Smoke, Bourbon, and a Season About to Change

Spring continues to tease us here in Virginia. Winter is far from finished, yet hints of the new season are unmistakable. Bluebirds sing from the trees, daffodils push through the mulch, and cigars are occasionally enjoyed without the need for heavy coats or supplemental heat. And still, stubborn piles of snow linger from the storm four weeks ago.

Saturday evening, I ventured out to the porch to relax with a cigar and was pleasantly surprised to find the propane heater unnecessary. In fact, I left my jacket inside and settled in wearing only a light sweatshirt — a small but welcome concession to the changing season.

The cigar for this mild evening was the E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Confidant, the last remaining from a June 2024 purchase. The Confidant vitola is a 6” x 52, slightly rounded box-pressed toro, wrapped in an oily, smooth Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf. Nicaraguan tobaccos comprise the binder and fillers. The cigar was blemish-free and expertly rolled, with a firm but comfortable feel in hand.

The opening delivered a burst of cedar and pepper. As the cigar warmed, notes of roasted nuts and espresso emerged, complementing the persistent cedar. A gentle peppery spice lingered in the background — present but never dominant. Medium-bodied throughout, it proved an easy companion for the evening sip of bourbon.

My pairing drink was Blade and Bow Bourbon, bottled at 91 proof. Balanced and flavorful, it complemented the cigar without overshadowing it. Notes of caramel, light orchard fruit, and mild baking spice greeted the palate, with a relatively short finish that invited the next draw from the cigar.

Even after sunset, the temperature remained agreeable for porch sitting. The smoke lasted about 80 minutes — hardly lengthy, but a welcome respite from the recent cold. The forecast promises more of Virginia’s familiar temperature swings in the coming weeks, yet even that volatility signals that spring is drawing near.

Cheers!