Sunset Scotch & Cigars

Sunset Scotch & Cigars is back by Popular Demand!
Tuesday, January 10 @ 5:00 p.m.

Gather with your fellow members for a very special night to enjoy single malt Scotch selections and choice cigars by the tennis courts at sunset.

Member Brent Gale is chairing this event back by popular demand. Gale said, “This year’s event will offer lighter fare, featuring two mild to medium hand-rolled cigars (a Fuente perfecto and a Partagas robusto), paired with four less-peaty Speyside, Highland and Lowland single-malt Scotches. We are also featuring a Japanese whiskey for comparison. Pupus are included in the price, and Buck and his pipers will be on-hand for entertainment.  Cutters and torches will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Alternative beverages will be available for purchase from the bar.”

2017 Cigars*
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art Cameroon Perfecto – The perfecto shape requires some skill to roll as it consists of two tapered ends, a round head, and a bulge somewhere between the foot and the middle. This Fuente cigar is a short 4 & 7/8” with a ring that varies between 46 and 60; Dominican binder and Cameroon wrapper; mild to medium-bodied, leather & wood at the start, becoming creamy and a bit chocolatey as you move through the bulge, with occasional bursts of pepper throughout. This 60-minute smoke will be paired with two of the Speyside Scotches.

Partagas Naturales Cameroon Robusto – Although a few suggest this is a full-bodied cigar, I think you will agree it is mild to medium; 5.5” x 50 ring, Dominican binder & Cameroon wrapper; cedar, cocoa & a bit of pepper, you may taste some nutty notes in the last half of the stick. This 90-minute smoke will be paired with two of the Highland & Lowland Scotches.

2017 Scotches*

1. Abelour 12 – This Speyside single malt is more amber colored than many of the Speysides that you might have tried such as The Glenlivet. It has depth and body despite a comparatively low 80 proof alcohol content.  This is a double-cask Scotch, finished in oak casks previously used to age sherry. The aroma is honey and sherry, which carry through to the taste along with figs, apples & cinnamon. A one-word description of the finish would be “mellow”.
2. Auchentoshan 12 – This Highland single malt is golden honey colored, with aromas of cream & citrus. The taste is sweet, with elements of ginger & tangerine. The finish is smooth.
3. Dalmore 15 – This is a Lowland single malt with a rich brown color. The aroma is dried fruit & nutmeg, and the taste adds flavors of raisin & cherry. The three extra years in cask gives a finish I would describe as elegant. Dalmore also makes a special Cigar Malt that is a blended whiskey. It is a bit sweeter than I would normally pair with a cigar, but if you have the chance to try it you should.
4. Talisker 10 – I know I said the Scotches would be lighter than before, but the Talisker was available so I substituted for the Clynelish. This single malt from the Isle of Jura can be difficult to find on island so I added it to our tour of Scotland to cover 4 different areas. The Talisker is tawny brown and, while peaty, is less peaty than Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroiag. The aroma is smoke & citrus, and the taste is smoke, malt, iodine & pepper. The finish is warm & peppery.
5. Japanese Whiskey – This selection will be a surprise – to all of us. It will be a whiskey made from barley, rice or corn – probably. Beyond that, I don’t know. There is apparently some difficulty in getting multiple bottles of Japanese whiskey on island. Who knew?

Brent offers this tip: For those that typically drink their Scotch on the rocks, it is suggested you first try a sip neat. Then try a second sip after adding an ice chip. After that, if you want to dump in a load of cubes, go for it.

Slainte mhath!

A special reminder to participants: Please do not smoke within 20 feet of the Clubhouse doorways and any open windows, and remember to be courteous to swimmers, tennis players and other Club members and guests. Please make sure that you drive responsibly and have secured transportation after the event if needed.

Executive Chef Sean Christensen’s planned pairings include a selection of cheeses, venison sliders, a Charcuterie board, pub mix, and chocolate truffles for an evening full of delicious surprises!

Cost: $75 for members; $85 for guests

This premier event is limited to the first 40 reservations…call (808) 877-7893

This event is for the exclusive enjoyment of Maui Country Club members and their invited guests. For information on joining this community, please visit the membership pages of this site.