The Joy of Easter

“He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”

-- Matthew 28:6

With these words, spoken by the messenger of God, the reality of the Resurrection was revealed to the world. The empty tomb proclaims that death and sin have been conquered. Each time I reflect on the Resurrection, I’m struck by the awe the women at the tomb must have felt that morning — confusion, fear, and overwhelming joy. I also find myself wondering what passed through the minds of those who had persecuted Him — those who believed they had silenced Him, only to be confronted with a truth they could never hide nor coverup.

And yet, even in the light of the Resurrection, the Prince of Darkness continues his work in this world. His followers — whether willing or unwitting — carry out the evil one’s designs by twisting truth, sowing confusion, and offering false promises. Evil is repackaged as good, deception cloaked in virtue. As the enemy works to blur moral lines, we see truth distorted, morality mocked, and genuine love mislabeled as hate. Through persistent attacks on faith, freedom, and the sanctity of life, the spiritual battle still rages.

But today, we celebrate the fulfillment of Our Lord’s promise. On this most glorious day, fear is vanquished and hearts are lifted. The Resurrection reminds us that the ultimate battle between good and evil has already been won. For three days, it seemed as though Satan had triumphed — but three days are nothing in the face of eternity. Easter is our strength and our hope. It empowers us to persevere through trials, resist temptation, and stand firm in the face of persecution.

Wishing you a blessed and joy-filled Easter. May the light and joy of the Resurrection remain in your heart throughout the year.

Happy Easter!

"The Resurrection of Our Lord", Gallery of Tapestries, Vatican Museums

A Good Friday Pairing: Bourbon County Stout & The Wise Man Maduro

After a day of fasting and abstinence on Good Friday, I traditionally enjoy a stout and a cigar in the evening. After all, the monastic tradition of sustaining oneself on “liquid bread” during fasts dates back to the Middle Ages.

I reached into the cellar for a bottle of Bourbon County Brand Stout, this one from the 2024 release. For such an imposing beer, I selected an equally rich cigar — The Wise Man Maduro from Foundation Cigars. A few of these Toros have rested in my humidor for just shy of two years, making them roughly contemporaries of the beer.

Pollen hung thick in the evening air when I stepped onto the porch. Despite having dusted things off the day before, a yellow film coated the furniture — and my sinuses.

Still, the evening called.

The Bourbon County Brand Stout is an annual release from Goose Island Beer Company, aged for about a year in bourbon barrels from distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey. At a formidable 14.7% ABV, it has become a benchmark for barrel-aged imperial stouts.

The beer pours thick and indulgent, offering bold notes of chocolate, vanilla, espresso, and toffee. Undertones of dark cherry weave through a bourbon-like warmth, all carried on a dense, velvety mouthfeel. It could easily be called dessert in a bottle — if dessert were on the Lenten menu. The rich aroma alone cut cleanly through any pollen-induced haze.

The Wise Man Maduro is a standout from Foundation Cigar Company. The 6 x 52 Toro features a dark, reddish Mexican San Andrés wrapper over Nicaraguan binders from Estelí and Jalapa, with fillers from Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa.

Medium to full in body, the cigar opens with notes of bittersweet chocolate and bold espresso, accompanied by a subtle red pepper spice. From the outset, the pairing with the stout feels natural and well-aligned. 

As the smoke progresses, the flavors deepen. The chocolate becomes creamier, while a dark fruit sweetness emerges, reinforcing the dessert-like quality of the experience. The spice builds slightly toward the final third, adding just enough contrast to keep things engaging.

The interaction between the Bourbon County Stout and The Wise Man Maduro proves to be near perfect. Chocolate and coffee notes echo between sip and draw, each enhancing the other without becoming either bitter or cloying.

With blues music playing softly in the background, time seemed to slow as I sipped and smoked. Aside from the persistent assault of spring pollen, the session was effortless. The cigar burned flawlessly — no relights, no touch-ups — maintaining an even burn even when left to rest.

After two years in the humidor, it remained in peak form.

As the cigar neared its end, I glanced at the time and realized that two and a half hours had slipped by. That, perhaps, is the surest sign of a truly exceptional smoke and sip — and a fittingly contemplative close to Good Friday.

Cheers!

Good Friday Contemplation

I share this moving reflection every year on Good Friday. Still, it never fails to raise the dust levels in the room. 

Limbo

The ancient greyness shifted suddenly and thinned like mist upon the moors before a wind.

An old, old prophet lifted a shining face and said:

“He will be coming soon. The Son of God is dead; He died this afternoon.”

A murmurous excitement stirred all souls. They wondered if they dreamed

save one old man who seemed not even to have heard.

And Moses, standing, hushed them all to ask if any had a welcome song prepared.

If not, would David take the task?

And if they cared could not the three young children sing the Benedicite,

the canticle of praise they made when God kept them from perishing in the fiery blaze?

A breath of spring surprised them, stilling Moses’ words.

No one could speak, remembering the first fresh flowers, the little singing birds.

Still others thought of fields new ploughed or apple trees all blossom-boughed.

Or some, the way a dried bed fills with water laughing down green hills.

The fisherfolk dreamed of the foam on bright blue seas.

The one old man who had not stirred remembered home.

And there He was, splendid as the morning sun and fair as only God is fair.

And they, confused with joy, knelt to adore

Seeing that He wore five crimson stars He never had before.

No canticle at all was sung. None toned a psalm, or raised a greeting song,

A silent man alone of all that throng found tongue — not any other.

Close to His heart when the embrace was done, old Joseph said,

“How is Your Mother, How is Your Mother, Son?”

-- Sister Mary Ada, OSJ

Michelangelo's Pieta, via Wikimedia Commons

San Lotano Requiem and Old Elk Cognac Finish: A Reset After One of Those Weeks

I was thinking about the Jimmy Vivino song “Gonna Be 2 of Those Days” this week. The week started with our oven breaking. Then, the same morning the repairman was arriving for that issue, the refrigerator gave up the ghost.

The next day after shopping for a new fridge, we stopped at Starbucks for a treat. Pulling away from the drive-thru, I realized I’d forgotten to redeem my free birthday coffee. That felt like the icing on the cake.

Needless to say, I was more than ready for a relaxing smoke and a pour or two of bourbon that evening. The exceptional spring-like weather inspired me to select a long smoke from the humidor. I settled on the San Lotano Requiem Maduro Gran Toro. The 6 x 60 stick from A.J. Fernandez features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, smooth and chocolatey in appearance. A Nicaraguan binder encases fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras. The cigar had been resting in my humidor for nearly four months.

The San Lotano Requiem Maduro is a full-bodied smoke, yet remains approachable. Its smooth, complex profile delivers notes of espresso, cocoa, and pepper, balanced by a subtle sweetness on the palate. The 135-minute burn gave me ample time to unwind from a hectic few days, while enjoying a couple pours of Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon.

As I’ve noted before, I enjoy cask-finished bourbons — especially alongside a cigar. The range of finishes distillers can draw from — cognac, rum, Armagnac, sherry, port, and more — creates some truly interesting expressions. The Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish is no exception.

Aged for at least five years, then finished in cognac casks for 10 months, it offers notes of sweet raisin and apple, along with caramel and oak. At 105 proof, it delivers a mild, spicy warmth on the finish.

Until I pulled the bottle from the shelf, I hadn’t realized just how much I’d enjoyed the Cognac-finished bourbon — there were only a few ounces left. I nursed the remainder through the duration of the long smoke. The pairing made for a well-matched — and very welcome — repast.

It actually got a bit warm on the porch, prompting me to open more windows and let the spring breeze flow through. While we’ve had hints of spring in recent weeks, the 80° high that day made it feel official. Of course, the next few days will bring a noticeable drop, as spring continues its slow attempt to take hold in Virginia.

As this post goes up, the oven is repaired, the new refrigerator is in place, and I realized I had one more day to claim my free coffee. All things considered, the week’s challenges were minor — though I did miss having ice in the house for a few days.

Cheers!

A Sunday in the Sun With a Cigar and Coffee

After a long day of birthday celebrations, Sunday was a much-needed day of rest. I’m not as young as I used to be — but then again, who among us is?

The afternoon was sunny, with temperatures climbing into the 80s. It was not a day to be spent inside. The warm deck beckoned us. We opted for creamy iced coffee, a nod to lingering fatigue, paired with a couple of chocolate-dipped biscotti for a simple but uplifting treat.

I grabbed a Mr. Sinistro by Sinistro Cigars to light up with the cold, sweet drink. (The biscotti were gone well before I got around to lighting up.) Mr. Sinistro is a relatively new release from last year. I had the 6½ × 56 Toro on hand. The cigar features a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder. The fillers are a complex mix of Olor, Piloto Cubano, and Corojo ligero from the Dominican Republic, along with Paraguayan leaf. This cigar had been resting in my humidor for five months, arriving as part of an October monthly shipment from Cigar and Pipes.

Upon lighting, the Mr. Sinistro offered notes of mild black pepper along with hints of sweet bread and honey. Smoke output remained somewhat limited throughout the session, which may have muted the flavors. A leathery, earthy backbone developed as the cigar progressed, accompanied by a dry, creamy quality.

The burn was quite wavy through the first third but evened out in the remaining portion. The ash behaved somewhat strangely throughout the smoke. While it held firm and did not easily give way when tapped, small flakes would regularly drop from the sides. In the latter half, the ash began peeling away in thin sheets, reminiscent of bark shedding from a dying tree.

The cigar is often listed as medium to full-bodied, but I would place it closer to medium-mild. Overall, I found the flavor profile somewhat bland. Combined with the mildly frustrating ash behavior, the experience left me underwhelmed. That said, this was my only sample. That is one drawback of the monthly cigar subscription format — and why I usually tend to acquire more than one example when trying something new. As with any handmade product, variability is always a factor.

The mediocre smoke aside, the afternoon itself was refreshing and uplifting. The songs of early spring arrivals filled the air, while greening grass and budding trees offered clear signs of the season’s arrival.

Cheers!

A Birthday Celebration: Good Food, Drink, Cigars, and Friends

At this stage of life, birthday celebrations tend to be quiet and laid back. Still, a few extra touches this year elevated the day and made it feel just a bit more special.

The day began as most do, with a relaxing morning and coffee. Instead of a traditional cake, I requested something we could enjoy alongside that first cup. Colleen delivered with a delicious Almond Honeycomb Cake — one that will happily stretch across several mornings in the days ahead.

Later, we headed out for lunch, settling in at the bar at Capital Ale House, a once-regular stop we hadn’t visited in a couple of years. I opted for a Killanny Red from Brehon Brewhouse in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Ireland. The deep ruby-red ale, served on nitro, offered plenty of biscuity malt character. At a modest 4.5% ABV, it allowed for a second pour alongside a flatbread pizza. As a birthday bonus, loyalty points covered more than half the bill.

The evening was capped with a visit to the home of good friends. We began lakeside, enjoying cigars and Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey on the dock. My friend had picked up a couple of Andalusian Bull cigars by La Flor Dominicana for the occasion. It had been about five years since I’d last had one, which made the experience all the more special.

The Andalusian Bull was an enjoyable as I remembered — rich and full-bodied, with notes of earth, warm spice, and a touch of sweetness that lingered on the finish. The whiskey’s sweet fruit and gentle spice complemented the cigar beautifully, softening some of its intensity while amplifying the sweeter undertones.

After the cigars, we headed out for a delicious dinner and more drinks. The food was excellent, but as always, the real highlight was the company.

It was an ideal way to celebrate not just another trip around the sun, but also good health and the enduring gifts of family and friendship. There’s not much more one could ask for. Even the steady stream of texts and social media messages added to the day and was sincerely appreciated.

Looking back, I was struck by how naturally the day unfolded. Planned moments and small surprises came together to create a celebration filled with food, drink, and laughter. Thoroughly enjoyed — though once a year is probably enough.

Cheers!

Spring’s First Pour: Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon

At last, spring has sprung. Friday marked the first official day of the season and, surprisingly, it actually felt like it. The day began warm and sunny — accompanied, of course, by a healthy dose of pollen. I spent the morning spreading mulch around the beds, and I’ll admit, I enjoy stepping outside and catching that sweet, earthy aroma of fresh mulch in the air.

After a much-needed afternoon nap, I was refreshed and ready for an evening on the porch. As luck would have it, my bottle of Barrell Craft Spirits Cigar Blend Bourbon arrived that very afternoon, and I eagerly cracked it open for the evening’s sip and smoke.

Barrell Cigar Blend is a blend of whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years, finished in Madeira, Armagnac, rum, and Hungarian oak casks. The few early reviews I've seen were favorable and I was curious to see if the 111.2-proof whiskey would live up to the early hype.

Poured into a Glencairn, the nose offered aromas of dark fruit and baking spices, complemented by a deep copper hue in the glass. The first sip carried a hint of the proof, but it quickly gave way to rich notes of dark, sweet cherry. With subsequent sips came additional layers — dates, figs, and a gentle mix of cinnamon and spice on the finish. A subtle hint of sweet tobacco lingered in the background, while the mouthfeel proved creamy and pleasantly viscous.

The Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition I chose for the pairing is no stranger to these Musings. Featuring a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Honduran binder, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, it delivers notes of coffee, espresso, and a dark fruit sweetness that complements the bourbon beautifully.

Together, the pairing was thoroughly enjoyable. The Barrell Cigar Blend melded seamlessly with the cigar’s sweet undertones. I’ve long appreciated Barrell's blends, and this release only reinforces the brand’s reputation. It seems others agree — within days of placing my order, the Cigar Blend had already sold out on Barrell’s website.

The tranquility of the spring evening was interrupted — twice — by the roar of the generator as brief power outages rolled through. A passing rainstorm, with its gusty winds, was likely to blame. The main supply lines to our neighborhood run along the edge of National Park Service land, where tree trimming is minimal, so these occasional blips come with the territory.

Even so, the evening remained a delight. The soft breeze drifting through the screened porch added to the sense of calm after a day of yard chores. A good bourbon and a fine cigar only made it better.

Cheers!

Irish Stew and Candlelight Mass for a Cool St. Patrick’s Day

Our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations took an unexpected turn this year. A short but powerful storm moved through Monday evening. Though it lasted less than 30 minutes, it was intense enough to knock out the power. Fortunately, our generator kicked on, keeping the inconvenience to a minimum. By morning, however, the outage persisted, with no estimated restoration time from the power company.

We learned that power was also out at our church — but of course, Mass was still being said. We headed over to celebrate our parish’s patronal feast. Mass by candlelight proved a quiet delight, though the after-Mass festivities were sadly canceled. Back at home, we made the most of it, enjoying Colleen’s homemade Irish soda bread with our morning coffee.

Thanks to the hardworking utility crews, power was restored by early afternoon — about 16 hours after it went out. After spending some time clearing storm debris around the house, I decided the weather wasn’t exactly inviting for a visit to the local brewery. That Red Ale can wait for another day.

Instead, we sat down early for our traditional Irish beef stew dinner, accompanied by more soda bread. The hearty mix of beef, potatoes, and carrots — made with Guinness Stout — was served with an extra scoop of mashed potatoes, a custom we happily adopted after our travels to the Emerald Isle.

I did manage a wee pour of Redbreast Irish Whiskey after dinner — a proper digestif ahead of the planned indulgence of bread and butter pudding with hot whiskey sauce.

Alas, no cigar this day. By late afternoon, the forecasted overnight snow had faded from the weather app, but I opted to enjoy my drink in the warmth of the living room instead of the cool porch.

Despite the rough start, the day unfolded much as it should — filled with good food, good drink, and proper observance of our saint.

The blustery weather also brought to mind past St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the long-gone Blue & Gray Brewing. Fredericksburg’s St. Patrick’s — and Oktoberfest — haven’t quite been the same since those days when the festivities stretched across the entire weekend. More often than not, the weather was just as cold and damp then, though I suspect I was made of slightly hardier stock in those years.

Sláinte!