Getting with Scotch and Cigars

Jack Bettridge
Posted: August 31, 2012

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For the back end we chose Alec Bradley American Sun Grown Blend Gordo (88 Points, August 28 Cigar Insider), a large, dark cigar draws that is rich and nutty to start, before becoming roasted and wheaty.The whisky conferred licorice and cinnamon on cigar, which became chewier and richer. The cigar seemed to reveal both the peat and the sweetness of the Scotch.

Wild Scotsman 38-year-old Bunnahabhaim—Distilled 1973, Bottled 2011, Expert casked (100 proof or 50 percent abv, $269.99)

APPEARANCE: Color is between copper and amber, with a touch of green. The legs are thin legs with medium speed.

NOSE: Butterscotch and honey sweetness fill the head with surprisingly little peat considering its Islay origin. This may be a function of its advanced age.

PALATE: Toffee and nougat notes jump out immediately to be followed by almond and sugar.

FINISH: The end is sweet and buttery with a sense of praline or peanut brittle.

CIGAR PAIRING: Oliva Serie V - This was not an ideal pairing. The cigar seemed overpowered by the flavor in this scotch, and the two don't contribute to one another.

Alec Bradley American Sun Grown - What a delight! The whisky made the smoke creamy and sweet with a distinct pepper note. The cigar returned the favor by sharpening the toffee, nougat and nuts in the Scotch.

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Comments 4 comment(s)

JACK BETTRIDGE — NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, — August 31, 2012 5:35pm ET

Alan Rubin of Alec Bradlley emails that the AB Sun Grown Blend and the Wild Scotsman inspired him to pour a dram of The Dalmore Gran Reserva and toast a Sun Grown toro.

Then my work is done here

Mario Takeyama — August 31, 2012 8:09pm ET

Alan Tried Wildscotsman at his party, IPCPR2012!
Thank you for your great article for my good friend, Jeff topping.

Mario Takeyama
Cigar Explorer

Clifford Brown — independence, ky, usa, — August 31, 2012 11:07pm ET

I met Mr. Topping at a cigar tasting at Strauss Tobaconist in Florence KY. He had 3 different whiskeys all of which were exquisite. We were smoking JC Newmans which were also a very good match to this Scotch. If you have the chance go for it.

Jeffrey Topping — September 1, 2012 2:07am ET

many thanks for the kind words! Here in PA having a great time at Leaning House Cigars with Matt Booth and crew for a Boothapalooza!
Slainte,
Jeffrey

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