Bolívar Regional Release Hong Kong ‘Silver Jubilee’ – Smith & Sheth ‘Cru’ Heretaunga Syrah 2017 - Mystery Scottish Malt - Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin
As has been mentioned before, Rob very kindly left me a variety of smokes for Kenfessions recently – we will get back to the last of the Robusto Rumbles soon, fear not – and this was one of them. The Bolívar Regional Release Hong Kong ‘Silver Jubilee’, which I was delighted to see never having tried it before. Never having heard of it before. After smoking it, I thought it worth seeing what other members of the forum thought. Which is when I discovered that we had actually done a video review of this very cigar some four months ago. In other words, put me out to pasture now. The memory is clearly stuffed.
Otherwise, it got mixed reviews. And that tracked with my experiences. Neither of us raved in the review, noting it one for the future. To be honest, this latest one would have given me less confidence for the future, but it did have a great deal in common with our thoughts back then – just a little less impressive all round.
Similar appearance. Good to firm draw. Construction appeared good to begin with, but by the end, I was thinking that perhaps this one had not been quite as impressive as it first seemed. It started very much in the manner which Rob’s did on the video – very powerful, muscular. It was not bitter but very earthy. For me, it really did show Boli DNA – I know some have suggested otherwise, but my experiences are absolute Boli. This was not an elegant or subtle cigar. Quite the contrary. A little hint of that desirable caramel snuck in towards the end but it didn’t last. The last half was quite nutty though.
For me, this is a buck’s party cigar. For an evening when you are simply having too much of everything. But if I had any, they’d be slotted away for the long haul. I think we are wasting them, smoking them now. I gave the video smoke 89. I gave this one 86.
So, to match? I had been doing some tastings of the new Smith & Sheth ‘Cru’ wines and had a glass of their Heretaunga Syrah 2017. It did nothing but confirm my thoughts – so often, red wine and cigars combined are nothing more than a trainwreck. A horrible jangly clash on the palate. As good as the wine is, a crime to match it with a cigar.
For the record, Smith & Sheth is the new project by Steve Smith with Texan investor Brian Sheth. Based in Hawkes Bay (Heretaunga is Maori for Hawkes Bay) but sourcing from far and wide across New Zealand. Steve was one of the founders of Craggy Range, so has an impressive track record.
I also had some gin with a little ice, from one of our premier gin makers, this was the Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin. Terrific gin, lots of juniper notes but also florals, spices, herbs and delightful lemony notes (lemon myrtle? They do use a lot of Aussie bush herbs and spices). Lifted aromatics. Cracking gin, and as a match for the cigar on a summer arvo, very pleasant, though the earthy notes of the cigar a little overwhelming.
The best match was a Mystery Scottish Malt. A mystery as an editor sent me a heap of little bottles all numbered and with just basic details (such as ‘Scotland’, ‘Malt, and the ABV). The idea was I was to try them blind for a tasting the mag was doing. But it meant I have had a range of mystery malts, whiskies and bourbons and so forth. No idea what this one was but I would stake my life on it coming from Islay. Is there anything more distinctive than that amazing velvety peat? I just love it. Great stuff.
It probably would have worked even better sans cigar, but if I had to match something, why not go with something that is on hand and flicks the switch.
As the song says, ‘love the one you’re with’.
KBG
