BOLIVAR Oryx Exclusivo Qatar (Regional Edition 2011) Tasting & Review

Length: 13.5 cm
Ring Gauge: 52
Factory Name: Edmundo
Vitola: Robustos
Type: Robusto
Presentation: Box of 25 Serial numbered (only 1000 boxes made)
Release Date:  2011
Price: $20.50 to $29.99 / single stick

 

A much anticipated regional release for the Gulf is finally available, the Oryx - Exclusive Qatar release 2011. Ever since hearing the announcement from Habanos to release a Qatar regional cigar I've been on the look out for them. So finally box number 275 (out of 1000) found its new home with my collection!

Following the footsteps of the United Arab Emarites of releasing two regionals, Punch Robusto 2008 and the infamous Bolivar Emaritos 2010, Qatar brings its own identity with the Oryx.

 

The Construction - Gives a dark, semi-oily and shiny wrapper with soft visible veins throughout the cigar. Nicely smooth constructed triple cap and a firm rigid body. The Oryx is one of two Edmundo vitola made from the Bolivar line which also makes it an interesting size to smoke. This box has been resting for almost 2 years now, so I'm guessing it gave the Oryx a bit time to relax.

The Draw - After initially examining the box of cigars, I was a little afraid of facing a blocked or obscured draw. But when using a wide puncher, this well packed cigar gave a pretty good clear draw with a bit of tightness and an inviting dark chocolate smell. I just hope the rest would be the same.

The First Burn - Offered a nice roasted coffee scent as I was toasting the foot with a single flame torch. You can pick up from the first few draws some woody/cidery notes and a bit of cocoa which is something you would expect. A few minutes in you get that tingly feeling in the back of the throat and an aftertaste of white peppercorn. These notes will quickly mellow out as you approach halfway. Smoke was light and the ash held on pretty well.

The Middle Burn - After experiencing some slight spiciness from the first part, I decided to slow down and rest the cigar a little bit to cool off the burn and try to pick up on some lighter notes. Not letting the flame die out, all the rest of the draws came to showcase the true Bolivar characteristics. The nutty profile came about with tastes of hazelnut and a bit of unsweetened chocolate. No pepper notes can be picked up but a very pleasant abundant smoke zing. Ash gets dark and little flaky and the burn is uneven but quickly evens it self out.

The Final Burn - Flavors intensify at the third end by bringing more woody and nutty tastes with light roasted coffee. The peppery after taste kicks up from the tar buildup yet still pleasant to smoke. The Oryx has definitely showcased great Bolivar characteristics and was a very enjoyable smoke til the end. 

No flaws or issues faced just a few re-lighting of the Oryxa but nothing major. Qatar has really made a great choice to request a Bolivar regional. I strongly believed that the almost 2 year rest this cigar has had played a great role in developing its character. The more added years to it will only make this Oryx a sweeter smoke. Try not to miss out on this one!

The Pairing - There are two Nespresso Gran Cru that will go well with the Oryx. If you want to strong flavors then the Roma , with Intensity level 8, it will offer you a sweet woody notes that balances your palates. But if you prefer a lighter taste, then the Volluto, with intensity level 4, will offer your a sweeter and fruity notes to complement the Oryx.

Enjoy!

JUAN LÓPEZ Short Robusto Exclusivo Andorra (Regional Edition 2009) Tasting & Review

Length: 10.2cm
Ring Gauge: 50
Factory Name: Short Robusto
Vitola: Petit Robustos
Type: Petit Robusto
Presentation: Cabinet of 50 (only 600 boxes made)
Release Date: 2009 but not available until 2011

After hearing some good things about the Andorra regional cigars, I've decided to pick up a few to try out. Although they are made in very limited quantities and arn't readily available outside of Andorra except at a few cigar collectors and specialty stores. I was lucky enough to pick up the Selección No.5 (which was a 2010 Petit Corona with only 1000 boxes made) and this Short Rubusto 2009 with only 600 boxes made and mine came from lucky box number 61!

The Construction - Firm with semi oily and shiny wrapper, no visible veins, very well packed cigars and good construction on the cap. As this cigar has been resting in my humidor for almost a year, you can pick up some inviting sweet rich cedar notes from the wrapper with hints of nutmeg.

The Draw - Using a wide puncher, it gave way for a Semi tight, not much resistance, not too loose just perfect draw for this Short Robusto.

The First Burn - Brings in that great kick of spice as I take the first few puffs out of my nose, picking up that slight peppery clove and nutmeg aroma and leaving some sweet caramel aftertaste in my mouth. The smoke is subtle and light. The draw is perfectly smooth.

The Middle Burn - Is another wonderful part in this Short Rubusto where the spiciness fades to the back and the leathery and creamy tastes take center stage. The sweet aftertaste still lingers in the mouth from the smoke leaving a toasty caramel hint. This cigar is very well packed which makes its dark gray ash firm and solid, almost hard to break off.

The Final Burn - brings back the Spicy notes kicking in with hints of white pepper and a woody taste. even though the third part brought in a crack right on top of the band, it quickly burnt off and evened its self out to continue its perfect ending. Smooth smoke all the way and very flavorful.

I would love to smoke these bad boys regularly, but their limited quantity and scarcity are making them somewhat of an item to cherish! If you ever come across the Short Robusto or even the Selección No.5, I would strongly recommend to get a hold of some to enjoy this wonderful Andorra release!

The Pairing - for this Short Robusto, it will have to be the Nespresso Livanto. With intensity level 6, it offers a fruity note with some sweet caramilized taste surely to complement this wonderful smoke.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Me and My Cigars...

On this day in history, May 1st 2011, Me and My Cigars has gone public reaching over 40,000 online readers across the globe. Its with great pleasure to have and will continue to share my experiences with you all.

For the past 2 years, Me and My Cigars has establish relations with many fellow bloggers and cigar enthusiasts across the world which has given me the pleasure of meeting big players in the cigar industry, as well as making new friends and associates along the who carry the same and sometimes even more enthusiasm about cigars than I do.

I would like to thank each and every one of your for your continuous support and input to make my site worthy of its presences. To my friends, family, associates in Kuwait and across the world... Thank you! Mucho Gracias! شكراً

Lastly, I will look forward for this upcoming year and in hopes to be as exciting as the previous one. Stay tuned for more insightful post.

Some of the pics over 2012-2013

Enjoy!

Summer Drink Recipe: Beetroot Mojito - Ruby Goodness

 

Kick off your summer with my awesome ruby goodness Beetroot Mojito recipe. Sure to cool you off and deliver the tasty somewhat guilt-free drink satisfaction! Beetroot which is known for its source of nitrates (and lets not forget the potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A, B6 and C, folic acid, carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants and soluble fiber) it helps fight heart diseases and blood pressure so why not include it in your favorite drink?

That's what I did.... So to make a 330ml glass the ingredient are:

• 2 halved meduim size Lime
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (or Muscavado)
• Few Mint leaves (keep one stem for decoration)
• 1-2 Tablespoon Beetroot puree*
• 100ml Club Soda
• 30ml Havana Club 3 anos (optional)
• plenty of crushed Ice
• Sugar Cane Stick (for garnish)

In your Mojito glass add the sugar and limes and muddle them together until your get the juice out of the limes. 

Add the mint leaves ( I counted about 15 mint leaves, you can put as much as you want) muddle some more and you only want to bruise the leaves not tare them to pieces.

Add the Beetroot puree (To make  beetroot puree - peel a beetroot and boil it for 15 minutes until tender, drain then place beetroot in blender/food processor and pulse it until it turns to puree or baby food consistency)

Fill your glass with crushed ice till the top and add the optional Havana Club followed with your Club Soda.

With a spoon or the Sugar Cane stick, gently stir the layers around until you mixed them well and keep the cane as garnish as well as some mint leaves.... easy!

Salute! Enjoy!...

Nespresso Trieste and Napoli Limited Edition 2013

 

Another wonderful Nespresso Limited Edition release I got to taste today. The Limited Edition 2013 is an inspiration drawn from Italy's diverse coffee culture. The showcased is highlighted by the two coffee-centric and cultural cities of Trieste and Naples.

Trieste

With an intensity level 9, this delicate blend of Arabica beans from South America and East Africa offers a round texture, with fragrant chocolate and fresh hazelnut notes. A refreshingly fruity touch brings out an exceptional subtlety in this coffee which reveals its full intensity when  enjoyed in the Italian style - as a Ristretto (25ml shot).

Napoli

With an intensity rating of 11, Napoli is bold and assertive thanks to its syrupy body. Best savored as a Ristretto (25ml shot), this blend of Arabica from South America, Africa and Asia with hints of Robusta releases fine smoky notes. Its aromatic woodiness is lightly scented with nuance of dry black tea leaf.

The Art of Degustation

The Crem - Napoli has a darker crema than Trieste. This difference is due primarily to the fact that Napoli is roasted longer, but also due to the composition of the two coffees. Napoli Limited Edition is a blend of Robusta and very spicy Arabica beans, while Trieste Limited Edition is 100% Arabica.

The Aroma - The Napoli coffee releases the woody and smoky aromas typical of the beans subjected to a long roasting process. Trieste coffee, on the other hand, features an extremely rich aroma, with notes of chocolate and fresh hazelnut derived from Brazilian coffee beans and delicate beans from East Africa.

The Taste - In it after notes, Napoli is immediately recognized as a coffee with a strong personality. Trieste, on the other hand is more subtle and rounded. Napoli is slightly bitter but not acidic and offer a long finish. By contrast, the fruity hints added by the Colombian beans bring out an exceptional subtlety in Trieste.

The body - The Napoli coffee has a more syrupy body because of its long rioasting time and the origin of the bean. Trieste on the other hand, is a silkier coffee.

For more info visit Nespresso.com

Get your LE today and let me know what you think.


Enjoy.