I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:  there are times I draw inspiration from the audience.  This time around…..

…so this is my review of Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale. H/T Ed Wuncler

No, this is not a bizarre reference to our favorite South American dictator.  Maduro is a reference to a style of cigar wrapper.

Let’s take a step back.  There are three parts to a cigar:  the filler, the binder and the wrapper.  Each comes from a different part of the plant, and when done correctly will blend together to form what many argue is the perfect companion to a glass of Scotch.  On a handmade cigar the filler is made from long leaf; oily in texture and slow burning. The binder is somewhat loose and its purpose is to serve exactly as the name implies.  The wrapper on the other hand is made from the silky leaves on the bottom of the plant, shaded from the sun and providing the subtle texture against the lips and much of the flavor.  

There are many kinds of wrappers, some are natural, some are darker and some even claim to be grown in Connecticut.  For our purposes, a Maduro wrapper comes from the same part of the plant only left to ferment for longer periods of time until the leaf turns a deep brown.  Some will take it to another level called Oscuro, but this adds a lot of cost and in the past has led me to clearing out a smoke pit. Maduro wrappers add a nice complexity to the smoke; often giving hints of chocolate and spiciness.  Being that I happen to like darker beer than light, it should come as no surprise that a cigar with a Maduro wrapper is right up my alley.

Steady…

See? Nice and easy.

To smoke a cigar, you need to cut the cap clean and plum.  Many use a device that simply punches a hole into the cap, others will cut a slit into it, but the more popular way to do it is with a guillotine style cutter.  If you have a sharp blade and a steady hand however…

A crooked cut will cause an uneven burn which does affect the smoke characteristics, not to mention make you look like a noob.  If you’re going to roll with it my way go slow, and know the cap is paper thin, and held together with a mild adhesive. Nice and easy.

Do not use a lighter, unless you are in a pinch and even then if you are in a pinch why are you smoking?  Use a wooden match. Yes, it does make a difference. By the way, Ed…this was good, very good. We can hang out.  

Now I didn’t drink the beer with the cigar, before anyone asks.  This one is quite robust with the malts but also does have a bit of hops to balance it, therefore it is not a proper Scotch Ale.  Like the other from this brewery I tried, and reviewed it is well made and one I can recommend. Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale 3.8/5.