Cold Nights, Warm Spirits: Chattanooga Whiskey and Foundation Aksum

It’s been over two weeks since I last enjoyed a cigar on the deck. The extreme cold, coupled with some lethargy due to pain, led to the hiatus. I did manage a quick indoor smoke one afternoon at Hogshead Cigar Lounge, which was a nice reprieve. On Saturday, my ever-understanding wife offered an early dinner, allowing me to catch the last of the sun before heading out for a long-overdue cigar session.

For the evening, I wanted a robust bourbon and decided to open the 121.2-proof Chattanooga Whiskey Single Barrel that I had picked up during recent travels. To pair with it, I chose a Foundation Aksum—a cigar I’ve come to appreciate for its bold and complex flavors.

The Foundation Aksum is a 5 x 50 Robusto wrapped in a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf. The binder is Connecticut Broadleaf, and the fillers are Nicaraguan tobaccos from the Jalapa and Estelí regions. The cigar is finished with a pigtail cap and adorned with a band that pays homage to the ancient Aksumite Kingdom in present-day Ethiopia—the legendary resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

The Aksum delivers a bold smoking experience, with rich notes of sweet espresso and dark chocolate taking center stage. Black pepper, dark cherry, and raisin also make an appearance, complemented by a lingering spice in the finish. It’s a cigar I frequently enjoy with a robust bourbon, and this pairing was no exception.

I was particularly excited to try the Chattanooga Whiskey Single Barrel Bourbon, as it had come highly recommended by other shoppers. It did not disappoint. Before pairing it with the cigar, I poured a bit into a Glencairn glass for a proper tasting experience.

The dark amber liquid released a delightful aroma of fruit and toffee, which I could detect even as I poured it. On the palate, flavors of dark fruit, dark chocolate, and toffee dominated, with a mild cinnamon spice lingering in the long finish. Despite its 60.6% alcohol content, the bourbon was surprisingly smooth—remarkably so for its stated age of “greater than four years.” It drinks like a much older whiskey.

I’m thrilled with my decision to pick up this bottle. The flavors are rich, well-balanced, and satisfying. While it paired wonderfully with the Aksum, I’m curious to see how it complements both milder and stronger cigars in future pairings.

The temperature dipped only slightly as the sun set, making for an enjoyable and overdue moment of relaxation. The Foundation Aksum and Chattanooga Whiskey Single Barrel Bourbon combined to create a pairing that will certainly be repeated.

Cheers!

Cold Day, Warm Smoke: Terra Nova Dark Fired Kentucky and Coffee

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy a cigar on Friday. The temperature was low, and the winds were gusting, making it less than ideal for an outdoor smoke. But then I noticed a break in the clouds, with sunshine peeking through. Knowing the next several days were forecasted to be 8–11° colder, I decided to seize the moment. I grabbed a Terra Nova Dark Fired Kentucky Belicoso from the humidor, brewed a quick pod coffee, and bundled up for a chilly afternoon break.

The Terra Nova Dark Fired Kentucky came as part of my September Luxury Cigar Club shipment and had been resting in the humidor for the past four months. This 6 1/4 x 50 Belicoso features a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Beneath it lies a double binder of Brazilian and Indonesian tobaccos, with a filler blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, Brazilian, and Dark Fired Kentucky tobaccos—the latter being the namesake of the cigar.

The only other cigars I’ve tried with Kentucky Fired Cured tobaccos are traditional Italian Toscanos, which undergo a drying and curing process unlike typical humidified cigars like the Terra Nova. The unlit stick had hints of barnyard and wood, with an intriguing aroma I couldn’t quite place.

Once lit, the Terra Nova Dark Fired Kentucky opened with sweet earth and woody notes. A mild smoky hint complemented the flavors, with a touch of pepper on the finish. Initially, the cigar felt like a classic creamy Connecticut, with the added depth of char and peppery undertones.

As the cigar progressed, the smokiness and pepper became more pronounced, taking center stage, while the sweet creaminess lingered subtly in the background. By the final third, the smokiness left a lasting impression, with a peppery tang that coated my lips without becoming overpowering. Unlike the bold smokiness of Toscano cigars, the Terra Nova blend integrates the fire-cured flavor into a more nuanced profile.

Unfortunately, the sun soon disappeared behind the clouds, leaving the sky grey for the duration of the smoke. As if to test my patience, the sky turned blue with bright sunshine once again, just as I stepped back inside after finishing my cigar.

The coffee I chose was a flavored blend with honey and cinnamon—a whim purchase that I’d found pleasant but uninspiring on its own. Surprisingly, it paired exceptionally well with the Terra Nova Dark Fired Kentucky. The mild sweetness and touch of spice in the coffee complemented the smoky notes of the cigar, creating an enjoyable combination that neither overpowered nor detracted from the overall experience.

The Terra Nova cigar burned evenly and produced plenty of rich, aromatic smoke. However, the cigar’s thin paper band was a frustration. It was tightly wrapped and overly glued, making removal a chore. Despite careful picking, I still managed to damage the delicate wrapper. Combined with the cold, dry air, this damage led to the final quarter of the cigar splitting dramatically—a disappointing “exploding cigar” moment. At that point, I called it quits and ended the smoke.

Despite the mishap, the Terra Nova Dark Fired Kentucky was a pleasant and satisfying cigar. Its rich, smoky flavor and balanced complexity paired surprisingly well with the spiced coffee. With colder-than-average temperatures and the possibility of significant snowfall in the forecast, I’m glad I took advantage of this fleeting window for an outdoor smoke.

Cheers!

First Smoke of 2025: A Vintage Fratello DMV

I began 2025 by revisiting a cigar that had been aging in my humidor for five or six years—a vintage 2018 Fratello DMV Virginia. I originally added these cigars to my collection during their release party at Hogshead Cigar Lounge in December 2018. A few months later, I picked up a few more at another shop while traveling. The stick I smoked today was the last one remaining from those early acquisitions.

I’ll admit I felt a bit reluctant to smoke this final DMV Virginia. I’ve always enjoyed this particular release, and part of me wanted to keep it as a memento. However, I knew the flavor profile had likely evolved over the years, and cigars are meant to be smoked, not just admired. So, with some anticipation, I decided it was time to enjoy it.

Since it was a holiday—and chilly outside—I poured a small glass of Maker’s Mark Hint O’ Chocolate II to accompany the occasion. The bourbon added a little warmth to the mid-afternoon experience.

The Fratello DMV Virginia was stunning in the midday sunlight. Its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glistened with an oily sheen, encasing an Ecuadorian binder and a blend of fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and the USA. From the first puff, the cigar delivered thick, flavorful smoke with notes of roasted coffee, leather, and cedar. There was also a subtle pepperiness, though it was less pronounced than I remembered from earlier smokes of this blend.

The cigar burned flawlessly for about 75 minutes, producing a firm ash and consistent, rich smoke throughout. Despite its age, it remained an exceptional and satisfying smoke—a testament to careful aging and storage.

As for the Maker’s Mark Hint O’ Chocolate II, it’s a Virginia ABC store selection from 2022 that I revisit now and then. While it’s not my favorite pour, it has its charms. The bourbon offers aromas of fruit and oak, with flavors of fruit and cream on the palate and a dry finish. If I concentrate, I can detect a faint hint of milk chocolate, as the name suggests. At 107.9 proof, it provides a gentle warmth that was welcome on this winter day.

In terms of pairing, the Fratello DMV Virginia and Maker’s Mark Hint O’ Chocolate II didn’t create any particular synergy. Each was enjoyable on its own, but neither elevated the other. The cigar was undoubtedly the star of the afternoon.

As the winter sun dipped lower, it began shining directly, and uncomfortably, into my eyes, forcing me to relocate to the other side of the porch. I also turned on a propane heater at my feet, and the combination of the heater and the sun warming the back of my head made the chill quite bearable.

With the cigar finished and the warmth fading, I headed inside to resume the mindless but entertaining tradition of watching college football on TV.

Cheers!

Looking Back and Moving Forward: A Year of Change and Challenge

As another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the ups and downs of 2024. Truth be told, this year has been a challenging one. Setting aside the economic and social turmoil brought about by corrupt and incompetent leadership at the highest levels of government, the year also came with its share of personal trials.

Some of you may have noticed the absence of shooting-related posts. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to make it to the range or participate in an IDPA match since December of last year. Early in 2024, I began experiencing back and leg pain, which progressively worsened over the months, eventually limiting my ability to stand or walk for extended periods. A series of lumbar injections provided some relief—enough to allow for a bit of travel—but the pain has returned in recent weeks. I’m hopeful that an upcoming course of treatment will bring more lasting improvement. With luck, I’ll regain mobility by summer.

But it hasn’t all been bad. This year, I reached a major milestone: retirement. After 24 years with my last employer and 50 years of a working life, I officially retired in June. The past six months have been an exciting period of adjustment, planning, and embracing this new phase of life.

Initially, I reveled in the sheer joy of no longer having to deal with the daily stresses of work. But now, I’ve transitioned to a deeper appreciation of the freedom retirement brings—the ability to live life on my own terms (aside from the aforementioned health challenges). Thankfully, enjoying fine cigars and tasty beverages is an activity that doesn’t require standing, so I’ve been able to indulge in those pleasures with minimal discomfort.

Looking ahead to 2025, we have tentative plans for both domestic and international travel. I’m also eager to explore the numerous local breweries that have sprung up in our area—there are far more than I realized! This feels like the perfect opportunity to rediscover hobbies and adventures that had taken a backseat during the final, demanding years of my career.

One unexpected joy of this newfound freedom has been reconnecting with an old hobby: indoor gardening, particularly focusing on the fascinating Gesneriaceae family, or gesneriads. My interest in these plants goes back more than 40 years and blossomed into a full-blown obsession in the 1980s, when I built a greenhouse attached to our home. For many years, we even ran a small mail-order business selling gesneriads, Passiflora, and other unusual plants.

Eventually, the demands of career, family, and life led us to put gardening aside, though my passion for these plants never truly disappeared. As retirement approached, I dusted off an old light stand and began growing gesneriads once again. After a break of nearly two decades, the passion has returned in full force. It’s been deeply fulfilling to reconnect with this hobby, and I’ve been sharing occasional updates on this subject over at Gesneriad Trails.

One of the surprising lessons I’ve learned in retirement is that weekends are still weekends. Most events and festivals still take place on Saturdays and Sundays, but now, with chores taken care of during the week, weekends are free to be fully enjoyed. The biggest challenge is simply keeping track of what day it is!

Here’s to hoping 2025 brings improved health, exciting adventures, and continued discovery in this next chapter of life.

May your troubles be less, 

And your blessings be more. 

And nothing but happiness come through your door.

-- An Irish Blessing

Cheers!

A Festive Afternoon: A Cigar, Bourbon, and the Winter Sun

On the second day of Christmas as the festivities continued, and I found myself running a number of errands to gather supplies for our celebrations and upcoming guests. As I hopped from stop to stop, I kept a close eye on the temperature reading on my car dashboard. Things were shaping up favorably for some deck time later in the day.

Upon returning home, my wife greeted me with a simple but persuasive observation: “It’s sunny outside. You should have a cigar now.” Though my preference is to enjoy a smoke and accompanying drink after dinner, the limited daylight this time of year often dictates otherwise. Besides, how could I argue with such wise advice from my lovely spouse?

A quick decision was made and I selected the festive looking A. J. Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Robusto from the humidor. An equally prompt selection was grabbed from the whiskey shelf -- Blade & Bow Bourbon.

Having smoked a few of these over the past months, I knew I was in for a treat. The festive decorative bands seemed fitting for the season, and I was in the mood for a full-bodied smoke to accompany the sunny afternoon.

The 5.5x54 Robusto has a soft box-pressed shape. The fill is on the softer side but that did not affect the burn. Smoking time generally clocks in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a midday session.

This cigar features a Brazilian Mata Fina Maduro wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and fillers from A.J. Fernandez’s own farms in Estelí, Nicaragua. As an extension of the popular Días de Gloria line, the Brazil variant brings its own unique flair.

The robust flavor profile offers a delightful mix of espresso, dark chocolate, and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of dark sugar. A touch of black pepper lingers in the background, adding a zesty kick without overpowering. By the final third, the peppery notes coated my lips and palate, leaving a lasting impression.

The Blade and Bow Bourbon is a great choice when looking for an easy, familiar sipper. It's also one that gets overlooked easily, mainly because the square, short bottle ends up hidden by larger bottles on my shelves.

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery uses what is known as a Solera Aging Process in the production of Blade and Bow. The Solera system is a fractional aging method that ensures a consistent flavor profile over time. Creating a link to history, newer bourbon is combined with some of the last remaining stocks of Stitzel-Weller bourbon. It is said each bottle will contain a touch of the historical bourbon -- if infinitely miniscule.

The 91% proof bourbon greets the nose with a sweet, fruity aroma. On the palate, well-balanced notes of caramel, white fruit, and a mild charred spice emerge. The finish is smooth, complementing the bold richness of the Días de Gloria Brazil without overshadowing it.

The bright winter sun provided a soothing warmth to my smoking and sipping time on the deck. Indeed, the need for supplemental heat was negated as I soaked in the remaining warming rays of the afternoon. With the rich boldness of the cigar and the comforting familiarity of the bourbon, I savored the moment of tranquility -- while it lasted.

 
Cheers!

Sipping with Purpose: Enjoying Alcohol Beyond the Drink

I ran across this quote from G. K. Chesterton recently and thought it especially fitting for this blog:

“It is quite a mistake to suppose that, when a man desires an alcoholic drink, he necessarily desires alcohol.”

— G.K. Chesterton, “Wine When it is Red” in All Things Considered 

This resonates with me, as I often find myself in discussions about the enjoyment of alcohol. I firmly believe that appreciating a well-crafted beer, whiskey, or cocktail is akin to savoring the skills of a chef in the kitchen. The artistry and craftsmanship behind a fine drink deserve the same respect as a gourmet meal.

In John-Mark L. Miravalle’s excellent book, "How to Feel Good and How Not To", the author explores this topic in depth, especially when contrasting the enjoyment of alcohol with drug use or abuse. He emphasizes that proper enjoyment of an alcoholic beverage should be seen through the lens of appreciating its flavors and the skill involved in its creation—whether by a chef, brewer, or distiller—or even as a gift from the ultimate Creator.

When approached with this mindset, drinking becomes an act of appreciation, much like enjoying a delicious meal. However, if the intent shifts to overindulgence or altering one’s state of mind, the context changes entirely. Miravalle is precise in emphasizing the importance of the consumer’s intent before taking that first sip or bite.

There is no denying that for some, overindulgence—whether in alcohol or food—can become a serious issue. In such cases, it’s crucial to provide support and encouragement for overcoming those challenges.

By maintaining a focus on moderation and appreciation, we can elevate the experience of enjoying both food and drink, celebrating the artistry behind them while avoiding misuse. 

Cheers!

A Festive Pairing: Rocky Patel Disciple and Old Elk Cigar Cut

Christmas Day was one of relaxation and simple pleasures. We began our celebrations on Christmas Eve by attending the Vigil Mass for the Nativity of the Lord, followed by a cozy evening with snacks and a few glasses of sherry. The chance to sleep in on Christmas morning is something I've come to enjoy later in life. Yet, I’ll admit I still miss those early mornings when our son was young, eager to unwrap presents and dive into the day.

By lunchtime, the promise of sunshine teased through the clouds, and I decided to indulge in one of my favorite traditions: enjoying an afternoon cigar on the deck.

For this year’s Christmas celebration, I selected a well-rested Rocky Patel Disciple from my humidor, the last of a purchase made in October 2023. It seemed the perfect moment to pair it with something equally special—my backup bottle of Old Elk Cigar Cut Bourbon. After all, it was a holiday!

The temperature outside hovered around 40°F—not too chilly but far from warm. I queued up some holiday-themed music on satellite radio, bundled up, and settled in for what promised to be an excellent pairing.

The Rocky Patel Disciple is a visually striking cigar. Its elaborate gold-and-black banding, along with the black sleeve covering much of the 6.5 x 52 Toro, made it feel appropriately festive. Once unwrapped, the very dark chocolate-hued San Andrés wrapper was revealed, shiny and marked with a few prominent veins.

Underneath the San Andrés wrapper lie Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos—a combination I often gravitate toward for its rich complexity. Despite the familiar recipe, the Disciple offered a unique smoking experience.

From the first draw, the cigar treated me to a satisfying palette of espresso, dark fruit, and cocoa, accented by black pepper and raisins. It was full-bodied, producing thick, aromatic clouds of smoke that I savored for nearly two hours.

The Old Elk Cigar Cut Bourbon is the first of several limited bourbons the Fort Collins, Colorado distiller produces designed to pair with a fine cigar. I truly enjoy it and was happy to find a bottle last summer during a trip to replace a bottle emptied earlier the year. Last spring the VA ABC stores put the bottle on a half price clearance sale -- an event I sadly missed. Old Elk has released other cigar-focused bourbons—the Cigar Cut Island Blend and Cigar Cut Punch Cut—but I’ve yet to explore those.

Cigar Cut is a masterful blend of bourbons finished in Sherry, Armagnac, Port, and Cognac casks. On the nose, it offers inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and spiced fruit. The palate reveals layers of dark chocolate, toffee, and baking spices, while subtle notes of tobacco and leather linger on the finish. As a fan of port- and sherry-finished bourbons with cigars, I found the additional influence of the other casks added depth and complexity. The resulting flavor profile paired beautifully with the full-bodied Rocky Patel Disciple, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.

Halfway through my smoke, the sun finally emerged, bringing a bit of natural warmth to the chilly afternoon. I kept a patio heater on low but appreciated the brightness and extra comfort from the sun. The peacefulness of the moment—sipping bourbon, smoking a superb cigar, and enjoying the music—made for a most peaceful Christmas afternoon.

We rounded off the day by grilling steaks to accompany a holiday favorite: Oyster Casserole. For reasons I can’t explain, we only make this dish at Christmas, but perhaps that’s a tradition worth changing.

We enjoyed a very peaceful, relaxing, and joyful day. Things will get a bit more exciting this weekend when family and friends come by for more feasting and celebrating.

Cheers!

Merry Christmas

After a season of Advent filled with anticipation, the long-awaited day has arrived. Our LORD is born, and the world rejoices! Amid the turmoil and strife that seem ever-present in our world, the birth of Jesus shines as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the countless reasons we have to be thankful and full of hope.

When the angels went away from them to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, 

“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem

to see this thing that has taken place, 

which the Lord has made known to us.”

So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, 

and the infant lying in the manger.

When they saw this,

they made known the message

that had been told them about this child.

All who heard it were amazed

by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things,

reflecting on them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God 

for all they had heard and seen, 

just as it had been told to them.

-- Luke 2:15-20

The world often treats Christmas as starting the day after Thanksgiving and ending abruptly on December 26. In truth, the Christmas season begins today and continues until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. So let the celebrations continue as we honor the true “reason for the season” in all its glory.

However you choose to mark this sacred time, I wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday season, filled with the warmth of family, the company of friends, and the blessings of good cheer.

Merry Christmas!