Sunday, April 10, 2022

Fratello and Maker's Mark Bottle Kill

Ah, those bittersweet moments. I was perusing my whiskey cabinet for something to pair with the evening cigar and spied the bottle of Maker's Mark Cask Strength hiding in the back row. As I lifted the bottle I started thinking it was empty. But, lo and behold, there seemed to be one pour left. (How the bottle wasn't finished that last time is a mystery.)

Maker's Mark Cask Strength is a very approachable bourbon even at 110.6 proof. Mild on the nose, upon sipping there are flavors of dark fruit, caramel, and vanilla. There are also vaguely sweet notes of caramel and honey. 


The cigar featured for the evening was a Fratello DMV Maduro Selection in the DC vitola. The December 2020 limited release series features four different cigars representing VA, MD, DC, and PA. The details of the blends were kept secret. While the binder and filler tobaccos are the same in all, four different maduro wrappers finish the cigars.The cigar is a medium bodied smoke with notes of wood and earth. It paired nicely with the selected bourbon.

The pairing was enjoyable if bittersweet. As mentioned the bottle is now empty. Fortunately this is not a hard to find bourbon so is easily replaced. However the cigar was a one-time release, and the last in the humidor, a "cigar box kill" so to speak. But, there are no regrets. Cigars, like bourbon, are meant for enjoyment, not storage.

4 comments:

  1. Can I request a review of Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey? I really like it, even though I detest most single malt scotch's (which of course this isn't). I'm curious as to your opinion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, boy does that bring back memories. I first enjoyed Connemara Peated Whiskey a few years back during a trip to Ireland. I actually looked for it before our St. Patrick's Day festivities this year but it was not available in our State-run ABC stores. (We had to settle for 8-9 other "Irish.") Our trip was a whiskey whirlwind, but I do recall enjoying it. I found the peat notes to be more nuanced and balanced than that of a classic Islay Scotch. I'll have to keep an eye out in my travels for a bottle. Cheers!

      Delete
    2. Pat, Marcus & Alexis, and David. Thanks for the tip. Previously Islay was the only very peaty Scotch I knew of. I did not know of an Irish variant.

      Now, to see if it's sold in my city . . .

      Delete

Comments on posts over 21 days old are held for moderation.