Tag: Lebanon

Bzommar Red Wine

Lebanese Wines: Couvent Notre Dame de Bzommar Cuvée des Moines Vin Rouge 2021

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Name: Bzommar Cuvée des Moines Vin Rouge 2021
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: N/A
Year: 2021
Country: Lebanon
Region: Keserwan
Date Consumed: May 28, 2024

Our Lady of Bzommar is where I was baptized. It’s also where I got married in the summer of 2021. So, naturally, I can be biased when talking about the wine they make there. But you’ll have to believe me when I say that the wine is worth trying. It may not be the best wine in Lebanon, but it’s also very far from being the worst. This wine, in particular, is sweet and comes with notes of ripe red and black fruits, subtle hints of spices, and a harmony of other notes. I’d pair it with raw nuts, cooked chestnuts, and (Christmas) desserts.

Reviewing the CAO Flathead V660 Carb cigar, smoking it at Club Mareva Beirut, Lebanon.

Have a Cigar: CAO Flathead V660 Carb

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: CAO Flathead V660 Carb
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Box-Pressed
Size: Double Toro, Gordo (6 inches x 60)
Strength: Full

A big cigar, so big that its band reminds me of a flat-nosed truck.

Since it was my first time smoking it, I paired it with espresso and sparkling water, which allowed me to focus on what the cigar had to offer.

The Flathead V660 Carb is a full-strength cigar that should be kept out of beginners’ reach. With all due respect, they might not be able to handle it.

I smoked it in 90 minutes and loved everything about it.

Great construction. Even burn. Generous smoke. Beautiful ash. Bold notes.

Can’t wait to smoke another one soon.

Smoking and Reviewing the Liga Privada H99 at Club Mareva Beirut, Lebanon.

Have a Cigar: Liga Privada H99 Toro

Chris Khatsch2 Comments

Name: Liga Privada H99 Toro
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)
Strength: Full

I paired this cigar with espresso and sparkling water and smoked it at Club Mareva Beirut, one of my favorite cigar lounges in Lebanon.

Branding: Unpretentious and good-looking cigar. On the band, there’s the famous Liga Privada signature and, right under it, the name of the cigar: “H99.” Overall, the cigar has this rusty look, which makes it look aged and almost forgotten.

Construction: Near perfect.

Pre-light: The smell of a risk-taker in brown leather shoes, getting ready for a date. Excitement. Tradition. Earthiness.

Cut: Straight cut, as always. I’m only going for the V-cut when I’m absolutely bored.

Burn: It burned quite evenly 90% of the time. I had to fix it once before reaching the second third.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Draw: Excellent.

Smoke: Powdery. Adds a little spiciness when you keep it in your mouth for more than a couple of seconds.

Ash: Good.

Flavors: Notes of chocolate, sourdough bread, pink peppercorn, molasses, leather, cedar.