Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/504216
62 / the tasting panel / may 2015 COMPETITIONS LIT CIGAR LOUNGE, SNOQUALMIE, WA The Lit Cigar Lounge serve featured a cigar wrapped with three different types of tobacco. "As you smoke the cigar, each portion is designed to pair with Glenfiddich 12, 15 or 18, respectively," explained Josh Weltmer, Cigar Lounge Manager. The first third, paired with Glenfiddich 12, featured Connecticut Shade tobacco, famous for its delicate flavor profile that offered a perfect pairing with Glenfiddich 12's oak and fruit notes. The second third of the cigar was wrapped in Broadleaf Maduro tobacco, matched with the Glenfiddich 15. Maduro wrappers get their dark color from an intense fermentation, bringing out a rich, sweet flavor that's a great match for the honey and fruit notes in the 15. The final third of the cigar was wrapped in Sun Grown tobacco: "The more mature flavor of the 18 year-old expression requires a cigar with something extra," explained Weltmer. "Using a sun-grown Sumatra seed wrapper gives our cigar increased spice and complex- ity, which complements the Glenfiddich 18 and its more intense oak and baking spice notes." the Winners: The first-ever winners of THE TASTING PANEL'S Glenfiddich Kindred Spirit Competition, Josh Weltmer and Scott Diaz from Lit Cigar Lounge in Snoqualmie, WA, with fifth-generation family member Kirsten Grant Meikle.