Bourbon, Beef, and Cigars — All for a Good Cause

Enjoying smoked meat, whiskey, cigars, and good company is never a bad thing. Add in a great cause, and the enjoyment is all the greater. Such was the case this past Saturday evening, when I attended an event benefiting the Paul Stefan Foundation.

The Paul Stefan Foundation supports pregnant women in need, along with their children. By providing access to healthcare, housing, and skills training, the organization helps vulnerable women build a better life for their families. For two decades the organization has been providing a critical and, literally, life-saving service in the local community.

This was the fourth year I’ve attended this fun event to support the foundation, while also enjoying camaraderie, excellent food and drink, and, of course, cigars. As an indication of just how much there is to enjoy, this was the first year I actually remembered to pull out my phone and take a few photos — most of them hurriedly snapped near the end of the evening.

Held at the farm of a supporter, the centerpiece of the evening is a long table laden with smoked meats — beef, pork, chicken — along with the usual sides. Much of the meat is prepared by another supporter, and the smoked brisket is consistently among the best I’ve had.

The whiskey and bourbon selection is always diverse, often featuring a few elusive bottles. This year, I gravitated toward the E.H. Taylor Small Batch — at least until it ran dry. The bar also includes other spirits, mixers, bitters, and garnishes, along with a cocktail book for those looking to experiment.

There’s usually a modest selection of cigars available, and this year included offerings from Drew Estate, Padrón, and Fuente. I also brought a few from my own humidor to enjoy or share. With a strong turnout of cigar smokers this year, many others did the same. I started the evening with a Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig — one of my favorites — and later lit up a Micallef Red Robusto I had brought along.

As the evening wore on, a large bonfire was lit, drawing a crowd that lingered well into the night. In years past, I’ve stayed late into those hours, but this time I made an early-ish exit, despite the still lively gathering.

Most of my cigar smoking is a solitary pursuit, so I especially value opportunities like this. Throughout the evening, I enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making new acquaintances. Cigars, food, and drink naturally foster good company — but when there’s a shared sense of purpose behind it all, the experience is elevated all the more.

Cheers!