Cigars - Scotch - BBQ - June 20th 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to Your First Edition!

Hello, and welcome to the inaugural edition of Smoke Signals Weekly! We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you, bringing the best cigars, whiskey, and BBQ into one comprehensive and engaging newsletter.

We aim to provide insightful weekly content to enhance your appreciation for these luxurious hobbies. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado, a whiskey connoisseur, or a BBQ enthusiast, there's something here for everyone.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure. We hope Smoke Signals Weekly becomes your go-to source for all things cigar, whiskey, and BBQ. Sit back, light up a cigar, pour yourself a glass of your favorite whiskey, and enjoy the read!

Key Takeaways

Here’s what you can expect in this edition of Smoke Signals Weekly:

• Cigar of the Week: Discover the rich flavors and history of the legendary Montecristo No. 2.

• Never enough Cigar News: Stay up-to-date with the latest industry releases and events, including the Arturo Fuente Rare Pink Series and Big Smoke Las Vegas.

• Whiskey of the Week: Explore the refined taste of Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old, with detailed tasting notes and serving suggestions.

• BBQ Recipe of the Week: Learn how to prepare a classic smoked brisket with a flavorful dry rub and perfect sides.

Smoke Signal Inspiration

Cigar of the Week: Montecristo No. 2

Appearance and Construction

• Wrapper: The Montecristo No. 2 features a flawless, oily Cuban wrapper with a light brown hue. The cigar is beautifully constructed and has a smooth, slightly veined surface.

• Feel: Firm to the touch, with just give when pressed, indicating perfect humidity and construction.:

Tasting Notes

First Third

• Flavor Profile: The first third of the Montecristo No. 2 introduces a smooth and creamy smoke with notes of cedar, mild pepper, and a subtle sweetness. The draw is perfect, providing ample smoke production without being too loose or too tight.

• Aroma: A rich, inviting aroma of roasted nuts and wood.

Second Third

• Flavor Profile: The flavors become more complex and pronounced as you move into the second third. Notes of cocoa and coffee emerge, complemented by a hint of spice and earthiness. The sweetness mellows, allowing the deeper flavors to shine.

• Burn: The burn remains even, with a solid ash that holds well, demonstrating the cigar's excellent construction.

Final Third

• Flavor Profile: The final third brings rich, bold flavors. The spice intensifies slightly, with underlying notes of leather and a touch of vanilla. The cigar finishes strong, leaving a lingering, satisfying aftertaste.

• Strength: Medium to full-bodied throughout, providing a satisfying and balanced smoking experience.

Pairing Suggestions

To fully appreciate the flavors of the Montecristo No. 2, consider pairing it with:

• Drink: Aged rum or a single malt Scotch, which complements the cigar's complexity and enhances its rich flavors.

• Food: Dark chocolate or a rich espresso, both of which highlight the cigar's natural sweetness and depth.Su

Summary Comments

The Montecristo No. 2 is a must-try for any cigar enthusiast. Its impeccable construction, rich flavor profile, and historical significance make it a standout in any humidor. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to the world of cigars, this classic torpedo is sure to impress.

Cigar News

Stay informed with the latest happenings in the cigar world.

• Arturo Fuente Rare Pink Series: A tribute to breast cancer awareness featuring unique blends and eye-catching pink bands.

Upcoming Events

• Big Smoke Las Vegas: The ultimate cigar event is this November. Meet industry leaders and sample premium cigars.

Whiskey of the Week: Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old

History of Glenfiddich Distillery

The Glenfiddich Distillery, founded in 1887 by William Grant, is located in the heart of Speyside, Scotland. Glenfiddich, which means "Valley of the Deer" in Gaelic, has become one of the world's most iconic whisky brands. The distillery is family-owned and operated, ensuring that traditional methods and high standards are maintained across all expressions.

Appearance and Presentation

• Bottle: The Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old comes in an elegant, triangular bottle, which has become a hallmark of the brand. The bottle features a green tint and a gold label, highlighting its premium status.

• Color: The whisky has a rich amber hue in the glass, indicative of its long maturation in both Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks.

Tasting Notes

Nose

• Aroma: The initial nosing reveals a complex bouquet of apples, cinnamon, and toffee. Underlying notes of dried fruit, oak, and a subtle hint of vanilla invite you to take your first sip.

Palate

• First Sip: The Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old offers a luxurious mouthfeel on the palate, with flavors of rich oak, baked apple, and dried fruits coming to the forefront.

• Mid-Palate: As you continue to savor the whisky, additional layers of flavor emerge, including robust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with hints of caramel and toasted almonds.

• Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering sweetness and a touch of spice. The interplay of sherry and bourbon cask influences leaves a lasting impression.

Serving Suggestions

Neat

It is best enjoyed neat to appreciate the complexity and depth of the Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old fully. The undiluted spirit allows you to experience the full range of aromas and flavors.

On the Rocks

For a slightly different experience, try serving it over a single large ice cube. This can open up new flavor dimensions as the ice slowly melts, releasing additional aromas and increasing intensity.

Water

A few drops of water can also enhance the tasting experience by releasing more of the whisky's aromatic compounds, making the nose even more expressive.

Pairing Suggestions

• Cheese: Aged cheddar or blue chees complements the whisky's rich and fruity notes.

• Chocolate: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content enhances the whisky's natural sweetness and complexity.

• Cigar: A medium-bodied cigar, such as the Montecristo No. 2, pairs well with the whisky's balance of flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old is a masterful expression of single-malt Scotch whisky, offering a rich and nuanced tasting experience. Its perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and oak makes it a versatile and enjoyable choice for both special occasions and relaxed evenings.

Whether you are a seasoned whisky drinker or just beginning your journey into the world of single malts, the Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old is a superb choice that promises to delight your senses with every sip.

BBQ Recipe of the Week: Smoked Brisket

Ingredients

For the Smoking Process:

• Wood chips or chunks (hickory, oak, or mesquite)

• Water pan (for maintaining moisture)

Preparation

Step 1: Trim the Brisket

• Remove Excess Fat: Trim the brisket to remove any large, hard pieces of fat, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat on the cap for flavor and moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Rub

• Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using).

• Apply the Rub: Generously coat the brisket with the dry rub, ensuring all sides are evenly covered. Let the brisket sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the rub to penetrate the meat.

Smoking the Brisket

Step 3: Preheat the Smoker

• Temperature: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add your preferred wood chips or chunks to the smoker box or directly to the coals for that authentic smoky flavor.

Step 4: Smoke the Brisket

• Place the Brisket: Position the brisket fat side up on the smoker grates.

• Maintain Moisture: Place a water pan in the smoker to maintain humidity and prevent the brisket from drying out.

• Smoking Time: Smoke the brisket for approximately 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.

Step 5: The Texas Crutch (Optional)

• Wrap the Brisket: For a juicier brisket, wrap it in aluminum foil or butcher paper once it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Continue smoking until it reaches 195°F (90°C).

Resting and Slicing

Step 6: Rest the Brisket

• Resting Period: Once the brisket reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest, wrapped in foil, for at least 1 hour. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

• Slicing: Slice the brisket against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices. This ensures tender and juicy bites.

• Serving: Serve with your favorite BBQ sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. A tangy BBQ sauce complements the smoky flavors perfectly.

Keys To Success

• Keep it Moist: A water pan in the smoker helps maintain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out during the long cooking process.

Final Thoughts

Smoking a brisket is a true BBQ art form. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a tender, flavorful, and unforgettable smoked brisket that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy your BBQ adventure and happy smoking!

That’s all for this week! We hope you enjoyed the first edition of Smoke Signals Weekly. Stay tuned for more great content next week. Happy smoking!