Are you ready for a cigar and bourbon pairing that delivers rich complexity and surprising flavor notes? Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy take you on a sensory adventure with HVC's Hot Cake cigar and the coveted Blanton's Gold Edition Bourbon in this episode that balances expert tasting notes with their signature entertaining banter.
The hosts dive into HVC's Hot Cake cigar, a 6 7/8 x 50 beauty featuring a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and filler. This limited-edition stick (only 350 boxes produced) showcases a distinctive appearance with its oil-rich, veined wrapper that Tony describes as "almost looking like a fossil." As they smoke, they discover evolving flavor profiles from rich black pepper and mocha to coffee notes, with an interesting cedar component emerging in the second third.
The episode pairs this smoke with Blanton's Gold Edition Bourbon (103 proof), exploring how this sought-after single barrel expression delivers a "luscious" nose with citrus, honey, and fruit notes. The hosts discuss how adding water or ice transforms the experience, opening up different flavor dimensions while maintaining the bourbon's character.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction to HVC's Hot Cake cigar and its Connecticut broadleaf wrapper characteristics
Halloween candy preferences and the hosts' take on the most/least popular options
Introduction to Blanton's Gold Edition Bourbon and initial tasting notes
Discussion of food recalls and creative land use ideas
Final thoughts on the cigar and bourbon pairing, plus economic observations
Whether you're a seasoned cigar enthusiast or bourbon aficionado, this episode offers valuable insights into flavor profiles, pairing techniques, and the stories behind these premium products. Listen now to discover if the $16 Hot Cake cigar and the highly coveted Blanton's Gold deserve a place in your humidor and liquor cabinet!
All that, and more, on an all-new Eat Drink Smoke!
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