Like some other excellent posters on here I thought I would start posting a day after summation of thoughts. If people like it I will try to make it a weekly thing during the season. However first things first, let me introduce you to this evenings pairing. It is the finer things club after all.
Smoke: Gran Habano - Habano #3 Churchill (7" x 48ga)
Tobaccos: Honduran Wrapper, Costa Rico & Nicaraguan Filler
Filler: Long Cut
Roll: Hand made round
Box of 20: $80 - 95
Expert Opinions: 88 Rating (Cigar Aficionado)
The Drink: Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition Highland Sinlge Malt Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Aged: 15yrs
Cask: White Oak - Oloroso Sherry Casks
ABV: 43% or 86 Proof
Distillery: Dalwhinnie Distillery
Now on to my musings.
First the Defense.
- We can win ANY game with this defense if they stay healthy. I have never seen a more athletic group at Michigan. I am not saying they are the best, but I do believe they might just be our most explosive and athletic. Don "the Don" Brown deserves all of the praise he is getting and more.
- Our defensive line is dominant. They are the reason our linebackers run free to crush ball carriers with abandon and dictate to the offense.
- Rashan Gary has taken some criticism on this board for not showing up enough on the stat sheet. While I will never shame someone for having an opinion, and I do think this board is probably the safest place to express that opinion, I think this sentiment is wrong. He has been a walking double team this year and is having a huge impact on the one on one blocking being seen by Winovich and others. I think as the year goes on defenses are going to be forced to shift blockers to Winovich. When that happens watch out because big #3 is going to hurt some QBs.
- @totchman mentioned Don Brown as a potential candidate for the BC coaching gig if their coach doesn't survive the season. I would be sad to see him go but also proud as hell of him. He deserves it if it happens. I can't remember seeing an assistant coach that has had more of an impact on an entire program than Dr Blitz. I hope he stays, but will root like hell for him if he leaves.
- Devin Bush is a freaking beast!! That is all.
- Our secondary hasn't been tested a lot this year, but they have been outstanding so far. Far better than could be expected out of a group replacing 4 starters. Cheers to those mighty Wolverine men, and cheers to the coaches Zordich and Smith for getting them ready. Here! Here!
Offense Thoughts
- First thought is for the injured players. Here is a toast to your health may you come back quicker than expected and better than before.
- John O'Korn. Here is a toast to you as well. Outstanding job young man! It is not easy to be told you aren't good enough, to compete for a job and lose it, and still carry yourself with dignity let alone be locked in and help the team. (sorry run on sentence) Well done.
- On Speight, again I wish him a quick and speedy return. That said I have been critical of him like many others on this board, but tried to do it in a respectful manner. However our offensive struggles have not all been about him. Anyone who thinks Okorn is going to be a magical bandaid is kidding themselves. Defenses have been putting 8 and 9 in the box and daring our offense to throw it. The problem is any downfield route takes time to develop and that isn't something our combination of blockers have been giving Speight this year.
- The run game. Forget it! It's not going to happen with 9 men in the box. The 2011 Stanford team couldn't run it with 9 in the box either. We have to get the safeties out of the box before evaluating whether this running game sucks or not. That will be on the passing game to accomplish. We have to back them up to gain more balance on offense. Then hopefully we can pound the rock the way we all want.
- Offensive Line. I don't have a clue, and am not going to pretend to know why its bad. I will refer to Skene and the other experts on that. I do think Runyan added something when he was in but again ill wait for the experts.
Well that's it for the first meeting of the finer things clubs. Please let me know what you thought and add your thoughts too. Likes will flow like whisky here so give a comment and get a like.
Smoke: Gran Habano - Habano #3 Churchill (7" x 48ga)
Tobaccos: Honduran Wrapper, Costa Rico & Nicaraguan Filler
Filler: Long Cut
Roll: Hand made round
Box of 20: $80 - 95
Expert Opinions: 88 Rating (Cigar Aficionado)
"The classic Gran Habano #3 is one of the five superior blends created under the cigar line of the same name in 2008. Well known cigar producer Don Guillermo Rico is a third generation tobacco farmer and cigar producer with the extensive knowledge and experience to create masterpieces every time. The Gran Habano #3 is among these top of the line cigars that Guillermo Rico constructed with the utmost consistency and precision. With tobacco farms in such countries as Nicaragua, Columbia, Panama, and Costa Rica the blends he produces are always unique and full of flavor. This cigar is no exception."
Expert Tasting Notes: Credit (seriouscigars.com)"Prior to picking up a cigar lighter the aroma emanating from the Gran Habano #3 has been described as being a combination of coffee and chocolate. Upon lighting, it burns slow and smooth with the ash holding strong throughout. The full flavor begins right from the start with the first third introducing pepper and other woodsy spices to the palate. As the burn continues and the middle third is reached the pepper taste continues, yet sweet and fruity undertones sally forth. Some reviewers noted that the fresh fruit flavor intensifies the spice and pepper can be felt in the nasal passage. As the burn progresses to the final third the intensity of flavor is said to stay strong and carries on all the way to the end. The smoke produced is thick and touch-ups were unnecessary. As Don Guillermo Rico always strives to achieve, the Gran Habano #3 is consistent throughout without overwhelming the smoker in any way. It has been described as a pleasant smoke with a satisfying aftertaste. It is a perfect addition to the humidor of any true cigar smoker."
My Opinion:I first came across this cigar back in 2012 and after smoking it I immediately went out and purchased a box for my humidor. Personally I have it down as a mild to medium body with excellent smoke and a good draw. I noticed the coffee notes immediately even if the chocolate was hidden to my palate. What really struck me with this cigar was the nostalgia it left me with. I loved the woodsy almost leathery flavors of the after taste that left me thinking of smoking a library full of books. An odd thought to be sure but it remains one of my go to smokes for any afternoon relaxation or reading.
The Drink: Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition Highland Sinlge Malt Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Aged: 15yrs
Cask: White Oak - Oloroso Sherry Casks
ABV: 43% or 86 Proof
Distillery: Dalwhinnie Distillery
Situated along the Grampian Mountains in the Highlands region of Scotland, Dalwhinnie Distillery was founded in 1897 by John Grant, and was originally named Strathspey Distillery. In 1898, Grant declared bankruptcy and sold the distillery to AP Blyth, who renamed the distillery Dalwhinnie. The name, which roughly translates to "meeting place"in ancient Gaelic, is a reference to the cattle farmers who would pause at the distillery on their journey south to the cattle markets in Crieff and Falkirk.
Expert Oninion/Tasting Notes: 87 Points by Whiskey AdvocateDistilled in 1999 and bottled in 2016, this expression of Dalwhinnie spent a period finishing in oloroso sherry casks. The nose offers honey, ripe oranges, peach blossom, and creamy milk chocolate, with just a wisp of smoke. Full-bodied and sweet on the palate, with orange zest, walnuts, more honey, and fruit spices. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of peat and spicy oak.
My Opinion:This is a classic example of a Highland scotch. It is buttery warm with good citrus notes and very light on the peaty smoke of the isles. Something the experts disdain but matters to me is finish. This scotch is a very smooth and clean finish that will make you surprised you are drinking a single malt instead of a blend. It's delicious and pares wonderfully with the Gran Habano. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Now on to my musings.
First the Defense.
- We can win ANY game with this defense if they stay healthy. I have never seen a more athletic group at Michigan. I am not saying they are the best, but I do believe they might just be our most explosive and athletic. Don "the Don" Brown deserves all of the praise he is getting and more.
- Our defensive line is dominant. They are the reason our linebackers run free to crush ball carriers with abandon and dictate to the offense.
- Rashan Gary has taken some criticism on this board for not showing up enough on the stat sheet. While I will never shame someone for having an opinion, and I do think this board is probably the safest place to express that opinion, I think this sentiment is wrong. He has been a walking double team this year and is having a huge impact on the one on one blocking being seen by Winovich and others. I think as the year goes on defenses are going to be forced to shift blockers to Winovich. When that happens watch out because big #3 is going to hurt some QBs.
- @totchman mentioned Don Brown as a potential candidate for the BC coaching gig if their coach doesn't survive the season. I would be sad to see him go but also proud as hell of him. He deserves it if it happens. I can't remember seeing an assistant coach that has had more of an impact on an entire program than Dr Blitz. I hope he stays, but will root like hell for him if he leaves.
- Devin Bush is a freaking beast!! That is all.
- Our secondary hasn't been tested a lot this year, but they have been outstanding so far. Far better than could be expected out of a group replacing 4 starters. Cheers to those mighty Wolverine men, and cheers to the coaches Zordich and Smith for getting them ready. Here! Here!
Offense Thoughts
- First thought is for the injured players. Here is a toast to your health may you come back quicker than expected and better than before.
- John O'Korn. Here is a toast to you as well. Outstanding job young man! It is not easy to be told you aren't good enough, to compete for a job and lose it, and still carry yourself with dignity let alone be locked in and help the team. (sorry run on sentence) Well done.
- On Speight, again I wish him a quick and speedy return. That said I have been critical of him like many others on this board, but tried to do it in a respectful manner. However our offensive struggles have not all been about him. Anyone who thinks Okorn is going to be a magical bandaid is kidding themselves. Defenses have been putting 8 and 9 in the box and daring our offense to throw it. The problem is any downfield route takes time to develop and that isn't something our combination of blockers have been giving Speight this year.
- The run game. Forget it! It's not going to happen with 9 men in the box. The 2011 Stanford team couldn't run it with 9 in the box either. We have to get the safeties out of the box before evaluating whether this running game sucks or not. That will be on the passing game to accomplish. We have to back them up to gain more balance on offense. Then hopefully we can pound the rock the way we all want.
- Offensive Line. I don't have a clue, and am not going to pretend to know why its bad. I will refer to Skene and the other experts on that. I do think Runyan added something when he was in but again ill wait for the experts.
Well that's it for the first meeting of the finer things clubs. Please let me know what you thought and add your thoughts too. Likes will flow like whisky here so give a comment and get a like.
