Vices

Cigar Review: Davidoff Grand Cru No. 3

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The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 3 is an excellent, mild smoke. Scoring 7.56 with eight votes tabulated at Puff.com, I found my own experiences mirroring those of most of the reviewers.

First, the specs. This premium smoke, costing nearly $15 at a tobacconist in Southfield, Mich., is part of a line of high-quality sticks under the Davidoff brand. The Grand Cru No. 3 is a petit corona, 5 x 43, with a Connecticut Shade wrapper and a blend of Dominican leaf for the filler and binder.

This cigar burned evenly and offered an easy draw. The first 2/3s were consistent and mild, with a slight creamy taste; however, the final third became noticeably spicy yet not acridic. Although the cigar was delightful from start to finish, the flavor changed noticeably in the final one-third.

Overall impression: Highly favorable, 8 of 10.

Vices

Beer Review: Éphémère (Apple)

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BEER REVIEW: Éphémère (Apple) Ale

BeerAdvocate overall review: B (797 reviews to date).

This Canadian ale (brewed by Unibroue with apple juice, coriander and curacao peels) tastes like green apples. The scent reminds me of green apples, and the ale is definitely tinged with the flavor. What makes this ale unique, however, is the aftertaste — which is eerily reminiscent of a sour apple Jolly Rancher. The beer (5.5 percent ABV) went down smoothly and felt light and crisp on the tongue, without any distracting bitterness. It may be an average fruit ale, however, except for that aftertaste — which, admittedly, is a matter of preference to which many beer connoisseurs may render a frown.

This ale, if served cold, may make for a refreshing pick-me-up on a warmer late-autumn day. In any case, I’d happily enjoy another.

Personal verdict: A-.

Vices

Cigar Review: Macanudo Cafe Crystal

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Few things are as enjoyable in life as a quiet evening on the back porch, with a delicious adult beverage in one hand and a fine cigar in the other. This evening, I reveled in a quiet sunset through the pine trees, with a gentle breeze cooling the low-90s air and the German Shepherd stretched out at my feet.

Today’s voyage into tobacco bliss came in the form of a Macanudo Cafe Crystal cigar. This robusto — measuring at 5.5 x 50 — comes with a Connecticut Shade wrapper and a binder from the Dominican Republic, with a filler blend of solid Dominican leaf.

With 22 reviews, the average opinion from Puff.com is 7.1 of 10. This mild cigar is easy on the palate, with a short ash. The cigar burned solidly and evenly, however, and remained consistent through the first 2/3s, after which the acridity started to increase. The smoke was as flavorful as one would expect from a mild blend, and cigar left no harsh aftertaste.

Overall impression: Highly favorable, 8 of 10.

Vices

Beer Review: Samuel Smith’s, The Famous Taddy Porter

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As part of the ever-increasing portfolio that my dear readers have come to expect from A Mild Voice of Reason, today I inaugurate a new feature to this humble blog: Vice reviews. Yes. At long last, and by pseudo-popular demand, you now may revel in knowing my opinion about various beers, wines, liquors and cigars.

BEER REVIEW: Samuel Smith’s, The Famous Taddy Porter

BeerAdvocate overall review: A- (942 reviews to date).

This beer is hands-down a solid, pleasurable pick. Brewed in England by Samuel Smith Old Brewery, this porter packs a smooth finish — graced by hints of creqmy caramel — without any harsh edge or unpleasant aftertaste. Even paired with a cigar, the beer held its own with a crisp flavor that paired well with a mild Macanudo. The amber-hued beverage had a pleasant, citrus scent without any overpowering hint of alcohol, and the bubbles were well-formed and consistent, providing a slightly fizzy palate.

This is the sort of beer I could drink one after another without a second thought.

Personal verdict: A.

Vices

Beer Review: Samuel Smith's, The Famous Taddy Porter

1 Comment

As part of the ever-increasing portfolio that my dear readers have come to expect from A Mild Voice of Reason, today I inaugurate a new feature to this humble blog: Vice reviews. Yes. At long last, and by pseudo-popular demand, you now may revel in knowing my opinion about various beers, wines, liquors and cigars.
BEER REVIEW: Samuel Smith’s, The Famous Taddy Porter
BeerAdvocate overall review: A- (942 reviews to date).
This beer is hands-down a solid, pleasurable pick. Brewed in England by Samuel Smith Old Brewery, this porter packs a smooth finish — graced by hints of creqmy caramel — without any harsh edge or unpleasant aftertaste. Even paired with a cigar, the beer held its own with a crisp flavor that paired well with a mild Macanudo. The amber-hued beverage had a pleasant, citrus scent without any overpowering hint of alcohol, and the bubbles were well-formed and consistent, providing a slightly fizzy palate.
This is the sort of beer I could drink one after another without a second thought.
Personal verdict: A.