Sippin' with Stogies
May 2021
VEGAS ROBAINA UNICOS
Cigar: Vegas Robaina Unicos
Origin Country: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuban
Binder: Cuban
Filler: Cuban
Vitola: Pirámides (6 1/8’ x 52)
Price: $30
Visual / Pre-light Draw
The Unicos wrapper is a beautiful rustic brown with pronounced veins and a medium oil sheen. Construction is solid and the cigar has no detectable voids or cracks.
The band is a luxurious dark brown with gold trim and lettering that is simple, refined, and conveys a sense of quality.
The pre-light draw offered me hints of wood and nuts with just the right amount of resistance.
First Third
This cigar immediately impressed me. It had the creamy/buttery constitution that I get from a lot of Cubans, but it brought a gourmand angle to the mix that was surprising and enjoyable. Hints of graham cracker, molasses, and complex light-roasted coffee filled my mouth and tickled my palate. My anticipation was growing with each draw.
Second Third
The midpoint of the cigar brought a hint of pepper, a pleasurable coffee cake flavor, some charred oak, and a milk chocolate note that paired amazingly well with the PX Cask whisky from GlenAllachie. The complex sweetness was incredibly enjoyable and gave me a new appreciation for the sweeter side of whisky and cigar pairings.
Final Third
The pepper lingered through the closing of the cigar and the coffee cake flavor evolved into more of a brown sugar/maple syrup note with hints of walnuts and charred oak. When I was younger, my aunt used to make a delicious rum cake at Christmas, which she would light on fire for presentation and then we would enjoy with a nice gourmand sauce. This cigar reminded me of that experience as it brought back dear memories that enhanced my enjoyment.
The Pairing:
I’d been seeing GlenAllachie all over the place lately and hearing nothing but good things. So, I went on a hunt and was able to find a bottle of the 12-year-old Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood finish, and I couldn’t be happier. It is non chill filtered with natural coloring and bottled at 48% abv. Notes of darkened fruit, chocolate, caramel, banana, spice, and hints of citrus fill the mouth and tantalize the palate. The abv was just right and the depth and complexity were both beyond expectation. Very much looking forward to exploring the other expressions from this distillery.
This whisky paired unbelievably well with the cigar and their profiles amplified the shared flavors found in each. Another amazing pairing and something to note for future sessions: I do want to sip a nice peated Port Charlotte or Octomore with this cigar to experience a light juxtaposition, but this pairing is a classic complementary accompaniment. Very happy with both cigar and whisky.