In partnership with

In partnership with

La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull 💨🐂

History & Background

The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull is an iconic creation from the renowned Litto Gomez, released in 2016. Its unique name and design pay homage to Spanish bullfighters, reflecting Gomez's deep ties to his Spanish heritage. It quickly became a sensation and was named Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year in 2016. Known for its bold character and premium craftsmanship, this cigar has become a must-have for serious aficionados.

Pre-Light Appearance

This cigar commands attention with its distinct figurado shape and dark Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper. The oily sheen and slightly veiny texture give it an elegant, rugged appearance. The large green and gold band, adorned with a matador’s cape, adds to the dramatic presentation. 👏💨

Tasting Notes

First Third

Upon lighting, the Andalusian Bull opens with rich earthiness and bold black pepper spice. Notes of leather and deep spices follow, setting the stage for a complex and exciting smoke. The initial intensity hits strong, letting you know this cigar means business. 💥🔥

Second Third

As you progress, the pepper mellows, allowing cocoa and dried fruit flavors to emerge. A subtle sweetness balances the intensity, and the cigar’s complexity deepens. The full-bodied profile remains, but the flavors become more refined and harmonious. 🍫🍒

Final Third

In the final third, the leather and spice return, with stronger earthy tones and a hint of cedar rounding off the experience. The finish is bold, satisfying, and leaves you wanting more. 🌲💼

To read the full review, including pairing suggestions for bourbon, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, read this entire review here.

Conclusion: A Smoke to Remember 🌟

The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull is not just a cigar—it’s an experience. With bold, rich flavors that evolve with each third, this cigar is perfect for those seeking a full-bodied and complex smoke. Whether you pair it with bourbon, wine, or a non-alcoholic drink, the right pairing enhances its rich profile, making each smoking session more enjoyable.

Add this masterpiece to your collection, and enjoy the journey of flavors from leather and pepper to cocoa and cedar. This 2016 Cigar of the Year winner is a memorable smoke worth every puff. 🌟💨

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🥃 Whiskey Distillery Of The Week 🥃

Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery: Tradition Meets Innovation

The Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery, nestled in Sonoma County, California, holds the state's most extensive whiskey barrel inventory, producing around 20,000 9L cases annually. Established in 2015, it has become a symbol of craftsmanship, perfectly balancing tradition and environmental stewardship.

A Sustainable Whiskey Journey 🌳

Redwood Empire takes pride in its commitment to sustainability. For every bottle sold, they plant a tree, having already planted over 1.28 million trees through their collaboration with Trees for the Future. This initiative aligns with their eco-conscious approach, blending whiskey-making with environmental impact. Their goal is clear: craft exceptional whiskey while giving back to the planet.

Crafting Unique Bourbons and Rye

Redwood Empire boasts an impressive product lineup:

• Pipe Dream Bourbon: A spicy and toasty whiskey

• Emerald Giant Rye: Offers sweet and herbal notes

• Lost Monarch: A balanced blend of bourbon and rye

• Grizzly Beast Bourbon & Rocket Top Rye: Limited releases, 100% distilled in-house

Each bottle tells a story, blending flavors like cotton candy, fudge, and molten orange in an unforgettable taste experience.

A Legacy of Innovation

Founders Derek Benham, Jeff Duckhorn, and Lauren Patz spearhead the distillery’s efforts to merge time-honored techniques with modern distillation practices. Their Small Lot Series, introduced in 2024, brought artisanal whiskeys like Foggy Burl and Devil’s Tower, which pushed the boundaries of traditional whiskey crafting.

Key Takeaways

• Largest whiskey barrel inventory in California

• Innovative, sustainable practices, with over 1.28 million trees planted

• Award-winning bourbons and rye whiskeys with unique flavor profiles

• A passionate team focused on quality and environmental impact

Conclusion 🍂

Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery seamlessly combines the art of whiskey making with a dedication to the environment. Their passion for sustainability and innovation ensures that every bottle delivers exceptional taste and a positive environmental footprint. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or an eco-conscious consumer, Redwood Empire offers a rich experience worth savoring. For an in-depth look and additional information, go to our post here.

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old: A Bold Islay Classic

A Rich History of Peat and Tradition

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old is a classic Islay single malt scotch known for its intense peat smoke and medicinal character. 🍂 Founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston, this distillery has produced whisky on the island of Islay for over 200 years. The whisky’s distinctive flavor comes from the island’s unique environment, where seaweed-laden peat smoke mixes with the whisky, creating its unforgettable taste.

Aging and Flavor Profile

The Laphroaig 10 is aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the bold peat. 🍯 The aroma features strong peat smoke, maritime influences, and hints of honey and sourdough. Each sip unveils a complex blend of herbal peat and oaken sweetness, followed by a long, smoky finish. 🌊

Award-Winning Excellence

This award-winning whisky has earned global acclaim, including a Double Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 🏆 Its bold flavor profile continues to captivate whisky lovers around the world.

The Legacy of Laphroaig

Laphroaig's history includes the leadership of Bessie Williamson, who played a key role in bringing the brand international recognition. Today, the distillery is owned by Beam Suntory, continuing its rich traditions while expanding its global reach. 🌍

Perfect Pairings: Cigars and Laphroaig

For cigar lovers, the bold flavors of Laphroaig 10 pair perfectly with earthy, robust cigars like the Padron Series, Arturo Fuente Opus X, and Cohiba Behike. 🍂 These cigars enhance the whisky's peaty depth, creating a luxurious sipping experience.

A Journey Through Islay’s Spirit

The Laphroaig 10-Year-Old is more than just whisky—it’s a journey through Islay’s heritage. With a rating of 93 points, it stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and enduring tradition. 🥃 This iconic scotch offers a bold, smoky experience that whisky connoisseurs and casual drinkers can appreciate.

If you want an in-depth review, please check the full article here.

In our upcoming issue, The Grapevine will bring you its first pairing suggestion; you won’t want to miss it! Stay tuned, and prepare to take your cigar experience to the next level with wine. Cheers to discovering new favorites! 🥂

Introducing The Grapevine: Wine and Cigar Pairings 🍷

We’re thrilled to unveil a brand-new section called The Grapevine, where we dive into pairing wine with cigars! While cigars are often paired with whiskey or bourbon, pairing them with wine offers a new experience for the discerning palate. 🍇

A New Layer of Flavor

Both wine and cigars share complex layers of flavor, and when combined thoughtfully, they can bring out the best in each other. Imagine the bold richness of a red wine enhancing the earthy notes of a full-bodied cigar or a crisp white balancing the smoky intensity. The possibilities are endless and delicious! 😋

Why Explore Wine Pairings? 🍷

The Grapevine will be your go-to guide for finding the perfect wine and cigar pairings. From bold Cabernet Sauvignons to smooth Malbecs, we’ll help you unlock the ultimate flavor combinations. Whether you're a wine lover or new to pairings, this section will offer expert tips and insights to elevate your enjoyment.

 ✅ Updates From The Cigar & Whiskey World 📰🌿 

🔥 Smoked Sausage Bliss: A Flavor Explosion for Your Grill 🔥

Ready to take your BBQ skills to the next level? Let’s talk about smoked sausage—one of the easiest, most flavorful ways to impress your guests. With just a few simple steps, you'll get that juicy, smoky flavor that's always a crowd-pleaser.

🍖 Ingredients You’ll Need 🍖

• 2 lbs of sausage links (beef, pork, or your favorite blend)

• Olive oil for brushing

• Your favorite BBQ rub (optional, for extra flavor)

• Wood chips or chunks (hickory, mesquite, or applewood are 🔥🔥🔥)

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions 🛠️

1. Preheat the Smoker

Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you’re using a grill, go for indirect heat (coals on one side, the other side free). This low and slow process gives the sausage that perfect smoky goodness! 🌫️

2. Prep Those Sausages!

Lightly brush the sausage links with olive oil for a crispy casing. Want to kick it up a notch? Sprinkle on your favorite BBQ rub for extra flavor and spice! 🌶️

3. Add the Smoke

Here comes the fun part! Toss in wood chips or chunks to get that smoke rolling. Hickory brings bold flavors, while applewood adds a sweet note. You can’t go wrong with either! 🌳🍏

4. Smoke ‘Em Slow

Place the sausages on the smoker grates and let them do their thing for 2-3 hours at 225°F (107°C). You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C). Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. 🔄

5. Crank Up the Heat

In the last 10-15 minutes, crank the heat to 350°F (175°C) for a quick sear on both sides. This adds a nice charred snap and enhances those smoky flavors! 🔥

6. Serve and Feast

After taking them off the smoker, let your sausages rest for a few minutes. Then, slice them up and serve with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or grilled veggies. You’ll be the BBQ hero of the day! 🌟

🛠️ Pro Tip: Amp Up the Flavor 🛠️

Try pairing your smoked sausage with mustard BBQ sauce or drizzle it with maple glaze for a gourmet twist. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy! 😋

This smoked sausage recipe will wow your guests with juicy, flavorful goodness. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a BBQ rookie, this recipe is easy, delicious, and packed with smoky perfection! 🌭🔥

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