From The Jar

By Mr. J. Stepp
Second Congress, July 2012
 
A “pants-off” review of the leaf offerings at Straus Downtown (Cincinnati) and a pairing of each with drink.

Fountain Square:
Mild and nutty. A hint of vanilla but not sweet. Appropriately named with everything in the middle of the palate. An everyday smoke.  Lager or red ale. Smoke Fountain Square while wearing a straw hat. Or smoke the hat.

Mercantile:
Sharp and pleasantly bitter. Acidic. Vegetal. Leather and cumin. A bit of chocolate and cinnamon on the finish. IPA or a hoppy porter. Smoke Mercantile after sex. Especially if you paid for it. And you did. One way or another.

Stadium:
Black as coal. Rich and mellow but without the depth I expected. Burns fast. Tawny Port or a mellow Stout. Stadium is a great quick smoke while doing your
business. On the toilet. Be careful with the ashes.

KY Gentleman:

Mr. J. Stepp

Crisp, tart and spicy. Sharp and biting. Acidic with a dry finish. Rye whiskey instead of bourbon. Smoke Kentucky Gentleman after you’ve behaved badly. Or intend to.