Starlight Cigar Batch & Belgian Blue: A Sweet Pairing

During our visit to Chicago earlier this summer, I picked up a bottle of Starlight Distillery Cigar Batch Bourbon, Batch 0003. Other than recognizing the distillery name, I knew little about it. Starlight products are not available at Virginia’s state-run ABC stores. In all honesty, it was the “cigar batch” on the label that attracted my attention. As it turns out, that spontaneous purchase was a good one.

Starlight Distillery is a farm-to-glass distillery in Borden, Indiana, with a record of producing award-winning bourbons. The Cigar Batch Bourbon was recognized with a Double Gold award at the 2026 World Spirits Competition in San Francisco.

Of course, I learned all this after arriving home and researching my purchases from the trip. The 5–7 year aged whiskey is finished for 3 to 6 months in Brazilian Amburana casks. The relatively short time in the Amburana wood allows the bourbon to retain its character while adding distinctive spice and sweeter wood notes.

Upon pouring the bourbon in a Glencairn glass, I was struck immediately by the depth of the aroma. Sweet cream, tobacco, and caramelized sugar provided a delight to the nose. The unique and sumptuous aromatic treat had me returning nose to glass repeatedly.

Taking a sip, the pleasures continued. The first sip brought a distinctive array of vanilla, sweet cream, and dark fruit. Chocolate, sweet tobacco, cinnamon, vanilla, and toasted wood all came in to play as the whiskey coated the tongue. The profile is rich and expansive, and I found myself taking repeated sips to find all the flavor notes. The finish is mildly syrupy and lingers on the palate for an extended time.

I was so intrigued by the flavors in the bourbon, not to mention the aromas, that I almost forgot to light my cigar. So I poured a bit more Cigar Batch and lit the Crowned Heads Belgian Blue 2024 Limited Edition I had pulled out. I had recently enjoyed a Belgian Blue from the 2025 release and decided to compare it with one from the 2024 initial release that I still had on hand.. 

The original Belgian Blue was a 2024 limited-edition release from Crowned Heads, limited to just 2,000 boxes. It’s a 6 x 54 box-pressed Toro, featuring a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder. The filler is composed of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos, 75% of which are ligero leaves, the strongest leaves from the tobacco plant.

Perhaps due to the extended humidor time — two years vs. one year — I found the 2024 cigar to be slightly milder in profile than the 2025. Although the blend is the same in both releases, the 2024 measures 6 x 54, the 2025 re-release is shorter and slightly thicker at 5½ x 56. I noted more chocolate-leaning notes in the 2024, while the latter was heavier in spice and coffee, though all those flavors were present in both in varying amounts. Caramel, roasted nuts, and oak also make their presence known in the medium to full bodied smoke.

Those cocoa and mocha notes were a great addition to the pairing with the Starlight Cigar Batch. The richness of the whiskey kept the top billing throughout. I found the bourbon's burnt-sugar and caramel notes softened the cigar’s more assertive tobacco and spice notes, and brought the cigar’s darker cocoa notes forward.

The most notable flavor interaction occurred when I took a puff on the cigar immediately after enjoying a sip of the bourbon. It was then that a strong dark chocolate flavor took the lead. That, combined with the sweet cream and dark fruit components, made me think very vividly of Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials, especially those with the very liquid centers.

Although blended to be paired with a cigar, the Starlight Distillery Cigar Batch Bourbon is very enjoyable on its own. When enjoyed with the chocolate, espresso, and dark sweetness of the San Andrés Maduro wrapper and ligero blend of the Crowned Heads Belgian Blue, the distillers’ intention became clear. It's a bourbon I look forward to pairing with more of my favorite cigars soon.

Cheers!

Remembering the Martyrs of Otranto

Today, August 14, we commemorate the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of a brutal conquest during the Ottoman invasion of the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. After a two-week siege, the city fell on August 11 to the muslim oppressors. What followed was a horrifying massacre: all men over the age of 50 were executed, and women and children under 15 were taken into slavery.

The leader of the invading force, Pasha Ahmed, summoned over 800 surviving Christian men and demanded that they convert to Islam or face death. These men, firm in their faith, refused to renounce Christ.

One among them stepped forward and delivered words that echo through the centuries:

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered by their defiance, Pasha Ahmed ordered their execution. On August 14, 1480, the 800 were taken to a nearby hill and beheaded while their families and fellow townspeople were forced to watch. Tradition holds that the body of the first to die, Antonio Primaldo, miraculously remained standing until all the others had been martyred.

With Otranto devastated and its population decimated, the Ottoman forces turned their sights toward Rome. The barbaric muslim conquest of Italy would ultimately fail following the death of Sultan Mehmet II which left the invading forces in disarray. 

A year later, in October 1481, the remains of the martyrs were found to be incorrupt and were transferred to the Otranto Cathedral. Pope Clement XIV beatified them on December 14, 1771. Centuries later, on May 12, 2013, Pope Francis canonized them as saints, honoring their steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice.

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The story of Otranto belongs to history, but the lessons it teaches remain timely. Christians continue to face persecution and martyrdom in many parts of the world, often at the hands of Islamist extremists. Churches are burned, priests murdered, and believers imprisoned or killed simply for professing the name of Christ.

The Martyrs of Otranto remind us that civilizations are not preserved by complacency. They endure when people possess the courage to defend both their faith and the cultural foundations built upon it. Their witness calls Christians not to fear, but to remain steadfast, discerning, and faithful in every age.

May we never take for granted the religious liberty and Christian heritage we have inherited. May we have the wisdom to recognize genuine threats, and, should the day ever come, the courage to stand as firmly for Christ as the Martyrs of Otranto.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

When Toasted Oak Meets Dark Tobacco

As I prepared to head out to the screen porch for an evening smoke and sip, I was in the mood for an Old Fashioned. I quickly mixed the drink right in the glass and dropped in a large ice cube. In the interest of brevity, I skipped grabbing an orange peel. A dash of orange bitters made up for its absence. I did not, however, forgo the requisite Luxardo cherry.

For the spirit, I opted for Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, hoping its toasted oak and caramelized character would give the cocktail a slightly smoky edge. Despite the mixologist shortcuts, the drink proved enjoyable and flavorful.

I selected an Aganorsa Leaf Rare Leaf Reserve Maduro to accompany the Old Fashioned. The cigar uses a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. It’s a full-bodied cigar that delivers rich and complex flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and cedar, with mild pepper and a touch of sweetness emerging on the finish.

The Toasted Barrel Old Fashioned brought a mild smoky, caramelized character that echoed the dark, sweet profile of the cigar. Early in the pairing, the cocktail’s vanilla and caramel notes balanced the cigar’s sweeter chocolate and creamy notes. As the smoke progressed, the Aganorsa’s darker espresso, cocoa, and spice notes increasingly came to the forefront.

The tobaccos combined to produce a substantial, earthy Nicaraguan core beneath the cocoa and coffee. Even as the cigar became richer, the toasted oak and vanilla of the Old Fashioned complemented that richness while adding a subtle lift to the pairing.

Overall, this was a natural match. The maduro’s dark, sweet tobacco character paired especially well with the toasted oak and caramel notes of the cocktail, with the whiskey’s vanilla helping to soften and balance the cigar’s deeper flavors. The compact cigar also made for a relatively short smoke, lasting just about 50 minutes — long enough to enjoy the pairing without turning it into an all-evening affair.

Sometimes taking a few shortcuts is worth it.

Cheers!

A Cigar with a Mission: Surpassion King of Battle

Last week I finally found time to drive out to Slow Burn Cigar Co. in Remington. Travel and a busy schedule had conspired to keep me away for more than a month. I was excited to get back and see what was new on the shelves.

The Comfortable Lounge at Slow Burn Cigar Co.

I was also thrilled to finally try a cigar I’d been wanting to smoke for some time: the Surpassion King of Battle.

Surpassion is a veteran-owned cigar company founded in 2024. A portion of every sale goes directly to charities supporting our nation’s veterans and their families. I’ve been seeing praise for the company’s cigars online with increasing frequency, and Slow Burn only recently began carrying them. Surpassion currently offers three core lines, with more on the way.

I selected the Surpassion King of Battle Toro, a cigar whose name pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It features a smooth, oily American Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés binder and a blend of Dominican and American fillers. All of the tobaccos have been aged for at least five years.

The King of Battle is a full-bodied, richly flavorful smoke. Dark cocoa and black pepper start things off right out of the gate. Before long, the cigar settles into its rhythm as notes of espresso emerge, accompanied by rich fudge sweetness complemented by a pleasantly bittersweet finish. Smoke production is abundant, while the burn progresses slowly and evenly.

Bold but never heavy-handed, the King of Battle rewards a leisurely pace. Waves of espresso, dark cocoa, and touches of black pepper ebb and flow throughout the smoke, keeping the profile engaging from first light to the final inch. I happily smoked it for more than two hours, down to a warm nub.

I paired the cigar with a bottled green tea, which proved surprisingly refreshing. Even so, I couldn’t help imagining how well the King of Battle would complement one of my favorite bourbons. Since I happened to buy the last one in the box at Slow Burn, I’ll definitely be picking up a few more on my next visit.

Cheers!

Maple, Cedar, and a Summer Evening

We’ve experienced a very wet summer this year, with more days of rain than sunshine. Or at least that’s how it has felt of late, even if we’re told the region is still rated “extremely dry.” For my part, I know there are new washouts in the yard that weren’t there before, and the grass still needs mowing every week.

When the sun does shine for an entire day, it’s an occasion to get outside. On a recent weekday evening, I took advantage of the sunshine to listen to some music, sip a fine whiskey, and enjoy a delicious smoke. Despite temperatures in the upper 80s, with a “feels like” reading pushing 95°, the porch was surprisingly comfortable thanks to a gentle natural breeze and a couple of fans.

I selected the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto for the evening. The 5 x 50 stick is a relatively short smoke, offering about 45 to 50 minutes of enjoyment. A dark African Cameroon wrapper encases a binder and filler of Dominican tobaccos, with vintage filler leaves aged for as long as ten years. The cigar delivers a medium-bodied profile featuring cedar, sweet coffee, and roasted nuts, with just a touch of pepper on the finish. A natural creamy sweetness remains at the forefront, while the darker, spicier notes provide balance and depth. After six months of rest in the humidor, the cigar performed flawlessly.

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch is an American whiskey created from a blend of 60% straight rye whiskey (aged three to five years) and 40% straight bourbon whiskey (aged four to twelve years). This “bourye” combines bourbon’s sweetness with rye’s spice — the best of both worlds, if you will. On the nose, Lost Monarch offers familiar aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus zest. It’s on the palate, however, that the whiskey truly distinguishes itself. Vanilla and maple syrup arrive first, followed by honey and orange peel. The finish brings oak and pepper while allowing the maple sweetness to linger. At 90 proof, it’s smooth and exceptionally easy to sip — perhaps a little too easy.

I chose Lost Monarch to pair with the Don Carlos because its easy-drinking profile seemed well suited to both the cigar’s smoking time and the warm evening. As it turned out, the combination was exceptionally well suited to the occasion. Rather than competing for attention, the cigar and whiskey each emphasized the other’s sweeter side, making for a relaxed, uncomplicated pairing that was perfectly suited to a hot summer evening. The cedar, cream, and gentle coffee notes of the Don Carlos allowed the whiskey’s maple sweetness to shine. The maple syrup note was greatly enhanced compared to when I have sipped the whiskey alone. As the cigar progressed toward richer coffee and espresso notes, the maple character continued to deepen as well, though it never became overly sweet or cloying.

The coffee, maple, and cinnamon notes of the pairing soon had me thinking about breakfast — specifically, a plate of French toast dripping with butter and maple syrup. The flavors in a cigar or whiskey don’t have to be exact matches for the foods they bring to mind. Sometimes the images and memories they evoke are just as enjoyable. It’s all part of the fun.

Cheers!

The Benefits of Procrastination

Lately, as I’ve looked back over many of my cigar and beverage pairings, I’ve noticed an unintended trend. Many — if not most — of the cigars I’ve been enjoying recently had been resting in my humidor for at least a year, and often closer to two. That got me wondering why.

While I regularly pick up new releases that catch my interest, I don’t always get around to smoking them right away. Even after my usual month-long rest following travel, many cigars — new releases and old favorites alike — end up waiting patiently for their turn in the rotation.

As it turns out, that delay isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Several cigars I’ve smoked recently had been aging quietly for more than two years, and nearly every one has been outstanding. (I’m not talking about the truly old “special occasion” cigars that have been tucked away for sentimental reasons. Those are a different story altogether.) Time has generally been kind to these forgotten treasures.

The same phenomenon has crept into my whiskey cabinet. I’ve slowed my bourbon purchases recently, mostly because the shelves are already full. It’s time to work through a few of the older bottles before bringing home more. Whenever I post a picture showing a partially empty bottle, someone inevitably comments, “Looks like you need to replace that one.”

Unlike cigars, opened whiskey doesn’t really improve with age. But stretching a bottle over months — or even years — does have one advantage. Every revisit offers another opportunity to discover a new cigar pairing that I might have missed the first time around.

I recently came across a meme that perfectly summed up my approach to whiskey buying:

I had to laugh because it’s true.

If I’m honest, I’m generally much better at resisting a bourbon purchase than I am at walking away from a cigar shop empty-handed. In fact, I was much better at resisting cigars before I bought the large humidor. Apparently, empty space has a way of convincing you it needs to be filled.

Maybe the solution isn’t to buy fewer cigars.

Maybe I just need more shelves for whiskey.

After all, serious problems call for creative solutions.

Cheers!

Still Has the Muscle: When Boldness Finds Balance

There are evenings when only a full-bodied cigar will do. With plenty of time to relax on the porch, I reached for the lone CAO Flathead V660 remaining in my humidor. After two years of rest, I was curious whether the big Broadleaf-wrapped cigar had mellowed or if it still possessed the muscle that made it memorable.

With its Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut binder, and Nicaraguan fillers, the cigar delivers rich notes of semi-sweet chocolate and espresso. Sweet molasses and vanilla undertones balance out the dense, darker flavors, and a bit of pepper adds further interest.

The box-pressed 6 x 60 stick is heavy in the hand, and the red and silver American muscle car-themed banding over the dark chocolate-hued wrapper adds to the imposing presence. Although 60-ring-gauge cigars look impressive, they are not comfortable to hold and smoke in my opinion. However, the box-pressed shape narrows one dimension enough to make it feel noticeably less cumbersome in the hand and between the teeth.

Knowing the Flathead’s reputation for bold flavors, I wanted a bourbon with enough proof and richness to avoid being overshadowed. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof seemed the obvious choice.

This bottle is Batch A124, the first of the three releases for 2024. Bottled at 119 proof and aged 10 years, 9 months, it is one of the lower-proof and younger releases in the series, making it especially approachable. The proof is high enough to add interest but never becomes overwhelming. I’ve greatly enjoyed this bottle and will surely miss it once it’s empty.

This bourbon treats the palate with a robust profile of brown sugar, dark caramel, vanilla, and charred oak, along with a moderate cinnamon-laced finish. Vanilla and a hint of tobacco linger in the finish, which is sweet without becoming syrupy, and there’s just enough rye spice to provide a lively finish.

The Flathead’s black pepper and espresso notes dominated the pairing initially. As I slowly sipped the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, its caramel and brown sugar notes began to balance and soften the cigar’s pepper. Soon, I found myself thinking of richly caramelized crème brûlée.

As the smoke moved into its second half, the cigar's darker espresso and cocoa notes came into the forefront. The crème brûlée impression gave way to chocolate-covered espresso beans as the culinary imagery continued to fill my thoughts.

The CAO Flathead V660 and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof proved to be a balanced and thoroughly satisfying pairing. Even after two years in the humidor, the Flathead had lost none of the muscle that first made it memorable, standing up easily to the bourbon’s richness and proof. In turn, the bourbon’s sweetness tempered the cigar’s pepper, allowing notes of dark chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, and crème brûlée to shine.

Cheers!

A Porch Pairing for a Summer Afternoon

Here’s a summertime pairing that I tried on a whim, and it turned out even better than expected. Samuel Adams Summer Ale is a seasonal release from the Boston brewery that has been a staple of summer cookouts since 1995. The refreshing 5.3% ABV ale features Hallertau Mittelfrüh noble hops, lemon, lime, and orange peels, along with Grains of Paradise. The result is a crisp beer with a light herbal hop character, bright citrus notes, subtle wheat sweetness, and a gentle peppery spice in the finish.

Summer Ale seemed the perfect choice for a warm, rainy afternoon on the screened porch. Wanting a cigar that wouldn’t overpower the beer, yet still offered a satisfying depth of flavor, I reached for a Rocky Patel A.L.R. (Aged, Limited, and Rare) Second Edition in the Robusto vitola.

The A.L.R. Second Edition is a cigar I’ve enjoyed frequently over the years, resulting in numerous mentions here in these Musings. Wrapped in Mexican San Andrés leaf over a Honduran binder and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, the medium-bodied smoke delivers satisfying richness while remaining remarkably balanced. Rocky Patel ages the cigars for two years after rolling, and this particular example had spent an additional 22 months resting in my humidor.

The cigar kicks off with notes of espresso and cocoa. As expected from the San Andrés wrapper, a sweet earthiness balances those darker flavors. Rather than dominating the palate, the wrapper’s natural sweetness softens the bitterness of the espresso and cocoa, creating a rich yet approachable combination.

Medium-bodied rather than powerhouse in strength, the A.L.R. Second Edition emphasizes balance over intensity, making it an ideal companion for Samuel Adams Summer Ale. The beer’s bright citrus, wheat, and subtle spice refresh the palate between draws, lifting the cigar’s espresso, chocolate, and earthy sweetness while providing a crisp contrast to its darker flavors.

Pairing cigars and beer isn’t always about matching intensity. Sometimes the better approach is finding complementary flavors that allow each to shine. In this case, the citrus brightness of the Summer Ale and the earthy sweetness of the San Andrés-wrapped A.L.R. Second Edition came together in a way that was both balanced and thoroughly enjoyable.

Cheers!

An After-Dinner Pairing: Angel’s Envy & Perdomo Reserve Maduro

The run of pleasant weather offered another opportunity for an after-dinner smoke and sip on the screened porch. I reached into the humidor for an aged Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Maduro Epicure, one remaining from a purchase about two and a half years ago. After that extended rest, I expected the cigar’s flavors to have melded beautifully.

The Epicure vitola is a 6 × 54 box-pressed cigar featuring a six-year-old Cuban-seed Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper that spent an additional 14 months aging in bourbon barrels. The binder and filler are also said to be 6-year-aged Cuban-seed Nicaraguan tobaccos. Remembering the espresso and nutty sweetness I’d enjoyed from this cigar in the past, I searched for a bourbon with a similarly dessert-like profile.

I selected an old favorite, Angel's Envy Bourbon Port Wine Barrel Finish. One of the first examples of secondary barrel finishing in American whiskey, Angel's Envy helped popularize the concept. The bourbon undergoes a standard four to six years of aging in new charred oak before spending an additional six months in Portuguese ruby port wine barrels. Although bottled at a modest 86.6 proof, the added layer of dark-fruit richness never obscures the bourbon’s familiar caramel, vanilla, and oak character.

The bourbon barrel aging of the wrapper leaf for the Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Maduro adds a layer of sweetness, softening the darker notes typical of the Maduro wrapper. That added sweetness, combined with the dark fruit and vanilla of the whiskey, created an indulgent pairing for this evening's repast.

The Perdomo cigar kicks off with espresso and cocoa notes. Alongside Angel’s Envy’s vanilla and caramel sweetness, the pairing felt decadent from the first draw. As the cigar developed, the molasses and dark chocolate notes became more pronounced. The bourbon’s candied fruit gently softens the cigar’s peppery edge. As the pairing continues and the fruit, chocolate, and coffee notes intertwine, my thoughts drifted to crème brûlée and tiramisu.

The cigar picks up more of a roasted character toward the finish. Rich tobacco and dark chocolate move to the forefront. The rich fruit sweetness from the Angel’s Envy lingers alongside those flavors, bringing to mind dark chocolate-covered coffee beans and cherries.

Secondary barrel finishing has become increasingly popular in recent years, helped in no small part by the growing number of “cigar blend” whiskies. Whether bourbon- or Scotch-based, I can rarely resist these releases when I spot them on store shelves. As I savored this after-dinner pairing this evening, it struck me that Angel’s Envy is particularly well suited to cigar pairing, even though it wasn’t conceived or marketed with that purpose in mind.

“Dessert-like” may be an overused description in bourbon, cigar, beer, and cocktail reviews — even here in these Musings. In the case of Angel’s Envy Bourbon Port Wine Barrel Finish paired with the Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Maduro, however, the description seems entirely appropriate.

Cheers!

The Overnighter: A Bold Cocktail and Cigar Pairing

The Overnighter cocktail is a four-ingredient drink that’s right up my alley as a fan of bitter and sweet combinations. It’s a flavorful, well-balanced cocktail that’s every bit as enjoyable as it is easy to make.

The Overnighter

• 1.5 oz Rye Whiskey
• .75 oz 22.5 ml Campari
• 1 oz Dry Vermouth
• .25 oz Bénédictine
• Orange wheel for garnish

Combine the liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain over a large ice cube into a rocks glass and garnish with the orange wheel. Some recipes call for a smoked orange wheel, which would undoubtedly add another layer of complexity.

I used 90-proof Sazerac Rye for my drink. The Overnighter is moderately strong and meant to be sipped slowly, allowing its contrasting bitter and sweet notes to unfold with each taste.

I’ve seen some versions of the recipe call for ¾ ounce of Bénédictine. I tried one using ½ ounce and found the resulting drink a bit too sweet for my taste. The quarter-ounce measure keeps the herbal liqueur in balance, adding depth without overwhelming the other ingredients.

A bold cocktail like the Overnighter calls for an equally bold, well-balanced cigar. I reached for the El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco, a cigar I’ve enjoyed often and was one of my favorite cigars of 2025.

The cigar’s rich notes of dark chocolate, black coffee, and roasted nuts paired beautifully with the Overnighter. It had been a while since I’d smoked an El Pulpo, despite still having an unopened box resting in the humidor. This smoke served as a welcome reminder to crack open that box in the near future.

Cheers!

Toasted Oak, a Cigar, and a Summer Evening

Not long ago, a friend recommended Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon to me. Knowing we share a similar appreciation for well-crafted bourbons, it seemed like a recommendation worth following. During a recent it out of state road trip, I made a quick shopping stop and spotted a bottle on the shelf. Even though it’s readily available at home, I picked it up while the recommendation was still fresh in my mind.

I cracked open the bottle one evening last week and enjoyed a pour while relaxing indoors. After an evening with the bourbon on its own, the question became which cigar would best complement its rich toasted sweetness.

We’ve enjoyed a brief respite from the summer heat over the past few days, making time on the porch with a cigar and bourbon especially enjoyable. It also provided the perfect opportunity to pair the Elijah Craig with an E.P. Carrillo Pledge Purple.

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon uses the same mash bill as several of Heaven Hill’s other bourbons. The change occurs in the finishing process. After the usual maturation process, the bourbon spends additional time in a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel. The lighter toast is said to emphasize sweeter, dessert-like flavors rather than the deeper oak influence associated with a heavier char. The bourbon is bottled at 94 proof.

The aroma from the glass is quite rich, with delightful notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and even some chocolate. The first sip brings baking spices. They soon give way to toffee and caramel, along with lightly toasted wood. The finish lingers with cocoa, oak, and a pleasing hint of smokiness. From the start, I was thinking not only of suitable companion cigars, but also that the toasted bourbon would make a great Old Fashioned.

The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Purple has been sitting in the humidor since I purchased a box in March. The Purple was created to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the highly regarded Pledge line. It uses the same Havana-seed Connecticut wrapper from that original crop which has now been aged an additional five years. Beneath that well-aged wrapper lies a Mexican binder and Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí, Condega, and Ometepe. The Toro vitola is sharply boxed and measures 6 x 54. 

The Pledge Purple profile is complex yet refined and balanced. Throughout the smoke, a blend of cedar, roasted nuts, espresso, cocoa, and mild spice treat the taste buds. The overall impression is creamy and earthy, with a mild natural sweetness to balance the bitter notes.

Enjoyed together, the caramel and toasted notes of the bourbon seemed to accentuate the natural sweetness of the cigar’s aged wrapper. Each leaves a lingering finish that complements the other. Though the bourbon and cigar offered contrasting flavor profiles, they remained remarkably balanced. Neither dominated the pairing, allowing each to complement the other while retaining its own distinct character.

Throughout the 90-minute smoke, I also delighted in the welcome weather. A July evening with temperatures below 80° and humidity under 50 percent provided the perfect backdrop for the pairing. It proved to be one of those evenings where neither the cigar nor the bourbon demanded center stage. Instead, each quietly elevated the other, making for an exceptionally relaxing summer evening.

Cheers!

A Pairing Rooted in Tradition

Perhaps I’ve been feeling nostalgic about our visits to Italy, or perhaps the warm summer evenings have simply had me reaching for lighter, shorter cigar and beverage pairings. Whatever the reason, I’ve been enjoying sipping various amari and other digestif-style beverages after dinner. On one recent evening, I reached for a bottle of Amaro Nonino Quintessentia. Fittingly, I paired it with a Toscano Antico.

Amaro Nonino is an Italian herbal liqueur built on a base of grappa, the grape-pomace spirit for which the Nonino family is renowned. The grappa is infused with a wide assortment of herbs, flowers, bark, and roots before being refined with aged Nonino grape distillate.

The amaro offers a pleasing balance of sweetness and bitterness, with the sweeter notes holding a slight edge. Orange peel, honey, alpine herbs, and a gently bitter marmalade note lead the profile. Though most often served as a digestif, Amaro Nonino is also consumed as an aperitif, most often in a cocktail such as the Amaro Nonino Spritz or a Paper Plane.

Whenever we visit Italy, one of my first stops is a tabaccheria to pick up a few Toscano cigars. Inevitably, a handful make the trip home with me. The Toscano Antico featured here has been resting in my humidor since our Fall 2024 visit.

Toscano Antico is one of the bolder smokes in the Toscano lineup. The wrapper is made from select North American Kentucky, fire-cured for over 30 days using hickory and oak. The binder leaves are a blend of Italian Kentucky, primarily from Tuscany, and North American Kentucky grown in Kentucky and Tennessee. The North American wrapper and extended aging produce a more assertive smoke than classics such as the Toscano Classico.

A Toscano Antico enjoyed alongside Amaro Nonino Quintessentia makes for more than a harmonious pairing. It feels rooted in tradition. Sipping an Italian amaro while smoking Italy’s iconic fire-cured cigar evokes a shared heritage that extends well beyond flavor.

Neither is particularly sweet, nor aggressively bitter. Instead, each occupies the broad middle ground where wood, herbs, spice, and restrained sweetness overlap. Together, they create a pairing that feels unmistakably Italian.

The Toscano Antico opens with the unmistakable aroma of fire-cured Kentucky tobacco. Campfire smoke, toasted oak, black pepper, and dry earth establish a rustic foundation that is bold without becoming harsh. As the cigar settles, notes of leather, roasted walnuts, bitter cocoa, and espresso emerge, adding depth while retaining its characteristically savory profile.

The initial flavors of this particular cigar were softer than I remember from freshly purchased examples. That gentle rounding of the profile is exactly what I expected after two years of rest, as the flavors have had time to meld and mellow.

The first sip of the Amaro Nonino introduced orange peel, honey, alpine herbs, and warm baking spices to the mix. The honey lends just enough sweetness to soften the sharper edges of the Kentucky tobacco.

One of the more surprising aspects of the pairing is how it changes both components. The cigar becomes slightly rounder and more refined, while the amaro loses much of its perceived sweetness, revealing additional layers of herbs and spice. 

As with my earlier pairing of Southern Draw Evening Primrose and Amaro Montenegro, I found that those moments are what make pairing cigars with amari so enjoyable. Neither simply accompanies the other; rather, each subtly reshapes the experience of the other. Discovering those changes is part of the pleasure.

Midway through the smoke, the cigar truly hits its stride. Deeper cocoa and espresso notes emerge. The interplay of bitter cocoa and espresso from the cigar complements the orange marmalade, toasted oak, vanilla, and herbal complexity of the amaro. Even in the finish, the flavors linger on the palate with lasting wood smoke, herbs, citrus, and sweet nuts.

As the cigar neared its end, nearly ninety minutes after lighting, roasted wood and black pepper reached their peak. The warm herbs and bright citrus of the Nonino refreshed the palate, keeping the final third from becoming heavy.  

I found myself slowing down, allowing several minutes between draws and small sips. The Toscano Antico burned slowly and steadily, requiring little attention beyond simply savoring the flavors.

Toscano Antico and Amaro Nonino proved to be an exceptionally satisfying after-dinner combination. More than simply complementing one another, they captured something of the relaxed rhythm of evenings we’ve enjoyed in Italy.

As the sun slowly disappeared beyond the trees, I found myself thinking once again of the sunsets over the canals of Venice. While I may have been sitting on a screened porch in rural Virginia rather than beside an Italian canal, for an hour and a half, the pairing brought those memories pleasantly back to life.

Cheers!

Summer Skies, a Bourbon Spritz, and a Fine Cigar

For our Sunday afternoon aperitivo, Colleen’s usual warm-weather choice is an Aperol Spritz. I’ll often join her in that selection, but this time I was looking for something a bit bolder while still retaining the refreshing character of the classic. Enter the Bourbon Aperol Spritz.

I already had the ingredients assembled for the Aperol Spritz, so all I needed to do was reach for the bourbon and adjust the proportions slightly.

Bourbon Aperol Spritz

• 1½ oz bourbon
• 1 oz Aperol
• 2 oz Prosecco
• 1 oz club soda
• Orange slice

Build the drink over ice, stir gently, and garnish with an orange slice.

The very first sip struck me as slightly out of balance, but the flavors quickly came together, perhaps helped by the slight dilution from the melting ice. With each sip, the drink became more harmonious and increasingly refreshing.

The finished cocktail is lighter and brighter than an Old Fashioned or even a Boulevardier, making it especially enjoyable during the summer months. The bourbon contributes notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak that are balanced nicely by Aperol’s bittersweet orange character and the effervescence of the Prosecco and club soda.

Naturally, I needed a cigar to accompany the spritz. Turning to the humidor, I selected an Oliva Serie V Melanio in the Robusto vitola.

This cigar was the last remaining from a box purchase and had rested loose in the humidor for more than two years. It showed a bit of damage to the foot and cap but was otherwise in excellent condition and performed flawlessly.

The Serie V Melanio proved an excellent companion to the cocktail. Its notes of cedar, cream, toasted nuts, and baking spices complemented the bourbon beautifully while allowing Aperol’s bittersweet orange character to remain prominent. The cigar’s creamy texture also paired especially well with the bourbon’s sweet vanilla and caramel notes.

As we sat and enjoyed our aperitivo, the skies alternated between bright sunshine and dark summer clouds, tempering the July heat. A brief shower finally arrived — lasting only a few minutes — but it cooled the air just enough to make the afternoon even more enjoyable. The Bourbon Spritz, the Oliva Serie V Melanio, and, of course, the light snacks alongside them all combined to make for a thoroughly pleasant afternoon on the porch.

Cheers!

A Sweltering Evening with Southern Draw and Montenegro

The news and social media are full of reports about the extreme heat affecting much of the country, Virginia included. For my part, I accept that it’s July in Virginia. Temperatures approaching 100° are neither unusual nor unexpected. However, with “feels like” temperatures nearing 110° predicted over the next couple of days, I decided to get an early start on watering the lawn while enjoying a cigar on the screened porch, when the actual temperature was only 92°.

I searched for a light, refreshing digestif and settled on Amaro Montenegro. I’ve been slowly acquiring an assortment of amari. These Italian herbal liqueurs are crafted from a variety of botanicals infused or macerated in alcohol. Although bitterness lies at their core, they offer a wide spectrum of flavors ranging from sweet citrus and floral notes to warming spices and earthy herbs. They are typically served neat as a digestif, though many also shine in cocktails.

Amaro Montenegro is one of the gentlest and most approachable of the amari. With a restrained bitterness, it offers notes of candied orange peel, vanilla, and honey. The floral sweetness balances bitterness without being cloying or syrupy. 

I selected a Southern Draw Evening Primrose for the cigar accompaniment. I've had some in the 5½ x 54 Robusto size in the humidor since June 2025. The cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper, an Indonesian Sumatra binder, and fillers from several growing regions of Nicaragua. Though the cigar features a moderate pepper component, it is balanced by a subtle floral sweetness layered with cedar, toasted nuts, citrus, and delicate floral aromas.

It was that underlying floral sweetness that led me to pair the Evening Primrose with the Amaro Montenegro.

The initial draw delivered a substantial burst of pepper and cedar, which briefly gave me pause about the pairing. Almost immediately, however, those bold flavors were tempered by notes of toasted bread and a creamy floral sweetness. I spent several minutes simply enjoying the cigar’s balanced complexity before reaching for the amaro. The combination of gentle pepper, toasted bread, roasted nuts, soft spices, and sweet citrus was thoroughly enjoyable on its own.

Taking my first sip of the amaro confirmed that I had made the right choice. Despite their contrasting flavor profiles, the pairing was remarkably complementary. Montenegro’s orange and honey notes softened the cigar’s early pepper, making the smoke seem creamier. As the cigar developed richer cedar and toasted nut flavors, the amaro contributed hints of vanilla and baking spice that seemed to emerge naturally from the cigar rather than stand apart from it.

The floral interplay between the two was particularly striking. The Evening Primrose’s subtle floral nuances were gently elevated by Montenegro’s delicate botanicals, bringing those notes to the forefront and lending the cigar even greater elegance.

As the hour-long smoke drew to a close, the cigar developed deeper roasted flavors. Amaro Montenegro’s restrained bitterness and honeyed sweetness refreshed the palate between puffs, allowing the cigar’s complexity to continue unfolding. Rather than overwhelming the cigar, the amaro accentuated its more delicate flavors, creating a balanced and sophisticated after-dinner pairing.

Despite the oppressive heat and humidity that pushed the “feels like” temperature close to 100°, the complementary flavors of the Southern Draw Evening Primrose and Amaro Montenegro provided a refreshing counterpoint to the evening. As I settled into the pairing, time passed quickly, and the summer heat seemed almost an afterthought.

Cheers!

Bright Hops, Dark Tobacco

On a recent warm evening, I got a hankering for a nice cold beer — or two — to accompany my cigar. I still had some Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA in the refrigerator left over from a recent gathering with friends, and the thought of that citrusy ale had my mouth watering in anticipation.

First, I needed to decide on a suitable cigar accompaniment. After making several passes through the humidor shelves, I finally settled on the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva GT20, with high expectations for the pairing.

The Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA is not a delicate IPA. The beer pours a deep and bright orange color with a big frothy white head — I was relieved I chose a glass of sufficient size. It opens with strong, pithy citrus notes. Resinous, piney hops come through as well. The use of whole-cone hops for dry hopping contributes a fresh, grassy profile. Though a touch of piney resin lingers in the finish, the flavor profile ultimately leans toward bright, fresh citrus. At 7.2% ABV and roughly 65 IBU, it delivers a firm, refreshing citrus bitterness supported by floral hop character and a solid caramel malt backbone.

The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva GT20 had been resting in the humidor for just over two years. The 6 x 54 softly box-pressed stick is a Nicaraguan puro with a glossy maduro wrapper. The filler tobaccos are reportedly aged for more than five years before the cigars are rolled.

The cigar began with the cedar, espresso, and roasted nut flavors I remembered from earlier smokes. After another two years of rest in the humidor, it offered an exceptionally balanced smoke with all of those notes present but none truly dominating. The white pepper finish noted in the past was diminished but not gone.

The pairing flavors provided an interesting array of contrasts. The Torpedo IPA’s grapefruit and pine notes tended to moderate the darker notes of the rich Nicaraguan cigar. Each sip cleansed the palate, allowing the cigar’s flavors to reintroduce themselves with every draw. Especially during the final third, when the Antaño Gran Reserva GT20 became richer and heavier, the Torpedo IPA seemed to emphasize the cedar and spice, making the cigar feel more vibrant and energetic. At the same time, the coffee and cocoa from the smoke soften Torpedo’s hop bitterness.

When I pulled a second bottle of the IPA from the fridge, the freshly chilled beer provided a sharp change to the pairing balance. The citrus aspect of the beer took even more of the limelight over the malt backbone experienced with the prior warmer sips. The pairing became even more engaging as the colder beer pushed the citrus character to the forefront.

After about 90 minutes, both the cigar and my two glasses of beer were finished. The sun was still nearly two hours from setting, yet the temperature had become pleasantly comfortable. We’ve been enjoying a stretch of lower-than-average humidity despite frequent afternoon showers, making for especially pleasant evenings outdoors.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday: Benefits of a Clean Palate

A fresh palate is important.

Just sayin'.

Cheers!

Worth the Wait: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon & L’Atelier LAT56

Between a busy — but enjoyable — travel schedule and uncooperative weather, opportunities to sit back with a cigar and whiskey pairing have been few over the past couple of weeks. When I finally had the chance to relax this week, I opted for a long smoke and a bold pour.

For the whiskey, I reached to the back of the shelf for Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon. I picked up this bottle back in December 2024, and it hadn’t seen much attention lately. For the cigar, I selected the 6½ x 56 L’Atelier LAT56. Coincidentally, it had been resting in the humidor for nearly as long as the bourbon had been on the shelf, having been added in August 2024.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon is a distinctive release that showcases the craftsmanship behind its production. Even the specific corn seed used in the mash bill was selected for this bottling. With a mash bill of 52% corn, 35% wheat, and 13% malted barley, it contains significantly more wheat than most wheated bourbons, which typically use around 20% wheat or less. The whiskey is aged for six years and bottled at a robust 121 proof.

The bourbon opens with an inviting nose of brown sugar, toasted oak, and cinnamon. On the palate, it arrives with rich caramel and sweet vanilla before layers of cinnamon and baking spices build across the tongue. I’ve often remarked that it reminds me of a spicy Christmas cookie.

The L’Atelier LAT56, produced by Pete Johnson at Tatuaje, feels even larger in the hand than its dimensions suggest, perhaps because of its substantial weight and firm pack. It features an Ecuadorian Sancti Spiritus wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. The cellophane had developed the characteristic golden-yellow tint often associated with a well-aged cigar. The Sancti Spiritus wrapper is a hybrid developed by the Oliva tobacco family from Pelo de Oro and Criollo seed, created specifically for the L’Atelier line. Even after nearly two years in the humidor, the reddish-brown wrapper remained soft, supple, and oily.

The cigar opens with notes of cedar, nutty cocoa, and toasted bread. As the smoke progresses, darker cocoa and espresso emerge, supported by an underlying earthy sweetness that adds balance and complexity throughout the experience.

After a few sips, I added a few drops of water to the bourbon. The slight dilution softened the alcohol and tamed the spice just enough to let the sweetness of the wheat shine through. The LAT56’s refined profile of cedar, cocoa, and subtle sweetness allowed the bourbon’s unique high-wheat character to remain the focal point without overwhelming the palate. In return, the bourbon seemed to accentuate the cigar’s creamy wood and cocoa flavors while gently pushing its pepper and spice into the background.

The pairing continued to evolve over the course of the smoke, gradually taking on an almost dessert-like character. With the L’Atelier LAT56 providing nearly two hours of smoking enjoyment, there was ample time to appreciate the uniquely sweet yet peppery personality of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon. It proved to be exactly the prescription I needed after a hectic couple of weeks.

Cheers!

The Saint with Cigars in His Pocket

Yesterday, July 4, marked the first celebration of the feast of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati following his canonization by Pope Leo XIV on September 7, 2025.

Known simply as Pier Giorgio among his friends, he was born into an affluent family on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy. An avid outdoorsman, he was athletic, adventurous, and rarely seen without a smile. Tragically, he contracted polio and died on July 4, 1925, at just 24 years of age.

During his brief life, he became known for his quiet generosity, frequently giving away money, possessions, and even his own clothing to those in need. The full extent of his charity became apparent only after his death, when thousands of the poor and marginalized whom he had helped lined the streets of Turin for his funeral.

His life of joyful charity earned him the title “Man of the Beatitudes,” a description given by Saint John Paul II, who saw in Pier Giorgio a remarkable embodiment of Christ’s love for the poor and those in need.

Though often depicted with climbing gear and a pipe, Saint Pier Giorgio’s enjoyment of cigars is also well documented. FrassatiUSA, a website devoted to his life and legacy, preserves several delightful anecdotes that reveal another facet of his warm and engaging personality.

One comes from a story titled Pier Giorgio’s Last Christmas, recounted by his friend and teacher, Gian Pietro Ravera:

Christmas 1924 was celebrated according to the Club’s tradition, and in fact about fifteen members gathered that night in a private chapel at 9 Via Ormea where Canon Bues celebrated Mass. I was among those who were invited by Pier Giorgio, who went on and on about how beautiful the Mass would be, as well as the gastronomic delights that would follow. Pier Giorgio and Carlo Pol served the Mass, and I remember how it was difficult to move in the chapel because it was standing room only.

Pier Giorgio had some cigars in his suit coat pocket, and they started to fall out when he was making a genuflection. He blushed deeply as he stuffed them back into his pocket. Then, turning toward my side of the chapel and seeing that I had seen everything that had happened, he made a face as if to excuse himself and he suppressed a smile, returning to his prayers with greater intensity than before.

I continued to watch him, and the longer the Mass went on, and the more intense and spiritually delightful it became, the more I was moved to see that group of university students follow the liturgy of the Mass with such devotion. 

Another story recounts the last gift Pier Giorgio received from his sister on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, his name day:

... we know that the last gift he received from his sister was a cigar case that he chose for himself that day while they shopped together.  Later, he joked with a maid, “Two cigars.  Today you have to give me two cigars: one for St. Peter and one for St. Paul; it's a double feast today!”

In honor of his canonization, Regina Cigars released the PGF ST-090725, a cigar bearing Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati’s likeness on its band. I had the opportunity to review the cigar earlier this year.

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati lived only 24 years, yet he left an extraordinary mark on the Church and the world. He loved the mountains, cherished his friends, appreciated the simple pleasures of life, and possessed a joyful sense of humor. Above all, he devoted himself to Christ by serving the poor with humility and generosity. These small stories about cigars remind us that holiness does not erase our humanity, but perhaps even enhance it.

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati Ora Pro Nobis!

An Undiminished Devotion: Reflections on America’s 250th Anniversary

Today, and indeed this entire year, patriotic Americans celebrate the foresight, wisdom, and courage of our Founding Fathers in declaring independence from an oppressive government. As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding — the American Semiquincentennial — Independence Day carries an even deeper significance. It is both a celebration of freedom and a solemn reminder that liberty must be vigilantly protected.

Our forefathers were explicit in their intent: our rights are granted by our Creator, not by government. Political power is legitimate only when it derives from the consent of the governed. These timeless truths laid the foundation of a nation built on freedom. Yet today, those principles face challenges — not only from foreign adversaries, but also from those within our own society who misunderstand, disregard, or seek to redefine them.

Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and secured through the Constitution is the conviction that all people are endowed with unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These founding principles remain as relevant today as they were in 1776. But freedom is not self-sustaining. It depends upon citizens who possess the character, courage, and resolve to uphold it.

Celebrating this great gift of liberty does not require ignoring the threats against it. Some, under a distorted understanding of “freedom” or in pursuit of ideological causes, seek to silence dissent, erase history, redefine language, and shame those who hold differing views. Such attitudes reveal not confidence in their ideas, but hostility toward the principles of open debate and individual liberty that have long defined our republic.

Yet hope abounds. Millions of Americans are growing weary of division, hostility, and caricatures that portray their beliefs as dangerous or extreme. They continue to stand by the values enshrined in our founding documents: freedom, faith, personal responsibility, and equal rights under the law.

Even amid uncertainty and division, the light of liberty has not been extinguished. Many Americans seek a renewed commitment to the principles of 1776 and the constitutional order that followed. Their efforts are driven not by hatred, but by love — love of country, love of liberty, and love 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. I will not quietly accept efforts to restrict religious liberty, diminish the right of self-defense, or replace the principles of a free society with ideologies that history has repeatedly shown to be destructive.

As America marks its Semiquincentennial year, may we renew our appreciation for the principles that gave birth to this nation and recommit ourselves to preserving them. Celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. And above all, prepare to defend and preserve these blessings for those who will inherit the nation we leave behind.

Happy Independence Day!

From Washington’s Notebook to the Taproom

It’s well known that early American colonists drank a great deal of beer. In an era when much of the available drinking water — especially in cities — was unsafe, beer provided a safer alternative. One popular style was “small beer,” a low-alcohol brew typically ranging from 1 to 3 percent ABV.

While serving as a colonel in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, George Washington wrote down his recipe for small beer:

“Take a large Sifter full of Bra Hops to your Taste -- Boil these 3 hours. Then strain out 30 Gall. into a Cooler put in 3 Gallons Molasses while the Beer is scalding hot or rather drain the molasses into the Cooler. Strain the Beer on it while boiling hot let this stand til it is little more than Blood warm. Then put in a quart of Yeast if the weather is very cold cover it over with a Blanket. Let it work in the Cooler 24 hours then put it into the Cask. leave the Bung open til it is almost done working -- Bottle it that day Week it was Brewed.”

The resulting beer would have been a dark, unfiltered ale. The generous amount of molasses likely imparted a noticeable sweetness, producing a flavor profile quite different from what most beer drinkers are accustomed to today.

As part of its America 250 celebration, the New York Public Library asked the New York-based Talea Beer Co. to brew a couple hundred bottles based on Washington’s original recipe for internal events. The brewery also used the recipe as inspiration for “Liberty Lager,” which is available at its taprooms in New York.

History often feels distant, preserved in books and museums. But occasionally it finds its way into our glass. George Washington’s small beer is more than a curiosity — it’s history you can taste, offering a small but tangible connection to the daily lives of those who helped shape America.

Image courtesy of the Mount Vernon website. 

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday: Budget? What Budget?

Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy cigars.

Cheers!

Welcoming Summer with a Kentucky Colonel

The first day of summer coincided with Father’s Day this year, making for a fitting occasion to spend a relaxing afternoon on the porch with a drink and a cigar. The weather was delightful with warmth and relatively low humidity.

Recently, while looking for simple bourbon cocktails, I came across the Kentucky Colonel. The drink is essentially an Old Fashioned that swaps the traditional sugar for a measure of Bénédictine, adding herbal complexity and honeyed sweetness.

Kentucky Colonel

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1/2 oz Bénédictine
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel for garnish

Add bourbon, Bénédictine, and bitters to a mixing glass. Combine bourbon, Bénédictine, and bitters in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir to chill. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over ice, preferably a single, large cube. Express the lemon oils over the drink and drop in the twist.

I selected Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old for the bourbon component. The high rye mash bourbon has strong notes of oak and dried fruit. There’s enough spice to stand up to the Bénédictine without overpowering its herbal and honey notes. The cocktail offers a pleasing melding of bourbon caramel, vanilla, and oak with the honeyed sweetness and herbal complexity of the Bénédictine.

I decided to pair the Kentucky Colonel with the Oliva Serie V 135th Anniversary cigar. All of the Oliva Serie V varieties are versatile cigars that pair well with all manner of beverages. The irregularly released limited-edition 135th Anniversary maintains the familiar blend of an Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. The 5 1/2” x 54 vitola features a tapered foot, with the ring gauge narrowing from 54 down to roughly 30 at the tip. Due to the unusual shape, the cigar evolves noticeably throughout the smoke, offering subtle shifts in flavor while maintaining the familiar Serie V profile overall.

The pairing was as enjoyable as expected. The cigar’s pepper, cedar, and cocoa played nicely against the bourbon’s rye spice and the herbal sweetness of the cocktail. The Kentucky Colonel softened some of the cigar’s peppery edges without muting its distinctive character.

I’ll be adding the Kentucky Colonel to my summer cocktail rotation. It’s flavorful and refreshing without feeling heavy, and I suspect it would pair equally well with chocolate-, espresso-, and coffee-forward cigars that carry a touch of sweetness — flavor profiles that are firmly in my wheelhouse.

The combination of the Oliva Serie V 135th Anniversary and Kentucky Colonel made for an excellent way to welcome summer: a flavorful cigar, a well-crafted cocktail, and a leisurely afternoon enjoying the screened porch and the season’s pleasant weather.

Cheers!

Bishops Blend, Heaven Hill, and a Cool June Evening

Scanning the humidor for an interesting smoke on a cool, almost-summer evening, my eyes settled on a Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend in the Corona Larga vitola. I knew the cigar had been resting there for quite a while, and when I checked my inventory in the Cigar Scanner app, I discovered I had acquired it exactly one year ago. I took that as a sign.

My thoughts immediately turned to the bottle of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond sitting on the nearby shelf. I knew it would make a fitting companion.

The Bishops Blend has earned frequent mentions in these Musings. It’s one of my favorite cigars when I’m in the mood for a full-flavored smoke. The Robusto is usually my preferred vitola, and I make a point of picking up a few from each year’s release, setting some aside for long-term aging.

The blend features an Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian Habano binder, with fillers from Nicaragua complemented by Connecticut and Pennsylvania Broadleaf tobaccos. Medium- to full-bodied, the cigar delivers rich notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, pepper, and espresso, balanced by a touch of sweet earthiness.

The closed foot and pointed cap are among the cigar’s distinctive features. They also add a bit of complexity to the lighting process. With the sharply pointed cap, it can be difficult to judge the draw before the foot is fully lit. On this Corona Larga, the draw remained somewhat snug even after the foot burned open. Annoyingly, the resistance persisted through much of the smoke, requiring frequent double puffs to coax out the cigar’s full flavors.

Despite the draw issues, I was able to enjoy the cigar’s rich profile, which paired wonderfully with the Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond. This reasonably priced bourbon is aged seven years and bottled at 100 proof. From the first pour, aromas of caramel, vanilla, and oak rose invitingly from the glass.

On the palate, robust oak and baking spice lead the way. Sweet vanilla and hints of dark cherry arrive early before giving way to a lingering caramel sweetness on the finish. The 100 proof stands up well to the dark richness of the Bishops Blend. I found the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes softened the cigar’s bitter espresso and pepper while still asserting its own oak and spice character.

The balanced robustness of the pairing perfectly complemented the cool evening. Even after the cigar was reduced to ash and the bourbon glass stood empty, I lingered on the screen porch, listening to music and savoring the quiet relaxation.

I recently saw reports that this year’s release of the Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend will be shipping soon. With another release just around the corner, I suspect I’ll once again be setting aside a few for future evenings like this one.

Cheers!