Distinguished Ruffian

Southern Hospitality

sh1 When I arrived in South Carolina, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I would encounter a painful history and the occasional southern twang but I definitely got more than I bargained for. Being raised in New Castle, Delaware, I was not accustomed to the proverbial Southern Hospitality. Frankly, for 28 years, I thought that was just a, “BS,” phrase southerners used to set themselves apart from the rest of the country. I can honestly say after my visit to Charleston that I was wrong.

In an attempt to get a feel for the city and the culture, my girlfriend and I decided we would stay at the Ansonborough Inn, located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. Originally a three-story-stationer’s warehouse, the transformation from warehouse to hotel can be described as nothing less than exceptional. Covered in red brick and large wooden pillars, I couldn’t help but feel like I had been transported back to colonial times.

Pleased by what I had already seen, I went to the front desk and bam, I was hit with that Southern twang. I rather enjoyed the twang and, the personnel at the front desk were great. Not only were they accommodating to us, but because of the availability of rooms during our stay, we were upgraded to a junior suite free of charge. So off to the third floor we went.

We entered the room and we couldn’t have been happier. It was beautiful. Broken into two separate rooms, the Junior Suite came with a relaxing lounge area and a spacious bedroom. The lounge area consisted of a flat screen TV inside a wooden armoire, large leather sofa, work desk, and a kitchenette. It was perfect for killing time between events or even coming back and playing rummy while enjoying some craft beer.

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The bedroom consisted of a nice queen sized bed, mounted flat screen, dresser, night stands and large bathroom. Actually, the bed was so nice we had a hard time leaving it to go on our excursions. The room really made us feel like we were home. We ended up getting so comfortable that we decided to stick our, “Please Do Not Disturb,” sign on the door.

To this, the hotel staff responded with true Southern Hospitality. Instead of the normal hunt down for someone to bring us towels or other items we had exhausted, we were greeted each afternoon with a beautiful wicker basket full of all the items that would normally have been replaced by the hotel staff. Something so minor in nature went a long way in with us. They truly respected our privacy and allowed us the quality time we truly wanted to achieve.

As if the room and hotel décor were not enough to have us singing Ansonborough Inn’s praises, free wine (red and white), cheese, fruit, and cookies were offered from 5pm to 6pm daily. So of course, our schedule revolved around this happy hour. There was no way a wino and a cheese-junkie would miss out on something so awesome.

So, for all you non-believers, Southern Hospitality is real. This beautiful hotel and wonderful staff is one shining example of that. My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience at the Ansonborough Inn and would highly recommend this hotel to any couples visiting the Charleston area.

Price: $180.00 – $232.00

Pints: 4.5 pints (out of 5)

Negatives: Parking is $15 a day.

Local Attractions: Fort Sumter, Charleston Aquarium, Boones Hall Plantation (Mt. Pleasant S.C.)

Web Site: http://www.ansonboroughinn.com/

Address: 21 Hasell Street CHARLESTON, SC 29401

Phone: (843)723-1655

Drew Estate’s Undercrown

Since our giveaway right now is a six pack of Undercrown figured we should get a review up. By now I think the story is well known how Undercrown came about, but incase you haven’t heard I’ll sum up briefly. Drew Estate allows their rollers to smoke any of their cigars they have in production. The rollers loved the #9 so much that it created a shortage of the cigars. Drew Estate reluctantly told the rollers they had to stop smoking that cigar and instead of whining about it the rollers made a new blend using different priming of the same tobacco. The new blend was so good that Drew Estate decided to market it to the public and that is how we got Undercrown. This doesn’t mean that Drew Estates is saying this can replace No. 9’s just that it is a good alternative.

Today I smoked the Undercrown Gran Toro. It’s size is 152mm and has a 52 ring gauge. The wrapper is a rich dark chocolate color with some visible veins yet it is smooth to the touch. The construction is solid with a decent amount of filler to make the cigar firm but still flexes nicely when pressure is applied. I store my cigars at 72% humidity, which could account for some of the flexibility in the tobacco however I have picked these up from smoke shops and found them to feel the same. The wrapper and the foot had the smell of leather, old books, and a hint of chicory root.

The cigar lights quickly and evenly. The draw is easy but not loose. Again, a sign that the construction is of quality. The amount of smoke given off by this cigar is extensive. The quality of the smoke is also excellent and full but light on the tongue. The flavor is medium and has spiced notes mixed with a bit of coffee and at the end, cream. The flavor held consistent throughout the majority of the cigar with only a few changes at the end (that aren’t worth mentioning) and was enjoyable all the way through.

In total this is a great cigar that everyone should at least try. The construction and flavor are fantastic the smoke is exponential and the price is great. I give this one four out of five pints.

Wrapper: San Andres

Origin: Nicaragua

Shapes: Belicoso, Corona, Double Corona, Gordo, Robusto, Toro

Brand: Drew Estate

Rating: 4 out of 5 pints

Summer Time Travel

It’s summer time! And while the past summers as of late, I’ve spent in a college classroom, for the majority of both young and old, summer is undoubtably a time for travel. Not just any travel, summer vacations mean exotic trips to the ruins and cities of Europe or the paradises of the tropics. So break open your Google Maps and pina coladas. As someone who has traveled extensively here are some of my top picks for summer travel and, in distinguished ruffian style, their complementary beverage choices.

1. The Greek Islands. Santorini is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. On my visit I was able to swim in hot springs, hike a volcano, take a boat in the sea, and relax on their seaside city. (Much of the coastline city has been carved out of the side of the sea rock) Recommended drink is Ouzo, its the traditional alcoholic beverage of the region. It is an anise flavored aperitif that is clear in color and strong in flavor, and a little water to it and it will turn cloudy white and also help reduce the potency if its flavor.

2. The New England Coast. Growing up I spent the majority of my summers on the sands if George’s Beach and fishing off of Block Island. New England states, such as Connecticut and Rhode Island may be small, but they are everything summer is meant to be! The weather is perfect which makes the array of activities feel endless and the people are great (although I’ll admit that last point is biased considering my long list of relatives who live there, whom I’m quite fond of). Newport, Narragansett and Block Island are my favorites for summer variety and seafood. For a drink try a beer from Shipyard Brewing Company in, Portland Maine, which is just north of my choice cites. They have a wide variety of beers that will go nicely with whatever you happen to do that day.

3. Canada. While I have yet to explore the majority of Canada, I can personally say that Quebec and British Columbia make great summer spots. Quebec feels like its own little country. It’s just lovely really. For those Ruffians out there looking to take your lady for a unique romantic trip without going abroad Quebec is perfect. Theres lots of history, quaint cobblestone streets, and old town appeal. On the west coast British Columbia is a thriving city with a lot of pride. The tourist area is very fun although a few blocks away there appeared to be a lot less pride, loads of trash and lots of homeless that approach you quickly. I wouldn’t make British Columbia my destination for a weeks long vacation, but it makes a great day trip. Caribou is the drink of Quebec. If you enjoy the flavor of wine, a little whiskey and the sweetness of maple syrup then it’s for you.

Photo credit Destination360 Victoria

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/canada/british-columbia/victoria

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4. The Amalfi Coast. Portofino, Capri , And Sorrento are a few of the many areas on and around the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It’s no wonder that celebrities vacation there, it’s aesthetically beautiful and all around peaceful! It’s one of my favorite vacation spots. In the summer it can be a little crowded with tourists so stick to the outskirts during this time. There’s plenty of activities along the coast. You can hire a boat for the day or take the ferries from Ravello to Positano and see what the small towns have to offer. Drink of choice undoubtedly is Limoncello

5. Alaska (The Inside Passage). Even in summer it can be a bit brisk, cold, and at times rainy, but it’s Worth it! I’ve been to 75% of the states in the U.S.A. and Alaska is one of my favorites. I love the way nature and man cohabit ate in this amazing place. If you’re a big city lover, Alaska is not for you. But, if you appreciate the great outdoors, Alaska is wilderness untouched. In Alaska the wilderness is everywhere and it’s breath taking. While I’ve read that the signature drink of Alaska is a smoked salmon bloody mary, I think that sounds bloody disgusting. I’d stick with one of the beers from Alaska’s long list of great breweries. My husband and I personally enjoyed the beers from Skagway Brewing Company.

6. Jamaica. I live in Florida so tropical places like the Bahamas and the Caribbean aren’t too extraordinary for me, but for those who do want somewhere tropical to visit this summer, try Jamaica. Once you get past the rows of Bob Marley beach towel sellers and “mon ja -macan me crazy” t-shirts, it’s a pretty place. the people are indeed quite relaxed, and theres a great mix of natural beauty like waterfalls and water sport activities which are necessary in the summer because it is HOT, VERY HOT! Drinking a rum punch or a red stripe will help cool you off and both are delicious.