Whew! What a week (and a half) it’s been! The renovation of our screen porch and deck is underway. That means people are now walking around just outside our kitchen door, and the house echoes with the sounds of hammering and construction. But when we finally sit down for dinner in the evening after the crew has packed up, the peacefulness is downright palpable. Despite the current disruption, the upgraded space is sure to be well worth it. The screen porch is being transformed into a three-season room, which will make it much more comfortable for cigar smoking in the cooler months.
Speaking of cool weather, temperatures dropped sharply over the past week. With the porch out of commission and the heaters already put away, I haven't spent much time outside. But by Friday, the warm weather had returned, and according to the 10-day forecast, it looks like it’s here to stay — at least for a while. With construction dominating the backyard, I decided to enjoy a smoke on the front porch, a seldom-used part of our home.
For the evening’s smoke, I chose the E.P. Carrillo La Historia E-III, which has been resting in my humidor since early December. After four months, it was undoubtably more than ready to be enjoyed. I paired it with Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon, a rich counterpart for the cigar.
Right away, the La Historia E-III felt light in the hand — surprisingly so. It had a soft, slightly under-packed feel. The Mexican San Andrés wrapper was rugged, with light chocolate mottling over a darker base. A few folds and wrinkles showed in the box-pressed body, giving it a bit of a rustic look, as if it hadn’t quite filled out the mold during pressing. The cigar measures 6 7/8 x 54, with an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan fillers completing the blend.
As expected, the initial draw was open and airy. While E.P. Carrillo cigars typically perform well, I had some early doubts about this one based on the draw alone.
But those doubts were short-lived. From the first light, robust notes of bitter cocoa and coffee came forward. As the cigar developed, I picked up more dark chocolate and even a bit of espresso bitterness. A touch of mixed nuts joined the profile, adding depth. By the second half, a subtle underlying sweetness lingered at the back of my throat.
To my delight, the draw tightened slightly as the cigar warmed, and smoke production became thick and flavorful. The rich, dark flavor profile made for a full-bodied experience overall.
Despite the good smoke output later on, the cigar inexplicably went out on two occasions and needed to be relit. The burn line was wavy but never to the point that it needed correction.
Heaven Hill’s Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon is made with a mash bill of 52% corn, 35% wheat, and 13% malted barley. The corn, grown in Central Kentucky, is a high-starch variety selected specifically for this release. Bottled at 121 proof and aged for six years, this bourbon promises an exciting experience.
Even on the breezy porch, aromas of vanilla, walnut, oak, and a gentle white fruit sweetness wafted from the glass. A deeper sniff brought the telltale heat of the high proof.
The flavor profile is just as complex — vanilla, oak, nuts, molasses, apple, and pear emerged at different moments while sipping. The finish is sweet and long, with a lingering white pepper tingle on the palate.
The complexity of both the La Historia E-III and the Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon made for an especially rewarding pairing. Each offered deep, evolving flavors and long, satisfying finishes. They complemented each other beautifully, creating a rich and memorable tasting experience.
The smoke lasted an unexpected hour and forty minutes, far exceeding what I’d anticipated from such a featherweight stick. Enjoying the quiet, the sun and a gentle breeze in a short-sleeved shirt is hopefully a sign of more beautiful weather to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments on posts over 30 days old are held for moderation. Please be patient.
Obvious spam will never see the light of day. Don't waste your time.