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In this issue, we delve into the Rocky Patel ‘Decade’ in the business and their cigar honoring this milestone. Then, check out the newest distillery in Texas since Prohibition, Still Austin Whiskey, and we’ll BBQ a Salmon. In between, take a second to answer our burning question: What is your favorite vitola? And check out the latest news from the cigar and bourbon world in our Nubs & Drams section.
We’ve also started a Rewards Program for those who recommend this newsletter to their friends and followers. See the forms down below.
Spotlight on a Cigar Manufacturer: Rocky Patel 'Decade'
Introduction
The Rocky Patel 'Decade' cigar is a special treat for cigar lovers. 🥳 It was made to celebrate Rocky Patel's 10th anniversary in the cigar business. Introduced in 2007, this cigar has quickly become a favorite because of its rich flavors and excellent construction. Rocky Patel is known for his dedication to making top-notch cigars, and the 'Decade' shows off his passion and skill.
History
Rocky Patel started in the cigar world in the mid-1990s after leaving a successful career as an entertainment lawyer. His commitment to creating premium cigars earned him a reputation for excellence. The 'Decade' cigar honors ten years of hard work and dedication. It features:
Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper
Nicaraguan binder
Nicaraguan fillers
This blend creates a complex and satisfying smoke. 😍
Tasting Review
First Third
When you light up the Rocky Patel 'Decade,' you're greeted by a rich mix of espresso, dark chocolate, and a hint of black pepper. The draw is smooth, and the smoke is thick and creamy.
Tasting Notes:
Espresso
Dark chocolate
Hint of black pepper
Second Third
In the second third, the peppery spice mellows, revealing sweet cedar, toasted nuts, and a touch of caramel. The burn remains razor-sharp with a sturdy ash.
Tasting Notes:
Sweet cedar
Toasted nuts
Caramel
Final Third
The final third harmonizes all the flavors with intensified sweetness, deeper cocoa, and roasted coffee beans. The finish is long and satisfying.
Tasting Notes:
Deeper cocoa
Roasted coffee beans
Subtle spiceAwards and Accolades
The Rocky Patel 'Decade' has won many awards! 🏆 It was named one of the Top 25 Cigars of the Year by Cigar Aficionado. It also received a 95 rating from Cigar Snob magazine. These awards show how exceptional this cigar is. 🌟
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
Alcoholic Pairings
Single Malt Scotch 🥃
A rich and smoky single malt Scotch goes perfectly with the 'Decade.'
The Scotch's smoky flavors enhance the cigar's espresso and chocolate notes.
Dark Rum 🍹
An aged dark rum with caramel, vanilla, and spice pairs beautifully.
The rum's sweetness matches the cigar's rich flavors, and its spice brings out the peppery hints.
Non-Alcoholic Pairing
Cold Brew Coffee ☕
A robust cold brew coffee is an excellent non-alcoholic choice.
The bold coffee flavors complement the 'Decade's' espresso and cocoa notes without overpowering them.
Conclusion
The Rocky Patel 'Decade' is a fantastic cigar, perfect for celebrating special moments or enjoying a relaxing evening. Its rich and complex flavors make it stand out. Pair it with a fine Scotch, dark rum, or cold brew coffee for the best experience. Enjoy! 🎉
Poll: What’s Your Favorite Cigar Vitola?
If you could only smoke ONE Vitola for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Starting Next Week: The Thrilling Tale of George Remus! (6-part series) 📖✨
Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the life of George Remus, a man whose story is as captivating as it is unexpected.
Starting next week, we’ll dive into a six-part series that uncovers Remus's incredible transformation from a humble pharmacist to a brilliant lawyer and, ultimately, the notorious “King of the Bootleggers.”
We’ll reveal a new chapter filled with drama, intrigue, and unforgettable moments each week. George Remus's life is a rollercoaster you won't want to miss, from his early years and miraculous cures to his courtroom triumphs and daring exploits during Prohibition.
Mark your calendars and join us for Part 1: “From Pharmacist to Lawyer: The Early Years of George Remus.”
Stay tuned for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment! 🌟
Still Austin Whiskey - ‘The Musician’
Introduction
Still Austin Bourbon Co. has made a significant mark in craft distilling, and one of their standout offerings is The Musician bourbon.
This exceptional whiskey captures the essence of Texas craftsmanship, combining local ingredients with innovative production methods.
In this article, we'll delve into the history of Still Austin Bourbon Co. and provide an in-depth tasting review of The Musician, highlighting what makes it a unique and memorable bourbon. 🥃
History of Still Austin Bourbon Co.
Founded with a vision to create premium whiskey using Texas-grown ingredients, Still Austin Bourbon Co. emerged as a beacon of quality and innovation. The founders, a passionate group of entrepreneurs with backgrounds in agriculture, distilling, and business, sought to blend tradition with modern techniques.
Their commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices has supported local farmers and infused their products with a distinctive Texan character. 🌾🤝
The journey to establish Still Austin was filled with challenges typical in the craft distilling industry, including regulatory hurdles and production setbacks. However, their determination and dedication led to significant milestones, such as receiving critical acclaim and industry recognition. 🏅 Today, Still Austin Bourbon Co. is renowned for its high-quality whiskeys, each bottle reflecting the spirit of Texas.
Still Austin The Musician: Tasting Review
The Musician bourbon is a testament to Still Austin's expertise and passion for crafting exceptional whiskey. This bourbon stands out for its rich flavor profile and smooth finish, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
Mash Bill and Ingredients
The Musician's mash bill includes a high percentage of corn, which imparts a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the bourbon. This corn is complemented by rye, adding a delightful spiciness and complexity to the flavor profile.
Additionally, malted barley is included, contributing subtle malty flavors and aiding in the fermentation process. This combination of grains creates a balanced and flavorful whiskey, showcasing the best characteristics of each ingredient. 🌽🌾
Tasting Notes
Nose: The aroma of The Musician greets you with rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey, evoking the warmth of a cozy kitchen. Hints of toasted oak and a slight nuttiness add complexity and depth, making the nose inviting and intriguing. 🍯
Palate: The Musician offers a symphony of flavors on the palate. Smooth dark chocolate and toasted oak take the lead, followed by layers of dried fruit, including raisins and apricots. The rye adds a touch of spice, creating a dynamic and well-rounded taste. Each sip reveals new nuances, making the tasting experience truly enjoyable. 🍫🌰
Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with the spice lingering gently. A subtle smokiness and a touch of sweet corn and vanilla round out the experience, leaving a lasting impression and a craving for the next sip. 🌶️
Perfect Cigar Pairing: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
To elevate your experience with The Musician, pair it with the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story. Here’s why this cigar is the perfect match:
Flavor Harmony: The Short Story offers flavors of cedar, spice, and a hint of sweetness, which harmonize beautifully with the rich caramel, vanilla, and honey notes of The Musician. 🍯🌿
Medium Strength: The medium strength of the cigar ensures that it doesn't overpower the bourbon, allowing the nuanced flavors of both the drink and the cigar to shine. 🌟
Aromatic Experience: The cigar's cedar and spice aromas enhance the bourbon's aromatic complexity, making each puff and sip a delightful sensory experience. 🌲🍂
Conclusion
Still Austin The Musician is a remarkable bourbon that encapsulates the spirit of Texas craftsmanship. Its rich and balanced flavor profile and the distillery's commitment to quality and local sourcing make it a standout choice for whiskey lovers.
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📰 News From The 🌿 Cigar & 🥃 Bourbon World
🥃 Whiskey House of Kentucky Begins Production
Whiskey House of Kentucky has commenced operations in Elizabethtown, marking a significant milestone focusing on large-scale, contract whiskey production. This state-of-the-art facility leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance every phase of production, ensuring quality and efficiency. It's designed to be completely self-sufficient, which could revolutionize the regional whiskey manufacturing scene by setting new standards in product quality and operational sustainability.
🥃 Finalists for Best Straight Bourbon Announced
The prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition has unveiled its finalists for the Best Straight Bourbon of 2024. This year's lineup includes well-known labels such as George T. Stagg and Wild Turkey Rare Breed. The rigorous selection process emphasizes flavor, craftsmanship, and overall quality. This competition celebrates excellence within the bourbon industry and sets a benchmark for innovation and quality that enthusiasts look forward to every year.
🥃 Penelope Toasted Rye Now Available
Penelope Bourbon is proud to announce the release of its latest Straight Rye Whiskey from its Toasted Series, which is six years old. This release has garnered attention for its rich flavor profile, including vanilla, spice, and oak hints. The whiskey's aging process in new toasted barrels adds a unique depth and complexity to the rye, making it a standout offering in today's market. It's a testament to Penelope's commitment to quality and innovation in craft distilling.
🚬 Drew Estate's Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta Returns
Drew Estate has reintroduced its Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta, a coveted limited edition cigar. This release is highly anticipated yearly and celebrated for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Available exclusively at select Liga Privada Lounges, the cigar features a blend of premium tobaccos that offers a complex, robust smoking experience. It's a perfect choice for aficionados seeking a distinctive and memorable cigar.
🚬 Cavalier Genève Launches LE2024 Limited Edition
Cavalier Genève has launched its LE2024, the latest in its esteemed line of limited-edition cigars. This release continues the brand's tradition of excellence, offering a sophisticated blend that appeals to connoisseurs and casual smokers. The LE2024 is crafted using select tobaccos to balance strength and smoothness, encapsulating the luxury and craftsmanship expected of Cavalier Genève's limited editions.
🚬 Knuckle Sandwich Strike Force Cigar Released
Espinosa Premium Cigars has released the Knuckle Sandwich Strike Force in collaboration with the Knuckle Sandwich brand and Cigar Dojo. This cigar is a fusion of culinary inspiration and premium tobacco craftsmanship. The blend is designed to deliver a bold, flavorful experience, reflecting Fieri's signature culinary style and Espinosa's cigar-making expertise. It's a unique offering in the market, aimed at those who appreciate a robust and innovative smoking experience.
🍽️ BBQ Grilled Salmon Recipe 🍽️
Hello, BBQ enthusiasts! 👋 Today, we'll explore a mouth-watering recipe for grilled salmon that's perfect for any BBQ occasion. 🐟🔥 This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. So, let's get started!
📝 Ingredients 📝
For this irresistible recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
4 salmon fillets 🐟
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
1/4 cup of brown sugar 🍚
1/4 cup of olive oil 🫒
1/4 cup of soy sauce 🥣
1/4 cup of lemon juice 🍋
one clove garlic, minced 🧄
one teaspoon of grated ginger 🌿
🍳 Cooking Instructions 🍳
Now that our ingredients are ready, let's proceed with the cooking instructions. Follow these steps, and you'll have delicious BBQ-grilled salmon in no time!
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the salmon. 🐟🧂
Mix the brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. This will create a flavorful marinade that will make your salmon taste amazing! 🥣🍚🫒🥣🍋🧄🌿
Place the salmon fillets in a dish and pour the marinade. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will allow the salmon to absorb all the flavors of the marinade. 🐟🥣🕑
Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly. 🔥
Grill the salmon fillets on each side for 4-5 minutes until they are cooked to your liking. This will give your salmon a nice, smoky flavor. 🐟🔥⏲️
Serve the grilled salmon with your favorite BBQ sides. This will complete your BBQ meal. 🐟🍽️
And there you have it - a delicious BBQ Grilled Salmon! Enjoy your meal! 😋Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Happy grilling! 🔥🍽️
We will introduce a new segment starting next week. We will delve into historical figures and facts surrounding the cigar and whiskey world, beginning with the legendary bootlegger George Remus.
His rise and fall told in a 6-part mini-series, is available ONLY through this newsletter.
Coming In The Next Issue
Cigar of the Week: Arturo Fuente Hemingway
From Pharmacist to Lawyer: The Early Years of George Remus
BBQ of the Week: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Peppers
More Nubs & Drams
Poll Results and a Quiz
