I’ve said this before in several places, but I’m not a big seltzer guy. I’ll usually drink soda and sweet drinks when I smoke, it helps offset the nicotine. But the Mitra9 beverages are sweet enough that it works well. Moreover, because they’re seltzers and not overloaded with flavor, it helps bring out the flavor notes in the cigars. The trick is pairing things correctly. For example, the kratom seltzers come in a bunch of fruity flavors like black cherry, dragon fruit, raspberry lime, root beer, cream soda and so on. Meanwhile, the kava seltzers have some more inventive flavors like paradise lychee, orange dreamsicle, strawberry watermelon and a couple of others. Root beer and cream soda are easy to pair and go with almost anything, but the fruity flavors, not so much.

Exploring Mitra9’s variety

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

• Profile: Mostly sweet
• Primary Flavors: Miscellaneous
• Best Prepared: Chilled or on the rocks

Both the kava and kratom seltzers from Mitra9 give you a slight buzz. It’s a feel-good buzz, like you’ve had a few beers. If you’ve ever had THC drinks, it’s comparable to that experience. You don’t want to be driving after you’ve had these, and you don’t need to drink a lot to feel the effects. When paired with a cigar, which is already relaxing enough, it’s a fantastic experience overall. In fact, I’ve found that drinking these and smoking enhances the entire event. Maybe it’s my overactive imagination, but I swear I tasted a lot more than I usually do on both accounts.

As mentioned above, kratom beverages come in a wide variety of flavors, while the kava drinks come in a handful. Berry, black cherry, dragon fruit, raspberry lime, tangerine, tropical, watermelon, cream soda, root beer, midnight cola and citrus sun for kratom. Paradise lychee, lemonade, orange dreamsicle, and strawberry watermelon for kava.

You can also buy shots, like energy drinks, and powder packets, which you mix in water. I won’t mention those again as they’re not really anything you’d pair with cigars. But if you’re interested, it adds to the Mitra9 offerings, and they’re also quite good.

Breaking down the pairings

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I’m an Aganorsa fan, so you already know I paired some tasty sticks like the Rare Leaf Maduro and Corojo. But I also tried a few unique pairings. Montecristo Bardstown Bourbon, Southern Draw Kudzu, Boneshaker Lunatic, Casa 1910 Cavalry, Zino, Casa Carrillo Pledge, AJ Fernandez San Lotano Requiem Habano, Davidoff Escurio.

Here’s what I would recommend:

• Mitra9 Midnight Cola and Root Beer goes with: Anything, but something dark like a maduro is delicious.
• Mitra9 Cream Soda goes with: Habano, Cuban or Connecticut.
• Mitra9 Black Cherry, Raspberry Lime or Dragon Fruit goes with: Oscuro.
• Kava varieties like Orange Dreamsicle and Strawberry Watermelon: Connecticut.

My top pick is the Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio with the Root Beer kratom seltzer. I also had the Aganorsa Supreme Leaf, which is a salty smoke, with the Mitra9 Black Cherry, the latter of which has more of a tart flavor to offset the cigar.

One of the beautiful things about cigar pairings, especially when it comes to drinks like this, is that the experimentation is the best part. Yes, absolutely you can end up with a bad pairing, but it’s fun to taste test and mix and match. Just don’t do it on a day when you’re expecting a particular experience — those days and nights it’s always best to go with what you know.

Mitra9 Kava and Kratom Seltzers: Closing statements

All-in the Mitra9 drinks are an excellent non-alcholic alternative, especially if you still want to feel that relaxed buzz. You could keep drinking to enhance the experience, though I personally wouldn’t as one or two seltzers is enough. They pair well with a cigar, especially when you mix the flavors with the right blends. I’ve left some recommendations above, but really, it’s a lot of fun to experiment and try them out with things you would smoke normally.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can always mix the seltzers with some soda to make them a little sweeter. Root Beer flavor mixes well with root beer or vanilla cream soda, obviously. The cola goes well with cola. Black cherry with a cherry or fruit soda. You can figure out the rest.

I would recommend these to anyone interested. I’m not normally a seltzer guy, but the flavors are enjoyable and just sweet enough to be tasty.

Briley specifics:

• Recommended: Yes
• Would I drink them again? Yes.
• Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
• My preferred pairing: Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio and Mitra9 Kratom Root Beer

The post Mitra9 Kava and Kratom seltzers: Pairing with a cigar appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Anyway, if you have some Elijah Craig on hand and want to imbibe this weekend, I’m going to drop the deets for those cocktails. You can always read the recipes on the brand’s site, too.

Happy Gilmore 2 x Elijah Craig cocktails

Before I share a recipe or two, I just want to add a quick sidebar, something I’ve learned recently. Elijah Craig is the official bourbon of the PGA of America. So, if you’re a golfer, that’s a nice little tidbit you might want to note.

Happy Gilmore beverage

The first recipe is The Tap In inspired by Happy’s ramblings, no doubt. Here’s what you need:

• 0.75 ounces of PAMA pomegranate flavored liqueur
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• 3 ounces of ginger beer

Pour the bitters, Elijah Craig and PAMA liqueur with ice into a shaker. Shake vigorously, like your life depends on it. Strain into a coupe glass and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with skewered brandied cherries and an orange twist.

Elijah Craig Old Fashioned

You can never go wrong with an Old Fashioned, so I figured I’d also share the recipe for that. Here’s what you need:

• 2 ounces of Elijah Craig small batch bourbon
• 0.25 ounces of simple syrup
• 3 dashes of bitters
• Orange Swath
• Brandied cherry (optional)

Add bitters, ice, syrup and Elijah Craig to a mixing glass. Stir until chilled. Strain over a large ice cube in a double old-fashioned glass. Then, garnish with a brandied cherry and swath of orange. Enjoy.

Elijah Craig also recommends swapping the small batch out with straight rye whiskey if you want a spicier taste.

The Gilmore Buck

We also have a delicious local favorite for bourbon lovers in Gilmore name. Here’s what you need:

• 2 ounces of Elijah Craig small batch bourbon
• 0.75 ounces of simple syrup
• 0.75 ounces of fresh lime juice
• 2 strawberries
• 2 ounces of ginger beer

Gently muddle the strawberries and lime juice in a glass. Add the Elijah Craig, simply syrup, and shake with ice until chilled. Strain over ice in a Collins glass and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

The post Stream Happy Gilmore 2, enjoy themed Elijah Craig cocktails appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Thanks to a virtual tasting with the La Aurora crew, I had the opportunity to pufferate on a Family Series Fuerte Sol — the latest cigar from the brand — along with a pour of the legendary E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Dominican rum. The cigar is delicious. The rum is tasty. There’s a lot to love about both and the pairing, especially since the flavors mesh well. They play off each other and bring out new, unique flavors as any good pairing should.

But here, now, we’re going to talk about the rum specifically. Why was the opportunity exciting? What is this rum and what makes it worthy of discussing? What kind of flavors did I experience or pick up? Pour yourself a cold glass, light one up if you do that, and let’s get to talking.

Exploring E. León Jimenes

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario is not new, it’s actually been around for a bit, bottled for the first time in 2013. Inside is a complex, dark, Dominican rum aged for 10 years. Originally crafted to mark the 110 year anniversary of La Aurora, the company’s cigar brand, this rum was part of a collaboration with Ron Barceló. Some of you might recognize that name.

La Aurora considers it one of its finest creations, precisely why we sipped on some alongside the Fuerte Sol. The goal of this particular spirit was to complement the brand’s cigars, bringing out the best in both premium products. In my opinion, it succeeds at doing that very thing. The caveat, of course, is that the darker and more robust flavors tend to pair best with a stronger medium to full-bodied cigar.

If you’re not familiar with the brand’s history, La Aurora was founded by Eduardo León Jimenes in Don Pedro, Guazumal in the province of Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, back in 1903. Over the next century, the León family grew its influence in the region, eventually forming the Leon Jimenes Group. Today, they make a variety of products, not just cigars under La Aurora, but also beer, liquor, coffee, and more.

Dominican rum, refined

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

• Profile: Dark and sweet
• Primary Flavors: Toffee, caramel, spices, and floral notes
• Best Prepared: Neat or on the rocks

For eight years, this blend is aged in American white oak casks, before being transferred for the last two years, and finished in virgin French oak casks (sherry). So, it’s aged a total of ten years, and only 3,000 bottles are produced each year.

Unlike most rums, which are dominated by sweet, bright flavors and undertones of spice, this rum is complex, exhilarating, and, dare I say, rewarding. Immediately, you’ll taste toffee, caramel, roasted almonds and nuttiness, and a creamy lingering sweetness, like molasses, but not quite as potent. It’s delicious, and on a clean palate it would be good enough, but when pairing with a cigar, like you’re meant to, everything is elevated.

Additional flavors include spices, coffee, wood or oak, cinnamon, floral notes, citrus, and even some vanilla. The nose is also fantastic. It’s thick, concentrated and aromatic even before you draw some into your mouth and across your tongue. As any taste-enthusiast knows, it’s also about slightly inhaling those flavors through your nose, what us cigar smokers refer to as retrohaling. You’re not actually inhaling in the traditional sense, more like pulling the scents through your nasal cavity and out of your nostrils. It’s the same technique tasters use with wine, whiskey, bourbon and other delicious mixtures — you’re meant to “nose” the glass first.

Wrapping up the tasting

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

This is not my first rodeo. I actually had some of the E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario rum when I visited La Aurora in the Dominican Republic. One of the nights, after dinner, I was spoiled because the crew let me take the rest of the bottle back to my room. I enjoyed the evening with lit cigars, from La Aurora, of course, and the rum, and some absolutely phenomenal views. I assure you, I’m not just biased because of that history. This is delicious rum.

But after diving in with this pour, I was right back to that original experience, just in the comfort of my home. This rum is a delight and a stand out if you like these sorts of spirits. It’s actually not too expensive either, considering it’s aged 10 years. Most comparable brands would be asking upwards of $300 a bottle for something like this.

A guilty pleasure of mine is Kraken rum, which is pretty sweet. I know, I know, I’ll probably catch a lot of flak for saying that. But the point I’m making is that this Dominican rum is much smoother, with a similar profile, and also a sweetness that’s just right — not too sweet. It pairs exceptionally well with cigars, La Aurora’s or otherwise, and the bottles are relatively accessible price-wise, though you may have trouble finding them at your local liquor spot in some places. If you do find a bottle or two, don’t hesitate, give it a try.

MSRP: ~$125 per bottle

Recommended Buy: Yes, absolutely, if you like spiced or dark rum.

The post E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario: Smoothing it out with rum appeared first on The BS Lounge.

A great way to learn new pairings, or try them, is to get the information directly from manufacturers. More specifically, from either the cigar companies or the liquor and beverage companies. Why? Because they often have certified and experienced sommeliers who come up with fantastic combinations. These people train in the art of taste, flavor, and experience.

Ideal cigar and whiskey pairings for three top brands

Expert recommendations are what we’re looking at here.

Straight from the brands Old Elk, Sagamore Spirit and Keeper’s Heart, we’re learning a few well-paired selections, just in time for the warmer spring and summer weather. I’m also going to throw in some specific recommendations for the stogies.

What to pair with Keeper’s Heart Irish and bourbon whiskey

• Cigar: Mild-to-medium-bodied Corojo
• Examples: JFR Corojo, Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ, El Gueguense The Wise Man
• Bottle Price: $40

Keeper’s Heart is a smooth yet complex single pot still Irish grain whiskey and bourbon.

A sip of Keeper’s will have you tasting caramel, herbs, some floral notes and spices. Moreover, because there’s a bit of sweetness in the beverage, it meshes with the Corojo’s salt, earth and spice profile. Neither will overpower the other, and that’s really what we want. The JFR Corojo from Aganorsa is my go-to here, but I’d also throw in an Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve Corojo.

What to pair with Sagamore Spirit cask strength rye whiskey

• Cigar: Medium-to-full-bodied Habano
• Examples: Crowned Heads Mil Dias, Oliva Serie V, My Father Le Bijou 1922
• Bottle Price: $59

Sagamore Spirit’s cask strength rye is bold, spicy and stunning. Seriously, one sip will have you frozen in your tracks. But if you really want to kick things up a notch, pairing a cigar with your sipping is the way to go. Because it’s bold, a medium-to-full bodied stogie is the right choice here.

The spicy character of the rye will be able to match the Habano’s pepper, spice, nutty flavors, and other nuanced notes like chocolate or toasted bread. There’s no need to shy away from a strong cigar or one with a cascade of dark flavors. Yeah, I’ve shared some examples, but this is one versatile beverage. The Oliva Serie V, or even one of the Serie V Melanio blends, works well here.

What to pair with Old Elk Cigar Cut Punch Cut whiskey

• Cigar: Medium-bodied Habano
• Examples: Avo XO, San Cristobal Quintessence (medium to full), Warped La Colmena
• Bottle Price: $130

The appropriately named the Old Elk Cigar Cut Punch Cut whiskey features tasty notes of honeycomb or honey, almonds, chocolate, and plenty of spice. Those flavors will blend well with the pepper, espresso and dark coffee, nutty and creamy notes of the Habano.

I do want to note that the San Cristobal Quintessence is medium-to-full bodied, so a little stronger than the base recommendation. But the flavors, the experience and the smoothness of the cigar all make it stand out here. Don’t even get me started on the Warped La Colmena, though.

The next time you’re at the liquor store or cigar shop, you might consider giving these cigar and whiskey pairings a try.

There are no affiliate links in this article. A PR team recommended this story.

The post Recommended whiskey pairings for Old Elk, Sagamore Spirit, and Keeper’s Heart appeared first on The BS Lounge.

I’m not a big tequila guy. I mostly stick to whiskey and bourbon when I want something strong. But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a good pour every now and then. So, when I had the opportunity to try some delicious tequila from a relatively young brand I took it. And man, am I glad I did.

Exploring Mijenta

Source: Mijenta

Mijenta’s Maestra Tequilera Ana María Romero has “over 25 years of experience” in the industry, and like any Master Blender in the world of cigars, she’s fine-tuned her craft to capture “the artistry of flavor.” Of course, her specialty is in the world of spirits. After a few glasses of the Añejo, I can absolutely see that as true and I wholeheartedly agree.

The Añejo is one of four tequilas available as part of Mijenta’s lineup. The brand also has Blanco, Reposado and Cristalino, all outstanding tequilas.

Tequila Añejo

Source: Mijenta

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

• Profile: Sweet
• Primary Flavors: Vanilla and oak
• Best Prepared: Neat or on the rocks

Distilled in stainless steel tanks, fermented without fibers and aged in French Oak, American White Oak, and Cherry barrels, and Acacia casks, this 40% abv (80-proof) tequila is brimming with flavor. The agave is sourced from the Los Altos southern region in Mexico.

It goes down smooth, with very little burn, but it pairs exceptionally well with medium to full-bodied cigars. That’s primarily thanks to the sweet flavors, light pepper and spice that hit the palate. Some of the more prominent flavors I picked up during my tastings include: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, chocolate, oak, cinnamon, butter, floral notes and even some spiced cream. As you might expect, natural agave flavors remain pretty strong throughout, as well.

Someone who is merely sipping on the tequila without a cigar pairing might find the pepper a bit much, but I thought it was fantastic.

Breaking down the tasting

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Some excellent cigar pairings might be the Sacrificio Maestro, San Lotano Requiem Habano by AJ Fernandez, Southern Draw Rose of Sharon, La Aurora 120th Anniversary, and Davidoff Yamasa.

What’s interesting is that the experience evolved as I continued to drink, a progression you might come to expect from aged spirits like this. But in the Mijenta Añejo’s case, it vastly changes the session, not unlike the usual, complex cigar. The pepper, cherry, chocolate, and some of the more subtle notes sway in and out, dancing on your tongue and blending with the more prominent flavors like vanilla and caramel. It’s truly a unique experience even more so when you’re pairing it with something good.

The final verdict for me is that I would definitely drink this again and will likely be getting some more for myself soon.

MSRP: $200 per bottle

Recommended Buy: Yes, if you like tequila or agave.

Disclosure: Mijenta sent me the tequila to try with a couple of Sacrificio cigars, which I’ll be reviewing in additional coverage.

The post Mijenta Tequila Añejo: Sipping with a cigar appeared first on The BS Lounge.