Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/537687
july 2015 / the tasting panel / 75 The winner last year was the team from Lit Cigar Lounge in Snoqualmie, WA, who created an apropos cigar wrapped with three different types of tobacco leaf: the delicate Connecticut Shade, the robust and sweet Maduro and the complex, spicy Sumatra. As each section is slowly smoked, it is meant to be paired with the Glenfiddich 12, 15 and 18 Year Old Scotch Whiskies respectively, the aromat- ics and flavors of each leaf mimicking and complementing that of the whiskies themselves. The final prize: A night out for the entire Lit team in their home city of Seattle on Glenfiddich. The 2015 competition begins September 1st and runs through March, with a Scottish trek for the finalists slotted for spring—but Bechard isn't ready to rest on the success of last year's Kindred Spirit competition. To up the ante, he and his fellow brand ambassadors put themselves to the ultimate challenge, creating their very own individual Serves. Glenfiddich East Coast Brand Ambassador Struan Ralph brings his favorite things together for his Serve: "Noise-cancelling headphones, whisky and tea."