Tag: Lebanon

Paradiso Quintessence San Cristobal

Have a Cigar: Paradiso Quintessence Robusto

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Paradiso Quintessence Robusto

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Robusto (5 1/2 inches x 50)

Strength: Medium to Full

Paired with Belgian stouts, the Paradiso Quintessence Robusto was something to fall in love with. Notes of dark roast coffee, cereal, and molasses were the predominant ones. But there were other notes, too. Flavors came from everywhere. I could taste the night and the sea, the stars and the moon, and the wind that blew the past away.

My taste buds were trying to remember something…

My taste buds were trying to interpret the universe.

Macanudo Inspirado Orange. Kefraya Winery, Lebanon.

Have a Cigar: Macanudo Inspirado Orange Corona

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Macanudo Inspirado Orange Corona

Country: Honduras

Shape: Parejo

Size: Corona

Strength: Mild to Medium

I got to pair this Macanudo Inspirado Orange with one of the best Lebanese wines out there — Comte de M 2008. It was by chance. We were at Château Kefraya Restaurant eating and drinking with friends after touring the winery. Out of the nine people sitting at our table, at least four were either winemakers, sommeliers, or connoisseurs. This made me experience wine on another level. It’s nice to have someone with you who can explain what your palate is experiencing.

As expected, I drank a lot.

The Comte de M 2008 was probably the tenth bottle I pour a glass from, and the Macanudo Inspirado Orange was the third cigar I smoke that day.

Have a Cigar: Avo Syncro South America Ritmo Robusto Tubo

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Name: Avo Syncro South America Ritmo Robusto Tubo

Country: Dominican Republic

Shape: Box-Pressed

Size: Robusto (5 inches x 50)

Strength: Full

Imagine music wrapped in tinfoil and slow cooked on the grill. The Avo Syncro Ritmo is a very good cigar. Notes of earth, white pepper, and coffee make the melody happen. The draw is perfect, and the smoke is flirtatious.

On a terrace somewhere in Bourj Hammoud
the waiter leaves our table with empty bottles
and comes back with new drinks

He seems to be trapped in a never-ending loop

We drink

We talk politics
disagree
then talk about Paris

I light a second cigar

We head to another bar