed: January 2, 2023

Affordable red wine. Easy to drink. To be consumed casually while enjoying Lebanese mezze. My wife and I emptied a whole bottle while having lunch with friends at Qortoba Baabdat. I got notes of red fruits, vanilla, plum, and cedar. I’d give it 64/100.

DBL Extra Viejo Gorda

Have a Cigar: Dominican Big Leaguer Maduro Doble Prensado Extra Viejo Gorda

Name: Dominican Big Leaguer Maduro Doble Prensado Extra Viejo Gorda

Country: Dominican Republic

Shape: Box-Pressed

Size: Gordo (5 3/4 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium

The brand was new to me, so naturally, I had to try it. From the different options available, I went with the DBL M.D.P. Extra Viejo. The plan was to smoke it in the lounge, so I made sure I picked one that suits my style and would last a while. And I was impressed. The DBL M.D.P. Extra Viejo Gorda is attractive, affordable, and it tastes great. That means I will smoke many more of them in 2023.

Branding: Red, black, and gold. Looks royal.

Construction: Great.

Pre-light: An appetizing dessert.

Cut: Straight cut. Easy, no problems.

Burn: Burns gently, beautifully. Nothing to complain about.

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Draw: Excellent.

Smoke: Generous. Cloud maker.

Ash: Very good.

Flavor: Rich. Easy to smoke. Notes of freshly baked bread, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II with Chris Khatsch's A Poet's Cigar Journal and Ten Poems

Have a Cigar: Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II

Name: Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Box-Pressed (Hexagon)

Size: Double Toro / Gordo (6 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium to Full

The size, the taste, the smoke. Everything was perfect. Paired with Irish whiskey, there was not a single thing I could complain about. Amazing. I will definitely smoke more of these.

Branding: Black and gold. Shiny. Masculine. Show of force.

Construction: Excellent.

Pre-light: Hints of cocoa, tomato paste, pepper.

Cut: Straight cut, no problems.

Burn: Even burn all the way.

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Draw: Near perfect.

Smoke: Thick. Creamy. Heavy.

Ash: Very good.

Flavor: A harmony of flavors. Rich. Notes of dark chocolate, leather, toast, and slight hints of cayenne.