Fuente 8-5-8 Maduro Cigar Review: Flavor, Value, and Performance

The Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 was part of the June Cigar of the Month package from Cigar and Pipes. After resting for six weeks in the humidor, it was finally time to light it up.

This 6” x 47 Corona Gorda sports a dark, toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over Dominican binder and filler. The wrapper is richly hued with prominent veins, mottling, and visible leaf seams. The cigar had a somewhat rustic look — with a slight curve and asymmetry near the cap — creating a bit of old-school charm.

 

Upon lighting, the 8-5-8 Maduro opened with bold notes of cocoa and dark coffee. As it warmed, a subtle spice emerged, and the dark coffee transitioned into a more intense espresso profile. In the final third, a pleasantly bitter cocoa took center stage. The thick, dry-edged smoke was plentiful and satisfying throughout the session.

Body-wise, it lands comfortably in the medium-full range. I paired my cigar with plain water after dinner, but couldn’t help imagining how beautifully it would complement a strong, black coffee. Unfortunately, the near-100° heat kept me from brewing a cup — maybe next time.

Despite its rustic appearance, performance was stellar. The burn line was straight, producing thick clouds of flavorful smoke. The ash held firm with no flaking, even under the steady breeze of a fan.

At a price point under $8.00, the Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 offers a flavorful, well-constructed smoking experience. It may not win points for appearance, but it delivers where it counts — in flavor and consistency. For those who enjoy a classic maduro profile, it’s a cigar worth trying.

Cheers!

A Criminally Good Pairing: BLTC Morphine & Larceny Barrel Proof

After a brief reprieve from the summer heat, July’s familiar weather returned — with it came the late afternoon thunderstorms and an early, storm cloud-induced dusk. Lately, some evenings have felt darker than the doldrums of winter. When the porch thermometer dipped into the double digits this weekend, I knew it was time for a smoke. Thankfully, the storm clouds hadn’t yet rolled in.

Looking for a quick, satisfying option, I grabbed a Black Label Trading Company Morphine. Scanning the whiskey shelf, a bottle of Larceny Barrel Proof caught my eye. Morphine and Larceny — it sounds like the title of a crime drama or the name of a punk band. Either way, it seemed like the right combination.

Black Label Trading Company’s Morphine is a mostly annual, limited release from the boutique cigar brand. The 2024 edition marks the 10th anniversary of the line, with four different vitolas offered. I picked up a few in the 5×50 Perfecto size last November.

This year’s blend features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper subtly accented by an Ecuadorian Maduro leaf, creating a nearly invisible barber pole. The Nicaraguan binder and filler are not otherwise specified. The cigar is beautifully rolled with a narrow foot and a needle-like cap.

After a couple of clips to the cap, I had an easy draw despite the tight foot, which lit quickly with a touch of the torch. The burn line expanded evenly as the cigar widened and required no touch-ups. The first puffs brought pepper, cocoa, dark cherry, and raisin. As it progressed, the profile evolved into deeper notes of espresso, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of molasses sweetness. Morphine delivers bold, full-bodied flavor, yet remains balanced and smooth throughout. Smoking time was about 40 minutes.

On the bourbon side, Larceny Barrel Proof B523 (May 2023 release) comes from Heaven Hill. It uses their wheated mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley, and is bottled uncut at 124.4 proof.

The nose opens with strong notes of cinnamon and fruit. The palate delivers a rich wave of cinnamon spice, caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit, all underpinned by that soft wheat sweetness. The long finish brings lingering cinnamon, oak, and vanilla. It’s a powerful pour, but very approachable.

I started neat, as usual, but added a few drops of water to ease the spice and allow more of the cigar’s richness to shine. The transformation was immediate: the bourbon’s sweet, dark fruit and candy-like notes became more prominent, without losing its character. Cinnamon still lingered on the finish but now played backup to the enhanced sweetness.

This robust pairing of Black Label Morphine and Larceny Barrel Proof B523 made for a fitting end to the day. Thunder rumbling in the distance added the final note to a dark and delicious screen porch experience.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday: B.B.King - Let the Good Times Roll

It's the weekend.

Cheers!

Cigar & Bourbon Harmony: Tasting the 2024 Weller by Cohiba

I’ve had a couple of the 2024 Weller by Cohiba cigars resting in my humidor since November. I wasn’t about to light up such a pricey cigar in the dead of winter, so they waited patiently. After a recent pour of Weller Full Proof, I was reminded of the cigars and finally pulled one out to enjoy.

This 2024 release marks the third annual collaboration between General Cigar and Weller/Buffalo Trace. For this edition, the binder leaves were aged in Weller Full Proof bourbon barrels — shipped from the Buffalo Trace Distillery to General Cigar’s factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The cigars come in sleek aluminum tubes (which I removed before storing) and are presented in a classic 6 x 50 Toro format. 

The wrapper is a smooth, glossy Ecuadoran Sumatra. Underneath, the barrel-aged binder is U.S. Broadleaf, and the filler blend features Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan tobaccos.

The draw was on the snug side, though it still produced ample smoke. Unfortunately, the first inch and a half developed a significant run, leaving much of the wrapper unburned. A touch-up fixed the issue, but not without some regret for the wasted leaf. Thankfully, the remainder of the cigar burned evenly and without incident. 

The Weller by Cohiba 2024 settles nicely into a full-bodied profile. Dominant notes include oak, leather, and black pepper, supported by underlying sweetness — fruit, cream, and occasional hints of sweet bourbon. Compared to the 2023 version, this year’s release has a bit more body and complexity. Overall, it was a very enjoyable smoking experience.

Naturally, Weller Full Proof was the pairing of choice. The bourbon’s rich profile — caramel, brown sugar, cinnamon, and candied fruit — drew out the sweeter tones in the cigar, creating a balanced and decadent pairing.

Yes, this is a pricey cigar and a hard-to-find bourbon, but the combination made for a rewarding treat on a (relatively) cool evening. I’ve still got one more from the 2024 release, along with a few from 2023, in the humidor. While I may not always pair them with a pour of Weller, both versions are exceptional cigars for bourbon lovers.

Cheers!

First Impressions: Hermanos de Armas Cataclysm Toro

I’d been looking forward to trying this Hermanos de Armas cigar for some time—well, at least for the past four weeks since picking up a selection of HDA cigars during a stop at Hogshead Cigar Lounge.

Hermanos de Armas Cigars is the creation of two U.S. military veterans with a deep passion for cigars. The name, which translates to “Brothers in Arms,” reflects both their bond and background. The cigars are produced at the Oveja Negra factory in Nicaragua — the same factory behind Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio, both of which I enjoy regularly.

The Hermanos de Armas Cataclysm is a 6 x 54 Toro featuring an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. A Nicaraguan binder encases a blend of Ometepe and Condega Nicaraguan leaf. The reddish-brown wrapper is oily and beautifully finished, with an impressively smooth construction.

The first draws filled the palate with an earthy, dry smoke. There’s a woody base in the initial profile, accompanied by a mild tinge of pepper. After a few puffs, I was reminded of boiled peanuts — an unexpected touch. Soon, the dry wood and earth were joined by sweet notes of molasses and brown sugar, bringing a welcome balance. Toward the end, the flavor profile deepened with hints of bitter black coffee.

While the opening minutes of the Cataclysm were somewhat unusual, as the cigar warmed and the interplay of sweet and bitter developed, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The burn was steady, and the ash held firm, forming a solid “stack of dimes” without flaking. I appreciated the full-bodied character of the smoke right down to the finger-warming nub.

For the pairing, I poured Weller Full Proof — a 114-proof wheated bourbon with notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and toasted oak, finishing with a candied fruit sweetness. While flavorful, the bourbon’s strong finish tended to mute the cigar’s more nuanced flavors. I ended up holding off on sipping most of the Weller until I was near the end of the cigar.

I still have multiple samples of other Hermanos de Armas cigars on hand, and after the pleasure of the Cataclysm, I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of the lineup very soon.

Cheers!

Weekend Trio: Knuckle Sandwich Cigar, Elijah Craig Bourbon, and Joe Bonamassa’s Breakthrough

I kicked off the weekend with a trio of new delights, combining three of my favorite pastimes — bourbon, cigars, and music.

First up was the Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Chef Special 2025. This cigar comes from chef Guy Fieri’s collaboration with Erik Espinosa and is released annually as a limited edition. The 2025 version features a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. After a month of resting in my humidor, I finally gave in and lit one up.

Cutting the cap on the 6 x 55 box-pressed Toro revealed an open draw, surprisingly effortless given the cigar’s heft. Once lit, the draw was spot-on, and the cigar burned evenly, producing generous amounts of flavorful smoke. Fieri reportedly aimed for a ramped-up robustness with the 2025 release, and I’d say he nailed it.

The first puffs delivered a powerful punch of earthy spice and espresso, enough to make my eyes squint from the intensity. As the cigar developed, it revealed layers of dark chocolate and dark fruit, balanced by a touch of sweetness. It quickly settled into a rich, well-balanced, and satisfying smoke.

Next came the liquid pairing — an Elijah Craig Single Barrel from Wegmans, labeled “Caramel Apple”. I picked this bottle up during a recent trip.

Wegmans, a grocery chain we occasionally visit locally, surprised me on a trip to New Jersey. Unlike in Virginia, their stores there sell spirits — and not just a few. They carry large selection including a wide range of store picks. I managed to restrain myself to just two: a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked store pick and this Elijah Craig.

The Elijah Craig Wegmans Caramel Apple Single Barrel sports a 10 year age statement and a 118.6 proof. The Caramel Apple pick carries a 10-year age statement and clocks in at 118.6 proof. Its sweet, fruity aroma is surprisingly mild, but the flavor really shines when sipping. A bold sweetness up front evolves into notes of candied fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak, with an overall impression of cinnamon-laced dessert pastry.

The pairing of the Knuckle Sandwich and Elijah Craig was superb. Both brought richness, depth, and a shared sweetness that made for a robust and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Rounding out the evening was the just-released album from blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Breakthrough. It’s packed with great music, though my only regret is that it’s a 45-minute studio album rather than one of his longer live performances. I’m looking forward to hearing some of these tracks in person the next time we catch him in concert. Still, the timing was perfect — the cigar lasted through two full plays of the album.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday: Be Part of the Solution

Happy Weekend!

Cheers!

Saint Arnulf of Metz: Patron Saint of Brewers

One of several traditional patron saints of brewers, Saint Arnulf of Metz is honored with a feast day on July 18.

Arnulf of Metz (c. 582–645) was a Frankish bishop, known in French as Arnoul or Arnoulf, and in English as Arnold.

Wikipedia image

Several miracles have been attributed to Saint Arnulf, but one in particular earned him recognition as a patron of brewers.

From anastpaul.com: 

It was July 642 and very hot, when the Parishioners of Metz, went to Remiremont to recover the remains of their former Bishop. They had little to drink and the terrain was inhospitable. At the point when the exhausted procession was about to leave Champigneulles, one of the Parishioners, Duc Notto, prayed “By his powerful intercession the Blessed Arnold will bring us what we lack.” Immediately, the small remnant of beer at the bottom of a pot multiplied, in such amounts, that the pilgrims’ thirst was quenched and they had enough to enjoy the next evening when they arrived in Metz. For this reason he is known as the Patron Saint of Brewers.

Today, raise a glass to Saint Arnulf of Metz and recall the prayer of Duc Notto as well.

Cheers!

A Delicate Balance: Hibiki Harmony and Oliva Serie V Melanio

I was in the mood for something different. Scanning my shelves, I spotted a bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky. Deciding to pour this sweet, fruity libation for the evening, I turned my attention to selecting a cigar. After picking up — and putting down — several options, I eventually settled on the Oliva Serie V Melanio.

Hibiki Harmony comes in at a mild 86 proof, making it a good choice when you’re looking for a lighter drink. A pleasing aroma of florals and honey rises from the glass. The whisky is light yet flavorful, with notes of fruit, honey, and cinnamon coating the palate. There’s a graceful balance of floral and fruity elements, and the clean finish carries a subtle, lingering sweetness. As a mild sipper, the Hibiki calls for a cigar that’s flavorful without being overpowering.

The Oliva Serie V Melanio made for a wholly satisfying complement to the Japanese whisky — just as it does with a bold bourbon. The well-aged, 5x52 box-pressed Robusto features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, including Jalapa-grown ligero. The smoke offers a refined blend of caramel, coffee, sweet nuts, and chocolate. Medium to full in body, it delivers depth without overwhelming the delicate notes of the Hibiki.

I thoroughly enjoyed this pairing. While I’ll still turn to bolder bourbons as my usual smoking companion, the lighter, sweeter Hibiki was a delightful diversion on a warm evening.

Cheers!

A Bold & Sweet Pairing: E.P. Carrillo La Historia E-III and Old Elk Double Wheat

A confluence of travel, family events, and a relentless “heat dome” had kept me from enjoying any quality porch time with a cigar and a drink for a couple of weeks. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the past weekend and some much-needed time on the deck.

Scanning the selections in the humidor, I searched for something bold and long-lasting — I wasn’t about to cut this long-awaited pairing short. Despite a less-than-stellar experience the last time around, I decided to give the E.P. Carrillo La Historia E-III another try, with high hopes it would redeem itself.

Now for the drink. I reached for the nearly empty bottle of Old Elk Double Wheat Whiskey, thinking its sweetness might pair well with the richness of the cigar. Time to find out.

The E.P. Carrillo La Historia E-III is a 6⅞″ × 54 Toro. It features an oily Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, with a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. Though a bit rough in appearance, the wrapper is surprisingly slick — so much so that when I tapped off the ash, the cigar nearly slipped from my fingers. It’s mildly box-pressed and dressed with a blue foot ribbon and ornate double bands. Personally, I find the taped-on foot ribbons many brands use to be superfluous and somewhat distracting, but to each their own.

The first puffs delivered bold notes of bitter cocoa and coffee, with an espresso-like intensity that built as the cigar burned on. Later, dark chocolate and mixed nuts emerged, adding complexity. A subtle lingering sweetness carried through the finish. The La Historia is a full-bodied smoke that delights the palate from start to finish.

Thankfully, this particular stick had none of the draw or burn issues I encountered with the previous one. And truthfully, I didn’t expect it to. I’m not put off by the occasional dud — these are, after all, hand-rolled bundles of tobacco leaves. It’s exactly why I tend to buy multiples of a cigar: I prefer not to judge an entire line based on a single outlier.

Just like the cigar, the Old Elk Double Wheat Whiskey was a winner. This blend combines Old Elk’s 6–8-year Wheat Whiskey with their 6-year Wheated Bourbon, resulting in a mash bill that’s 71.5% wheat, and bottled at 107.1 proof.

From the glass, the aroma is rich with sweet dough, cinnamon, butterscotch, and brown sugar — a dessert in a glass. On the palate, it delivers again: caramel, vanilla, and more brown sugar, all supported by the soft sweetness of the wheat. There’s a pleasant warmth, and a creamy, rye-tinged finish that extends the flavor treat.

I was honestly a little sad to see the bottle emptied. I snagged it in 2023 during a 50% off closeout sale, and a recent search of the VA ABC site shows no remaining inventory in the state.

The pairing of the E.P. Carrillo La Historia E-III and Old Elk Double Wheat Whiskey exceeded expectations. The rich, sweet-leaning profiles of both made for a deeply satisfying experience. While I may be out of the whiskey, I look forward to revisiting the La Historia with other sweet bourbons and wheated expressions in the future.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday: Survival of the Caffeinated

The food pyramid is just a suggestion.

Cheers!

Too Hot for the Porch: AVO Syncro Nicaragua in the Lounge

I generally don’t mind the summer heat and can usually tolerate it well enough to enjoy a cigar most evenings. But this week was especially brutal, and an afternoon smoke meant a trip to Hogshead Cigar Lounge. I wasn’t surprised to see a few more folks inside than usual for a weekday afternoon.

I picked up a few extra cigars for my humidor and chose an AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro to enjoy during my stay.

This version of the Syncro Nicaragua is an impressive 6 x 60 box-pressed treat. I don’t often reach for large ring gauge cigars, but the box-press shape made it feel more manageable in the hand. The cap was quite flat, and I didn’t want to risk over-cutting it with a straight cut. Fortunately, I carry a small cigar punch on my keyring, which worked well to open it up. Even through the small punch, the draw was very open — almost too much so. I’ve often found that large ring gauge cigars tend to be loosely packed and have exceedingly open draws.

The cigar features a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over a Dominican binder, with a filler blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos.

From the first few puffs, the AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special produced copious amounts of flavorful smoke. Initial notes included cedar, cocoa, and a sweet raisin-like note, later joined by hints of dark chocolate and roasted coffee.

Unfortunately, the burn was persistently uneven, with large peaks of unburned wrapper. I had to touch it up multiple times — really the only frustrating aspect of an otherwise enjoyable smoke. Despite the burn issues, the cigar lasted a solid 95 minutes.

Each time someone entered or exited the lounge, a blast of scorching air followed them in, a stark reminder of the 100°+ temperatures outside. It also reminded me to use the remote start on my car a few minutes before leaving.

Thankfully, the forecast calls for temperatures to drop into the mid-90s over the next few days, which means I’ll likely be able to return to the screened porch for a proper smoke and beverage pairing.

Cheers!

Port, Spice, and Smoke: Isaac Bowman Meets the Oliva Melanio

For a recent cigar and bourbon pairing, I reached for a couple of familiar old friends: Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon and the Oliva Serie V Melanio.

The Isaac Bowman is produced by A. Smith Bowman Distillery, located right here in Fredericksburg, VA. Despite the distillery’s proximity, their core expressions can be surprisingly hard to come by — even here in Virginia. The Isaac Bowman Port Finish, fortunately, is generally found on store shelves, but that doesn’t make it any less desirable.

I’ve long been a fan of port-finished bourbons as companions to full-flavored cigars, and the Isaac Bowman is no exception. The bottle bears no age statement but is believed to be aged in oak for 4 to 5.5 years, followed by a 3 to 6 month finish in port barrels sourced from both Virginia and Portugal (using a mix of American and French Limousin oak). It’s bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV).

The port influence is immediately evident on the nose, offering notes of dark cherry, sweet apple, and vanilla. The palate carries those same port-aged qualities forward — delectable hints of sweet fruit, brown sugar, creamy vanilla, and a touch of mild spice. The finish is long, warm, and very satisfying.

The Oliva Serie V Melanio has made more than a few appearances in these Musings and on my Instagram feed. I can’t recall a time when I didn’t have either the Serie V or Serie V Melanio — usually in several vitolas — resting in my humidor. It’s a versatile, well-rounded cigar that pairs just as well with whiskey as it does with beer or coffee.

This cigar features an Ecuadorian-grown Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, including Jalapa-grown ligero. Medium to full in body, it delivers a beautifully balanced profile of peppery spice, caramel, coffee, sweet nuts, and chocolate. The lingering mouthfeel is creamy and smooth.

This particular stick was from a box of Robustos I purchased in April 2024. It was brimming with the expected rich flavors and maintained an excellent, cool burn from start to finish.

The combination of the cigar and the port-finished bourbon was an absolute delight — perhaps one of the best pairings I’ve enjoyed in recent memory.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday: The Hazy Craze

Sadly, this is reflective of the options at so many pubs and breweries these days.

Here's hoping your weekend beer options are numerous.

Cheers!

Celebrate Freedom, Defend Liberty

Today — and indeed this entire weekend — patriotic Americans celebrate the foresight, wisdom, and bravery of our Founding Fathers in declaring independence from an oppressive government. Independence Day is a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed, determined, and freedom-loving citizenry. The Fourth of July, our original “No Kings Day,” serves as both a celebration of liberty and a solemn reminder that freedom must be vigilantly protected.

Our forefathers were explicit in their intent: our rights are granted by our Creator, not by government. Power is legitimate only when it is derived from the consent of the governed. These timeless truths laid the foundation of a nation built on freedom. But today, those principles face constant threats — not only from foreign powers, but from within our borders, from citizens and non-citizens alike.

Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, America was built on the idea that all people are endowed with unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These founding principles still exist today — for all.

Yet a vocal and aggressive minority — enabled by pandering politicians and a compliant media — seeks to erode the very fabric of American liberty. Under a distorted vision of “freedom,” they work to silence dissent, erase history, redefine language, and shame anyone who dares to disagree. Their actions reveal not a love of justice, but a deep hostility toward the foundational principles of our republic.

Yet, hope abounds. Today, millions of patriotic Americans are growing weary of the lies, the violence, and the constant smears on their character and beliefs. We are tired of being labeled as extremists simply for standing by the values enshrined in our founding documents — freedom, faith, personal responsibility, and equal rights for all.

Even amidst chaos and division, the light of liberty has not been extinguished. A growing movement seeks to return to the values of 1776, reaffirmed by the Constitution. This movement is not driven by hate, but by love — love for country, for liberty, and for future generations who deserve to inherit a free and united nation.

Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Roger C. Weightman on June 24, 1826, reflected on the significance of this day:

“For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

I, for one, am proud of my country. And I will not quietly accept efforts to dismantle it — whether by restricting my worship, infringing on my right to self-defense, or attempting to replace freedom with the tyrannical ideologies that history has already condemned.

So this Independence Day, don’t just wave a flag or light a firework. Reflect on what this nation stands for. Remember what was risked to create it. Celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. And above all — prepare to defend and preserve it for those who will inherit the nation we leave behind.

Happy Independence Day!

Bold Flavor in a Small Package: Dunbarton Polpetta Petit Puros

I typically drink my coffee hot and black, even on warm days. But on this particular afternoon, the heat had me craving something cooler — so I brewed up iced coffees for my wife and myself. Then I reached into the humidor for a quick smoke.

The Dunbarton Polpetta Petit Puros is a cigar I hadn’t tried before. It recently showed up in two different cigar-of-the-month subscriptions, so it had definitely caught my attention.

Originally introduced by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust as an event-only cigar, the Polpetta became a regular production line in 2023. The 4 x 48 petit robusto features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés binder. The filler is a unique mix of long-leaf tobaccos and table scrapings from the production of Dunbarton’s popular Mi Querida, Mi Querida Triqui Traca, and Umbagog cigars. (Fun fact: Polpetta is the Italian word for “meatball.”)

The cigar opens boldly, with rich notes of espresso, black pepper, and dark chocolate. A thick, flavorful smoke delivers a noticeable black pepper tingle that lingers on the lips and tongue. It burns evenly, though the ash is a bit flaky.

The Dunbarton Polpetta Petit Puros delivered about 45 minutes of bold, satisfying flavor — just right for the near 100° heat on the shaded screen porch. It paired beautifully with the iced coffee and made for a relaxing afternoon. I’m looking forward to enjoying the second one I’ve got tucked away, and I’ve already added it to my list of cigars to keep on hand for when time is short but the craving strikes.

Cheers!