Saturday Night Rabbit Hole Heigold and Foundation Olmec

After shooting the IDPA match in the morning, I was looking forward to winding down the day with a good cigar and beverage. As is usual after a day on the range, I was tired and ready to relax.

After opening each drawer in the humidor multiple times I finally decided on the Olmec from Foundation Cigars. Olmec is a 2022 release from Nicholas Melillo, and as with many of his cigars, pays homage to tobacco history. The cigar pays tribute to the Olmec civilization which lived the tobacco-growing San Andrés region of Mexico. The Olmec are believed to be early partakers of cigars. 

This 5 x 50 Robusto has a dark chocolate San Andrés maduro wrapper, with binder and fillers from Nicaraguan. The filler tobaccos are said to be baled and aged for three years after fermentation. The wrapper leaves also undergo a low temperature slow fermentation process preserve the oil content and enhance their flavor.

A strong flavor profile of espresso, charred meat and pepper great the palate. That is balanced by sweet molasses and dark chocolate. I've smoked several of this and they have all performed well, and remain flavorful with no bitterness right down to the warm nub.

The selected bourbon accompaniment was Rabbit Hole Heigold Bourbon. Heigold is a high rye whiskey with a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 25 percent malted rye, and 5 percent malted barley. It is bottled at 95 proof. Caramel, ginger, and brown sugar waft from the glass. Sipping brings a sweet combination of brown sugar, gingerbread, and cinnamon. It's almost like a glazed cinnamon pastry. The rye influence arrives in the finish with a pleasing spicy heat. I first tried Rabbit Hole products a few years back during a work trip to Louisville. We've since started seeing the products more in Virginia, but supplies are sporadic and limited. This is definitely one to look for.

Cheers!