Cigar Event: The Ashton and Odell's Brewery Cigar Pairing Pt. 2

Yesterdays post was the first part of a four part blog post where I share my experience at the Ashton cigar and Odell Brewery pairing dinner at d'Vine Bistro hosted by Edwards Pipe and Cigar. I discussed the San Cristobal Elegancia Imperial cigar with Odell's Easy Street Wheat and d'Vine's green chili, potato, and cheddar soup. Today, I will be discussing the second pairing of the evening.

The pairing started with the chef of d'Vine presenting his next course: Piri Piri Lettuce Wraps. These were delicately wrapped portions of slow-braised pork shoulder cooked in a Ethiopian sauce using Piri Piri which comprised of allspice, birds eye pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and cardamom, all wrapped snug in a leaf of lettuce, served with a cucumber and cilantro slaw.

Next up was Niko of Odell Brewery to present Levity Amber Ale, a lighter version of an amber ale with a light and honey malted flavor which is a full-bodied brewed delight!

And of course, the cigar is presented by Randy of Edwards Pipe and Cigar. The wraps and beer were paired with a La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial #5. It is a handcrafted Nicaraguan made by the Garcia family. Using a "Cubanesque" blend of precisely aged Nicaraguan leaf which is reflected in its near perfect construction, from its gently marbled milk chocolate appearance, to its effortless draw.

This cigar has some defined woody flavors that combines well with the Levity and the Piri Piri wraps had an amazing smoked, sweet and spicy flavor that balanced almost as if on the edge of a blade while never teetering too far to one side or the other. The Levity has the ability to soothe the bite of the Piri Piri's spice, but bolsters the flavors of the Ethiopian spice blend.


Of the pairings from this evening this was, by far, one of my favorites. The pork was cooked perfectly while the lettuce and the cucumber and cilantro slaw gave the meal the just perfect crisp texture! However, this evening was far from over. Check in tomorrow to see part three of this four part post!