Cigars reviewed were graciously provided by Cigars International and the rum was a gift from Barry Moniak.
Man O’ War Dark Aged Maduro
Profile: 5 of 5 Boldness
Shapes Robusto, Salomon, Toro, Torpedo
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Ligero
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, United States (Pennsylvania long-fillers)
AJ Fernandez pulled out all the stops when blending this beast, selecting flavorful & well-aged Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania long-fillers and covering them with a Nicaraguan binder and Ecuador Habano Ligero wrapper. From start to finish, your palate will be treated to a symphony of deep, resonant flavors, including notes of oak, pepper, espresso, and earth. Despite the strength level, the blend remains well-balanced, just like every project AJ Fernandez has a hand in.
Dented Brick Antelope Island Red Rum – 90 proof
Finished in wine barrels
Utah’s distilling history runs even deeper than we knew. We learned that Utah’s spirit history goes back as far as Kentucky’s, and has iconic figures like Hugh Moon — with a story to rival even Jack Daniels.
Dented Brick® was meant to be, says Founder and CEO – Marc Christensen, we found that Hugh Moon actually owned the property where Dented Brick® is now located!
It was a large farm Hugh purchased in 1856. He grew sugar cane, and likely rye and other fermentable ingredients, and had pigs to which he fed his spent grain.
Antelope Island RED is made from dehydrated green sugarcane juice from Lula Farm in Louisiana and a touch of molasses from the same source, brought to proof with the most important ingredient — artesian, limestone-filtered water. This water is sourced directly from the majestic Wasatch mountains of Utah, home to the greatest snow on earth. This snowmelt then flows into the distillery’s own artesian well creating the unique flavor profile crafted from this mineral rich water. Premium rum aged in Cabernet wine barrels makes Antelope Island Red unique.
Aging in wine barrels creates compelling aromas and flavors of cola candies, cinnamon red hots, marzipan, spumoni, and caramel syrup with a lean, soft, fruity light body and a hot, short finish that presents shades of root beer float and wood shavings finish. A serviceable rum for mixed drinks.
Aroma: Black tea, dates, and orange peel with a hint of black strap molasses
Palate: Black pepper, black olive, and anise
Finish: Sweet notes of cedar and tangerine zest
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