Whatchya Smoking Honey?

Well, you know how it goes. I only get to treat myself to a lovely little cigar every couple or so weeks. Recently, my husband bought me a new cigar to try and I am just now slowing down long enough to enjoy it.

This is a nice little cigar from CAO and it is a Flavour Gold Honey. It is Nicaraguan from wrapper, binder to filler, light golden in color (which is different from the usual dark beauties I usually indulge myself with) and has a light sweet taste. The wrapper was not sickeningly sweet at all and the smoke was even and delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed its smooth smoke and light smell. It is definitely a cigar I will be having again, but alas I have 3 more different cigars in cue.
I think that if you have any discrimination against flavoured cigars you will be surprised and delighted by this one. It is not one of those ill flavoured or sickeningly sweet cigars at all.

I have decided to start rating the cigars with a star rating of 1 to 5. I know it is purely a matter of personal preference but I thought I would give it a try. I give this cigar a 5 as far as flavoured cigars go. I think this would be a wonderful fall/winter cigar with a nice snifter of your favorite brandy.

I will probably post again next week since I have 2 of my three cigars that I have yet to review. So, until then Ciao my loves!

Taking My SWEET time....

OK, ok, I know I have been a while in posting, but I have been UBER busy. My profession demands a lot of my time and so I have been very remiss in my keeping tabs on the cigars that I have been indulging in. *sigh* So where to start?
Recently, I tried a cigar that I have been eyeing for a while. Now, I have been reading up on the Drew Estate's JAVA cigar for a little while now and I must say, I was a little more than intrigued. A cigar that embodies both an espresso and chocolate' flavors? It was more than just a little tempting for this woman. So, after meeting my hubby in the city for lunch at a superb little place called Little Italy, in midtown Memphis, we sashayed on over to Madison Tobacco and News to the humidor. He knew I was wanting one so he asked about it and VOILA! They had them!

It was definitely a sweet cigar. The outside was sugary sweet and although I had the taste of mocha on my tongue it was just a tad much. I also was put off by the very large, square pressing. It was hard to puff comfortably on it. I mean, I have a big mouth, (just ask my husband, j/k) but that was a bit much. Other than that, I really enjoyed it. It was sweet and smooth and didn't stick to my tongue like some cigars do. What I mean is, you puff on it, enjoy the smoke and than you have this "after taste" that steals the joy from the experience. I don't want to spend the next two days feeling like I still have it clinging to my tongue. That's just me though. The smoke itself was silky and rich and had wonderful warm aroma. I would think this would be a good smoke for the cooler months when hot cocoa or kahlua and coffee would be savoured while wearing our favorite sweaters and comfy jeans. Now, that's the stuff!
These cigars are not hard to track down, and if you search Drew Estate Java, you will definitely get a hit. You really need to check out their website, Drew Estate because it's wildly creative and engaging. Of course, you can "like" them on FB, follow them on Twitter, and catch their videos on YouTube!

That's all for me tonight, but I will be spotlighting another cigar that I think the ladies will enjoy.

good night loves!
kat

No Introductions....

"Liberation"
3" x 4" acrylic on canvas

For years I have wanted to have the ultimate freedom to paint in the abstract. I just wanted to be free to put paint to canvas without the constraints of what is considered "good" or "bad" art. I know what people think when looking at a piece like this, "This isn't art. My kid could paint that!" Really?
When I was a much younger artist, trying to find my "style", I tried my hand at abstract painting. I failed miserably. I knew too much, or so I thought. I couldn't let myself go and let what I know as an artist just flow out. And like so many people, thought that art had to be representational, and so it went against what I thought I had to do.
Finally, I came into my own as a mature artist. I just let myself go and put paint to canvas, unashamed and unfettered. I was liberated! Now to anyone else it may look like a big, hot, mess, but to me? In my eyes it is absolutely beautiful! It's beautiful because it is expressive, has good composition and the colors dance and flow on the canvas. The beauty is in the very fact that I did not have to force it or really give much thought to it. The content flowed naturally from my very soul. My love for painting grew ten-fold at that moment and I knew that I had finally "arrived". Whatever that means.

So, in celebration I decided to celebrate this new found freedom with a beer and my absolute, favorite cigar. Ah, I know this might seem quite shocking to most people, but I like cigars. Not all the time, just as a small, indulgent, luxury now and again. My husband gets them in the city as a little gift for me. Most of the time though he orders them by mail. He has a lovely humidor that he lovingly tends and keeps full.

My favorite cigar of all time is the modest little handmade, Cusano P1, from the Dominican Republic. It has a lovely rich flavor that is all too fitting for a woman. It is in my mind a beautiful blend of chocolate, vanilla and amaretto. It is smooth and intoxicating and gives me the most cozy feeling. It burns evenly and not too fast. I never have to keep relighting it while trying to smoke it, but if I have to leave it and come back, it does not burn up.
* You can order these beauties from The Cigar Hut at very reasonable prices.

As for my beer? Beer is pretty much beer. I honestly like a beer like Miller Lite with my cigar, so as not to interfere with the flavor. I once knew a man who said his secret indulgence was fine chocolates and a beer. He said they blended beautifully together and I trust him on this one. I am not big on beer as a first choice for drinks. I usually settle on a good white zinfendel for my drinking enjoyment. I know, I know, it's an old lady wine. I beg to differ, I was drinking white zinfendel long before it became popular.

So, here is where we begin this crazy adventure. I hope to be able to indulge in some more cigars, drink wine and paint, but not necessarily in that order. I will probably review more cigars, but it will definitely be directed towards what a woman would like in a cigar. I am no professional, but flavor and taste is subjective and I figure if you like something why not share. This goes for libations as well. The paintings are just an added indulgence.

Salud!
kat