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San Cristobal Quintessence: A Balanced Cigar for All Levels

The San Cristobal Quintessence is a celebrated creation from the famous My Father Cigars factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, blended by José "Pepin" Garcia. Released in 2016, this cigar has garnered attention for its complexity and balance, earning a 95-point rating in Cigar Aficionado and securing the #3 spot in their Top 25 Cigars of 2021​). This medium to full-bodied masterpiece offers a well-rounded experience with its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers.

These tobaccos combine cedar, molasses, cocoa, and black pepper layers throughout the smoke. Expertly handcrafted, this cigar provides a luxurious draw and a lingering finish. The San Cristobal Quintessence offers a fulfilling and flavorful experience for seasoned enthusiasts and new smokers.

The Quintessence features an exquisite blend of carefully selected leaves:

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano—This Cuban-seed wrapper is known for its rich, oily texture, which contributes to the cigar’s smoothness and complexity.

• Binder: Nicaraguan – This adds to the strength and depth of flavor, complementing the wrapper’s complexity.

• Filler: Nicaraguan—The long-fillers from the Garcia family estates provide rich and savory notes, enhancing the cigar's character​.

This combination of leaves results in a well-balanced, medium-to-full-bodied cigar that offers an enjoyable smoking experience, is rich in complexity, and is perfect for both novice and seasoned cigar smokers.

Taste and Aroma Breakdown

First Third:

You’ll encounter bold black pepper, wood, and a hint of creamy sweetness upon lighting. As the smoke develops, subtle flavors of cloves and vanilla emerge, making the first third a rich, smooth entry.

Second Third:

As the cigar reaches its middle, the pepper softens, allowing cocoa, molasses, and cedar to dominate. The flavor remains complex but smooth, with excellent smoke output.

Final Third:

The finish intensifies, with the pepper returning alongside hints of salt, floral notes, and a lingering creamy sweetness. This final section provides a full-bodied yet balanced conclusion​.

Facts for New Smokers

If you're new to cigars, the San Cristobal Quintessence is an excellent choice due to its medium to full-bodied strength that’s flavorful without overwhelming. Here are some basics to help you decide:

• Smoking Time: Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours, ideal for a relaxed evening​.

• Strength: Medium to full-bodied, meaning it's more flavorful but not overly strong​.

• Cost: Around $10–$12 per cigar, a fair price for such a premium smoke​.

• Construction: The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper gives it a smooth and slightly oily finish, making it easy to draw and even burn throughout​.

• Best Time to Smoke: It pairs beautifully with a post-dinner moment, especially with a coffee or a glass of bourbon.

• Who Should Try It: New smokers looking to transition into more flavorful cigars will appreciate the balance of strength and flavor.

Drink Pairings

Pairing your cigar with the right drink enhances the experience even more. Here are three suggestions:

• Liquor: Pair the Quintessence with a smooth bourbon like Buffalo Trace. Its vanilla and caramel notes perfectly complement the cigar's flavors of cocoa and molasses.

• Wine: For a richer experience, try a Merlot like Azienda Agricola Leuta 1,618 Cortona DOC 2018. The wine's smooth tannins blend beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the cigar​.

• Non-Alcoholic: If you prefer something without alcohol, a strong cup of black coffee will enhance the cigar’s earthy and peppery notes, creating a robust pairing​.

Conclusion: A Cigar for All Occasions

The San Cristobal Quintessence is more than just a cigar; it’s an experience in rich, layered flavors that appeal to newcomers and seasoned smokers alike. Whether looking for something to enjoy after a hearty meal or to relax on a quiet evening, this cigar delivers on all fronts. Its combination of pepper, sweetness, and creaminess makes each third unique, and its solid construction ensures a satisfying smoke from start to finish.

So, if you’re looking for a cigar that offers complexity, balance, and affordable luxury, the San Cristobal Quintessence is your next go-to. Light one up, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy the ride. 🌟

Whiskey: A Hedge Against Market Volatility

Looking to protect your portfolio from the next recession?

Consider investing in rare spirits like whiskey.

Whiskey investing provides a proven hedge against stock market dips driven by inflation and other factors.

With Vinovest, you can invest in high-growth segments such as American Single Malt, emerging Scotch, Bourbon, and Irish whiskey. Thanks to established industry relationships, Vinovest overcomes industry barriers that have made historically whiskey investing expensive and opaque. As a result, you can enjoy high-quality inventory that boosts your portfolio value and enhances liquidity.

Schedule a call with a Vinovest advisor to learn more.

Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch: Bold, Rich, Classic 🥃

Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch is a standout bourbon that delivers bold flavor with every sip. Known for its rich history, high proof, and full-bodied taste, it remains a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. Let’s dive into what makes this bourbon a classic.

A Legacy of Full-Flavored Bourbon 📜

Tasting Notes 🍂

• Appearance: Deep amber with copper hues.

• Nose: Aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.

• Palate: Rich flavors of caramel, oak, toasted nuts, and light smokiness.

• Finish: Long, warming, with lingering oak and a hint of spice.

Perfect Pairings 🔥

• Cigar: Try pairing Knob Creek with an Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story for a perfect match of spice and sweetness. For a fuller smoke, go with the Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro.

• Snacks: Enjoy it with smoked almonds to enhance the nutty oak notes or a piece of 70% dark chocolate for a delicious contrast of bitterness and sweetness. 🍫

Accolades & Awards 🏆

Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch has earned numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021)

• Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge (2017, 2020)

• 95 Points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2020)

Final Thoughts 💭

If you’re looking for a bourbon that brings the heat, flavor, and heritage, Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch is it. Its bold oak flavors and rich finish make it perfect to enjoy neat, with a fine cigar, or alongside simple yet flavorful snacks.

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 ✅ Updates From The Cigar & Whiskey World 📰

Tops Stories From Cigar World

📰 Drew Estate Launches Liga Privada Único Serie Papas Bravas for Europe

Drew Estate is expanding its popular Liga Privada Único Serie line with a new addition—Papas Bravas, a unique release exclusively for Europe. This limited-edition cigar features Drew Estate's signature craftsmanship, offering robust flavor and intensity that European cigar lovers can now enjoy. This move is part of Drew Estate’s effort to make a larger impact in international markets as Cuban cigar prices rise and availability drops. 🚬
(Source: Halfwheel)

📰 Weller by Cohiba 2024—Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Cohiba returns with the fourth installment of its Weller by Cohiba line, blending fine tobacco with bourbon barrel aging to deliver something special. The 2024 version includes a Broadleaf binder aged in Weller Full Proof bourbon barrels, creating a rich, smoky profile that appeals to cigar lovers and bourbon fans alike. 🍂🥃
(Source: Cigar Snob Magazine)

📰 J.C. Newman’s Brick House Bricktoberfest Cigar Rolls Out

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is shipping the 2024 edition of their Bricktoberfest cigar, part of the Brick House brand known for its rich, satisfying smoke. This annual release has become a favorite among cigar enthusiasts, offering a robust and flavorful experience just in time for fall cigar smoking. 🍂🚬
(Source: Cigar snob Magazine)

📰 Black Works Studio Unveils Limited-Edition Intergalactic Event Horizon

Black Works Studio has just released its latest limited-edition cigar, the Intergalactic Event Horizon, crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Nicaragua. Wrapped in Pennsylvania Broadleaf, the cigar delivers rich notes of dark fruits, star anise, earth, and a long finish of pepper and chili spice. This cigar, available in Robusto, Toro, and Petite Corona, will be shipping to select U.S. retailers this week and Europe later this month. 🌌
(Source: Oak Glen Tobacconist

📰 AJ Fernandez Brings “The Goat” to the U.S. Market

AJ Fernandez Cigar Co. is now distributing The Goat to the U.S. market. Created as an exclusive blend for a cigar establishment in Haiti, the cigar has gained attention for its rich flavor profile and exceptional craftsmanship. This blend, part of AJ Fernandez’s premium portfolio, is designed to appeal to discerning cigar enthusiasts looking for something bold and unique. 🐐
(Source: Cigar Snob Magazine)

Tops Stories From Whiskey World

🥃 Glenmorangie Releases Limited 23-Year-Old in Collaboration with Azuma Makoto

Glenmorangie has partnered with renowned Japanese botanical artist Azuma Makoto to release a stunning 23-year-old single malt. This limited-edition whisky is finished in Chardonnay casks, offering notes of pear, peach, and floral undertones. The collaboration beautifully blends whisky-making with art, bringing together fruity and earthy flavors and the distillery’s classic bourbon barrel influence. 🌸
Read the full story

🥃 Old Forester Unveils 117 Series: Rum Finish

Old Forester has introduced the latest addition to their 117 Series, a Rum Finish whiskey aged in rum barrels for at least four years. This release, available in 375ml bottles at the distillery, brings tropical fruit notes with hints of coconut and red licorice, making it a unique addition to the lineup. Available in limited quantities, it's a must-try for whiskey and rum fans alike. 🌴
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🥃 Woven Whisky Opens Studio in London

Woven Whisky, a contemporary whisky maker based in Leith, Scotland, has opened a new whisky-blending studio in Hoxton, London. The studio is designed as a creative playground where whisky lovers can experiment with new blends and craft their bottles. Woven focuses on pushing boundaries and blending whiskies worldwide to create unique flavor experiences. It also hosts masterclasses and tasting events, becoming a hub for whisky innovation. 🧪
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🥃 Edrington Sells Famous Grouse and Naked Malt

In a strategic shift, Edrington has sold its popular blended Scotch brands Famous Grouse and Naked Malt to William Grant & Sons. This move allows Edrington to focus on its ultra-premium portfolio, including The Macallan. Famous Grouse, one of the most recognizable names in blended Scotch, is set for new opportunities and innovation under its new ownership. 🏴
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🥃 Westward Whiskey Releases Bottled-in-Bond

Westward Whiskey, based in Portland, Oregon, has released a Bottled-in-Bond single malt exclusively for its Whiskey Club members. Bottled at 100 proof, this seven-year-old whiskey features deep flavors of malty chocolate, dark fruits, and herbs. Known for their American single malts, Westward continues to produce rich, bold expressions that stand out in the U.S. whiskey market. 🍫
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BBQ Meatloaf Recipe: Smoky Comfort Food Right from the Grill! 🍖🔥

There’s something about meatloaf that brings us back to the heart of comfort food. But who says you need to stick to the oven to enjoy this classic dish? Taking meatloaf to the BBQ elevates it to a whole new level, infusing it with smoky goodness and a delicious caramelized crust that will make your mouth water. Whether you’re a backyard pitmaster or love experimenting with the grill, this BBQ meatloaf will become a crowd favorite. 🎉

Grilling meatloaf isn’t just about the flavor—it’s also a great way to keep your kitchen cool on those warm summer days 🌞. So, if you’re ready to add a twist to your traditional meatloaf recipe, fire up that BBQ, and let’s get cooking! 🔥🍽️

BBQ Meatloaf Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill: Heat your BBQ to about 350°F (180°C). For a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side for indirect cooking or turn off one burner on a gas grill. 🔥

2. Prepare the meatloaf mix:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and spices.

   • Mix gently until everything is combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

3. Shape the meatloaf:

   • Form the mixture into a loaf shape, either free-form or using a grill-safe loaf pan. 🍞

4. Cook on the BBQ:

   • Place the meatloaf on the grill away from direct heat (this helps cook it evenly without burning). Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour. ⏳

5. Check the temperature:

   • Use a meat thermometer to check when it’s done. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). 🌡️

6. Add a BBQ sauce glaze (optional):

   • For an extra flavor boost, brush some BBQ sauce on the meatloaf during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling. 🍖

7. Rest and serve:

   • Remove the meatloaf from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into it. This keeps it juicy and tender. 🍽️

Conclusion:

After letting that smoky BBQ meatloaf rest, it’s time to dig in! The first bite will hit you with a perfect balance of tender meat and that unmistakable outdoor grill flavor. The tangy BBQ glaze adds a sweet-savory kick, while the hints of paprika and cumin take this classic comfort food to new heights. 🤩

Pair it with grilled veggies 🥕, creamy mashed potatoes 🥔, or even some corn on the cob 🌽 to create a BBQ meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and full of summer vibes. Trust me, once you try meatloaf on the grill, there’s no going back! 👨‍🍳🔥🍖

Enjoy your smoky masterpiece! 🏆🍽️

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