An Evening with Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro and Henry McKenna

I’ve been working through some of the older cigars in my humidor lately. The medium- to full-bodied cigars I prefer tend to lose a bit of their zing after too long a rest. However, this past Friday evening was an exception. Some of my newer acquisitions were calling to me — specifically the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro, which I picked up in mid-March. After a seven-week rest in the humidor, I decided it was time to light one up.

The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro is a stick I’d been eager to try. They’re somewhat limited and not easy to come by. Released in 2023 to commemorate Perdomo Cigars’ 30th anniversary, this cigar joins the ranks of the brand’s other celebratory smokes. I’ve previously enjoyed the 10th and 25th Anniversary releases and had high expectations for this one.

The softly box-pressed Robusto measures 5 x 54. It features an attractive, dark brown Nicaraguan maduro wrapper that’s been aged in bourbon barrels for 15 years. The binder and filler are also Nicaraguan, with some of the tobaccos aged up to 15 years as well. A large, colorful band with gold accents enhances the cigar’s festive presentation.

The smoke opens with rich notes of espresso and dark chocolate, underscored by a touch of black pepper. As the cigar progresses, a background spiciness of pepper and cedar lingers. Soon, flavors of dark fruit join the mix, complementing the chocolate and bitter espresso. Later in the session, a creamy sweetness emerges. The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro delivers a balanced and thoroughly enjoyable smoking experience.

To accompany the cigar, I poured a glass of Henry McKenna 10-Year Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. My current bottle was barreled on October 17, 2012, and purchased in April 2023. It had been a while since I last poured from it, but it’s a bourbon I always enjoy..

At the mandated 100 proof, this Bottled in Bond bourbon opens with aromas of caramel and vanilla, with a hint of fruitiness. The palate follows through with a pleasant blend of caramel and vanilla sweetness, balanced by a peppery rye spice that keeps the sweeter notes in check. Henry McKenna fits right in to the textbook "classic bourbon" profile.

Being a single barrel product, flavor can vary between bottles, but I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve tried. There was a time when it sold for around $25 a bottle. After it won Best in Show Whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, its popularity surged and availability dropped — despite the fact that bottles on shelves weren’t likely from the (unnamed) award-winning barrel. For years, it was an allocated selection in Virginia. Nowadays, expect to pay around $60 and up.

The spring evening weather was perfect — mild and pleasant, with low humidity — which only enhanced the enjoyment of the cigar and bourbon. I cherish these early warm evenings in Virginia. The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro was such a pleasurable smoke that I nearly forgot about my bourbon — though it, too, was a delight. The cigar lasted just over an hour, though it felt like much less. I smoked it down to the nub I could no longer hold, still wishing for just a bit more. 

Cheers!

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A Vieux Carré, a Cigar, and a Quiet Sunday Evening

Sunday afternoons are our time to relax, reflect on the past week, and prepare for the one ahead. It’s still not quite warm enough outside for Sunday afternoon cocktails on the deck, accompanied by a cigar, but the “apéritif” tradition continues. Since there was a football game being played in New Orleans that evening, we paid homage to the city by mixing up some Vieux Carré cocktails to enjoy with a snack.

The Vieux Carré originated at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans in the 1930s. The name, French for “old square,” refers to the city's renowned French Quarter. It’s a more complex cocktail than our usual Negronis or Old Fashioneds, but I had all the necessary ingredients on hand. Though the recipe appears lengthy, it’s actually quite simple to make.

The Vieux Carré

• 3/4 ounce rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce cognac
• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/2 ounce Bénédictine liqueur
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
• Cherry or lemon twist, garnish

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir to chill, and strain into a glass. I prefer serving it over a large ice rock with a Luxardo cherry garnish. For the whiskey component, I used Pikesville Rye — its 110-proof strength adds a nice spice balance to the bitter and sweet elements.

The balance of sweet, spice, and citrus made for a refreshing drink. We enjoyed ours with a simple spread of cheese, crackers, and mixed nuts. 

After finishing our drinks, I decided to head out to the deck for a quick cigar before sunset. The Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend cigars in my humidor had been calling my name, especially since I still have samples dating back to 2020. I grabbed one of the 2024 sticks to enjoy.

The 5 x 48 Robusto features an Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper, an Ecuador Habano binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan, Connecticut Broadleaf, and Pennsylvania Broadleaf filler tobaccos. It delivers rich flavors of coffee, cocoa, and dark fruit, with a hint of black pepper adding depth to the profile.

The weather was pleasant, though I turned on the heater for a bit of extra warmth. I kept things simple, pairing the cigar with just a glass of water while acoustic blues played softly on the radio. After about an hour of peaceful relaxation, I headed back inside, where Colleen was preparing a delicious "Seven Layer Mexican Hot Skillet Dip." We feasted on that while half-watching the football game — muting the halftime “performance.”

It was a great way to start what promises to be another cold, wet, and snowy week. Hopefully, we’re nearing the end of this long season.

Cheers!

Crowned Heads and Heaven Hill: A Celebration of Craft and Flavor

A cool Friday evening on the deck called for a robust cigar and bourbon pairing. I started the night with a small pour of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, a bottle I’d picked up in Knoxville a couple of weeks ago. I’d been eager to try it, saving it for just the right relaxing evening.

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon is a distinctive release, crafted to emphasize transparency and showcase the artistry behind its production. Even the corn seed used in the mash bill was specifically selected for this bottling. With a mash bill of 52% corn, 35% wheat, and 13% malted barley, this bourbon leans heavier on wheat than most. Aged for six years and bottled at a bold 121 proof, it promised a memorable experience—and it delivered.

From the Glencairn Glass, enticing aromas of vanilla, oak, and white fruit wafted up, mingling with what I could only describe as gingerbread cookie dough—a seasonal suggestion, perhaps? A deep inhale delivered a gentle alcohol warmth to the nose. The first sip of the amber liquid opened with robust flavors of vanilla, oak, and nuts, followed by layers of molasses, apple, and pear. The finish was equally satisfying, with a pepper-tinged sweetness that lingered pleasantly on the palate.

After savoring the bourbon, I reached for the Crowned Heads Belgian Blue LE, a new release I’d been itching to try. It had been resting in my humidor for about five weeks, as I waited for the right pairing inspiration. Crowned Heads is among my favorite cigar brands, and the Belgian Blue didn’t disappoint.

This limited-edition cigar is truly special—only 2,000 boxes of 12 were produced. The 6x54 box-pressed Toro features a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder, with an intriguing filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. Impressively, 75% of the filler is comprised of ligero leaves, the strongest part of the tobacco plant, lending the cigar its bold character. It’s aptly named after a breed of Belgian cattle known for their strength and sculpted muscularity.

The Belgian Blue hit all the right notes. It opened with a pleasant peppery kick that quickly gave way to a medley of caramel, roasted nuts, and oak. Despite being full-bodied, it delivered a smooth, creamy smoke with no harshness. The cigar burned evenly and slowly, offering a delightful 1-hour-and-50-minute experience.

Perhaps it was the setting—a clear night sky, a whisper of warmth from the deck heater, and the stillness of the evening—but the pairing of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon and Crowned Heads Belgian Blue was remarkable. The richness of the bourbon beautifully complemented the cigar’s full-bodied complexity.

So enjoyable was the pairing that I immediately ordered more of the Belgian Blue cigars while they were still available. As for the bourbon, it’s an allocated release in Virginia, but I’ll keep an eye out for another bottle. The non-wheated Heaven Hill Grain to Glass expression remains on my wish list, too.

While I rarely purposefully repeat pairings, this one is worthy of an encore. That said, the Heaven Hill Wheated Bourbon undoubtedly has other cigars waiting to complement its unique profile, just as the Belgian Blue will pair beautifully with other fine bourbons. Exploring those possibilities will be a journey I’ll savor.

Cheers!

Between the Heaters: A Liga Privada T52 and Pikesville Rye Pairing

Even in retirement, Friday evenings hold a special excitement—they mark the perfect time to unwind. This week, I started the weekend as I often do: savoring a good cigar, a delicious whiskey, and blues music on the screened porch. The cool evening air carried a hint of the strong afternoon winds, but my two propane heaters kept the chill at bay.

Earlier in the day, I browsed my humidor in anticipation, selecting the Liga Privada T52 for the evening’s smoke. For the pairing, I chose the nearly empty bottle of Pikesville Rye—a whiskey I had been reluctant to finish, knowing how rare it is to find in Virginia. I shared one of the last pours with my wife, who reminded me we’d soon be traveling to other states where I might find another bottle to replenish my stock.

Pikesville Rye is a throwback to the Maryland Rye of pre-prohibition days. Pikesville Rye was produced in Maryland as far back as the 1890's. Though surviving that dark time of oppressive alcohol regulation, it is no longer produced in Maryland. The historical recipe is now made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill. The whiskey is aged for six years and bottled at 110 proof. The straight rye shines a brilliant copper color in the glass. Notes of caramel, honey, and vanilla waft from the glencairn glass, backed by rye spice and a hint of dark cherry.

Sipping brings a pleasant warmth to the mouth. Sweet from caramel and butterscotch start things off. Soon black pepper and cinnamon join in. The rye spiciness lingers, with black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg contributing to a warm finish.

After a few sips of the Pikesville Rye, I turned my attention to the Liga Privada T52 from Drew Estate. The 6 x 52 Toro is cloaked in a beautifully mottled stalk-cut Habano Oscuro wrapper. This wrapper is produced by cutting the entire plant and hanging it intact to cure. This method allows the leaves to absorb more nutrients and oils, resulting in a rich flavor profile. A Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos complete the blend.

The smoke starts off with notes of black pepper, roasted nuts, and black coffee. As the cigar progresses a mild sweetness comes in, joined by hints of espresso. The robust spice of the start backs off slightly but remains to the finish along with hints of molasses and cocoa. The cigar, which had been resting in my humidor for three months, had a slightly tight draw but burned evenly, although it did require the occasional triple puff, and one relight, over the one hour and fifty minute smoking time.

The sweet rye spice of the Pikesville Rye was a fitting pairing for the robust Liga Privada T52. Even after taking a puff from the cigar, the flavorful finish of the rye remained on the palate.

My cozy spot between the heaters created the perfect setting for an evening of flavorful smoke and drink. I can’t wait to do it again.

Cheers!

Cold Weather Comfort: Elijah Craig 18 and a Cigar

And so it begins — cold weather smoking. When the colder weather settles in, it ways takes some extra effort to get outside to enjoy a cigar. I think "Do I really want to do this?" The answer is of course "yes" so I grab a jacket, fire up the propane heater, and go out. Once I'm settled in it's usually not that bad, and even pleasant. It's just that initial seasonal change that takes getting used to. In a few weeks, I won't think twice.

This evening I poured tastes of several whiskies from my shelves to decide what I felt like enjoying. I settled on the Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel. This is a bottle I've been nursing for a couple years. It's an excellent pour, though a somewhat pricey one.

The 90 proof bourbon emits a delightfully rich aroma of honey, vanilla, and citrus. Those flavors transfer to the palate. The overall taste is cinnamon, a sweet fruit, with vanilla and caramel thrown in. I retrospect it reminds me of an apple pie. The sweet finish is moderately long with a lingering oaky dryness.

With the bourbon decided, it was time to choose the cigar to accompany it. I decided to light up a Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada that had been sitting in my humidor since July. (Ah, thoughts of warmer days.) Gurkha is not a brand I've smoked much, but was interested in what the Cellar Reserve held in store.

The 6 x 58 Perfecto has a dark brown Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper that's oily in appearance. The Dominican filler and binder leaves have been aged for 15 years. A tight pigtail finishes the cap. The smoke started off medium bodied with leather, cocoa, and roasted notes. The flavors and body remained consistent throughout. Admittedly I was hoping for a bit more boldness for the evening. The burn was excellent, however I did let the cigar go out once when I set it down and zoned out to the music I was listening to. Overall, the Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada was a flavorful, though milder than expected, smoke.

The delicious bourbon, the smoke, and bit of dark chocolate thrown in, made for a most pleasant evening. Despite the openness of the screen porch, the propane heater at my side kept the chill away. As the temperatures drop, I look forward to trying new pairings to help warm the cold nights.

Cheers!

Rocky Patel DBS With Larceny Barrel Proof

I’d been eagerly waiting for a few months to try the Rocky Patel DBS. After letting it rest for a few months in the humidor, I couldn’t hold off any longer and decided to light it up on a Friday evening, pairing it with a glass of Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon.

The 5x50 Robusto has a distinctive appearance, decked out with three separate cigar bands—a bit of the usual “glitz” you’d expect from Rocky Patel. While it’s not as over-the-top as the A.L.R. 2, the deep brown Mexican San Andrés wrapper is still about half-covered by the bands.

The “DBS” stands for “Double Broadleaf Selection,” likely referring to the dual Nicaragua and Pennsylvania Broadleaf binders, or perhaps the Honduran and Nicaraguan Broadleaf fillers. From the start, I got a hit of black pepper that quickly mellowed into wood and earthy flavors, all complemented by a creamy sweetness on the finish. As the cigar progressed, cocoa and nuts joined the mix, making for a rich and evolving flavor profile. The draw was a little more resistant than I prefer, but there were no burn issues throughout.

For my pairing, I chose the Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon, specifically the Batch B522 at 123.8 proof. When I first opened this bottle a couple of years ago, I found the proof a bit sharp but still enjoyable. While I personally prefer the newer Batch B523, the B522 offers flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon, with a hint of sweet bread. It finishes with warmth, pepper, and spice, and the bold flavors of the cigar helped to balance out the intensity of the alcohol.

Overall, the Rocky Patel DBS was a thoroughly enjoyable smoke. Despite its $20 price tag, I’d consider buying more for special occasions. It was a perfect companion for a laid-back fall evening.

Cheers!

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva GT20 and Heaven Hill BiB

Last Friday, I was looking forward to heading over to my local brewery to enjoy an evening cigar under the trees and listen to some live music. All while enjoying a good beer of course. That afternoon they announced that it was too hot to listen to music outside and cancelled the event. Disappointing, but I reverted to my usual spot on the deck. I took a chance and put some blues on the speaker – outdoors music despite their warning. 

I've had some Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva GT20 sitting on the humidor for about 8 weeks now. Though somewhat impatiently, I've giving them some rest after purchase at a Drew Estate event at my a local shop. After some indecisiveness standing in front of the whiskey shelf, I finally selected the Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon to complete the pairing.

The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva GT20 is a 6 x 54 box-pressed stick. The Nicaraguan Maduro binder is smooth and glossy though somewhat unevenly colored. With both Nicaraguan binder and filler, it promises to be a robust smoke. The GT20 was created to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva. The blend used is the same as the original Antaño 1970 but the filler leaves were aged for more than five years. 

As suspected the smoke starts off robust with notes of cedar, espresso, and roasted nuts. The finish, and the retrohale, boasted white pepper spice. The cigar threatened to go out several times, and succeeded once, requiring a number of touchups to keep it going strong. The burn line got wavy at times never got out of hand due to the required lighter hits to keep a full burn. The GT20 is a full-bodied smoke from start to finish, and despite the attention needed by the burn, a quite enjoyable smoke.

Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond is a 7 year aged 100 proof bourbon. The pour is aromatic as caramel, vanilla, and oak waft from the glass. It's a flavorful sip with moderately intense oak and baking spice mixed with the oak and vanilla. Some tobacco and dark cherry join the finish. A pleasant caramel sweetness lingers for a long finish on the palate.

The Heaven Hill BiB has been an allocated item and hard to come by in our State (mis)managed stores. Just recently I noticed that VA ABC had removed the bourbon from their allocated list. That's a relief as this is an enjoyable bourbon, and at under $50, a bargain as well.

Cheers!

Five Years Later - A Better Way to Enjoy the CFP

As I sat down to enjoy the College Football Playoff Game Monday night, the evening treats included Elijah Craig 18 Year Bourbon.

The view brought back a similar memory of watching the 2019 Championship game five years ago. The setting and the mood could not have been any more different.

The life events of January 2019 have been on my mind lately. The background for the two evenings is eerily similar but at the same time extraordinarily, and thankfully, different!

Cheers!

Bourbon and Cigar Pain Reliever

I was looking forward to a relaxing Friday evening, but first I had to repair the blade drive belt on the lawn tractor, and then mow the grass. After about an hour, much of which was spent trying to recall the correct route of the serpentine belt, the fix was done. But not before I stretched or twisted my back in such a way to suffer a very painful muscle pull in my side. My body doesn't flex like it did when I was younger! Riding the mower afterwards was an exercise in suffering. Offer it up they say.

The evening was spent in much discomfort. However, the bourbon and cigar did provide some alleviation. I poured some of the Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond I had picked up a few weeks ago, along with a Powstanie Habano. 

The Powstanie in both the Habano and Broadleaf blends make frequent appearances on these Musings. I had the pleasure of meeting brand owner Mike Szczepankiewicz a couple weeks ago at Hogshead Cigar Lounge when he made the worldwide release of the two cigars in a new Corona Gorda vitola. The Robusto being enjoyed was one of the party favors from that evening. The Habano wrapper covers an Indonesian binder, and Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. There's a mild spice blended with creamy chocolate and woody notes. The medium bodied smoke goes well with a smooth bourbon.

The Henry McKenna 10 Year BiB is a bourbon I don't get to enjoy as frequently as in years past. It used to be an inexpensive $25-$30 bottle. The bourbon won Best in Show Whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, that combined with the general boom in bourbon popularity has caused the price to double, if not more. In addition, the Virginia ABC labeled it an "allocated" bourbon, and as such is only available at their random drops. The artificially manipulated supply as a store and typically sells out in the first rush of shoppers after the announcement.  I find it a nice, well-balanced, 100 proof bourbon with a classic caramel, oak, and vanilla sweetness.

Despite the attempt at relaxation, the night was restless. I was also shooting in the morning and would deal with some lingering pain for that. That's a story for later.

Cheers!

A Lancero and Larceny

I don't believe lancero shaped cigars are appreciated enough. The slender cigars average 7 - 7.5 inches in length, and a 38 ring gauge is typical. They do require a bit of extra attention when smoking to keep the burn going, at the same time striving to not heat up the cigar by puffing too frequently. They also require skilled rollers to produce a balanced and well-constructed cigar. As such, they are typically more expensive than their more standard sized counterparts. 

One of my favorites smokes in the classy vitola, is the Artesano del Tobacco Viva La Vida. The Nicaraguan puro is rolled in the AJ Fernando factory. It features a Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro 2000 wrapper, a Nicaraguan Corojo 99 binder, and a  Nicaraguan Criollo 98 filler. The full bodied cigar features notes of pepper, leather, chocolate and cream. It's truly an enjoyable smoke. The lancero vitola of Viva La Vida is a Luxury Cigar Club exclusive. 

This cigar was paired with Larceny Barrel Proof bourbon Larceny Barrel. This bottle is Batch B522, released May 2022. It is an "allocated" bourbon in Virginia but I was fortunate enough to hit a store at the right time to purchase it in September 2022. The bourbon comes in at 123.8 proof. This sipper brings notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, with some breadiness. It's a moderately warm finish as the pepper and spice comes to the forefront in the finish.

This stick was the last of a five pack I purchased in May 2022. I'll be looking to order more soon.

Cheers!

A Long Smoke and a Fire

For Christmas, Colleen gave me one of those iron kindling splitting stands. A couple days after Christmas, I headed out to my wood pile to try it out. In no time I had reduced a bunch of logs to smaller pieces. Placing the log in the stand and letting the weight of a sledgehammer fall on it sure beats swinging an axe. 

Now that I had all this wood ready to go, it seemed a good time to have a fire. Besides the nice weather, it was still early in the afternoon so there was plenty of time for a longer smoke. I'd been eying the 7 ⅝" x 49 Tatuaje The Frank Redux 1 sticks in my humidor I had not had the time to smoke. I enjoyed one at the lounge at couple months ago so knew it was an 2 + hour smoke. Now was the time.

The Frank Redux is a re-release of the Frank, the first in the Tatuaje Monster Series, originally released on 2008. The hefty stick boasts a USA Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, with Nicaraguan binder and filler leaves. The medium bodied smoke produces flavors of cedar and chocolate, along with a touch of sweet vanilla and nuts. 

It didn't take long after lighting the cigar to realize it called for a nice bourbon accompaniment. I grabbed the bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch to fill that void. Though it was early afternoon, I was vacation* after all. The moderate 94 proof provides a well-rounded profile of vanilla, oak, and caramel. A sweet and light warmth lingers in the finish. This is an affordable and satisfying bourbon that I try to keep on hand. (And as the photo reveals, is about due for restocking.)

I've been fortunate this year, during my attempted vacation, that Virginia has experienced relatively warm temperatures. Cool enough for a fire, but not cold enough to be need to huddle too close to the flame. As predicted, the The Frank Redux provided over two hours of pleasure by the fire before it was time to go inside for dinner.

* Vacation: A period of time where the demands of a job are limited to just a few hours a day.

CAO Flathead and Henry McKenna

To start a long weekend recently, I grabbed one of the CAO Flathead 660 sticks and the remains of a bottle of Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond. It was a great, though bittersweet, pairing. 

The CAO stick is one I've been pairing with my whiskey lately. It just seems to go so well. The full bodied smoke treats one to notes of semi-sweet chocolate and espresso. The burn typically needs some help to stay even on the square box-pressed stick, but this evening it burned extremely well, despite the ultra-high humidity from the heavy rain that was falling.

The Henry McKenna bourbon has gotten several mentions in these Musings previously. It's a whiskey I also enjoy frequently. After the bourbon won the Best in Show Whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it's gotten harder to find. Sadly, on this occasion the bottle finally gave its last, and my supply is gone. I'll need to keep an eye on the store shelves for a chance to restock.

Pikesville Rye and BLTC Bishops Blend

On a recent evening, I was looking for a strong and flavorful beverage with which to sit and relax. Opening my liquor cabinet, the obvious choice was Pikesville Rye. This one of my favorite ryes, but one that I enjoy rather infrequently, in no small part due to the 110 poof bottling. The obvious choice to accompany such a bold whiskey was another bold favorite, Black Label Trading Company 2020 Bishops Blend. 

 

Historically, Pikesville Rye was first produced in Maryland as far back as the 1890's. Prohibition killed the Maryland rye industry, the lone exception being Pikesville Rye. No longer produced in Maryland, this historical recipe is now made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill. Exhibiting a brilliant copper color, the rye looks as good as it tastes. Rich honey and caramel is backed by the strong spiciness of rye. The 55% ABV is noticeable but smooth and palatable. 

The 2020 limited release of Bishops Blend from Black Label Trading Company is one that's gotten a couple mentions here recently. It's one of my favorite cigars from 2020. I almost cringe when I light another of my dwindling stash, but cigars are meant to be smoked and enjoyed, not sit in a humidor being admired. 

Bishops Blend features an EcuadoranMaduro wrapper, Ecuador Habano binder, and a blended filler of Nicaraguan, Connecticut broadleaf, and Pennsylvania broadleaf tobaccos. The smoke features full bodied notes of coffee, cocoa, dark fruit and pepper.

I smoked this one down almost to burning my lips and fingers. Despite any numbness brought on my the rye, I played it safe and put it down before any ill effects. I'll certainly keep my eye out for a chance to restock before they are all gone from the store shelves.

Themed Cigar and Beer Pairing

It was a long week at work, er, at home, no, it's work, at home. Anyway, when Friday finally came, my phone became a little quieter, and I could relax and rejuvenate. After dinner, I grabbed a smoke I've been eyeballing in the humidor, along with one of my favorite bourbons, and retired to the back porch to unwind.

The cigar for the evening was Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Maduro. The drink was the Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond selection. 

The Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary was created to celebrate the 20-year history of the brand. (Yeah, I'm confused too.) The cigar is a Nicaraguan puro featuring a six-year-old Cuban seed wrapper which was aged in bourbon barrels for 14 months. The binder and fillers are described simply as more six-year-old Nicaraguan gown Cuban seed tobaccos.  

I had selected the 4¾" x 56 box-pressed figurado when I shopped. I was drawn in by the unique shape and the attractive, dark, slightly shiny maduro wrapper. This is a medium, bordering on full, bodied smoke. Rich earth and cocoa is balanced with a touch of sweetness. Despite the strong flavor, the smoke is smooth with an added hint of spice.

It wasn't until I was sipping the Henry McKenna, that I realized I was drinking a 10-year aged bourbon to go with the 10-year anniversary cigar. The caramel and vanilla sweetness, and oak flavors of the whiskey made a perfect accompaniment to the cigar. The 100 proof bourbon is smooth and goes down easily. Like the Buffalo Trace mentioned previously, this is another once ubiquitous bottle that has surged in popularity and is now hard to find on store shelves. 

The small cigar gave me a good 90 minutes of enjoyment. The temperature outside was quite mild, thanks to yet another storm passing by. I held on to the nub to the very end, squeezing out every bit of joy from the smoke that I could. 

Tailgate Cigar and Whiskey Pairing

The weather was nearly perfect for last weekend's college football tailgate party. The partly cloudy sky allowed enough sun to come through to knock off any full morning chill. Though rain was in the forecast, the precipitation held off until after the game, except for a few last quarter sprinkles. The mid-afternoon kickoff had us starting the festivities late in the morning.

While we snacked and chatted, I lit up a Powstanie Habano Toro This cigar had been hiding in my humidor for over a year. The well-rested stick provided creamy chocolate and woody notes throughout. A touch of cedar spice lingered in the background. Powstanie is a favorite, though I typically reach for the Broadleaf wrapper versions. I think I will pickup a few more of these to stash away.

I had also brought along a bottle of Larceny Bourbon. This wheated bourbon has caramel, oak, and vanilla notes with very little spiciness. The smooth sipping whiskey was an exceptional compliment to the flavors in the cigar.

Perhaps it was the atmosphere, or just my mood at the time, but I felt this cigar and bourbon combination was one of the most enjoyable pairings I've had in a while. 

On top of the tailgate fun, we were treated to a very exciting football game. Our guys pulled out a win in what turned out to be the longest game in ACC history. It was a nail biter at times, but a great cap off to a fun day.

Never Too Hot For A Fire

Or a bourbon. Or a cigar.

After shooting the Cavalier IDPA match in the morning, followed by moving furniture around in the afternoon, I was sitting on the deck, on the verge of nodding off. We had discussed using the fire pit in the evening, but the temperature was still well above 80º and it would have been easy to forgo the fire.

But we had an old Swedish Fire log that needed to be burned before it rotted. And there was the bottle of Henry McKenna Single Barrel which had yet to be opened. This bourbon won Best in Show Whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. So we lit the log and opened the bourbon. Of course, that called for a cigar, in this case La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Reserva Maximo.

We just had to sit a ways back from the fire.