Thursday, July 10, 2025

Too Hot for the Porch: AVO Syncro Nicaragua in the Lounge

I generally don’t mind the summer heat and can usually tolerate it well enough to enjoy a cigar most evenings. But this week was especially brutal, and an afternoon smoke meant a trip to Hogshead Cigar Lounge. I wasn’t surprised to see a few more folks inside than usual for a weekday afternoon.

I picked up a few extra cigars for my humidor and chose an AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro to enjoy during my stay.


This version of the Syncro Nicaragua is an impressive 6 x 60 box-pressed treat. I don’t often reach for large ring gauge cigars, but the box-press shape made it feel more manageable in the hand. The cap was quite flat, and I didn’t want to risk over-cutting it with a straight cut. Fortunately, I carry a small cigar punch on my keyring, which worked well to open it up. Even through the small punch, the draw was very open — almost too much so. I’ve often found that large ring gauge cigars tend to be loosely packed and have exceedingly open draws.

The cigar features a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over a Dominican binder, with a filler blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos.

From the first few puffs, the AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special produced copious amounts of flavorful smoke. Initial notes included cedar, cocoa, and a sweet raisin-like note, later joined by hints of dark chocolate and roasted coffee.

Unfortunately, the burn was persistently uneven, with large peaks of unburned wrapper. I had to touch it up multiple times — really the only frustrating aspect of an otherwise enjoyable smoke. Despite the burn issues, the cigar lasted a solid 95 minutes.

Each time someone entered or exited the lounge, a blast of scorching air followed them in, a stark reminder of the 100°+ temperatures outside. It also reminded me to use the remote start on my car a few minutes before leaving.

Thankfully, the forecast calls for temperatures to drop into the mid-90s over the next few days, which means I’ll likely be able to return to the screened porch for a proper smoke and beverage pairing.

Cheers!

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Port, Spice, and Smoke: Isaac Bowman Meets the Oliva Melanio

For a recent cigar and bourbon pairing, I reached for a couple of familiar old friends: Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon and the Oliva Serie V Melanio.

The Isaac Bowman is produced by A. Smith Bowman Distillery, located right here in Fredericksburg, VA. Despite the distillery’s proximity, their core expressions can be surprisingly hard to come by — even here in Virginia. The Isaac Bowman Port Finish, fortunately, is generally found on store shelves, but that doesn’t make it any less desirable.


I’ve long been a fan of port-finished bourbons as companions to full-flavored cigars, and the Isaac Bowman is no exception. The bottle bears no age statement but is believed to be aged in oak for 4 to 5.5 years, followed by a 3 to 6 month finish in port barrels sourced from both Virginia and Portugal (using a mix of American and French Limousin oak). It’s bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV).

The port influence is immediately evident on the nose, offering notes of dark cherry, sweet apple, and vanilla. The palate carries those same port-aged qualities forward — delectable hints of sweet fruit, brown sugar, creamy vanilla, and a touch of mild spice. The finish is long, warm, and very satisfying.

The Oliva Serie V Melanio has made more than a few appearances in these Musings and on my Instagram feed. I can’t recall a time when I didn’t have either the Serie V or Serie V Melanio — usually in several vitolas — resting in my humidor. It’s a versatile, well-rounded cigar that pairs just as well with whiskey as it does with beer or coffee.

This cigar features an Ecuadorian-grown Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, including Jalapa-grown ligero. Medium to full in body, it delivers a beautifully balanced profile of peppery spice, caramel, coffee, sweet nuts, and chocolate. The lingering mouthfeel is creamy and smooth.

This particular stick was from a box of Robustos I purchased in April 2024. It was brimming with the expected rich flavors and maintained an excellent, cool burn from start to finish.

The combination of the cigar and the port-finished bourbon was an absolute delight — perhaps one of the best pairings I’ve enjoyed in recent memory.

Cheers!

Friday, July 4, 2025

Five O'Clock Friday: The Hazy Craze

Sadly, this is reflective of the options at so many pubs and breweries these days.


Here's hoping your weekend beer options are numerous.

Cheers!

Celebrate Freedom, Defend Liberty

Today — and indeed this entire weekend — patriotic Americans celebrate the foresight, wisdom, and bravery of our Founding Fathers in declaring independence from an oppressive government. Independence Day is a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed, determined, and freedom-loving citizenry. The Fourth of July, our original “No Kings Day,” serves as both a celebration of liberty and a solemn reminder that freedom must be vigilantly protected.


Our forefathers were explicit in their intent: our rights are granted by our Creator, not by government. Power is legitimate only when it is derived from the consent of the governed. These timeless truths laid the foundation of a nation built on freedom. But today, those principles face constant threats — not only from foreign powers, but from within our borders, from citizens and non-citizens alike.

Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, America was built on the idea that all people are endowed with unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These founding principles still exist today — for all.

Yet a vocal and aggressive minority — enabled by pandering politicians and a compliant media — seeks to erode the very fabric of American liberty. Under a distorted vision of “freedom,” they work to silence dissent, erase history, redefine language, and shame anyone who dares to disagree. Their actions reveal not a love of justice, but a deep hostility toward the foundational principles of our republic.

Yet, hope abounds. Today, millions of patriotic Americans are growing weary of the lies, the violence, and the constant smears on their character and beliefs. We are tired of being labeled as extremists simply for standing by the values enshrined in our founding documents — freedom, faith, personal responsibility, and equal rights for all.

Even amidst chaos and division, the light of liberty has not been extinguished. A growing movement seeks to return to the values of 1776, reaffirmed by the Constitution. This movement is not driven by hate, but by love — love for country, for liberty, and 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. And I will not quietly accept efforts to dismantle it — whether by restricting my worship, infringing on my right to self-defense, or attempting to replace freedom with the tyrannical ideologies that history has already condemned.

So this Independence Day, don’t just wave a flag or light a firework. Reflect on what this nation stands for. Remember what was risked to create it. Celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. And above all — prepare to defend and preserve it for those who will inherit the nation we leave behind.

Happy Independence Day!

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Bold Flavor in a Small Package: Dunbarton Polpetta Petit Puros

I typically drink my coffee hot and black, even on warm days. But on this particular afternoon, the heat had me craving something cooler — so I brewed up iced coffees for my wife and myself. Then I reached into the humidor for a quick smoke.

The Dunbarton Polpetta Petit Puros is a cigar I hadn’t tried before. It recently showed up in two different cigar-of-the-month subscriptions, so it had definitely caught my attention.



Originally introduced by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust as an event-only cigar, the Polpetta became a regular production line in 2023. The 4 x 48 petit robusto features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés binder. The filler is a unique mix of long-leaf tobaccos and table scrapings from the production of Dunbarton’s popular Mi Querida, Mi Querida Triqui Traca, and Umbagog cigars. (Fun fact: Polpetta is the Italian word for “meatball.”)

The cigar opens boldly, with rich notes of espresso, black pepper, and dark chocolate. A thick, flavorful smoke delivers a noticeable black pepper tingle that lingers on the lips and tongue. It burns evenly, though the ash is a bit flaky.

The Dunbarton Polpetta Petit Puros delivered about 45 minutes of bold, satisfying flavor — just right for the near 100° heat on the shaded screen porch. It paired beautifully with the iced coffee and made for a relaxing afternoon. I’m looking forward to enjoying the second one I’ve got tucked away, and I’ve already added it to my list of cigars to keep on hand for when time is short but the craving strikes.

Cheers!

Monday, June 30, 2025

Smoke and Spirit: La Madonna Negra and the Legacy of Uncle Nearest

I’ve enjoyed the Black Label Trading Co. La Madonna Negra numerous times over the past couple of years, and recently revisited one that had been resting in my humidor for nearly two years — left from my original pre-release order.

Cloaked in a rich U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, the cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano binder and fillers from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania. It boasts a soft box press and is dressed with striking black, white, and gold-accented bands that contrast beautifully against the reddish-chocolate hue of the wrapper.

This well-aged stick burned evenly and delivered a medium- to full-bodied experience. Dark chocolate, espresso, and dark cherry took center stage, while subtle notes of black pepper and cedar added depth and complexity in the background.

That said, this particular cigar did present a tight draw initially. After a few minutes of struggling, I reached for the PerfecDraw tool and extracted a sizable stem that had clearly been restricting airflow. Once cleared, the draw opened up nicely, producing copious smoke and allowing the cigar’s full flavor profile to shine through.


As I enjoyed the La Madonna Negra, I reached for a nearly depleted bottle of Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey — a bottle I realized I’ve somehow never written about in these Musings.

Uncle Nearest is a Tennessee distillery named in honor of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the craft of distillation. The “1856” marks the earliest documented involvement of Nearest Green as the master distiller for the operation that would eventually become the Jack Daniel's Distillery

While technically not a bourbon due to Tennessee whiskey's legal classification requirements, Uncle Nearest 1856 is extremely close in profile. It undergoes the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the spirit through sugar maple charcoal before aging — an essential characteristic of Tennessee whiskey. In every other respect, it meets the legal standards of a bourbon. Whether Tennessee whiskey is bourbon remains a long-running (and mostly semantic) debate — one I’ll leave to others.

On the nose, the 1856 offers notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. The palate brings brown sugar, maple syrup, charred oak, and a touch of spice, all carried with a gentle heat from its 100-proof strength.

Compared to the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, the “classic” example of Tennessee whiskey, Uncle Nearest is richer, bolder, and more layered — closer to a classic bourbon than its softer Tennessee sibling. One reason my bottle’s nearly empty: I've found it makes a fine Old Fashioned and has often been in my rotation for that cocktail.

As for the pairing, La Madonna Negra was an ideal companion to the whiskey. The cigar’s dark chocolate and espresso notes harmonized with the whiskey’s vanilla and caramel, while the 100-proof backbone of the Uncle Nearest stood up well to the cigar’s bold character.

Cheers!

Saturday, June 28, 2025

A Summer Sobremesa: Wine, Smoke, and Setting Sun

After a hearty steak dinner accompanied by a good bottle of wine, we moved out to the deck to continue the evening under the open sky. As I perused the humidor in search of a fitting cigar to round out the experience, I selected the Sobremesa Solita Toro — a standout offering from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. It had been resting in the humidor for two months so was well-primed for lighting up.

The name Sobremesa — Spanish for “upon the table” — refers to the cherished Latin tradition of lingering at the table after a meal, enjoying conversation and company. Though we’d shifted from the dining room to the deck, the sentiment carried through.



The Solita Toro is a well-constructed 6 x 52 cigar, dressed in a smooth Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that takes on a reddish hue in the evening sun. Beneath the surface lies a binder of Mexican San Andrés Negro and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf ligero. The presentation is understated, adorned only with two simple gold bands.

My cigar had a slightly snug draw — tighter than I usually prefer — but not enough to warrant any correction. The burn was slow and even, delivering an ample, satisfying volume of smoke.

Medium-bodied in profile, the Solita offered a rich mix of cedar, cocoa, and coffee as core flavors. A gentle hint of pepper emerged on the retrohale, and the finish settled into a creamy sweetness. The cigar’s balance and nuance encouraged slow, thoughtful draws and a lingering exhale to fully savor its complexity. 

It burned evenly and cool for a long, relaxing 1 hour and 40 minutes — an ideal companion to an unhurried evening.

The wine of the night was Videre from Wilderness Run Vineyards — a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Malbec. Both varietals are personal favorites when pairing wine with food, and this blend hit a pleasing middle ground. Medium-bodied, it brought the bold, dark fruit notes characteristic of Malbec, while Merlot softened the tannins and softened the finish. The wine’s fruit-forward profile paired beautifully with the cigar’s creamy finish, creating a complementary interplay of flavors.

As the sun dipped below the trees and the temperature cooled ever so slightly, birdsong filled the air — an idyllic soundtrack to our “sobremesa.” It was a perfect way to end a meal and enjoyed the shared relaxation.

Cheers!

Friday, June 27, 2025

Five O'Clock Friday: Travel Provisions

Entering the weekend well prepared. 



Looks like an Italian First-Aid kit.

Cheers!

Action Item From Cigar Rights of America


Attacks on the premium cigar industry seem relentless. Fortunately, the Cigar Rights of America (CRA) stands as the first and only consumer-based public advocacy group dedicated to protecting your right to enjoy premium, hand-rolled cigars. Their efforts have been instrumental in pushing back against the bureaucratic overreach of the FDA.

Now, the CRA is urging all cigar enthusiasts to support H.R. 2111 — the CIGAR Act, which seeks to exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. Your voice matters in this fight for cigar freedom.

Why H.R. 2111 Matters:
Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, has introduced H.R. 2111 – the CIGAR Act. This commonsense legislation would establish a clear exemption for premium cigars from FDA regulation, ensuring they are treated distinctly from mass-market tobacco products and protected from future regulatory overreach.

Why H.R. 2111 Matters:

✅ Protects Consumer Choice: Premium cigars are handcrafted products, enjoyed occasionally by informed adults. H.R. 2111 puts in place protections that ensures they’re not swept up in regulations meant for entirely different products.

✅ Prevents Future Overreach: While a federal court vacated FDA authority over premium cigars, that protection isn’t permanent. This bill codifies a clear definition and exemption into law, guarding against future regulatory reversal and preventing FDA from regulating premium cigars again.

✅ Supports Small Businesses: Family-owned manufacturers and specialty retailers face crushing compliance costs under FDA regulation. H.R. 2111 shields them from red tape that threatens their survival.

Take action now! Contact your representatives in Washington today, and tell them to support H.R. 2111 and stand up for common sense protections for premium cigars!

Take a few minutes to contact your representatives in Washington with this convenient form and urge their support of H.R. 2111.



Cheers!

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco and a Perplexing Angel's Envy Triple Oak

I was pleasantly surprised to see the Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Toro included in the April Luxury Cigar Club package. This was a cigar I had not smoked in several years, but one I had enjoyed frequently in the past. After letting this one rest for a couple of months, I finally lit it up on a warm evening.

The Cuatro Cinco is an impressive-looking cigar. This 6¼ x 50 Toro is wrapped in a dark, oily Nicaraguan Habano leaf from the Jalapa Valley. Both the binder and filler are also Nicaraguan, including some 5-year-aged ligero that’s been finished in oak barrels. Even the band — black, white, and gold — adds boldness to the presentation.

The cigar was originally released to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Joya de Nicaragua. A closer look at the band reveals clever design details: the “a” in Cuatro is shaped like an upside-down 4, and the second “C” in Cinco mirrors a flipped 5. Cuatro Cinco translates literally to “four five.”



It opens squarely in the medium-bodied range, gradually edging toward full-bodied strength by the halfway mark. This is a rich, complex smoke, with flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, nuts, and cedar, accompanied by a moderate spice of pepper and cedar. The finish is fairly short, but a fleeting, creamy sweetness emerges on the back end.

The draw was initially tighter than I prefer, but a quick adjustment with the PerfecDraw tool cleared out an obstructing stem. From then on, the draw was spot on, and smoke production was plentiful. The Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco is a flavorful, satisfying cigar I’ve enjoyed on multiple occasions — and this one was no exception.

The go along with the smoke, I decided to revisit the Angel's Envy Triple Oak Bourbon. Released in late 2024, the bourbon undergoes a unique finishing process. After first aging in the standard new American white oak barrels, the aged bourbon is portioned to undergo secondary finishing in three different oak casks: 20% in French Oak for at least three months, 40% in Chinkapin Oak for at least six months, and 40% in Hungarian Oak for six or more months. The “triple oak” mix is then blended for bottling at 92 proof.

My impressions of this bourbon have been mixed. On the nose, it’s fruity and slightly sweet, with little hint of the oak-forward profile to follow. On the palate, dry, raw oak dominates. There are notes of dark fruit, brown sugar, and spice, but they’re often overshadowed by the bourbon’s woody core.

I’ve returned to the Triple Oak several times and still haven’t quite figured it out. It’s not unpleasant — just different. It lacks the sweet, fruit-forward character typical of many bourbons. Curiously, during a previous tasting, I noted more sweetness and better balance than I did this time around. I’m well aware that cigars, food, and even mood can significantly influence flavor perception. I now suspect this bourbon might actually shine in a cocktail, where its oakiness could be tempered and complemented by other ingredients.

Despite my ambivalence toward the bourbon, the pairing made for an enjoyable and flavorful experience. The Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco remains a standout cigar, one I return to with confidence. Unlike the bourbon, there’s no question in my mind about the quality and depth of the smoking experience it delivers.

Cheers!

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Aperol Spritz & the Liga Undercrown Shade: A Summer Pairing

They call it a “heat dome.” I call it summer in Virginia. With the afternoon sun ablaze and humidity thick in the air, bourbon — my usual standby — took a backseat to something lighter and more refreshing: the Aperol Spritz. It was Sunday leisure time, and the mood called for something bubbly, herbal, and slightly bitter.



Choosing a cigar to match the drink and mood was a bit more challenging. I wanted something on the milder side — which, frankly, isn’t a strength of my humidor. After a quick scan, I settled on the Liga Undercrown Connecticut Shade Gran Toro, figuring it was about as close to “mild” as I’d get.

This 6 x 52 Toro wears a pale Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Sumatra binder, with Dominican Criollo, Nicaragua Criollo and Corojo fillers. Despite its delicate appearance, the cigar was beautifully rolled and had been resting for about nine weeks.

It began with more flavor than I expected — creamy coffee, sweet nuts, and a gentle pepper tingle. I’d peg it as mild-to-medium in body at first, though as it progressed, the coffee deepened into something darker, and the pepper picked up a bit more punch. A touch of citrus zest and sweetness lingered in the background, adding complexity. By the final third, it was firmly in medium-bodied territory.

Some salty potato chips with olive and cream cheese dip rounded out the aperitivo. While the Undercrown Shade isn’t a cigar I reach for often, it paired nicely with the refreshing spritz. Still, if I’m being honest, I prefer something bolder alongside Aperol’s bittersweet character — even if I’m not enjoying it on a cobblestone patio in Italy.

Cheers!

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Summer Solstice: A Smoke, a Beer, and Spicy Shrimp

While running errands on June 20 — the Summer Solstice — conversations everywhere seemed to center on the approaching heat wave. Like clockwork, the first truly warm days of the year shift everyone’s focus to “keeping cool.” My usual response is something along the lines of, “Well, it is summer… in Virginia.” I typically follow up with a contrarian remark about my dislike of cold weather.

To mark the glorious end of chilly days, I enjoyed lunch out on the sunny deck. A plate of steamed shrimp and a cold beer made for a delightful Friday afternoon meal. It was warm, yes, but hardly oppressive. I’ll admit the black arms of my chair were scorching from the sun, and when I tried to read a bit on my phone, I was greeted with an alert: iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it. Even my phone was joining the chorus of complaints about the heat.



After finishing my meal, I grabbed another beer from the fridge and selected a cigar from the humidor. Back in my seat, I lit up and continued soaking in the warmth.

I had chosen the Foundation Aksum — a cigar I often reach for when I want something smaller and quicker. This 5 x 50 Robusto is wrapped in a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf, with a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and Nicaraguan fillers from the Jalapa and Estelí regions. 



The Aksum offers a bold smoking experience, led by rich notes of sweet espresso and dark chocolate. Hints of black pepper, dark cherry, and raisin make their way in as well, all tied together by a lingering spicy finish. It paired beautifully with the hoppy Sierra Nevada Pale Ale — a fitting dessert after a spicy meal.

Eventually, I moved to the covered screen porch to get out of the direct sun. There, I finished my beer and cigar while enjoying a bit of reading in the breeze from the fans — a most relaxing afternoon.

Cheers!

Friday, June 20, 2025

Five O'Clock Friday: Live Wisely

Life is full of decisions. Make the right ones.



Enjoy the weekend.

Cheers!

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Humidor Review: Early Impressions of the Yohtron YC-488

Over the years, I’ve used a variety of plastic “tupperdors” and a small electric “wineador” humidor from NewAir to store my cigars. Most recently, the NewAir housed my loose sticks, while the plastic containers held the few boxes I’d acquired. Boveda humidification packs did their part to keep everything in good condition. Still, I’ve long desired a large display cabinet humidor — something that could bring all my cigars together in one place.

As my collection grew, the NewAir unit became increasingly crowded, and its electronics had long since failed. Finding a specific cigar often meant opening every drawer and sifting through layers — sometimes repeating the hunt more than once before finding what I was after. More frustratingly, I began passing on deals — especially on full boxes — simply because I had nowhere to put them.

For the past year, I’d been researching the new generation of electronic all-in-one humidors. These modern units heat, cool, and humidify — a true turnkey solution. After reviewing the latest offerings and comparing features that mattered most to me, I settled on the Yohtron YC-488. Yes, I went big. This luxurious unit is rated for up to 2,500 cigars — ten times the capacity of my NewAir 250, though I expect the real-world number to be a bit less.


Getting this beast into the house was no small feat. It’s bulky and weighs over 200 pounds. With a friend’s help, we managed to get it inside. After letting it sit for the required 24 hours to let the compressor oil settle, I powered it on, set the humidity level 5% higher than my target of 69%, and waited. I let it run at that level for three days to allow the Spanish cedar interior to properly season. It’s now been running for a little over week with the cigars inside, and I wanted to share my early impressions.

First off, the construction is impressive. The unit is fully lined with Spanish cedar. (Trivia: “Spanish cedar” isn’t actually cedar — it’s in the mahogany family and native to Central and South America.) The seven cedar drawers are mounted on smooth cabinet rails. They lock into place when pushed in and, crucially, don’t tip when pulled out fully. The generous spacing between drawers makes it easy to see the contents, and there’s ample room to stack boxes if needed. Interior LED strips run the full length of both sides of the cabinet, making it easy to browse — something many units lack.


The 5-liter water reservoir for the humidification system is located at the bottom of the cabinet and is very easy to refill with distilled water — no funnel needed. The drawer includes water level markings on the front to prevent overfilling. One note of caution: the reservoir drawer isn’t on rails, so you’ll need to open it carefully to avoid spills. Above the reservoir is an accessory drawer of sorts — though it seems like filler space to conceal internal electronics.

Temperature and humidity control in the Yohtron have proven impressively stable. I installed three Govee WiFi hygrometer/thermometer sensors, along with a couple of other digital hygrometers, to verify the onboard display. I found that the unit’s display reads about 1.5% to 2% lower than actual humidity. 

That quirk sorted, I was able to adjust the settings to reach an average humidity holding steady around my 69% target. The Govee sensors show less than 2% variation throughout the day, with consistent readings from top to bottom — exactly the kind of stability I was looking for. I suspect the environment would be even more stable if the humidor were fully stocked with cigars. Before using the Govee units, I had never even considered measuring humidity in tenths of a percent. The temperature in the cabinet remains just as steady. 


This inside consistency throughout the unit is aided by the four circulation fans behind the shelves, which evenly distribute air from bottom to top. That airflow ensures a uniform environment regardless of how many, or how few, cigars are stored — a critical factor, especially since I don’t plan to ever fill the cabinet to its max capacity. 

The Yohtron provides an attractive display, and selecting a cigar has never been easier. I still use the Cigar Scanner app to track my inventory and browse my options, but I no longer need to open every drawer and dig around to find my choice. Even better, I can simply turn on the lights and browse before opening the door. To be honest, sometimes I turn on the lights just to admire the cigars inside. The cabinet currently sits in our dining room, across from my bourbon shelves. Despite its size, its clean design keeps it from feeling overly obtrusive — at least in my somewhat biased opinion.

Initially, I was leaning toward one of the smaller Yohtron units — they all share the same core features. But my wife made the most compelling case for going big: “You won’t have to worry about filling it.” I believe she’s right. And now, I can take advantage of cigar deals without wondering where I’ll store new additions.

Cheers!

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked & Herrera Estelí Norteño Toro Especial

For a recent porch smoke, I reached for the Herrera Estelí Norteño Toro Especial by Drew Estate. It had also been a while since I paired a cigar with a pour of bourbon, so I looked forward to revisiting an old favorite: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

The evening was warm — one of those early Virginia summer nights that require some adjustments to the cigar setup. More fans, shorter sticks, later sessions. I’m not complaining; I love warm weather. But after five minutes on the porch, I realized I needed to crank up the fan speed. With the air moving and a playlist queued, I settled in.



Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a staple on my shelf. It’s flavorful, bold, yet accessible — something I can pour confidently for both the bourbon novice and the seasoned aficionado. I’ve never had anyone turn it down, let alone dislike it.

The nose opens with rich caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla, with just a touch of ethanol tingle. The palate follows through with layers of caramel, dark chocolate, seasoned wood, and ripe dark fruit. The finish is long and warming, blending lingering sweetness with a subtle spice.

At just 90.4 proof, it’s an easy sipper — perfect for pairing with a long smoke.



The cigar had been resting in my humidor for about eight weeks. It arrived in April as part of the Luxury Cigar of the Month Club, and I hadn’t smoked the Norteño Especial in a couple of years. Truth be told, I couldn’t remember much about it, which made the revisit feel like a first-time experience.

The 6 1/4 x 54 cigar sports a rough, oily Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Honduran binder and Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí and Jalapa. It’s softly box-pressed and had a draw slightly more open than I prefer, but it still produced generous smoke.

Right out of the gate, this is a medium-to-full-bodied cigar. No warmup required. The profile is bold and flavorful, delivering notes of black pepper, cocoa, dark-roast coffee, roasted nuts, and cedar. The retrohale brings a strong hit of black pepper, adding to the spice-forward impression.

Though robust, the Herrera Estelí Norteño Toro Especial maintains balance and complexity, never overwhelming the palate. I did find the draw became a bit too loose at times, and the smoke production dipped — requiring a few relights — but overall, the burn stayed even.

This pairing leaned heavily into bold, spicy territory. At times, it seemed the cigar even coaxed out more spice from the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Whether imagined or real, the result was a lively, well-matched flavor fusion.

This pairing featured both familiarity and rediscovery — exactly what a good evening on the porch should be.

Cheers!

Saturday, June 14, 2025

June 14: A Day Rich with “Made in America” Celebrations

June 14 is a day rich with truly “Made in America” celebrations. It’s Flag Day — a time to honor our Nation’s flag and everything it represents. It’s also National Bourbon Day, recognizing one of our country’s most iconic and officially recognized spirits.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress resolved: “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Our flag has evolved over the centuries, but today it still bears those 13 stripes along with 50 stars. I firmly believe it remains the most striking flag of any nation.

Sadly, some today label our flag as a symbol of oppression or racism. Ironically, many of those critics enjoy freedoms — speech, protest, and dissent — that are rare or outright denied in the very regimes they claim to admire. In those systems, expressing such views could easily lead to imprisonment — or worse.

National Bourbon Day came later. On May 4, 1964, Congress declared bourbon a “distinctive product of the United States.” While the exact origins of National Bourbon Day are unclear — perhaps more marketing than history — June 14 has become the day to celebrate our native beverage. A popular legend holds that on this day in 1789, in Georgetown, Kentucky, the Reverend Elijah Craig — a Baptist minister and entrepreneur — first produced bourbon. His distillery is said to be the birthplace of this remarkable spirit. Whatever the origin, it’s fitting to toast an American-made tradition on the same day we honor our flag.



So, raise the flag and raise a glass. Celebrate what makes this Nation great—its history, its symbols, and yes, even its spirits. Be thankful for them all.

Cheers!

Friday, June 13, 2025

Five O'Clock Friday: I'm Just Drinkin'

Some music from the great Albert Collins to kick off the weekend.


Cheers!

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Cigar Review: Powstanie San Andrés with Still Austin Single Barrel

I’ve long been a fan of Powstanie cigars. Both the Habano and Broadleaf lines, in multiple vitolas, make frequent appearances in these Musings. I often joke that Powstanie is my vacation cigar — I always seem to bring a few along on my travels. So when I read that the company was adding a San Andrés blend as a new core line, I was eager to give it a try. 

The Powstanie San Andrés hit shelves in January of this year. I finally picked up a few in April but let them rest in the humidor for a bit before lighting one up — though I did sneak a preview by smoking one at the cigar lounge a few weeks ago. That little tease only whetted my appetite for the ones waiting patiently at home.



This cigar features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over an Ecuadorian Habano binder, with a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. The line currently comes in four vitolas, with a fifth coming later. For this evening’s repast, I selected the 5 x 50 Robusto.

The smoke opens with notes of semi-sweet cocoa and nuttiness. As it develops, flavors of espresso and dark chocolate come forward, underpinned by a steady hum of pepper spice that broadens the profile. The burn was even requiring no touchups, and the smoke remained cool down to the nub. The Powstanie San Andrés delivers a rich, medium-bodied, and flavorful experience.



I paired it with Still Austin Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon. At 116 proof, this bourbon has a surprising smoothness for its minimal two-year age. The strength is apparent on the nose — especially when concentrated in a Glencairn glass — but the palate opens with cinnamon spice that quickly mellows into brown sugar sweetness. Notes of raisin, plum, caramel, and molasses soon follow, creating a layered and satisfying pour.

The cigar’s bold profile complemented the bourbon’s sweetness and lingering spice beautifully. While strongly spiced bourbons can sometimes overpower medium-bodied cigars, the Powstanie San Andrés held its own — robust without being overpowering.

Cheers!

Friday, June 6, 2025

Five O'Clock Friday: Cliff Claven the Sage

It's hard to argue with logic like that.



Cheers!  (No pun intended.)

Monday, June 2, 2025

A Storm, A Smoke, and A Sip: Belgian Blue and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

As I prepped to enjoy a cigar on the porch Friday evening, my phone alerted me that we were under a Storm Warning and a Tornado Watch. Undaunted, I grabbed a Crowned Heads Belgium Blue LE 2024 from the humidor and headed out.

The Belgian Blue is a limited-edition cigar released in 2024 by Crowned Heads — only 2,000 boxes of 12 were produced. It’s a 6x54 box-pressed Toro, featuring a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder. The filler is comprised of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos, 75% of which are ligero leaves — the strongest part of the tobacco plant. Fittingly, the cigar is named after a breed of Belgian cattle known for their strength and sculpted muscularity. Coincidentally, we had recently watched an episode of Clarkson’s Farm where Jeremy was buying a Belgian Blue bull. That reminded me I still had a few of these cigars in the humidor, and it influenced the evening’s selection.



As I began to enjoy the smoke, I heard a roar in the distance, growing louder. It wasn’t a tornado approaching, nor a noisy truck as I first thought, but a wall of heavy rain moving swiftly through the trees. I quickly shifted my setup from the outer edge of the porch to the inner wall — just in time. The rain hit hard and loud. Colleen stepped out and said she’d heard the roar inside and wondered what it was.

At that point, I turned off the music I’d been listening to, as it was impossible to hear. In a twist of fate, the last song that played was “Storm Warning” by Charlie Musselwhite, from his new Look Out Highway album released just a couple of weeks ago.

With only a light mist reaching me now, I was able to continue my smoke. The Belgian Blue opens with bold pepper and sweet mocha notes. As it progresses, it evolves into a full-bodied experience featuring a medley of caramel, roasted nuts, and oak. The smoke is copious, rich, and creamy.

I paired the nearly hour and 45-minute cigar with a pour of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A124). Elijah Craig releases three barrel-proof editions each year, and A124 is the first of 2024. It clocks in at 119 proof, with a 10-year, 9-month age statement — one of the lower-proof and younger releases in the series.

This bourbon brings a robust profile of brown sugar, caramel, and charred oak, with a distinct cinnamon spice kick. The sweet and spicy finish is long and satisfying. I typically enjoy bourbon neat, and I’ve had this one that way. But for this pairing, I opted for a large ice cube. The slight chill and dilution smoothed some of the proof’s bite and opened up more sweetness. It paired nicely with the cigar, though eventually the bourbon became too diluted, muting the flavor.

Surprisingly, the sky turned blue as the storm front moved on. I restarted the music and enjoyed the rest of the cigar in unexpectedly pleasant, spring-like weather.

Cheers!

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Retirement: One Year In

It’s now been a year since I retired. Though much of the past year has been marked by pain and limited activity, it has also been filled with joy and countless blessings.

It took a couple of months for the reality of retirement to truly sink in. At first, my thoughts were mostly centered around one simple truth: I no longer had to deal with the stress. The joy came from repeatedly thinking, “It's not my problem anymore.

There is no peace of mind quite like walking away from an environment that left you drained, burned out, and exhausted. But that initial relief was only a distraction from the deeper, truer joy of retirement — knowing that my wife and I can now enjoy the life we spent so many years working for. I spent fifty years chasing a paycheck. No more.

Now, with healing well underway after back surgery — along with the relief it has brought — we are beginning to embrace this new chapter. It finally feels like the culmination of a successful career. And then there are the little things — like not having to spend Saturdays on chores, and enjoying our favorite lunch spots and avoiding the weekend crowds.

These days, I look forward to waking up in the morning. Interestingly, I rarely set an alarm, yet I still rise around the same time I did during my working years. Sometimes even earlier — probably because I can finally look forward to the day ahead. And sometimes, I just smile, roll over, and go back to sleep.

I like the AI-bot impression!

Cheers!

Friday, May 30, 2025

Five O'Clock Friday: Incoming Call

Excuse me, I have to get this.


A Toast to John B. Keane

Irish playwright, poet, and pub owner John Brendan Keane (21 July 1928 – 30 May 2002) expressed his love for drink with a wit and passion few could match. On the anniversary of his passing, let’s lend an ear to his words once more — then promptly raise a glass, as he surely would’ve insisted.
 


Thursday, May 29, 2025

It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again — With Smoke

Yogi Berra is reported to have quipped, “It’s déjà vu all over again.” That’s exactly how I felt when I stopped into Hogshead Cigar Lounge for a smoke on Wednesday afternoon. Just like last Wednesday, it was raining again — or perhaps more accurately, it was still raining. It’s been a wet week, punctuated only by the occasional dry spell.

 

This time, I selected a Black Works Studio NBK to enjoy. Different cigar. Same seat. Same beverage. And, as always, great conversation.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Churchill Cigar Review – A Bold & Elegant Smoke

I’ve had several H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Limited Edition Churchill cigars resting in my humidor since last November. Released in July 2024, these cigars commemorate the 180-year legacy of the H. Upmann brand, founded in 1844 by German banker Herman Upmann in Havana, Cuba. I’ve been waiting for warmer weather to light one up — I didn’t want to risk a somewhat pricey cigar to cold temperatures or a rushed smoke.



The H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Limited Edition Churchill is an elegant 7 x 50 cigar. It features a chocolate-hued wrapper leaf, identified as rare Nicaraguan medio tiempo — a small, potent leaf that occasionally grows at the top of the tobacco plant. Harvested from only about two percent of plants, medio tiempo is prized for its rich flavor and concentrated strength, and is rarely used as a wrapper. The binder and fillers are also Nicaraguan, which adds to the cigar’s depth and character.

The cigar sports a striking primary band marking H. Upmann’s 180th year and an unusual, cap-like foot band covering the foot. While attempting to remove the foot band without tearing it, I accidentally cracked the wrapper at the foot. Thankfully, a quick touch-up with PerfecRepair resolved the issue. A straight cut at the cap delivered a smooth, open draw.



From the first puff, I knew this was going to be a flavorful and complex smoke. Even before it had a chance to fully warm up, it delivered rich notes of chocolate and dark raisins. Black coffee, pepper, and cinnamon soon followed. The bold, flavorful smoke was complex and full-bodied, yet never harsh. A layer of spiciness sat beneath the dark coffee and sweet, dark fruit flavors, adding complexity without overwhelming the palate.

I paired the cigar with a classic Negroni, as I often do when not drinking bourbon. The bitter, botanical drink pairs well with full-flavored cigars, especially robust Nicaraguan blends like this one.



The H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Limited Edition Churchill provided an hour and 50 minutes of rich, satisfying smoking pleasure. It’s likely as bold and complex as a cigar can get while remaining smooth and enjoyable. To say I enjoyed it would be an understatement. I held onto the tiny nub with my fingertips, trying to draw out the experience as long as possible. I’m already looking forward to lighting another from my stock — though it will definitely be saved for a special occasion.

Monday, May 26, 2025

Memorial Day: Gratitude and Vigilance

As we mark the unofficial beginning of summer, let us take a moment to reflect on and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. While many of us gather with family and friends to enjoy the holiday with food and celebration, we do so with gratitude and remembrance for the true meaning behind it.

The courage and selflessness of our fallen heroes have played a vital role in securing the liberties we cherish today. As we pause to honor their memory this Memorial Day, may we also reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values they fought to protect and remain vigilant in preserving the freedoms they so bravely defended.


“The purpose of all war is ultimately peace.”
--Saint Augustine

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Porch Reflections: With Rocky Patel A.L.R. 2 and Green River Bourbon

Memorial Day weekend, despite marking the traditional start of summer, so often arrives cloaked in cool and rainy weather. At least, that seems to be the pattern around here. When our son was in high school, he worked as a lifeguard at the local pool and eagerly anticipated the start of swim season — mainly for the money-making opportunities. Yet, more often than not, it was too cold or stormy for the pool to open, much to his disappointment.

This year’s holiday brought another drop in temperature, with the thermometer dipping into the 60s. At least the rain held off. To kick off the weekend, I settled onto the porch to relax and enjoy a few of my favorite pastimes — cigars, bourbon, and music.

For the evening, I chose my last Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition Bala. The A.L.R. Second Edition is one of my all-time favorite smokes. This particular cigar, an approximately 5 3/4 x 58 Perfecto, was the last of the stash I picked up at the Rocky Patel event held at Hogshead Cigar Lounge in November 2022 — where I was thrilled to meet both Rocky and Nish Patel.



The Bala vitola features a mostly closed foot and narrows towards the cap. After removing the slightly yellowed cello, I used my PerfecPunch to open the cap. Even after the foot burned open, the draw remained a bit tight, so I followed up with a straight cut. That did the trick — smoke production became copious and flavorful.

The blend is the signature A.L.R. Second Edition combination: a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Honduran binder, and filler tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. The cigar delivers well-integrated notes of coffee and espresso, with pepper and cedar spice, all underpinned by a dark fruit sweetness. The A.L.R. Second Edition consistently provides a flavorful and satisfying experience. Although this was my last Bala, I typically keep Robusto or Toro sizes in my humidor.

To complement the cigar, I poured the last bit from my bottle of Green River Kentucky Bourbon. Well, truth be told, it made for two good pours.

Green River offers a classic, easy-sipping bourbon profile: caramel, oak, and a touch of brown sugar, all well-balanced. There’s a hint of spice on the palate that fades quickly. At under $40, it’s a great value for a 90-proof bourbon aged over five years. With this bottle now empty, I’ll likely be picking up a replacement soon.

Despite a constant cool breeze drifting through the porch, the 90-minute session was quite pleasant. I had a Joe Bonamassa blues album blaring through the outdoor speaker, adding to the evening’s atmosphere. I spent much of the time reflecting on this time last year — when I was approaching my final week of work. It doesn’t feel like that long ago, and yet so much has happened since — adjusting to retirement and recovering from back issues.

With the bulk of that now behind me, I have a good feeling about the summer ahead.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Mid-Week Cigar Break: Enjoying the Powstanie San Andrés at Hogshead

A rainy day offered the perfect opportunity to spend a few mid-week hours enjoying a cigar at Hogshead Cigar Lounge. It’s always a pleasure to settle in indoors for a smoke — and since most of my cigar time is typically solo, it was nice to pair this one with a bit of friendly conversation.

For the afternoon, I reached for a Powstanie San Andrés. I picked up a few of these new releases last month but hadn’t yet lit one up. The ones resting in my home humidor are Robusto size, so I opted for the Toro vitola to pass the time today.



I’ve long been a fan of Powstanie cigars, and I was especially eager to try their new San Andrés wrapper version. I’m happy to say it more than lived up to my expectations. Medium to full-bodied, the cigar delivered rich notes of espresso and chocolate, complemented by a moderate pepper spice. I’ll be doing a full review soon — complete with a beverage pairing.

All in all, those two hours spent relaxing in the lounge made for a wonderfully satisfying way to enjoy a cool, rainy afternoon.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Celebrating Recovery: Liga Privada H99 and Basil Hayden's Dark Rye

Friday morning, I went in for my three-month check-in with the back surgeon. Good news: I’ve been cleared to start bending and doing light lifting again — slowly and carefully over the next six weeks as I ease back into a more normal routine, realizing that full recovery could take an entire year. (The surgeon also reminded me that I’m not 20 anymore. Harsh, but fair.) He also gave me a referral for physical therapy, which I’m genuinely excited about. I’m more than ready to start rebuilding strength.

I celebrated that evening with a special — and large — cigar. The Liga Privada H99 line from Drew Estate was introduced last year. I picked up a box of the event-only 7 x 54 Corona Doble vitola  a year ago as a retirement gift to myself.

A hybrid Connecticut-grown Corojo wrapper encases a Mexican San Andrés Otapan Negro binder. The filler is a blend of tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania. The minimalist band leaves plenty of the beautiful wrapper on display, and the lengthy cigar makes a bold statement.



I used my PerfecPunch to open up the end of the cigar. The draw was somewhat loose at first but developed into perfect resistance as the cigar warmed up. Smoke production was plentiful throughout the long session.

Flavors opened with hints of pepper and toasted bread. Brown sugar sweetness gradually built alongside notes of dark chocolate, and graham cracker. It stayed consistently in the medium-bodied range, with occasional dips into full-bodied territory. The flavors remained balanced, smooth, and consistent throughout. Even toward the end, the Liga Privada H99 never exhibited any harshness — a flavorful and thoroughly enjoyable smoke.

I’ve only smoked a few from this box over the past year. The two-and-a-half-hour (or longer) smoking time requires some commitment. I did have to relight the cigar a couple of times when I briefly stepped away.

I paired the Liga Privada H99 with Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye — a bottle that’s been on my shelf for several years, as evidenced by the “Basil Hayden’s” label. Around 2020, the brand dropped the possessive “’s” and now goes by “Basil Hayden.”

Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye is a unique expression blending Kentucky straight rye, Canadian rye, and California port wine. The result is a dark red rye with a wine-like, fruit-forward flavor — more sweet than spicy, and at just 80 proof, very approachable.

The sweet fruit, caramel, and mild rye spice notes of the Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye made for an exceptional companion to the Liga Privada H99. While it’s never been a favorite sipper on its own, I especially enjoyed it with this cigar.

The small amount left in the old bottle wasn’t enough to last through the entire long smoke, so I eventually poured some Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon — coincidentally another bottle with just one pour remaining.

Four Roses Single Barrel is a go-to for both cocktails and sipping. Its profile — dark fruit, brown sugar, and spice — is more intense than the sweeter initial rye pairing. For this particular experience, the Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye was the better match for the H99. That said, I’ll still likely be restocking the Four Roses before replacing the Basil Hayden Rye.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Five O'Clock Friday: Bourbon Math

A Public Service Announcement from Musings Over a Barrel.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

A Rainy Morning at John B. Hayes Tobacconist

I found myself in Winchester, VA this week with some time to spare, so I decided to stop by John B. Hayes Tobacconist in downtown Winchester. After a long drive through heavy rain, my luck seemed to turn — I found an open metered spot just around the block. Even better, I already had the ParkMobile app on my phone, so the absence of coins in my car wasn’t an issue.



I browsed the cabinet humidors for a few minutes while the proprietor helped another customer. Once he was free, he retrieved my selections, and I settled into one of the large leather chairs to finally enjoy a long-anticipated smoke.



The shop’s “old school” charm made an immediate impression — everything from the furnishings to the display of umbrellas and walking sticks evoked a bygone era. John B. Hayes Tobacconist is a long-standing institution in the DC Metro area, known especially for catering to pipe enthusiasts. While the cigar selection isn’t the most extensive I’ve seen, it’s more than adequate, with plenty of appealing options. In fact, I ended up buying more cigars than I had time to smoke.

Though I didn’t have quite as much time to unwind as I’d hoped, I still enjoyed a satisfying break after a two-hour morning drive. The dry shop on rainy morning offered a peaceful interlude with a good cigar, a comfortable chair, and a city sidewalk to watch. I’ll definitely keep John B. Hayes Tobacconist in mind for future visits to Winchester.



Cheers!

Monday, May 12, 2025

Review: Rocky Patel Dark Star Toro

The Rocky Patel Dark Star was released in 2023, but despite being a longtime fan of Rocky Patel cigars and always looking forward to new releases from the brand, I never got around to trying this one — until now. I picked up a few in the Toro vitola this past January, and after a four-month rest in the humidor, I finally lit one up over the weekend.

Part of my initial hesitation may have come from how different this cigar is compared to Rocky Patel’s typical offerings. Rocky himself described it as "Cubanesque, but mild to medium-bodied" — a profile I usually find a bit unexciting. While I’ve smoked and enjoyed some Cuban cigars, they often come off as a little too subtle for my taste.



The 6 x 52 Toro features a delicate Honduran Corojo wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés binder, with filler tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. Notably, the filler includes a Honduran-grown leaf from Paraguayan seed — a first for Rocky Patel — which adds an unusual twist to the blend.

The cigar I smoked had a minor cosmetic issue as the wrapper was slightly damaged near the midpoint, with a few flakes peeling away. I do recall having dropped it during a dig through the humidor not too long ago. Fortunately, this didn’t affect the burn or draw, and the burn remained even throughout. Smoke production was excellent right from the start.

Upon lighting, I was greeted with abundant smoke and an initial flavor of toast and cinnamon. Soon after, a mildly sweet nuttiness emerged, followed by notes of creamy coffee and chocolate. While individual flavor components stood out, the overall profile was somewhat elusive and difficult to pin down. The overall experience was surprisingly complex, with roasted nuts and cinnamon taking the lead in the mild to medium-bodied smoke.

At times, a fleeting mineral-like note crept in, though it never lingered long enough to be distracting. In the end, the Rocky Patel Dark Star delivered a unique and enjoyable smoking experience — not bold or intense, but flavorful enough to keep my interest. Maybe Rocky really did capture a bit of that "Cubanesque" character he was aiming for.