Into the Dark: Beer, Cigar, and Black Friday

It had been almost two weeks since I’d enjoyed a cigar. Between day trips, weekend travel, holiday prep, and time with family, I hadn’t found a moment to sit down for a proper, relaxing smoke. I’m not one to light a cigar just because — for me, a cigar is an intentional pause to sit, unwind, and appreciate the craftsmanship.

While the family binged on football, I slipped away for an afternoon smoke. It was cold and windy outside, but the enclosed screened porch offered welcome shelter. And since it was “Black Friday,” I went with the theme and grabbed two dark companions: a Micallef Black and a Winter Storm from Heavy Seas Brewing. That’s a far better way to mark the day after Thanksgiving than chasing supposed deals at the mall.

Winter Storm “Category 5 Ale” is a seasonal ESB (Extra Special Bitter) from the Baltimore brewery, a longtime favorite of mine going back to its Clipper City days. The label has changed over the years, but the beer remains the same.

At 7.5% ABV, the malt-forward ale shows rich caramel-toffee and dark fruit notes, balanced by a subtle pine and herbal hop presence. It’s thoroughly enjoyable. In years past I’d buy it by the case to age into the summer — or even for far-future drinking — but this year’s stash will likely be enjoyed fresh.

The Micallef Black I chose was the 5” x 52 Robusto. A Mexican San Andrés wrapper encases an Ecuadorian Habano binder with Nicaraguan fillers. The dark, oily wrapper and gold-on-black band make for an irresistible presentation. The Black is full-bodied, opening with earth, cocoa, and pepper. As it warmed up, I picked up dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a touch of sweetness. Construction was excellent, with a clean burn and thick, flavorful smoke.

I actually selected the Micallef Black before considering the pairing, but the combination turned out beautifully. The bold, dark-leaning profiles played off each other well. The beer’s slight sweetness and dark fruit lifted the chocolate and sweeter tones in the cigar, while the cigar’s pepper and earth kept the ale from drifting too sweet. A satisfying match all around.

Outside, the day hinted at winter — 38° with a windchill of 26°, though sunny. Inside the porch, with the portable heaters on low, it was a comfortable 64°. Add some jazz from the speaker, a good book in my lap, and a cigar in hand, and it made for a remarkably pleasant afternoon escape before heading back inside to resume the holiday feasting.

Cheers!

Giving Thanks Today and Every Day

Today is the day most Americans set aside to reflect on — and give thanks for — the many graces and gifts that bless our lives. For some, the day is simply a preliminary event to the day of shopping to come. That particular holiday tradition has never appealed to me, though I’ll admit I often take advantage of a good cigar sale online this time of year.

As for me, I’m thankful for my wonderful and loving family, for the freedom to worship as I choose, for true friends, for a roof over my head and food on the table, for this great country, and for so much more. These are things I’m grateful for every day, not just on the fourth Thursday of November. To be truly thankful is to stay aware of our blessings daily. I’ll also be praying for the protection of those freedoms and blessings as they continue to face persistent threats, both foreign and domestic.

Let’s also keep in mind the selfless Americans who are separated from their loved ones while serving to defend our freedoms.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful day.

Cheers!

Remembering Blessed Miguel Pro

This was originally posted November 23, 2013, and shared nearly annually on this date. This is not ancient history and should not be forgotten. 

November 23 is the Feast Day of Blessed Miguel Pro. Born on January 13, 1891, in Guadalupe, Mexico, Miguel Pro was ordained a Jesuit priest in Belgium in 1925. He returned to his home country in 1926, in the midst of that country's Cristeros War. After being falsely accused of an attempted bombing, Father Pro was executed by government forces without trial.

Blessed Miguel Pro's final request was to be allowed to pray to his heavenly Father.

After which he refused a blindfold and faced the firing squad bravely, proclaiming ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Father Pro's executioners initially failed at their task, and the deed was finished at point blank range.

I am saddened, but hardly surprised, at the ignorance of the American public regarding the persecution of Catholics, and of the Cristero War that took place in Mexico in 1926 through 1929. Some 250,000 people lost their lives in a persecution that was supported by the government of the United States with both funds and air support. Given the ever-growing intolerance towards Christians, especially Catholics, in the United States, we would do well to remember.

Christ the King, by the intercession of Blessed Miguel Pro, I beg you to answer my prayers. Give me the grace and the strength necessary to follow your heroic example and to live my Catholic faith in spite of all temptations and adversities. Amen.

Images from Wikipedia.

Five O'Clock Friday: Less Day-Drinking

It's hard to day-drink without the day.

Cheers!

Image courtesy of Bourbon Brotherhood Facebook page.

A Rainy-Day Pairing: Davidoff Signature 1000 and Coffee

It’s not all cigars and bourbon around here — sometimes it’s cigars and coffee. Such was the case on a recent rainy afternoon. I felt like a quick smoke and reached for a Davidoff Signature 1000. With a mug of mocha-flavored coffee in hand, I retreated to the screened porch.

I’d pre-warmed the space with a small electric radiator, and with a sweatshirt on, the outdoor setup was surprisingly comfortable despite the weather.

The Davidoff Signature 1000 is a small 4 5/8″ × 34 ring gauge cigar. I received a box of these petit panetela smokes from a good friend this past spring as a surgery-recovery celebratory gift. I've smoked a couple of them and find the cigar to be surprisingly enjoyable. There are not a lot of mild cigars that I would enjoy regularly, but this one is an exceptional accompaniment to a cup of afternoon coffee.

The Ecuador Connecticut wrapper and Dominican binder and fillers deliver a creamy, coffee-leaning profile with a touch of sweetness and a hint of pepper. And at about a 20-minute burn time, it’s just right for a quick afternoon break.

Cheers!

Pairing The Banker Annuity with Chattanooga Single Barrel

I had the cigar I wanted to smoke in hand — the H. Upmann The Banker Annuity. I knew it to be a medium-bodied smoke, perhaps even leaning even a bit milder. Scanning the whiskies on the shelf, I was torn. I was in the mood for a higher proof pour but didn’t want to overwhelm the cigar. I settled on the Chattanooga Whiskey Single Barrel Bourbon. Despite its 121.2 proof, I recalled it drinking on the milder side.

H. Upmann positions The Banker as a tribute to the brand’s founders — the Upmann brothers, German bankers who produced a special Cuban cigar in the 1800s for their most important clients. The modern line carries that inspiration forward.

The Annuity vitola is a 6″ × 52 with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and aged Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. This stick had been resting in my humidor for nine weeks.

Chattanooga's Single Barrel is a “High Malt” bourbon made as part of the distillery’s single barrel and experimental programs. The mash bills feature at least 25% specialty malted grains, supplementing corn with malted barley and other malts. This particular barrel, B091, incorporates Yellow Corn, Malted Rye, Caramel Malted Barley, and Honey Malted Barley, and was aged at least four years.

Going into the pairing, The H. Upmann landed firmly at a low-medium body with cedar, almond, pepper, and coffee forming the core profile. A touch of sweetness developed late. The burn was wavy and required several touch-ups, though the ash itself held well.

The Chattanooga Single Barrel delivered dessert-like flavors — caramel, honey, citrus, and a hint of char. The finish was sweet and bready, capped with a bit more heat than ideal for the cigar. A few drops of water helped bring forward the fruit and soften the finish, creating a more harmonious combination.

As I settled into the smoke and sip, I enjoyed the shared dessert tones of the pairing, even if it didn’t quite rise to the level of exceptional. I did pour a little more whiskey as the 90-minute session continued, and despite the burn issues, the cigar stayed cool and enjoyable down to a finger-warming nub. In the end, the two may not have been a perfect match, but they proved satisfying companions — a pairing that came together even better than I first expected.

Cheers!

Breaking the Porch Routine for an Afternoon at Hogshead

It’s been far too long since I’ve paid a visit to Hogshead Cigar Lounge. Oddly enough, enjoying a smoke at my local brick-and-mortar used to be almost a weekly ritual just a couple of years ago. In theory, retiring last year should have meant I’d visit even more often — a theory that hasn’t panned out. Recovery from back surgery certainly kept me home for a while, but that’s no longer much of a factor.

In truth, convenience has won out. I have a well-stocked humidor at home, and the newly renovated screened porch right off the kitchen makes for a very comfortable smoking spot. Even with colder weather settling in, the heater and air purifier make the space perfectly usable. And of course, it’s right there — no need to hop in the car and drive 30 minutes.

Still, the lure of leather chairs and the chance for conversation finally won me over this week, and I headed to my favorite cigar lounge for a visit.

As expected for a weekday afternoon, the lounge was quiet. A steady flow of customers came and went, but few stayed to smoke. I settled in with my cigar of choice — the Black Label Trading Company Eletto.

Italian for “the chosen one,” the Eletto is a limited-edition release celebrating the 10th anniversary of Fábrica Oveja Negra, the factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, where Black Label Trading Company cigars are made. Released this past summer, I hadn’t yet picked one up to try.

I selected the 6″ × 50 Toro. It features a dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, an Ecuadorian Habano binder, and Nicaraguan fillers, all topped with a decorative pigtail cap. The cigar opens with dark fruit and a good dose of spice. As it progresses, cocoa and dark licorice develop, adding depth and balancing the heat. As one would expect from Black Label, it’s a bold and complex smoke.

My smoking session lasted about 90 minutes. While conversation was limited, the visit was a comfortable and relaxing escape. Still, as I sat there sipping sparkling water, I remembered another factor that’s been keeping me smoking at home — I have bourbon in the house.

Cheers!

Cellar Surprise: Wicked Nymph Stout & Event Horizon Cigar Pairing

I pulled an old beer from the cellar to enjoy this past weekend — Wicked Nymph, a barrel-aged Imperial Stout from Adventure Brewing. The corked and caged bottle was purchased back in 2015 and had been quietly collecting dust in the basement for the past decade.

When I worked out the still-tight cork, I was greeted by a satisfying “pop” and a wave of sweet, roasted aroma. Aged in bourbon barrels from A. Smith Bowman Distillery, the beer clocks in at 10.4% ABV.

A thick beige head formed during the pour, though it faded fairly quickly. The first sip revealed rich notes of cocoa, coffee, and a hint of bourbon warmth. A touch of dark fruit sweetness lingered in the background creating a smooth finish with just a trace of bitterness. It was a tasty pour that leads me to wonder what other treasures are still hiding in the basement.

To complement the beer, I paired it with a Black Works Studio Intergalactic Event Horizon. I’d picked up a five-pack of these cigars back in July and hadn’t yet gotten around to lighting one up. The 5.5” x 50 Robusto features a dark Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper over an Ecuadorian Habano binder, with Nicaraguan fillers. It’s finished with a small pigtail cap and a mostly closed foot.

Right from the first light, I was enveloped in a rich, dense cloud of smoke — a sign of things to come. The cigar produced copious smoke throughout and maintained an impressively even burn.

Flavor-wise, the Event Horizon delivered bold notes of roasted pepper, bitter espresso, dark fruit, and a mix of pepper and chili spice. Despite its full-bodied intensity, the smoke was remarkably smooth, with a subtle sweetness that kept everything in balance.

I went into this pairing hoping the beer had aged gracefully and that its dark, roasted character would complement the cigar’s richness. I was not disappointed on either count. Sadly, the Barrel-Aged Wicked Nymph is now just a memory — but thankfully, I have more Event Horizons waiting for the next occasion.

Cheers!

Sips, Smoke, and Peppermint Bark: A Surprising Trio

Most of my cigar enjoyment over the past week has come in the form of quick smokes after dinner — usually paired with coffee, a small pour of bourbon, or even just water. When the weekend rolled around, I finally set aside time for a longer, more relaxed sip-and-smoke session on the porch. I reached for a Black Label Trading Company Last Rites Toro and the bottle of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon.

The 6” x 50 Last Rites Toro, a vitola added to the line last June, was part of the July Cigars and Pipes COTM package. The Last Rites was once one of my go-to cigars at the Olde Towne Tobacconist at the Farm before it closed a couple of years ago. Just lighting one up brings back memories of good times with friends in the cigar lounge at the brewery.

The cigar wears an oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over a Honduran binder and Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers. The full-bodied smoke delivers notes of dried fruit, coffee, and mild pepper spice throughout. It’s flavorful and well-balanced from start to finish.

As I headed out to the porch, my wife offered me a piece of Peppermint Bark — a treat she enjoys every Christmas season. She happened to have a box still tucked away in the pantry. I’ll have a piece on occasion, though it’s not usually one of my favorites.

The Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond was once an allocated bourbon under Virginia’s antiquated ABC system, but it now sits regularly on the shelf. Aged seven years and bottled at 100 proof, it’s a fine bourbon at a very reasonable price. Aromas of caramel, vanilla, and oak fill the air as it rests in the glass. The sip begins with moderately intense oak and baking spice, followed by sweet vanilla and dark cherry. The finish lingers with caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cigar’s flavor profile.

Mixing puffs of the cigar with sips of bourbon — interspersed with bites of peppermint bark — made for a surprisingly enjoyable tasting experience. I often read that cigar “reviewers” should taste cigars without food or drink to experience the “true” flavors. Good thing I simply share my experiences rather than trying to be an industry critic. (In fact, if you ask ChatGPT about this blog, it’ll tell you the same thing!)

The evening on the porch was extremely pleasant. It gets dark early now, so I’m smoking by lamplight instead of the sunset. I’m still fine-tuning the balance of ventilation and heating in the newly enclosed porch. The recent addition of an air purifier is doing wonders to clear the smoke, and I’m optimistic that I’ll be needing fewer clothing layers when winter truly sets in.

Cheers!

A Leisurely Pairing: In Cold Blood and the Belgian Blue

I’m always on the lookout for an interesting cocktail recipe to try. By “interesting,” I mean it’s preferably bourbon- or rye-based, easy to make, and requires just a few ingredients. Those ingredients should also be things I already have on hand — or can easily find — not obscure items that end up gathering dust because they’re only useful in one drink.

Not too long ago, I came across a cocktail called In Cold Blood. It checked all the boxes and sounded quite delicious, so we mixed up a couple this weekend.

In Cold Blood

• 1 oz Rye Whiskey 
• 1 oz Cynar 
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth 
• 1 Pinch Salt

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain into a rocks glass over a single large cube and garnish with a small twist of lemon rind.

Simple, right? For this round, I used the Bulleit 12 Year Rye I had on hand.

The cocktail delivers a pleasing balance of spice from the rye and sweetness from the vermouth, with a touch of herbal bitterness from the artichoke-based Cynar. It’s a fun riff on the Boulevardier (whiskey, sweet vermouth, Campari), a drink I’ve been enjoying frequently of late.

I sipped my In Cold Blood alongside one of my favorite cigars from Crowned Heads, the 2024 Belgian Blue. This full-bodied cigar offers a rich balance of pepper, caramel, and roasted nuts, pairing beautifully with the cocktail — neither overpowering nor being overshadowed.

A few shortbread cookies on the side rounded out a most pleasing, leisurely afternoon on the screen porch.

Cheers!

Accidental Harmony: L’Atelier LAT56 and Calumet Farm 10 Year

It seems to happen frequently — though never intentionally — that I end up pairing cigars and libations with color-coordinated labeling. One recent example was the Calumet Farm 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey alongside the L’Atelier LAT56 cigar. I didn’t even notice the matching aesthetics until I was taking the requisite Instagram photo.

In truth, the choice had nothing to do with appearances. Both had simply been sitting around far too long without the attention they deserved. I smoked one of the LAT56s shortly after picking them up in August of last year, and the bourbon bottle had been gathering dust since mid-2023.

The Calumet Farm bourbon was one I purchased on a trip a few years ago and enjoyed before it eventually migrated to the back of the shelf. Pulling it out again reminded me how pleasant it is. Bottled at 100 proof, this 10-year-old bourbon offers a well-balanced mix of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch as its core flavors. A mild spice with hints of honey and fruit sweetness rounds out the sip. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable “classic” bourbon profile.

The L’Atelier LAT56, a creation of Pete Johnson of Tatuaje fame, is a hefty 6 ½ x 56 cigar that somehow feels even larger in hand. This limited-production stick features an Ecuadorian Sancti Spiritus wrapper — a hybrid of Criollo and Pelo de Oro — over Nicaraguan binder and filler. The smooth roll and gold band give it an understated elegance.

The cigar opens with a mix of pepper and nutty cocoa and maintains that flavor balance consistently throughout the smoke. It’s a solid medium-bodied cigar with a steady burn and satisfying smoke output. 

The pairing of the LAT56 and the Calumet Farm bourbon proved to be an unexpectedly delightful match. By the end of the nearly two-hour session, I decided both deserved a spot closer to the front of my stash so they wouldn’t be forgotten again anytime soon.

Cheers!

Two Years Later, Back to Shooting Competition

After a break of twenty-two months, I finally made it back to an IDPA match this weekend. To say I was excited would be an understatement — and to say I was nervous would be entirely accurate. Recovering from my back issues was a long, hard-fought battle, and except for a few instances of dry-fire practice, I hadn’t handled a gun in that time until just a few months ago.

It was a cool, sunny morning when I checked in at the range. Greeting friends I hadn’t seen in nearly two years filled the time before shooting began, with more catching up throughout the morning. When it was my turn to step up to the line — in this case, sit in the chair — I felt surprisingly relaxed. 

The first stage had me seated at a table with my firearm and magazines in front of me. Downrange were seven targets, each with sections painted as “hard cover.” All were engaged while seated. An eighth target was hidden behind a column, to be engaged after running toward the chain in front. I dropped a few points on most of the targets but finished with a smile. The “first stage jitters” were behind me.

The next scenario placed us in the bed of a pickup truck. A couple of targets on either side were shot while standing. Then we knelt to engage a few more and bent even lower to hit a pair below a wall. I thought, This looks fun. When the shooting order was called, I was up first.

And indeed, it was a fun stage. The trickiest part was navigating the small ladder to climb in and out of the truck bed — and that low crouch for the final shots.

By the third stage, I felt relaxed; it almost seemed like the long absence had never happened. I wasn’t overthinking strategy or stage planning, just focusing on shooting each target. I was squadded with some very skilled shooters and tried, mostly successfully, to ignore their speed and game plans. I kept reminding myself: Just don’t skip any targets.

Next came a standards stage. Once again, the gun and all magazines started on the table. Nine targets — a mix of full and partials — were arranged in three rows and shot in priority. One target required a single head shot; the rest got two hits each. The narrow shooting area and a couple of non-threats made careful aim and some leaning necessary. One non-threat had so many pasted holes from earlier squads it almost looked like a valid target! Two of the closest targets were placed so that a shot could easily pass through into a penalty target. I figured a careful head shot was safer than the easier body shot.

I managed a clean -0 on all scoring targets, but one round still passed through to a non-threat despite my best effort at angle control. Even so, I was pleased with my accuracy.

The next stage was a classic field course — a maze of walls and fault lines. An added twist had the gun and a downloaded magazine on one table, while the other magazines were staged in a separate “room.” Every target required a single head shot.

On the final course of the day we had the option to start on either side of the symmetrical stage layout.  There was a door in the center with a through which a couple of targets were shot. Passing through the door we encountered to surprise targets in the open before advancing to an array of four final targets engaged over a low wall. The stage allowed for shooting on the move and finished with a fast string of close-up shots. I had my best run of the day here — a great way to end the match.

I shot neither fast nor with perfect accuracy, but I drove home with a grin on my face, already thinking about the next match. I couldn’t feel bad about any part of the day — not my performance, not my score. Hardly anyone seems to shoot Stock Service Pistol (SSP) anymore; Carry Optics dominates the field. But within that small SSP crowd, I finished 4th out of 8 shooters.

Blue skies, friends, and the sound of gunfire made for a fantastic morning, capped off with lunch at a local restaurant with a friend.

I’ve missed the shooting sports deeply over the past couple of years and at times wondered if I’d ever get back to competition. As I write these notes the next day, the excitement is still there. I’m already looking forward to the next match — after a bit more dry fire and range time, of course.

Cheers!

Tatuaje Tattoo and Russell’s Reserve: Autumn Comforts

Fall is here, bringing with it cool evenings. Cool is better than cold, and I’m taking advantage of that while I can. I grabbed the redundantly named Tatuaje Tattoo in the 6 x 50 Universo vitola and poured a glass of Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Bourbon to enjoy as the sun set.

The Tatuaje Tattoo is a remarkably tasty budget smoke. In an age when so many premium cigars start at $12–$15, the Tattoo Universo can still be found for around six dollars or less. And this is no gas-station throwaway. Made by My Father Cigars in Estelí, Nicaragua, it features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. The smoothly rolled cigar delivers full-flavored notes of creamy cocoa and black pepper spice. Paired with the caramel, vanilla, and oak tones of the 90-proof Russell’s Reserve, it made for a satisfying combination.

Much of my recent smoking time has been spent experimenting with the ventilation and heating on the new “three-season porch.” Before heading out, I let the propane heater take the chill off the closed space. Once I lit up, I opened a window at each end and set an oscillating fan in motion.

With the heater on low and the ceiling fan running, the setup worked nicely. The outside temperature dipped to about 58°, while inside stayed a comfortable 69°. The open window behind me allowed the occasional cool breeze to drift through without disrupting the pleasant warmth. The smoke dissipated easily, never clouding the room.

I’m sure once real cold weather arrives, keeping it comfortable will be a greater challenge. But after years of enduring winters on the old open screen porch, any improvement is a welcome retreat.

Cheers!

Quiet After the Clatter: Belgian Blue and 1792 12 Year on the Porch

It’s been a long, busy week — and a cigar-less one at that. Even Friday’s usual smoke was delayed until well after dark by contractors working at the house. Who knew roofers worked so late? When the noise finally subsided and I settled in on the porch with a Crowned Heads Belgian Blue LE and a pour of 1792 12 Year Bourbon, I felt like I’d been up on the roof myself all day.

I had chosen the cigar and bourbon early in the evening, just waiting for a little peace and quiet. The cigars have been resting in the humidor for about 11 months now. I remember smoking a few shortly after release and was looking forward to revisiting it.

Named for a particularly muscular breed of Belgian cattle, this limited-edition cigar was released in November 2024. The 6” x 54 box-pressed stick — its only shortcoming, in my opinion — features a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder, with a Nicaraguan and Dominican filler. Impressively, 75% of the filler consists of ligero leaves, the strongest part of the tobacco plant, which gives the cigar its bold character and rich flavor.

The Belgian Blue opens with a pleasant peppery kick that quickly balances into a medley of mocha, caramel, a touch of sweetness, and an earthy foundation. The medium- to full-bodied smoke is smooth and creamy, without a hint of harshness. After nearly a year in the humidor, some of the bolder edges seem to have mellowed slightly, but it remains a flavorful and thoroughly enjoyable cigar.

The 1792 Aged Twelve Years Bourbon was a VA ABC lottery “win” from 2021 — meaning I won the right to purchase it. Despite its modest $49.99 MSRP (at the time), it’s a bourbon that easily drinks above its price point. Bottled at 96.6 proof, it’s rich yet smooth, offering notes of caramel, vanilla, and cherry up front, followed by a pleasantly warming rye spice on the finish. Despite its age statement, it’s not overly oaky or tannic.

Together, the 1792 12 Year and Belgian Blue made a wonderfully complementary pairing — both full of depth, balance, and nuanced layers of sweetness and spice.

It was a cool evening on the porch, peaceful at last. I brought out one of the propane heaters to take the edge off the chill. As I like to say, “I’m not cold, I just like to be comfortable.” We converted the screen porch this summer into more of a three-season room, so I’m just beginning to experiment with balancing warmth and ventilation. It’s a process I’ll enjoy perfecting in the coming weeks.

Cheers!

A Perfect Match: Le Carême and Eagle Rare on a Fall Evening

When I unboxed the July Cigar of the Month package from Cigar and Pipes and saw the Crowned Heads Le Carême, I smiled. The Le Carême is one of my all-time favorite smokes. Then I noticed the enclosed cigar was the 6 ½ x 48 Hermoso No. 1 vitola, and I realized it was one of only two Le Carême releases I had never tried, the other being the 2018 Belicosos Finos Limited Edition. After letting it rest in my humidor for eight weeks, I decided it was time to light it up this weekend.

The Hermoso No. 1 features the familiar Le Carême blend: a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. The box-pressed stick sported an oily wrapper and was quite firm — especially toward the cap end. The draw was tight at first, limiting smoke production.

By the halfway point, the draw became even more restrictive. I spent some time gently massaging the cigar until it lost most of its box-pressed shape and began to resemble a traditional round cigar. The effort paid off, as the draw loosened and flavorful smoke began to flow more freely. It’s a constant source of wonder to me why so many manufacturers are so enamored with box-pressing their cigars these days. Interestingly, the Limited Edition Le Carême releases are not box-pressed, though the core line is.

To pair with the creamy cocoa, sweet chocolate, caramel, and espresso notes of the Le Carême, I poured a glass of Eagle Rare Bourbon. The 90-proof bourbon complemented the cigar beautifully. Vanilla, honey, and dark fruit led the flavor profile, with a pleasing spice emerging toward the finish. A long, sweet aftertaste lingered just long enough to meet the next puff of the Le Carême in perfect harmony.

The crickets in the woods were especially vocal on this cool fall evening, and I soon drowned them out with a little blues playing from the porch speaker. The seventy-minute smoke was entirely satisfying, though it reminded me that it’s nearly time to bring out the porch heater for the season. But, as they say, needs must.

Cheers!

Talking Cigars — Or Not Talking at All

The George Thorogood song “I Drink Alone” goes like this: 

I drink alone

Yeah, with nobody else

I drink alone

Yeah, with nobody else

Yeah, you know, when I drink alone

I prefer to be by myself

That chorus runs through my head often when I’m sitting on the deck with a bourbon and a cigar. It’s not a sad thought — I’m perfectly content left to my own reflections. In truth, I suspect most cigar smoking happens this way: quietly, contemplatively, and in solitude.

That said, I sometimes do miss the Friday nights at our local brewery cigar lounge, which unfortunately closed in May 2024. Those hours spent chatting with fellow enthusiasts were always time well spent. It’s no secret that I enjoy a good conversation about cigars.

A few recent lounge visits reminded me just how different those experiences can be. The two lounges I frequent most often are friendly places — as most cigar lounges tend to be — and I’ve shared plenty of pleasant discussions there. But more often than not, people are content in their own thoughts, perhaps finding the same quiet satisfaction I do.

My recent visits to the OBX Cigar Lounge were a pleasant change of pace. The atmosphere there was conversationally lively — even “robust.” Both times, I found myself caught up in easy, engaging talk that seemed to make my cigar last longer simply because I was puffing less!

By extreme contrast, a visit to another lounge this past week was the opposite experience. Besides the shop employee, three others were present when I arrived. For most of the 75-minute smoke, three were glued to their phones and the fourth to a crossword puzzle. Apart from a polite entrance greeting and the occasional crossword answer, silence ruled the room. It was morning, so perhaps that explained the subdued mood.

Where do you enjoy your cigars — in company or solitude?

Cheers!

Marking Eighteen Years of Musings Over a Barrel

It’s hard to believe, but today marks eighteen years since I clicked “publish” on the very first post of this blog. What began as a simple outlet for thoughts on the emerging craft beer scene — then called Musings Over a Pint — has grown and evolved into a space where I now share reflections on cigars, whiskey, beer, faith, family, shooting sports, with the occasional detour into other interests.

Over time, this blog has become part journal, part review, part reflection — and yes, at times, a bit of rambling. Some posts have been serious, others lighthearted, and many written simply because the words needed to get out of my head and onto the page. Along the way, I’ve connected with fellow enthusiasts, kindred spirits, and friends I might never have met otherwise.

Eighteen years is a long stretch in “internet years,” and I’ve occasionally wondered if it was time to stop. Yet each time I consider stepping away, something draws me in again — a good pour, a fine cigar, a day at the range, or a story worth recording. And so, 3,641 posts later, the musings continue.

To those who’ve read, commented, or quietly followed along over the years: thank you. Here’s to more sips, more smokes, and more reflections still to come.

AI-generated image

Cheers!

Post-Game Pleasures: My Father Blue, Perdomo Legacy, and Maker’s Mark

We traveled back to Blacksburg, Virginia this past weekend to take in another Virginia Tech football game. Perhaps we’re gluttons for punishment, but even when the Hokies lose, college football weekends are usually a good time. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t much to watch — the Hokies lost, and neither team seemed capable of playing particularly good football, so the entertainment was limited.

On the bright side, it was an afternoon game, which left the evening open for a couple of cigars after dinner. The hotel patio lights were bright, but the setting was otherwise pleasant — quiet, with little traffic or passing headlights to disturb the ambiance.

I was in the mood for a beer to follow the one I’d had with my steak sub at dinner. Alas, the hotel’s best option was a Goose Island IPA. I lit a My Father Blue as I settled in. The cigar was every bit as flavorful as I remembered, though the beer was less than satisfying. About a third of the way through the cigar, I swapped it out for a generous pour of Maker’s Mark Bourbon from the hotel bar for an instant improvement.

When the My Father Blue finished, I still had a good bit of bourbon left and decided to light up a second cigar, the Perdomo Legacy. Another robusto-sized smoke, I thought of it as simply the second half of one long, relaxing cigar. Having enjoyed it recently, I was looking forward to revisiting it, and it didn’t disappoint.

The hour grew late, and with an early start ahead, I set the cigar down a little sooner than usual. Still, it was a fine finish to the night.

This particular hotel has become our go-to spot in Blacksburg, and I’ve noticed that the ashtray on the patio always holds the remnants of previous cigars. The staff rarely seem to bother with it, so I usually empty it before settling in. Oddly, though, I’ve only been joined by another smoker once. I thought Imight have company this evening when I saw a man heading out with a cigar travel case — but he was on his way to dinner and never returned while I was outside.

After so much time on the road lately, I’m looking forward to enjoying the comfort of my own deck — and my own bourbon selection — for a while, anyway.

Cheers!

Visiting the OBX Cigar Lounge: The Outer Banks’ Only Cigar Lounge

As much as I enjoy smoking cigars on the beach or a seaside porch when visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina, it can sometimes be a challenge. Wind, blowing sand, and the occasional rain shower — especially common in the early fall when we usually visit — often put a damper on the smoking time.

That’s why I was especially glad to discover the OBX Cigar Lounge this year. Tucked inside Tap That OBX, which is also home to Shut the Barn Door Coffee (open mornings only), the lounge opened after our last visit in 2022. I’d been eager to check it out, and during this trip I managed to stop by twice.

On my first visit, I found the staff relaxing with cigars on the porch out front. After several days of outdoor smoking, I was ready for a more “civilized” setting. Mark, a knowledgeable and welcoming guide, walked me through the well-stocked humidor, where I picked a cigar to enjoy on the spot along with a few extras to take home.

The Tap That OBX bar in the front of the building wasn’t open yet — the three businesses keep different but slightly overlapping hours — but the cigar lounge staff are able to serve simple pours of beer or bourbon before the bar officially opens. I went with a local craft beer, Jimmy Buffett Ruined My Life from Swells’a Brewing to accompany a tasty Micallef Black cigar.

The lounge itself is intimate, with seven plush leather chairs. Despite the small footprint, the space feels bright and comfortable. White walls help open it up, and the air-handling system is impressive: a Rabbit Air purifier on the wall, a large air cleaning unit overhead, and a small but powerful air conditioner. Even later that day, when six of us were smoking at once, the air remained surprisingly clear.

The company was just as enjoyable as the atmosphere. That first afternoon I found myself chatting with visitors from Pennsylvania and Virginia, one of the lounge’s owners, and Mark, who stayed busy helping walk-in customers. The conversations were lively, friendly, and welcoming.

On a rainy afternoon later in the week, I returned for another visit and was greeted in the humidor by Rocco. I settled in with a small pour of 1792 Small Batch Bourbon with a Padrón 1964. The afternoon was spent swapping stories with fellow patrons, including another of the owners, Phil, who shared some fascinating insights about cigars and people in the industry.

Billed — accurately — as “the only cigar lounge on the Outer Banks,” OBX Cigar Lounge turned out to be exactly the kind of oasis every cigar smoker hopes to discover: inviting seating, friendly company, a well-curated humidor, and the option to pair it all with a good pour. I never need much convincing to plan a trip back to the Outer Banks, and the lounge has secured its place as a must-visit stop on every future visit.

Cheers!

Cigars by the Sea: A Relaxed Week in the Outer Banks

I took a short break from posting last week while we slipped away for a much-needed trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It had been three years since our last visit to the OBX, and the return reminded me why this stretch of coast is a popular destination. We've been visiting regularly for the last 40 years and still find it an amazing place — even if I am no longer tempted to jump in and battle the waves. This was not a trip packed with schedules or excursions. We simple enjoyed a laid-back week devoted to the art of leisure. We spent our days relaxing, eating well, laughing over board games, and, for me, savoring some good cigars.

Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown

Most of my smoking time was spent on the deck with a view of the Atlantic or right down on the sand, enjoying the steady rhythm of the surf. A persistent breeze occasionally forced a lopsided burn, but overall the oceanside weather cooperated nicely. I even carved out time for a couple of visits to the local lounge, OBX Cigar Lounge — a welcoming spot that deserves its own write-up, which I’ll share in a separate post.

Black Label Trading Company Royalty

As usual, I packed more cigars than I realistically expected to smoke. I like to give myself options depending on my mood, and there’s always the chance a stick might misbehave. That variety was further expanded by a few purchases at the lounge, which added some fresh finds to the rotation.

Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro

The weather turned out to be surprisingly kind. Aside from a few clouds, there was very little rain — quite a contrast to our last visit, when gusting winds and near-constant downpours limited me to a single cigar the entire week. This time, the conditions allowed for plenty of relaxed smoking sessions without interruption.

El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco

In the end, the vacation was everything it needed to be: unhurried time with family, simple pleasures, the sound of the ocean, good food, and cigars enjoyed without rush. Sometimes the best trips aren’t about doing more, but about slowing down and enjoying what’s right in front of you.

Cheers!

Smoke and Sip: New World Decenio With Four Roses Small Batch Select

A recent cool evening provided the perfect atmosphere for an extended “sip and smoke” on the screened porch. The sun still hovered above the horizon, soon to set, providing a reminder that I still need to add some sort of lighting on the newly refurbished deck and porch. The noisy chorus of crickets and frogs in the woods was in full voice, adding to the peaceful setting.

For the evening’s smoke, I selected an AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Robusto. Decenio — Spanish for “decade” — is a commemorative release marking the 10th anniversary of the original New World line, which A.J. Fernandez introduced in 2014. The Decenio debuted in June 2024. My cigars have been in the humidor for about three weeks.

This 5.5 x 54 box-pressed Robusto features a dark, silky Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder with fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras. It’s dressed elegantly with a gold foot band bearing the AJ Fernandez name, a small mid-band with the line’s title, and a large, ornate blue-and-gold main band showcasing the familiar New World artwork. I was glad to see the foot band attached with proper cigar glue rather than the unsightly cellophane tape some makers use.

The Decenio opens with the rich, dark flavors typical of AJ Fernandez: bold notes of dark cocoa and espresso, accented by a lively black pepper spice. It began at medium-to-full strength but quickly transitioned into full-bodied territory. The flavors were strong yet refined, never crossing into harshness.

The draw was slightly more open than I prefer, though not distractingly airy, and it produced voluminous clouds of smoke for a surprising 90 minutes. While the burn line wandered at times, it required no corrections.

Within the New World series, the Decenio stands out as a fitting anniversary smoke. Compared to the original New World, it delivers more pepper and espresso. The New World Dorado leans sweeter, while the New World Puro Especial — a personal favorite — offers richness but with fewer of the dark spice notes that define the Decenio.

For the pairing, I poured a glass of Four Roses Small Batch Select. This bourbon is crafted from six of the ten Four Roses mash bills and bottled at 104 proof. The nose shows a touch of alcohol heat alongside sweet dark fruit and oak. On the palate, a lively spice kick is balanced by vanilla and candied fruit, with the sweetness carrying through the finish. The bourbon’s lingering fruit and oak meshed beautifully with the Decenio’s cocoa and pepper.

The AJ Fernandez New World Decenio provided an enjoyable evening smoke. Its longer-than-expected burn was welcome, and even when it finally ended, I wasn’t quite ready to let the night go. I lingered a while longer, savoring the cool air and a few more sips of Four Roses before finally retiring.

Cheers!

Bold Flavors Unite: Foundation Tabernacle David & St. Augustine Port Bourbon

On a recent evening, I was looking for a short-ish smoke and reached for the Foundation Tabernacle David, a 5 x 54 Perfecto. To go with it, I dug deep into the bourbon shelves and pulled out a long-ignored but much-loved bottle of St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon.

The cigar had been resting in my humidor for about five months. I can’t say there was a reason for the wait other than my humidor being well-stocked with plenty of choices. The Tabernacle line has long been one of my favorites, no matter the vitola. The bourbon, on the other hand, has been rationed carefully since I picked it up in Florida about two years ago. Now about half gone, it remains a bottle I savor since it isn’t available locally through our state-controlled ABC stores.

The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars is the brainchild of Nick Melillo and is produced by AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua. The original blend features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, Mexican San Andrés binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa) and Honduran (Jamastrán) fillers. An extension of the line, the Havana Seed CT-142, sports an oily Connecticut 142 wrapper that undergoes extended aging.

While I’ve smoked both blends, I find myself drawn more to the original Tabernacle, typically in Robusto or Toro sizes. The David is one of two Perfectos in the lineup, alongside the larger Goliath (5 x 58), both released in October 2020.

A couple of clips from the sharply pointed head still left the draw slightly snug, thanks to the small foot. Once lit, the burn opened as the cigar reached its fuller ring gauge.

The opening flavors sat in the medium-bodied range, with notes of mild spice, dark chocolate, and cocoa. As the burn progressed into the wider portion, the profile truly came alive. Bitter cocoa took the lead, joined by toasted nuts, and the strength pushed into full-bodied territory. Creamy sweetness appeared to balance the richness. Toward the finish, both spice and sweet chocolate carried the lead.

The David really shines in the midsection, offering distinct transitions throughout its 65-minute smoke time. If I’m honest, the first inch is a little underwhelming compared to what follows. Perfectos are always fun and interesting, but they aren’t always the best showcase for a blend.

The bourbon was an ideal match. St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon is finished in barrels from the local San Sebastian Winery, which then reuses the casks for their port-style fortified wine. Aged about three years and bottled at 102 proof, the spirit pours a deep ruby color. The nose carries caramel and dark fruit, with the port influence unmistakable. On the palate, rich notes of dark cherry, fig, and raisin dominate, rounded out by a long finish accented with black pepper.

Together, the Foundation Tabernacle David and St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon made for a rich, indulgent pairing. The dark, layered flavors of both cigar and whiskey were perfect companions for a cool pre-fall evening, a preview of many more porch nights to come.

Cheers!

El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco: A Full-Bodied Masterpiece

I picked up a five-pack of the El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco about four weeks ago. Since then, I’ve often caught myself eyeing them in the humidor, tempted to light one up. But I try to give new cigars — especially those that arrive by mail — at least a month, preferably longer, to settle in before smoking. Exactly four weeks to the day, I gave in to temptation and lit one up on a cool evening.

El Pulpo — Spanish for “the octopus” — is the result of a collaboration between Artesano del Tobacco and AJ Fernandez, released in 2023. It wears a dark, oily Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers grown on AJ Fernandez’s farms. The Robusto Grande vitola I chose is a 5 × 56 sharply box-pressed cigar. 

From the first draw, I was enveloped in thick, rolling clouds of smoke — easily one of the smokiest cigars I’ve lit up in some time. Rich flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted nuts greeted my palate, soon joined by a dark sugar sweetness that struck a beautiful balance between bitter and sweet.

El Pulpo delivers a full-bodied yet remarkably smooth experience, never crossing into harshness. While the burn line wavered slightly at times, it never required correction. Smoke production was both ample and flavorful, providing about 75 minutes of satisfying enjoyment.

To accompany the cigar, I poured a glass of Peerless Small Batch Bourbon. At four years old and bottled at 115.4 proof, it carries some heat but is still a surprisingly approachable pour. Bold notes of caramel, cinnamon, butterscotch, and brown sugar dominate. A few drops of water tame the heat and let the flavors shine — an excellent complement to the richness of the cigar.

By the time I set the nub down, I was already contemplating a box purchase of El Pulpo. The only decision left is whether to stick with the Robustos or spring for the slightly longer 6 × 56 Toro.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday:Taxes

And alcohol tax, and property tax, and sales tax, and gas tax, and restaurant tax, and …

Here's to a fun weekend despite the government's efforts against it.

Cheers!

Twenty-Four Years Later: Remembering and Standing Vigilant

It has been twenty-four years — nearly a quarter of a century — since the followers of a demonic ideology attacked our nation. For some Americans, memories have faded. Others choose to forget or forgive. A whole generation has grown up with no firsthand knowledge of that day and little grasp of its history. Yet the events of September 11, 2001 brought a horror to our shores that the world must never be allowed to forget.

The same ideology that fueled those attacks still spreads violence across Europe and throughout the world. It continues to bring evil to our own shores as well. And yet, many remain complacent, blind, or willfully ignorant. Worse still, some within our own government aid and placate those who threaten us.

Today we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families whose grief has never faded. Their sacrifice and suffering deserve not only our remembrance but also our resolve.

We must remember what was done to us on that bright September morning. We must stand firm against it. Be vigilant, for the evil one and his minions have not relented. The threat endures.

NEVER FORGET

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the power of God,

cast into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Red Meat Lovers Cigar: A Bold Cut Above

Steve Saka says his Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Red Meat Lovers line was blended specifically to pair with a hearty steak dinner. Cigars designed to match up with particular beverages are nothing new, but one crafted for a food pairing is unusual. (Honestly, I can’t think of another.) I’ll admit I didn’t enjoy mine alongside a sizzling ribeye — but after smoking the Red Meat Lovers, I intend to do so next time.

I chose the “Filet Mignon” vitola, a 5 x 54 box-pressed robusto. It wears a dark and toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés Negro binder, with fillers from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania. The simple red-and-white band completes the presentation.

From the first light, the Red Meat Lovers shows its full-bodied nature. Flavors of dark chocolate, pepper, roasted nuts, cream, vanilla, and brown sugar come on quickly — powerful yet balanced. I wasn’t prepared for such a bold start, but my palate adjusted, and soon I was savoring the cigar’s richness.

I paired it with a pour of Laws Four Grain Bourbon, which leans dry and grain-forward with notes of cinnamon, tea, honey, and pepper. While bold in its own right, the bourbon carried a lighter profile than the cigar, serving as a counterpoint to the Red Meat Lovers’ darker and more robust flavors.

All told, the Red Meat Lovers delivers a rich, savory, and satisfying experience — spicy, sweet, and deeply flavorful. It certainly seems like a natural companion to a steak dinner. Next time, I’ll make sure the grill is fired up first.

Cheers!