Coffee and a Cuban Cigar

On side effect of the COVID-1984 restrictions is that I have more free Saturday mornings. The chances to shoot on weekends have decreased, and there's been a reduction in other activities as well. Lately I've been enjoying an early morning cigar and coffee on the deck, before the heat and neighborhood power equipment ramp up. As a nod to this, Colleen gave me an espresso maker for Father's Day.

I typically enjoy my coffee "straight up," black, no cream, whether that a big mug of regular coffee or a small cup of espresso. But I do partake in a creamy treat from time to time. Recently I enjoyed a big Cappuccino with a classic Cuban cigar. The Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas is one of the cigars I brought back from our Ireland trip last year. (You remember travel, right?) 

The small 5 ⅛" x 42 stick offers about a 40 minute smoke. Like most Cubans, it is balanced and, in my opinion, quite mild. The smoke has a creamy, nutty taste with a touch of sweetness. Yeah, sort of like the coffee, though the coffee predominated on the palate. 

I've only smoked a few Cubans. I don't find them overly exciting as a general rule. Give me a bold Nicaraguan or Dominican blend any day. However, the Cubans are interesting and offer a glimpse into the rich history of cigars. All of the Cuban cigars I've smoked of late have been paired with coffee, which seems appropriate. Perhaps in the future, I might try a rum pairing. For academic reasons, of course.

Interested in more cigar content? Follow me on Instagram at VASIGFan.

Saturday Kickoff

Saturday dawned cool and sunny. Perfect for some early morning time on the back porch. While the household slept in a little longer, I allowed myself a bit of decadence and whipped up a cappuccino to enjoy with a Rocky Patel Sungrown Maduro Lancero.

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The Sungrown Maduro is one of my favorites, though I usually enjoy the Robusto format.  The 7½" x 38 Lancero packs a stronger flavor profile due to the larger wrapper ratio and concentrated smoke. The cigar format and the USA Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper provide an elegant smoke, but one that requires a bit more concentration to maintain a good burn. The espresso and bitter cocoa flavor profile made an enjoyable match for the rich coffee drink.

Adding some Charlie Parker jazz in the background as I heard the house waking up, completed the atmosphere. I got through most of the smoke and a second cup of coffee before the neighbors fired up a pressure washer and drowned out the music and morning bird sounds. But no worries, it was time to go visit with house guests, before heading off to an afternoon at a local cigar lounge with a friend. 

No Shooting Today. Alternative Plans Made.

The original plans for today included shooting the monthly IDPA match at Rivanna. I haven't been able to make it to that match since last October and was really looking forward to it. However, with the thermometer predicted to peak over 100° today, the organizers cancelled the match. I was disappointed, but it was probably a wise decision.

On the other hand, it gave me a rare Saturday morning to sit in my happy place on the screen porch enjoying my coffee. I will not be deterred! Grabbing the floor fan, I decided to enjoy an, also rare, morning smoke with my coffee.

At the time,  the Dark Skies app on my phone informed me it's 92° out, and feels like 103°.  I couldn't tell though, it was still surprisingly pleasant. (Relatively speaking.) I grabbed one of the Regina Cigars I pick up this spring. Regina Cigars 'Michael' is a medium bodied, earthy smoke. It paired will with the black, dark roast coffee.

I enjoyed the extra relaxation to start the weekend. A bonus with heat wave, is that none of my neighbors were running lawn mowers.