An Evening with Powstanie’s Catastrophic Failure and Bénédictine D.O.M.

With dinner finished and the after-dinner walk complete, it was time to settle onto the screened porch for a smoke. I had picked up a few Powstanie Catastrophic Failure cigars seven weeks ago during a shopping spree at my local cigar lounge. This evening, they were calling my name. I poured myself a small glass of Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur to accompany the cigar.

Released by Powstanie in late 2024, the Catastrophic Failure had somehow slipped past me, despite how fond I am of their smokes. This was my first time lighting one up. The 5 1/2 x 52 box-pressed cigar features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, double binders from Mexico and Pennsylvania, and fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

The oily Sumatra wrapper is lightly mottled, nearly seamless, and smoothly rolled. It’s firm to the touch, but draws effortlessly. Upon lighting, it produces large clouds of dense, flavorful smoke. The burn remained even throughout the entire experience.

Opening notes of cedar, coffee, caramel, and baking spices set the tone. As the cigar progressed, I noticed a gentle increase in pepper and the emergence of an earthy, sweet base. Further along, a toasted bread and butter quality developed, all while the coffee and spice flavors continued to provide structure and depth — breakfast in a leaf, perhaps?

I was enjoying the cigar so much, I nearly forgot about the B&B sitting beside me. Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur is a pre-mixed blend of about 60% Bénédictine herbal liqueur and 40% French brandy, aged in small oak barrels to marry the flavors. I often enjoy it as a digestif after a good meal, particularly at a nice restaurant.

B&B is smooth, fruity, and herbal, with a pleasant honey sweetness. It’s light yet flavorful, leaving a lingering blend of mild bitterness and sweet fruit on the tongue.

The lingering honey and herbal notes of the Bénédictine D.O.M. paired beautifully with the pepper, earth, and roasted flavors of the cigar. While I was already enjoying the Catastrophic Failure on its own, the liqueur elevated the experience, adding another layer of complexity and enjoyment.

Cheers!