OK, not really The Bastard, but rather the newest Stone Brewing creating: Enjoy By 4.1.13 IPA, a surprisingly ‘light’ offering from the masters of the Hop which pairs quite nicely with the Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan.
I picked up two of the new Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan from Towne Centre Tobacco in North Charleston while there on business today, with the aim of a review since St. Patty’s day is just around the corner.
The cigar has a pleasantly medium flavor with just a smattering of bite. Initial light brings out a mossy taste and aroma which, being a Scotch drinker, delighted me. The flavor quickly develops with light floral, earthy and citrus notes that stay very consistent and would pair well with lighter IPAs and Pale Ales. the peppery bit does intensify a little for the last half bringing it closer to full, but still in the medium body category. This is not the cigar to pair with a Guinness by any means, it just doesn’t have the chops to stand up to a stout. Very few cigars do.
This review is a bit ‘off’ overall as the first two I smoked both had very severe cracking issues about halfway in that made for horrible burn. Those sticks also came from the same shop, at the same time. Before posting with that data, I decided that grabbing a sample from a different shop might be helpful. It was. I grabbed one tonight from my local regular spot, Towne Centre Tobacco and Wine on the south end of Hilton Head. Burn wasn’t razor sharp, but it was never bad enough to require a touch up and draw was easy, but not to light, through the entire stick. Ash held easily to ~1″, but not very well past that. Absolutely no wrapper imperfections presented in this final stick.
Overall: Flavor is nice, I’m not a candela fan, but this one was enjoyable.
Price point is reasonable ($8/stick in my market) It would make a nice hot summer afternoon smoke with a summer ale. I would definitely suggest this cigar.
A for a truly enjoyable execution of a candela with a reasonable price point and the usual Alec Bradley marketing pizzaz.
And with that, I’ve smoke 3 Candelas in the last 2 days……..I’m gonna go find something with a brown wrapper to smoke!
