Blanton's Single Barrel checks in at 93 proof, and has a mild, but pleasant aroma of sweet honey, vanilla, with a hint of spice. A moderately bold flavor profile with of caramel, honey, and vanilla as the major players. The finish lingers, adding a satisfying pepper hint to the game. I am surprised that I read so much cynicism online about this classic bourbon, as I find it a quite pleasant libation.
Musings Over a Barrel
Ramblings on shooting sports, craft beer, whiskey, cigars and other simple pleasures.
"You're welcome to step away if you like."
#triggerwarning
Friday, November 25, 2022
Thanksgiving "Digestive": Blanton's and Crowned Heads
Blanton's Single Barrel checks in at 93 proof, and has a mild, but pleasant aroma of sweet honey, vanilla, with a hint of spice. A moderately bold flavor profile with of caramel, honey, and vanilla as the major players. The finish lingers, adding a satisfying pepper hint to the game. I am surprised that I read so much cynicism online about this classic bourbon, as I find it a quite pleasant libation.
Thursday, November 24, 2022
A Bourbon and A Smoke to Kick Off the Holiday
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Sanner's Lake IDPA
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Smoking on the Danube
Last month we enjoyed seven day cruise on the Danube River that included ports of call in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. It was an amazing experience with beautiful sights, amazing food, and fun people. The conversations with people who lived much their lives under Communist rule were enlightening, and refreshing compared to the naiveté spouted by the left here at home. I knew setting out the schedule would be hectic, and I wasn't sure about the opportunity to enjoy cigars along the way. I did pack plenty, just in case
I did manage to find time to relax with a cigar on several occasions, usually in the evening after dinner. Nights on the sundeck were cool, breezy, and dark due to low lighting. Sort of like my deck at home in the fall. One afternoon we elected to stay onboard and relax rather than tour, so I immediately retired to the top deck and enjoyed the beautiful view and a fine cigar.
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Warming Up On A Cool Fall Evening
Saturday, October 29, 2022
A Beautiful Fall Day For IDPA
After a little over a month "off" from any matches, I made it to the October match at the Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club on Montpelier. The morning was cool, and I grabbed a pair of light gloves on the way out the door. I was thankful I did, though the sun eventually warmed the air by mid-match.
With summer travel keeping many folks away over the past few months, this match seemed like a reunion of sorts, with the "full crew" of regulars on hand. It was good to catch up. As I often say, a match is a social event interrupted by occasional gunfire! :-)
The first stage the squad shot had us seated to start, with the loaded gun on the table. After engaging targets in the open to either side, we left the chair to move through the course of fire. First to the left, then crossing back to the right to engage targets from several points of cover.
Next up was a simple, two string stage shot standing in one spot. The first string required two hits to the body and one head shot on the close target, followed by two body shots on the far targets. The second string was two head shots to each of the two back targets. A quick stage that our squad of 18(!) shooters finished quickly.
Friday, October 28, 2022
It's Been a Minute
I recently received an email from a reader making note of my absence from posting. My web browser landing pages set to these Musings, so I am constantly made well-aware of the stale post. Rest assured reader, I am still here. The break has been by design due to a busy schedule, and a lack of inspiration.
For those wondering, the shooting, cigar, beer, whiskey, and travel activities have not ceased. To illustrate, since my last post on April 10, 2022, I've actually participated in 10 local monthly IDPA matches. I do plan to go back to some match write-ups in the future as an expansion of the brief notes I make for my own benefit.
There have been some 42 different cigars enjoyed in that time too. I opted to not take notes, even for the new or limited releases. Many of those cigars were obviously enjoyed with good bourbon or craft beer. This is a good place to mention that many of those smokes, and other subjects, are illustrated on my Instagram feed.
Speaking of whiskey, my spreadsheet shows I've added 26 whiskeys, mostly bourbons, to my stock since April. That number shocks me a bit -- hopefully my wife isn't reading this. Although she is well aware of the new shelf in the dining room. There are still half a dozen I need to open.
The above statements reveal my OCD, or nerd factor, around the logging and journaling I do across my interests.
Speaking of travel, we've been to Montana, and to Central Europe for a great Danube River cruise. And, once fall arrived, Hokies football has added several weekend trips to the schedule.
Wait, I forget where I was going with all this.
Chat soon!. . .