Tag: Lebanon

Reviewing the Blackened M81 cigar at Mareva Cigar Lounge in Lebanon

Have a Cigar: Blackened M81 Toro

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Blackened M81 Toro
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)
Strength: Full

As soon as the Blackened M81 started burning, I ordered an espresso and a bottle of sparkling water. Espresso, of course, because I love pairing full-bodied Nicaraguan cigars with espresso. And sparkling water, of course, because I’ll occasionally need to clean my palate and experience anew the harmony of notes the cigar delivers. Later, a glass of Wild Turkey 101 was added to the mix as well. Why? Because the cigar lounge owner suggested I pair the M81 with a bourbon. So, in the end, I had three different beverages versus one cigar.

Branding: The cigar has two bands. The main band is a narrow one that just says, Blackened. At the foot of the cigar, we have a wider band that has the name and the tagline of the cigar: M81, Maduro to the Core.

Construction: Great.

Pre-light: Promising. You can already tell there’s going to be strong notes of chocolate in there. I close my eyes and see the black leather jacket who a tattooed woman who has just come out of a concert and is looking to take a risk to spend the excess adrenaline she has in her blood.

Cut: Straight cut, as always. I don’t remember the last time I went for a V-cut.

Burn: It burned quite evenly but not 100% of the time. I had to even it a couple of times.

Duration: Almost 120 minutes.

Draw: Excellent.

Smoke: Loved it. A generous amount of thick white smoke.

Ash: Good.

Flavors: (Heavy Metal) Notes of dark chocolate, leather, burnt toast, and black pepper.

Review of the Lebanese Wine called Musar Jeune Rouge

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Musar Jeune Red 2020

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Chateau Musar Jeune Red 2020
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Syrah
Year: 2020
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: May 4, 2025

If you’ve never tried a Lebanese wine before and you make the Chateau Musar Jeune your first, I’d consider it a good start.

Here we have a full-bodied blend with strong tannins and notes of black fruits, cassis, olive oil, and spices. It’s a wine with a strong personality. Every sip is as assertive as the one preceding it, almost as if one is pushed to turn his sips into swigs. And then, by the time the second glass is emptied, one can taste in every swig the promise that the next one will be richer, fuller, and much more satisfying.

A warning, then: When one bottle is uncorked, many bottles may follow. So, when you open a Chateau Musar Jeune, make sure that you have a second one on the bench… just in case.

Review of Chateau Oumsiyat Rouge Desir

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Oumsiyat Rouge Desir 2021

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Chateau Oumsiyat Rouge Desir 2021
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Syrah, Tempranillo
Year: 2021
Country: Lebanon
Region: Mount Lebanon
Date Consumed: April 10, 2025

Here we have a medium-bodied red wine with well-balanced tannins by Chateau Oumsiyat. Smooth and approachable, notes of red fruits and black fruits come together to elicit a pleasant overall experience. Nice aroma, nice flavor, nice structure, and a polite finish.

However, I personally expected more from this wine called Rouge Desir. I expected passion and lust in their liquid form.

Would I purchase another bottle? Yes.
Would I keep one in the cabinet for special occasions? No.
Would I age a bottle? No.
Would I suggest it to friends? Yes. It’s a nice blend, after all.