Food and Cigars Around Auckland

These are a collection of worthy food and cigars enjoyed around Auckland during the wonderful summer of 2010.

Cigar: Ramon Allones Celestiales Finos - 2009 Asia Pacific Regional Edition (46 x 137)

Drink: Kirin Beer

Location: Iguacu Restaurant & Bar, 269 Parnell Road, Parnell

Yum-cha at Dynasty Chinese Restaurant

Location: 57-59 Wakefield Street, Auckland CBD

Cigar: Por Larranaga Robusto - 2007 Asia Pacific Regional Edition (50 x 124)

Drink: Trim flat white

Steamed Treacle Puding

Location: GPK Bar & Grill, 262 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Kiwi Breakfast

Location: Nosh Food Market Cafe, 133-135 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes

Partagas Shorts & Trim Flat White in Ponsonby

H. Upmann Magnum 50

Mine love affair with H. Upmann Magnum 50 started after I tried a few when Habanos released this double robusto late 2008. I cracked open this box to celebrate a good friend's birthday. The box has been resting in the humidor for close to a year.

We enjoyed this cigar with 23 years old aged Ron Zacapa rum. Both of us nodded in agreement the combination was almost perfect. The smoothness of the rum enhanced the sweet and creamy profile of the Magnum 50.

At 50 ring gauge and 160 mm in length, the cigar evolved from creamy to dark sweet cocoa profile. I would consider the Magnum 50 a full bodied cigar and certainly like to have a substantial meal before lighting one up.

An evening with two Cubans

Summer is finally here. It's always nice to be outdoor enjoying the cooler evening. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening than with two sexy Cubans. Both partners are a great match and compliment each other so well. Of course I'm referring to rum and cigars.

Trinidad Reyes is one of mine favourite cigar. I reckon the Reyes is one of the best petite corona and Habanos from the Trinidad brand. Trinidad cigars are made with tobacco from the famous Vuelta Abajo region and each cigar is rolled with the signature pig tail.

Havana Club is a famous rum from Cuba. I enjoyed pairing aged rum with cigars. The Anejo 7 Anos is the benchmark of Cuban rum. It's sofisticated, complex, rich with a smooth finish. I always serve the rum in a whisky glass and enjoy it with a few ice cubes. This helps to bring out the complexity of the aroma. Do allow the rum to breathe for a few minutes in the glass.

Beautiful mahogany colour

Blanc de Blancs

Cuvee No.1 is a non vintage blanc de blancs from No.1 Family Estate. Established by Daniel Le Brun back in 1996, this methode traditionelle specialist is based in the famous wine region of Marlborough.

I was very impressed with the taste, elegance and balance of the Cuvee No.1 . One got to love the sparkling golden hay colour from the 100% chardonnay grapes. For the afternoon enjoyment, I decided to pair it with a Punch Petite Punch. The Punch's light to medium bodied profile complemented the elegant yet crispy nature of blanc de blanc.


No. 1 Family Estate Ltd,
Rapaura Rd, RD3,
Blenheim
Marlborough
http://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/

Punch Cigar
http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/

Sunday mohito

The Two M

What's your favourite drink with cigars? For a fine sunny afternoon I prefer a refreshing and cool Cuban mohito. The mohito helps to refresh the palate after a few puffs.

So how do you like your mohito? Kudos to the bartender. The mint leaves and lemon were well muddled and just right balance of Havana Club rum. However I prefer a mohito made with lime rather than lemon.

Cargo's outdoor balcony

View of the Viaduct Harbour

This is my first time having a drink at Cargo Bar and Lounge. The bar is located at the restaurant precint of the viaduct harbour and next to Degree Gastrobar. The viaduct harbour is Auckland's most happening waterfront and just a stone throw away from the central business district.

It has been a while since I had a Montecristo Petite Edmundo. I punched the cap rather than cutting it. Perfect draw and rich tobacco taste when it's cold. This PE is richer in flavours and depth than the Edmundo.

Montecristo Petite Edmundo

Cargo Bar / Restaurant / Lounge

204 Quay Street, Viaduct Basin, Auckland

Whisky Tasting Evening

I had the chance to attend a special whisky tasting evening that was organised by the local aficionados society. The event showcased New Zealand's only single malt whisky - Milford. Distilled and bottled in the South Island, the liquid gold was originally produced at Willowbank Distillery in Dunedin. Unfortunately the distillery was later sold and production discontinued. Milford brand was created by The New Zealand Malt Whisky Co after securing the remaining single malt that are still ageing in the oak barrels.

The tasting session was guided and interestingly presented by the owner of The Whisky Shop in Auckland. Tasting and appreciating whisky is like getting to know a new person! Takes time. The vertical tasting included 10 yr old, 12 yr old, 18 yr old and limited edition single cask. My favorite was the 18 yr old Milford. I paired the Milford whisky with a very nice Cohiba Siglo VI.