Now HOPZ, on the other hand, had us worried.  Imagine smoking hops?  The smell alone is gonna get us thrown in jail as the Humulus Lupulus (hops) are cousins of the Cannabis!!!  We found out the actual method of getting the hop taste is similar to the Makers Mark cigar.  It is infused with Centennial Hops, known for a more fragrant, floral aroma and not too bitter flavor.

As we opened the tube-yes this one comes in its own humidor as well,  there was a distinct smell of hops, flower and of course tobacco.  Afraid that this one will taste like bitter cardboard, we fired it up….

The first few puffs had the same hoppy/flowery flavors.  With this cigar, it’s not spiced like the typical bombs that we like to chew on.  Getting down to the first half, it burned quite nicely and like many of the “flavored” or “infused” cigars, it did have some large flakes of ash.  The heavy hoppy-ness blended into the Dominican Republic tobacco and the flowery aspects were well hidden.  It was a light to medium bodied smoke that was quite clean with a slight integrated sweetness.

The second half burned almost the same as the first with the sweet hoppy/ leather-like flavors coming through.  We smoked down to the nub of the cigar.  It took about a good 35-40 minutes (sampled the petite corona – 5 x 38)

Admittedly, we were looking for some flaws to not want to get this cigar, but in the end we found it to be quite balanced and not over hoppy or sweet and more importantly none of that cardboard tasting stuff either!  Pair this with an IPA from Yeastie Boys or the Dead Guy Ale from Rouge that has an IBU of 40 on a scale of 100.  Either way, it looks like we will be getting some of these HOPZ in soon to pair with our wide selection of Craft Beers.  The cost of the cigar will be about $12 for the Toro (6 x 50).

Our charming wine spokesman for the evening will be conducted by Sky Cameron of Chambers and Chambers Wine Merchants.   French wines will be paired with Chef David Passanisi’s menu.  Don’t miss this exciting evening with good food,  good wine, and great people.
Date: Wednesday, May 30
Time: 6pm onward
Place: EAT Honolulu in the Gentry Pacific Design Center
Cost: $65 all inclusive per person
RSVP and Payment made at SWAM
Sorry no Walk-ins

Another great wine pairing dinner!  Master Sommelier, Patrick Okubo, who recently visited Chile  will conduct the pairing.  There will be special pricing on the wines featured for that evening only.

Date: Wednesday, May 16
Time: 6pm onward
Place: EAT Honolulu at the Gentry Pacific Design Center
Cost: $65 all inclusive
RSVP and Payment: at SWAM
Sorry no Walk-ins

-Denshin Daigingo
-Konteki Daigingo
-Hakushika Junmai Daiginjo
-Denshin Ine Junmai
-Shichida Junmai
-Omori Yuzu Sake

-Gauthier Riesling
-Talbot Kaliheart Pinot Noir
-Storrs Merlot
-Michele Picard Beaujolais
-Scrapper Cabernet Franc
-Grenalls Gin

-William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis
-Bitch White
-Poppy Pinot Noir
-Stonecap Merlot
-Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon
-Director’s Cut Cinema Red

-Roaring Meg Pinot Gris
-Zolo Torrentes
-Bridgman Chardonnay
-Bridgman Syrah

-Triennes Sainte Fleur Viognier
-Domaine Barat Chablis
-Triennes Rose
-Maxime Graillot Exquinoxe Rouge
-La Tarasque Cotes du Rhone
-Triennes St. Auguste Red

Rock that Cocktail Ring! I personally love cocktail rings especially when I attend wine events. It just looks so chic and feminine. Stella & Dot have very affordable and fashionable accessories for all ages. Perfect for a Mother’s Day gift, best girlfriend gift, or a just because ‘you’re so special!’

If you can’t make it down for our Thursday Tasting, April 26, featuring the Stella & Dot Jewelry Trunk Show, you can always order on line and have your items shipped to you.

Shop Stella & Dot

Come out and Walk with SWAM.  It’s an easy 5k or 3 mile walk around Kapiolani Park.  If you are interested in joining Team SWAM to walk or sponsor, please email Jill at info@swamwine.com.  It’s a $10 donation per walker, all proceeds go to the Honolulu Aids Walk.

Date:  Sunday, April 15
Time: 8am meet at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand/ 9am the walking starts
Place: Kapiolani Park
Cost: $10 donation/please make checks out to Honolulu Aids Walk in the memo please include Team SWAM

UPDATE 
Thank you all who supported and came out to walk with SWAM.
Roni Cayetano, Lyn Salamanca, Hinano Atkins, Tracy Lam, Todd Toyama, and Teresa Fujimoto

Thank you Eric Brown and Jordon Vigus for your sponorship. Much Mahalo.
What a great day for a walk. Will definitely be doing it again.