Category: Treevino’s Not Your Ordinary Wine Blog!

What a Success! Southern Draw Cigars and Tobaccology “Cigars for Warriors” Veteran’s Day Event!

Updating the TAPassions.com Cigar page to showcase a Great cause and event evolved to creating a cigar with a hint of wine and beer blog. 

 

TAPasssions.com “Today’s Cigar Delight” is brought to you by Southern Draw Cigars and Tobaccology “Cigars for Warriors” Veteran’s Day Event! A GREAT and SUCCESSFUL EVENT! Over 100 five-packs of Southern Draw cigars was donated to the Cigars for Warriors!

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Note.  “HIGH FIVE” did not mean you get a free 5-pack. You get a “HIGH FIVE”, which is just as good! 🙂

Who Are These Guys: 

Cigars for Warriors  is a 501 c (3) charity who mission is “to provide premium cigars and accessories to US troops serving in active combat zones“.

Tobaccology is a veteran owned and operated small business that has a “state-of-the-art walk-in humidors oferring a wide selection of premium and boutique cigars as well as pipe tobaccos, and a wide range of member-only perk“.

Tobaccology has two locations: 11001 Nokesville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110 and 6710 Madison St, Haymarket, Virginia 20169

Southern Draw Cigars is “founded by U.S. Veterans with a desire to recognize and defend our southern traditions, while honoring the history of tobacco and those resilient families who have cultivated, fermented and aged it to perfection”.

Amoxes’ favorite Southern Draw Cigar is the Jacobs Ladder, a full-bodied cigar offering peppery flavors in the beginning and continues to evolve into a complex smoke. I prefer the Southern Draw Firethorn, which also evolves throughout the smoke creating smooth, fall spicy notes to toasty nutty flavors.

I love that the Southerndrawcigars.com website provides wine and beer pairings for their cigars. Southern Draw recommends the following wine and beer pairing for the Firethorn cigar:

CRAFT BEERS: Cream Ale, Lager, Pale Ale, Belgian, Wheat, Pilsner, and Irish Red Ale.

WINES: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Petit Sirah (no relation to Syrah/Shiraz) Zinfandel, Bordeaux and oaky Whites.

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The beauty that deserves some attention is the “Rose of Sharon-2017” cigar. The Rose of Sharon-2017 comes in a beautiful wooden pink coffin containing two cigars. This limited and unique cigar is a mild to medium cigar with blends from Southern Draw current cigars: Kudzu – Oscuro and Firethorn – Rosado. Rose of Sharon-2017 has Ecuadorian Sun Grown Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan Viso/Seco filler.

“The release is a celebration of Grace and the devotion of Sharon Holt as she continues her daily service via strong faith and daily fellowship. “Much like a Rose, Sharon exemplifies our brand with her beautiful soul, humility and a “subtle” boldness which has made an incredible impact on so many lives. We truly needed to acknowledge her.” – Southern Draw

Get your hands on the Rose of Sharon-2017 cigar! As I said before, the Rose of Sharon -2017 is a limited blend, when they’re gone, they’re gone!

 

PSSITA!

Mediterranean Cellars – “Diamonds, Wine and Tradition; What More Can You Ask For!”

 

“The wine doesn’t start in the barrel; it starts in the vineyard.” — Louis Papadopoulos (Southern Living, October 2006)

This quote describes perfectly the experience my husband and I had at Mediterranean Cellars. The memorable moment began in the parking lot of the vineyard. Immediately, we were welcomed by a beautifully spirited (yes, felt this instantly), woman (Katie, the owner). Surprisingly, she recognized me and welcomed me back to the vineyard.

Yes, this was not my first or second visit. My first visit, which was years ago was not pleasant (there’s no need to rehash the experience :\ ). What kept me coming back to the Mediterranean Cellars was its beauty, in particular the grapevine pathway to the tasting room that transferred you to the Mediterranean. In addition, Mrs. Papadopoulos’ interest in the guests opinions of the wines; just that personal touch kept me coming back and the beautiful views.

 

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Background

One cannot write a blog on Mediterranean Cellars without discussing the owners Louis and Katie Papadooulos unique background. Did you know, the owners of Mediterranean Cellars are jewelry designers? YUPPER, DIAMONDS! Louizos E.L.P. Goldsmiths, Inc. is a family own business for four generations. For the past twenty-three years, they sell diamonds at wholesale prices. The jewelry store is operated by their son and located in Oakton, VA, (www.louizoselp.com).

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The Wines

The 2013 Chardonnay, which is the first wine in the tasting have Vidal Blanc flavors. The 2011 Moscato does not possess true Moscato characteristics. The 2013 Viognier, the last wine in the tasting is aged in oak and produces hints of butter and creaminess and taste like a Chardonnay. ???? Perplexed, my mind is flooded with questions; what is the winemaker’s thought process? What is his reasoning behind restructuring the composition, creating flavors that we are not accustom to tasting? I check the wine bottles wondering if they are mislabeled; the Tasting Room Clerk smiles. My senses are like a circuit board that is misfiring. Feeling confusion and delight, I find myself wondering if we are merely part of the winemaker’s experimentation and there’s some hidden camera evaluating each guest reaction to the wine :).

Foot stopping, head swaying from side to side, tongue gracing my lips with every sip. I’m trying to find logic of what I’m experiencing, searching for some form of “traditional” characteristics of each varietal, which only produces more questions. The Tasting Room clerk explains in maintaining the true winemaking tradition, there’s less filtering, which allows the grapes true characteristics to emerge. Hmmm…. interesting. 

2008 Calypso – a rose’ aged in stainless steel and french oak. fruit aromas and citrusy flavors. STAR 

Time for Some Reds:

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2013 Chambourcin – 100% full-bodied red wine with spicy flavors – STAR

2008 Cabernet Franc – aged french oak with plum and spice flavors. Yes, I gave it a STAR.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – rich garnet color, full-bodied; yes, I’m picking up blueberries flavors. FANTASTIC – STAR

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Then there’s Rechina, known as “Retsina” in Greek. Retsina is only produced in Greece and the U.S. exclusively by Mediterranean Cellars. Mediterranean’s Rechina is refreshing, “mentholing”. Retsina has an unique taste because pine resin is added to the white wine. Folks, this is indeed an unique wine. – STAR

Being red wine lovers, we are very impressed with Mediterranean Cellars red wines!

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Perfect Summation – With traditional European and American winemaking techniques, “the end product is a unique combination of tradition and new ideas, as the winemaker’s spirit and inspiration is experienced in each sip of every wine.”

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If you’re looking for warm hospitality and unique wines, I encourage you to visit Mediterranean Cellars and maintain an open mind. In addition, if they’re not crowded, you can even enjoy a cigar :).

Salute!

 

Mediterranean Cellars
8295 Falcon Glen Road
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-42-1984
website: http://www.mediterraneancellars.com
email: info@mediterraneancellars.com

Distasteful Wine = Wine Slushies

 

I do not like talking bad about a wine, so I decided to use the term “I’m not able to appreciate the wine at this moment”. However, there comes a time when a wine is not good. It is not about not being able to appreciate a wine or your pallet is not mature enough. Do not make excuses for wines that are not good for consumption. Yes, you can call me a wine snob and I will nod in agreement. However, I try very hard to appreciate all wines.

Unfortunately, I am having one of those wines this evening. After a very stressful day and working 11 hours on a Friday, I am too tired to go to the store or the Vineyard to pick up some wine. My palate is rejecting every sip, body is physically cringing, trying to shake off the distasteful flavors.

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Crazy enough, I was told the wine won many awards, a Governor’s cup, with that being said you know that I am referring to a Virginia wine. GOODNESS! What other wines were in the competition?! The wine does have a beautiful color and the label is nice. This is the second bottle I have tasted (not this evening 🙂 ) and the experience is the same, UGH! I should have selected another wine. But, I thought it was just a bad bottle; maybe it’s two bad bottles?  I will not reveal the winery because Mama always said (in her southern accent), “If you don’t have nothing nice to say, then don’t say nothing at all.”  Time to head downstairs and select another wine. 

Folks, life is too precious and  time is too valuable to waste on drinking BAD wine. I need to remember my mantra: “Amore Vita (love life)”. Loving life does not mean wasting your time drinking nasty wine.  Better yet, turn a bad situation into something good and make wine slushies or wine popiscles.  Here are a couple recipes:

Blackberry Wine Popsicles from Real Simple 

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courtesy of Pastryaffair.com

 

Wine Slushies by Woman’s Day 

blueberry

courtesy of purewow.com

SALUTE!

An Evening with Erich Sattler & Alec Bradley

 

The thunderstorms have passed and we are taking advantage of the mild warm temperature of 88 degrees fahrenheit.  For the past few days, temperatures reached 100 – 114 degrees fahrenheit with the heat index. The tiki torches are lit and the cicadas and frogs are keeping us company. 

The wine and cigar selections for the evening are Erich Sattler, St. Laurent 2015 and Alec Bradley Sanctum and Maxx.

We were introduced to Erich Sattler, St. Laurent 2015 doing a wine flight at Trummer’s Coffee and Wine bar in Gainesville, VA. Check out my first blog on Trummer’s . 

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Erich Sattler, St, Laurent 2015 is an Australian red wine; an offspring of the Pinot Noir grape. The color is so deep and rich, it looks like I’m pouring a glass of Welch’s grape juice.  Fruit-forward, plummy and cherry flavors with firm tannins coat my palate.  Mmmm… it was a great idea to purchase 3 bottles. 

Erich pairs very well this big bazooka Alec Bradley Sanctum that is producing rich earthy and chocolate notes with a slight spice on the finish.

My husband is having the Alec Bradley Maxx with Erich, which has rich earthy flavors with little hoppy on the finish. Paired with Erich, the wine and cigar does not compete with each other. Eric brings out Maxx’s nutty flavors.

When we purchased the cigars, we thought it was for novelty purposes only. Due to my passion for Alec Bradley cigars, I could not pass plus the cost was under $10.00.

We both are please with our selections. The aromas in the night-humid air are intoxicating. By the way, we are more than half-way through with the cigars and the flavors are evolving very nicely. If you are wondering, it took us approximately 3.5 hours to finish the cigars. 

(background; Fear of the Walking Dead and the sound of cicadas) 

SALUTE!

 

Bamboozled and Blissed -14 Hands Hot to Trot


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You know what’s hilarious? When you are at a restaurant and discover a wine that blows you away. The excitement is not due to the food, which is delicious or the ambience that places you in a state of relaxation. This restaurant is far from any of these descriptions. Your excitement, well my enthusiasm is based on the wine that was surprisingly delicious and only cost $9.00 a glass. This establishment folks is “The Cheesecake Factory”. YUPPER!

Far from a relaxed ambience or a cuisine making you feel you’re in another country. THE TOTAL OPPOSITE! The Cheesecake Factory has become very popular with my daughter and her friends. I guess it is due to no reservations, one-hour plus wait to be seated and the joy of browsing through a menu that consists of over 30 pages. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a Cheesecake Factory bashing. But, I have to share my observations and how I would run a more efficient operation that I predict would cut down on half of cancellations and walk-outs. Real quick, here is my plan; ACCEPT RESERVATIONS, that’s it! Number one and two, customer satisfaction and revenue will increase. I observed half of the customers walking out after they received the “buzzer” (you know the device that buzzes and flashes red when your table is ready); shaking my head. I digressed, greatly; back to the review.

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I was bragging about this Cheesecake Factory wine, 14 Hands Hot to Trot on how it is so delicious and I have to add it to my wine collection. So, I searched online and found myself ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING (ROFL)! 14 Hands Hot to Trot is available at CVS, Walmart, Giant and Total Wines, to name a few.

What is hysterical is the wine is under $10.00. ROFL!! My thoughts scream, “Whaaat! It can not be the same wine”?! From Bonquisha (my alter ego): ”Hahaha, you “buchee” wine snob likes a wine sold at CVS for only $8.99”. I can not stop laughing. I will admit, I am feeling a little bamboozled. Cheesecake Factory is serving 14 Hands Hot to Trot for $9.00 a glass, four times the cost. THIS IS ABSURD! I have seen double but friggin tripled, quadrupled!

Trying to rationalize and regain my composure, I am in complete denial; maybe it is a different wine, 14 Hands Winery does produce other reds. So, maybe I drank one of their reserve wines, NOPE!

Bamboozled, perplexed, whatever you what to call it, I have come to terms with the deceitfulness and accept the fact that I am ecstatic for 14 Hands Hot to Trot. I am sure this is not a first nor will it be the last that I will over charged for what a wine is worth … c’est la vie.  I purchased a bottle of 14 Hands Hot to Trot for under $10.00 at Giant and it was blissful! 

Attached is the winemaker’s notes: 14 Hands Hot to Trot Winemaker Notes. Try not to be a wine snob, check out 14 Hands Hot to Trot at visit: https://www.14hands.com/shop or grab a bottle at your local CVS or grocery store. 😛

SALUTE!

That’s MurLarkey! MurLarkey Distilled Spirits and Cigar Tasting 

 

“That’s MurLarkey!”

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This blog is way overdue. Even though our visit to MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, LLC occurred late last year, the experience is still worth writing about. I will add that this was my first spirit tasting and I’m too excited. I’m going to jump straight to my rating. My overall rating is MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, LLC, Bristow, VA is FANTASTIC and a MUST VISIT and here’s why:

BACKGROUND

Two Irish-American cousins, friends and professionals utilized their knowledge, skills and heritage and turned a dream, a concept, into a legacy and created a Certified Craft Distillery.

Paying homage to their Irish heritage, the name Murlarkey was derived from cousins, Murray and Larken incorporating their maternal grandparents names: Murray, Larking and Kelly. They realized the family names (Mur-Lar-Key) resembled the Irish word “malarkey”, which means fun; thus Murlarkey was established.

“MurLarkey vodka is distilled 16 times and “polished” for 24 hours over activated carbon of for the smoothest finish. Each of our flavored whiskeys are slow infused with all natural fruit and spices in white oak barrels for weeks at a time. Our gin is a proprietary recipe of 12 unique, all natural botanicals, culminating in a spirit that appeals to non gin drinkers.”

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TASTING

Divine Clarity – Pure potato vodka, natural and gluten-free, smooth, and soft; adding one ice cube opens the vodka. I am not a vodka drinker, but this is pleasant. We were made a mixer of Clarity and ginger beer with lime – VERY TASTY!

Justice – Our Ultimate Favorite! white whiskey with a blend of Virginia corn and barley. Clean, soft, nutty with a grassy finish. Great on the rocks, which created salty margarita aromas and subtle nutty flavors.

Clemoncy – a whiskey that is poured over lemon peels and left to infuse in white oak barrels. Clemoncy mixed with Simple Lemonade makes a refreshing adult lemonade, perfect for a brunch or wedding cocktail. Reminds me of gin with a hint of lemon.

Cincerity – “Fall in a Glass”, is whiskey infused with cinnamon sticks; possessing vanilla aromas and explosions of apple, cinnamon and fall spices. This, by far, is NOT “Fireball”. VERY NICE SURPRISE!

* We were served a Cinnamule made with Cincerity, DELICIOUS!
* Cincerity with cream soda tasted like I bit into a “Cinnabon” with a hint of vanilla. OH MY GOODNESS!

Imagination – An all natural and gluten-free premium gin. A blend of 12 fresh cut natural botanical that can be drank as an aperitif, on the rocks or in a mixer. I do not like the taste of gin, but Murlarkey’s Gin was tasty!  

 

MurLarkey Spirits Recipes

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We purchased the Justice and Cincerity; now time to pair with some cigars.

CIGAR PAIRING WITH CINCERITY AND JUSTICE 

Tobaccology Mysterious Cigar and Justice was okay.  I had difficulty getting pass the taste of having a cigar with a margarita. Definitely need to pair Justice with another cigar. 

Joya de Nicaguara Black – the Cincerity enhance and compliment the spice, cedar and earthy flavors in the Joya Black. Overall: a nice pair that offers a BOLD experience.

Perdomo Vintage aged 12 years-2004 aged tobacco aged in Blanton barrels and Cincerity created a smooth and soft pairing, gentle on the palate while still offering a complex combination. VERY NICE!

Alec Brady Post Embargo and Cincerity – We have found the PERFECT cigar pairing for this whiskey. The blend of the two enhances the flavors producing a smooth flavorful combination. We recommend having Cincerity on the rocks. FANTASTIC PAIR!

I do not know if it is the time of year, but our favorite has shifted from the Justice to Cincerity. 

Below is a commission by my husband, Amoxes; a gift to Murlarkey Distillery Spirits, LLC.  

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Commission by Amoxes – MurLarkey’s Brutality

Grab a smoke and have your own spirit and cigar tasting!

Tobaccology
6710 Madison Street, Haymarket, Virginia 20169 and
11001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA

MurLarkey Distillery and Tasting Room
7961 Gainsford Court
Bristow, VA 20136

Salute! 

I’m Back! Stay Tuned!

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#growingouteyebrows 🙂

It has been a very long time since I posted a blog and it feels good!  I will let you know my hiatus was not due to no content; merely, “life” (career, health, high school senior activities, graduation parties and college tours and prep) consumed all my energy.  The thought of sitting at a computer created more stress. So, I sip and wrote. 🙂 .  

Stay tune for interesting articles and more audio and video blogging. 

Remember…

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Salute!

“This is Good Sh..!” – Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Does Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon measure up to our first experience? Hmmm, I hope so.

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I’m watching the wine flow through the aerator and I find myself asking, “What is this grape juice?” 

Decoy’s is thin-watery with deep plum coloring. The husband has already taken a sip and immediately Decoy receives multiples nods of approval, which was followed by “This is Good Sh..!” O_O with more nodding. YUPPER! (Can’t make this up; remember the blog is called, “Treevinos, Not Your Ordinary Wine Blog!”)

Let’s see if Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon measures up to MY first experience, which was at Burke Cigars, Burke, VA or were we just caught up in the ambiance of good company, celebration, cigars, wine and art. Before I continue, I have to give thanks to Shami-Owner of Burke Cigars, and All for the warm hospitality, THANK YOU!

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wine, cigars and Dominoes

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Omar Fratello new cigar blend. Complex & Great Smoke from beginning to end!

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Amoxes Art at Burke Cigars, Burke, VA

Sniff and Taste time: smokey and peppery aromas and flavors of black pepper, fruit-forward and grapey. YUP! “This is good Sh..!” 🙂Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is pairing well dinner: Digiorno pizza and salad.

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In addition to pizza, Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon  paired well with Omar Fratello of Fratello Cigar new signature cigar. A complex blend that immediately produces vanilla bean flavors and evolves to herbal and floral notes. Also, you can not help to admire the fine-smooth construction. A Great Complex Smoke!

 

Well folks, Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon has measured up to our first experience and more. 

Another good find in the Target wine aisle and for only $20.00.

Salute! Sante!

Yup, I’m talking about Beer! Corcoran Brewery, Purcellville, VA

14971886_10208335071190755_904186781_nThis is my first beer blog. I will preference that this beer tasting was conducted last year. My husband and I appreciate craft beer; well he is more of a beer connoisseur than I. Since we find ourselves partaking in beer tasting, often, it is fitting that the blogging includes beers.  My first official beer tasting was at Corcoran Brewery:

Corey’s Irish Red – A malty ale brewed with crystal malts with a hint of roasted barley flavors. We are told that U.K. North down hops give this ale a bit of the old country flavors.

Loco – LoCo American Style India Pale Ale (West coast style IPA) – medium bodied with lots of America hop. 

Slainte Stout – smoky, molasses and coffee aromas; coffee bean and beef jerky flavors with a smooth, long and woodsy finish. VERY NICE! Perfect beer for the 50 degree weather and the husband shared that this beer will definitely stand up to Canada’s cold weather. 

Paeonian Porter –chocolate aromas; does not have a big bouquet like the Slainte.
Light oaky and creamy flavors with hint of vanilla. VERY SMOOTH! Easy to sip. 

Paeonian Porter (Port Barrel Aged) –Oak, light typical sweet port (cherries) aromas. My husband said Paeonian taste like Pepsi and it reminds me of soda without the carbonation with a hint of wine and has a light tannic finish.
Aged in port barrels for 7 months. 

Catocin Ale (Ka-toc-tin) – dark rich caramel/cognac color with a creamy thick head; butterscotch aromas, which also has soft butterscotch flavors; a light beer. The husband: “This brings me back home” (FYI home is Canada) :).

Corcoran Brewing is located in Purcellville ,Virginia and they ventured
into the craft beer industry in 2011. Corcoran Brewery produces over thirty-three craft beers. They have twelve beers on tap ranging from Kolch style, American Pale
Ales, IPA’s, Imperial IPA’s, Stouts, Bourbon barrel aged, port barrel aged
and much more!

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Even though it has been a long while since we visited Corcoran Brewery, the
beers are still available. Attached is a complete beer listing, Corcoran Beer Menu.

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Aaah, found a little wine “nugget”; since 2004, Corcoran is not only known for their craft beers, they produce award winning wines.

I noticed that I like my beer the same as I like my wine, rich and full of flavors!

Salute! Sante!