Tag: Lebanon

Smoking the Izambar Swindon cigar at a Lebanese wedding

Have a Cigar: Izambar Swindon Extra Robusto

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Name: Izambar Swindon Extra Robusto
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Robusto Extra (6 1/4 inches x 54)
Strength: Medium

Overall, this is a smooth, good-looking cigar that can please most smokers I know. It has a solid draw, burns evenly, and offers a nice bouquet of notes. It’s a medium-bodied woody and peppery Nicaraguan that pairs nicely with aged rum and blended Scotch. Although it’s not the type that I would add to my smoking repertoire, it’s definitely a stick worth revisiting every now and then.

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

Have a Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2025

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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.

Review of the single varietal Grenache wine of Domaine Wardy

Lebanese Wines: Domaine Wardy Grenache 2019

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Name: Domaine Wardy Grenache 2019
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Grenache
Year: 2019
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: 2026

A medium-bodied red wine with balanced tannins. It is a fairly friendly bottle that pairs nicely with red meat, pasta, and all sorts of cheeses. Expect notes of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, and cherry) and subtle citrusy and peppery hints. It’s very “drinkable” and suitable for casual gatherings like barbecues and birthday parties.