Tag: Beirut

Enjoying an Ixir Grand Reserve Red 2016, a wine from North Lebanon

Lebanese Wines: Ixsir Grand Reserve Red 2016

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Ixsir Grand Reserve Red 2016
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2016
Country: Lebanon
Region: North Lebanon
Date Consumed: April 9, 2024

A wooden bowl filled
with black fruits and red fruits.
I feel I’m
on a hill constantly caressed by the wind
coming from the sea.

It’s a weeknight and friends are over
for barbecue
and for moments of loud laughter.

I uncorked this bottle minutes
before they arrived
and had a few sips,
looking for verses and notes
residing in the elixir,
looking for memories
I haven’t made yet.

Enjoying an excellent red Lebanese wine, the Massaya Terrasses de Baalbeck.

Lebanese Wines: Massaya Terrasses de Baalbeck 2018

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Name: Massaya Terrasses de Baalbeck 2018
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
Year: 2018
Country: Lebanon
Region: Faqra (Mount Lebanon) and Bekaa Valley (Taanayel)
Date Consumed: April 7, 2024

Love-making in the temple of Dionysus. Ripe red fruits, black cherry, jelly beans, and Coca-Cola. I could also taste oak barrels, faux leather, and subtle hints of cinnamon.

Massaya’s “Terrasses de Baalbeck” is a party wine. It is a desire to party after midnight, to flirt with the peeping moon, the stars, and the lascivious nocturnal spirits. It’s a wine I’d drink pairing it only with dance music, although it can also easily be paired with cold cuts and juicy steaks.

Excellent.


Joya De Nicaragua Black Toro Cigar Review from Lebanon during Sunset

Have a Cigar: Joya De Nicaragua Black Toro

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Joya Black Toro
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)
Strength: Medium

A flavorful, medium-bodied cigar that pairs well with blended Scotch.

Branding: Here’s an attractive cigar. The band gives it a bad boy vibe. (Because it’s named Black, I felt like pairing the first third with a glass of Johnnie Walker Black Label.)

Construction: Masterfully rolled, the Joya Black has no weaknesses.

Pre-light: Promising a rich experience full of flavors.

Cut: Straight cut, as always.

Burn: Great and even burn.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Draw: Firm draw. Could have been a little looser.

Smoke: Good.

Ash: Good.

Flavor: Coffee, leather, and hints of pepper.