Blue Cheese, Chocolate, and a Little Imagination

The AJ Fernandez Blue Cheese is a cigar I’ve been wanting to try for some time, and finally picked one up last week during a visit to Slow Burn Cigar Co. Instead of the resting period I typically give new acquisitions, I smoked this one just a few days after bringing it home.

The cigar is the result of a collaboration between Privada Cigar Club and AJ Fernandez Cigars. Despite the name, the cigar is not infused with blue cheese. The moniker is a reference to the blue security ribbon on modern U.S. $100 bills, a theme repeated in the cigar’s band. The 6 x 52 Toro uses Nicaraguan Habano for the wrapper and binder. The filler leaves are also Nicaraguan, primarily from Estelí and Jalapa.

I opted to make this a culinary-based pairing and selected Maker’s Mark Private Select “Hint O’Chocolate II” to accompany the smoke.

The Hint O’Chocolate II is a Virginia ABC selection from 2022. The Private Select is part of the Maker’s Wood Finishing Series and was selected by, or for, Virginia ABC. It is bottled at a hearty 107.9 proof. Fruit and oak notes start the sipping experience. Notes of sweet cream and milk chocolate arrive in the finish. The mild chocolate note is brief, dispersing shortly after each sip.

The Blue Cheese smoke begins with soft chocolate, espresso, and some roasted almond. After a few puffs on the cigar, I began sipping the Hint O’Chocolate. The caramel and vanilla from the Maker’s Mark complemented the cigar’s creamy character. The bourbon’s mild chocolate was a subtle reinforcement of the same notes in the cigar.

The flavor profile remains much as it began until about the midpoint of the smoke. This is when the cigar shifts to a more earthy and dry wood profile.

I’ve seen some reviewers describe the cigar’s earthy, savory character as a tangy “blue cheese funk.” Perhaps that’s the power of suggestion, but cigar tasting notes are based more on impressions and thoughts they invoke than on actual flavor matches. My impression was less specific. Toward the end of the smoke, the earthiness remained, though now it was spiced with some black pepper. The sweeter chocolate notes from the bourbon provided contrast and remained in the lead.

I enjoyed the pairing of the Maker’s Mark Private Select “Hint O’Chocolate II” with the AJ Fernandez Blue Cheese. The flavor notes started out balanced, with some striking similarities. As the Blue Cheese developed more pepper, earth, and that elusive savory/tangy character, the chocolate-and-oak character of the Private Select became increasingly dominant.

There was nothing quite so specific as my past impressions of chocolate-covered cherries or maple-drenched French toast, but the food-themed name added to the fun of the experience.

Cheers!

From Negroni to Averna: A Tale of Two Días de Gloria Cigars

The Días de Gloria cigars are long-standing stalwarts among the many blends from AJ Fernandez. Introduced in 2019, the line is said to have been influenced by the flavor profile and character of the classic Cuban cigars that inspired the prolific blender. The Días de Gloria catalog was expanded in 2024 with the introduction of the AJ Fernandez Días de Gloria Brazil. Recently, I lit up both cigars on back-to-back days, providing an opportunity for a direct comparison.

The original AJ Fernandez Días de Gloria is a Nicaraguan puro, featuring tobaccos from four different Fernandez farms in Nicaragua. Once the cedar sleeve and foot ribbon are removed, the deep chocolate-colored wrapper glistens in the sun, its appearance enhanced by the decorative gold, yellow, and red bands.

After spending four months in the humidor, the smoke begins earnestly in the medium-full-bodied range. Notes of cedar, coffee, and cocoa predominate. I found a surprising fruit sweetness underlying the bolder flavors, adding a pleasing balance. On the retrohale, additional sweetness softened the black pepper spice. I found myself retrohaling far more than usual just to revisit that intriguing note.

This afternoon smoke was paired with a classic Negroni and enjoyed on the sunny deck. Perhaps not the most obvious pairing choice, I found the cocktail’s bitter orange notes complemented the cigar’s cedar and spice. The drink’s dry, bitter finish also cleansed the palate between draws, allowing the nuances of the cigar — especially the sweetness — to stand out.

The AJ Fernandez Días de Gloria Brazil, enjoyed the following evening, had been resting in my humidor since September 2024, not long after it reached store shelves. It’s a cigar I’ve enjoyed frequently in the ensuing years. The Brazil version substitutes a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper for the original Nicaraguan leaf, while retaining Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. Again, the cigar sports a cedar sleeve and foot ribbon, with green accents replacing the red found on the original bands.

The Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper is dark and oily. While the binder and filler remain largely the same, the wrapper has a profound effect on the cigar’s flavor profile. The overall experience is richer and darker. Bitter chocolate and espresso predominate, while dark fruit and baking spice notes arrive with authority. The retrohale delivers black and red pepper in abundance.

The Días de Gloria Brazil was enjoyed as an evening digestif with a pour of Amaro Averna. Both the cigar and the amaro occupy a similar flavor space, rich and layered with notes of cocoa, coffee, spice, and dried fruit. The cigar’s espresso and dark chocolate intertwined beautifully with Averna’s caramel and herbal sweetness. I couldn’t help but imagine that a slice of dark spice cake would have completed the dessert-like combination.

Both cigars are exceptional smokes, sharing a common heritage while delivering distinctly different experiences. The original Días de Gloria impressed me with its balance of sweetness, cedar, and spice, making it an excellent companion for a bright afternoon and a Negroni. The Brazil, by contrast, leaned into darker, richer flavors that paired naturally with an after-dinner pour of Averna. Rather than choosing a favorite, I found myself appreciating how each cigar excelled in its own setting — proof that a single wrapper change can transform not only a cigar’s flavor profile, but also the occasion it best complements.

Cheers!

Memories of Italy: Cigars and Spicy Cocktails in Venice

Venice was the final stop on our recent vacation in Italy. The group tour included a two day stay, and we extended our visit by another two. It was fun spending extra time exploring on our own, and we quickly grew surprisingly comfortable navigating the maze-like city.

An added benefit of the extended stay was enjoying two sunny days, as the first two had been plagued by intermittent rain — not unlike our previous visit, when our lone day in Venice was spent mostly taking cover from torrential downpours.

Of course, the pleasant weather also provided more opportunities to enjoy a cigar. Our hotel, the Palazzo Veneziano, was a beautiful four-star property that also boasted an excellent bar. Not only was it exceptionally well stocked, but the specialty cocktail menu was particularly impressive. What caught my attention most was the extensive selection of Negroni variations, several of which I happily returned to a few times during our stay.

The featured cocktail, however, was the Santa Margherita. The spicy drink is made with Altos Tequila Blanco, locally produced Select Aperitivo, lime and orange juice, agave syrup, and a Tajín-spiced rim. When the bartender first served one, he remarked, “There’s a straw, but I recommend you don’t use it.” Wanting the full experience, I followed his advice — and ended up enjoying several Santa Margheritas over the course of our stay.

On our final evening, the patio furniture at the hotel entrance had finally dried out after the earlier rains. After ordering another Santa Margherita from the bar, I settled in outside with a cigar. Fortunately, I had brought along a suitably spicy companion: the AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Robusto.

The Decenio opens with the rich, dark flavors typical of AJ Fernandez blends. Bold notes of dark cocoa and espresso, accented by a lively black pepper spice, remain consistent throughout the medium-to-full-bodied smoke. The cigar paired particularly well with the spicy cocktail, though I found myself using the straw for most sips, only occasionally drinking from the seasoned rim so as not to overwhelm the cigar’s flavors.

After finishing the flavorful pairing, we enjoyed one final sunset stroll through the streets of Venice. The evening light shimmering across the canals and the quiet, narrow streets provided a fitting finale to our visit. Though weary from sixteen days of touring, it felt bittersweet returning to the hotel for one final round of packing before our flight home the next morning.

It’s hard not to smile in Venice

Cheers!

San Lotano Requiem and Old Elk Cognac Finish: A Reset After One of Those Weeks

I was thinking about the Jimmy Vivino song “Gonna Be 2 of Those Days” this week. The week started with our oven breaking. Then, the same morning the repairman was arriving for that issue, the refrigerator gave up the ghost.

The next day after shopping for a new fridge, we stopped at Starbucks for a treat. Pulling away from the drive-thru, I realized I’d forgotten to redeem my free birthday coffee. That felt like the icing on the cake.

Needless to say, I was more than ready for a relaxing smoke and a pour or two of bourbon that evening. The exceptional spring-like weather inspired me to select a long smoke from the humidor. I settled on the San Lotano Requiem Maduro Gran Toro. The 6 x 60 stick from A.J. Fernandez features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, smooth and chocolatey in appearance. A Nicaraguan binder encases fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras. The cigar had been resting in my humidor for nearly four months.

The San Lotano Requiem Maduro is a full-bodied smoke, yet remains approachable. Its smooth, complex profile delivers notes of espresso, cocoa, and pepper, balanced by a subtle sweetness on the palate. The 135-minute burn gave me ample time to unwind from a hectic few days, while enjoying a couple pours of Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon.

As I’ve noted before, I enjoy cask-finished bourbons — especially alongside a cigar. The range of finishes distillers can draw from — cognac, rum, Armagnac, sherry, port, and more — creates some truly interesting expressions. The Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish is no exception.

Aged for at least five years, then finished in cognac casks for 10 months, it offers notes of sweet raisin and apple, along with caramel and oak. At 105 proof, it delivers a mild, spicy warmth on the finish.

Until I pulled the bottle from the shelf, I hadn’t realized just how much I’d enjoyed the Cognac-finished bourbon — there were only a few ounces left. I nursed the remainder through the duration of the long smoke. The pairing made for a well-matched — and very welcome — repast.

It actually got a bit warm on the porch, prompting me to open more windows and let the spring breeze flow through. While we’ve had hints of spring in recent weeks, the 80° high that day made it feel official. Of course, the next few days will bring a noticeable drop, as spring continues its slow attempt to take hold in Virginia.

As this post goes up, the oven is repaired, the new refrigerator is in place, and I realized I had one more day to claim my free coffee. All things considered, the week’s challenges were minor — though I did miss having ice in the house for a few days.

Cheers!

Smoke and Sip: New World Decenio With Four Roses Small Batch Select

A recent cool evening provided the perfect atmosphere for an extended “sip and smoke” on the screened porch. The sun still hovered above the horizon, soon to set, providing a reminder that I still need to add some sort of lighting on the newly refurbished deck and porch. The noisy chorus of crickets and frogs in the woods was in full voice, adding to the peaceful setting.

For the evening’s smoke, I selected an AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Robusto. Decenio — Spanish for “decade” — is a commemorative release marking the 10th anniversary of the original New World line, which A.J. Fernandez introduced in 2014. The Decenio debuted in June 2024. My cigars have been in the humidor for about three weeks.

This 5.5 x 54 box-pressed Robusto features a dark, silky Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder with fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras. It’s dressed elegantly with a gold foot band bearing the AJ Fernandez name, a small mid-band with the line’s title, and a large, ornate blue-and-gold main band showcasing the familiar New World artwork. I was glad to see the foot band attached with proper cigar glue rather than the unsightly cellophane tape some makers use.

The Decenio opens with the rich, dark flavors typical of AJ Fernandez: bold notes of dark cocoa and espresso, accented by a lively black pepper spice. It began at medium-to-full strength but quickly transitioned into full-bodied territory. The flavors were strong yet refined, never crossing into harshness.

The draw was slightly more open than I prefer, though not distractingly airy, and it produced voluminous clouds of smoke for a surprising 90 minutes. While the burn line wandered at times, it required no corrections.

Within the New World series, the Decenio stands out as a fitting anniversary smoke. Compared to the original New World, it delivers more pepper and espresso. The New World Dorado leans sweeter, while the New World Puro Especial — a personal favorite — offers richness but with fewer of the dark spice notes that define the Decenio.

For the pairing, I poured a glass of Four Roses Small Batch Select. This bourbon is crafted from six of the ten Four Roses mash bills and bottled at 104 proof. The nose shows a touch of alcohol heat alongside sweet dark fruit and oak. On the palate, a lively spice kick is balanced by vanilla and candied fruit, with the sweetness carrying through the finish. The bourbon’s lingering fruit and oak meshed beautifully with the Decenio’s cocoa and pepper.

The AJ Fernandez New World Decenio provided an enjoyable evening smoke. Its longer-than-expected burn was welcome, and even when it finally ended, I wasn’t quite ready to let the night go. I lingered a while longer, savoring the cool air and a few more sips of Four Roses before finally retiring.

Cheers!

Seeking Warmth and Flavor at the Cigar Lounge

It’s been an extremely cold couple of weeks—so cold that I haven’t felt the urge to step outside for a cigar. Fortunately, I managed to make it over to Hogshead Cigar Lounge a couple of times to enjoy a smoke in warmth and good company.

Since I hadn’t explored Hogshead’s extensive selection in a while, I took my time wandering through the humidor during my visit two weeks ago. The sheer variety made choosing even harder. Eventually, I grabbed a handful of cigars and headed to the counter. When the proprietor asked, “What are you smoking today?” I made a quick decision: the New World Puro Especial. The rest went into a bag for my home humidor, reserved for warmer days.

The 5 1/2 x 52 Robusto is a Nicaraguan puro created by A.J. Fernandez, using tobaccos from his farms in Estelí, Nicaragua. Right from the first draw, I was impressed by its full yet balanced flavor profile. Notes of cedar, coffee, mixed nuts, and cocoa unfolded, all tied together by a subtle creamy sweetness.

I enjoyed every minute of the one-hour smoke, though I found myself wishing for more. I told myself that next time, I’d opt for a Toro to extend the experience.

With an overload of medical appointments this past week, I wasn’t sure if I’d squeeze in another lounge visit. But when my schedule opened up on Friday afternoon, I took the opportunity for a relaxing smoke before dinner.

Walking into the humidor, I had the New World Puro Especial on my mind—but I couldn’t quite remember where I had found it among the shelves. A quick glance around didn’t help, and, in typical guy fashion, I wasn’t about to ask for directions. Instead, I grabbed a My Father La Opulencia that was right in front of me.

This time, I chose a 6 x 54 Toro for a longer session. Like the New World Puro Especial, the La Opulencia features Nicaraguan binder and filler, but it’s wrapped in a Mexican San Andrés leaf. The elaborate double bands add an ornamental touch to the softly box-pressed cigar.

The La Opulencia starts off bold, with an immediate burst of black pepper spice. The smoke is earthy and rich, with notes of pepper, chocolate, and leather. It’s a powerful and intense cigar—less nuanced than the New World Puro Especial but equally full of flavor.

I paired both cigars with bottles of S.Pellegrino Sparkling Water. The carbonation was refreshing, keeping my palate clean and receptive to the full-bodied flavors. Naturally, a good bourbon would have been a perfect companion for either cigar, but I saved that indulgence for later—after dinner, in my living room, sans cigar.

Cheers!

A Festive Afternoon: A Cigar, Bourbon, and the Winter Sun

On the second day of Christmas as the festivities continued, and I found myself running a number of errands to gather supplies for our celebrations and upcoming guests. As I hopped from stop to stop, I kept a close eye on the temperature reading on my car dashboard. Things were shaping up favorably for some deck time later in the day.

Upon returning home, my wife greeted me with a simple but persuasive observation: “It’s sunny outside. You should have a cigar now.” Though my preference is to enjoy a smoke and accompanying drink after dinner, the limited daylight this time of year often dictates otherwise. Besides, how could I argue with such wise advice from my lovely spouse?

A quick decision was made and I selected the festive looking A J Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Robusto from the humidor. An equally prompt selection was grabbed from the whiskey shelf -- Blade & Bow Bourbon.

Having smoked a few of these over the past months, I knew I was in for a treat. The festive decorative bands seemed fitting for the season, and I was in the mood for a full-bodied smoke to accompany the sunny afternoon.

The 5.5x54 Robusto has a soft box-pressed shape. The fill is on the softer side but that did not affect the burn. Smoking time generally clocks in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a midday session.

This cigar features a Brazilian Mata Fina Maduro wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and fillers from A.J. Fernandez’s own farms in Estelí, Nicaragua. As an extension of the popular Días de Gloria line, the Brazil variant brings its own unique flair.

The robust flavor profile offers a delightful mix of espresso, dark chocolate, and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of dark sugar. A touch of black pepper lingers in the background, adding a zesty kick without overpowering. By the final third, the peppery notes coated my lips and palate, leaving a lasting impression.

The Blade and Bow Bourbon is a great choice when looking for an easy, familiar sipper. It's also one that gets overlooked easily, mainly because the square, short bottle ends up hidden by larger bottles on my shelves.

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery uses what is known as a Solera Aging Process in the production of Blade and Bow. The Solera system is a fractional aging method that ensures a consistent flavor profile over time. Creating a link to history, newer bourbon is combined with some of the last remaining stocks of Stitzel-Weller bourbon. It is said each bottle will contain a touch of the historical bourbon -- if infinitely miniscule.

The 91% proof bourbon greets the nose with a sweet, fruity aroma. On the palate, well-balanced notes of caramel, white fruit, and a mild charred spice emerge. The finish is smooth, complementing the bold richness of the Días de Gloria Brazil without overshadowing it.

The bright winter sun provided a soothing warmth to my smoking and sipping time on the deck. Indeed, the need for supplemental heat was negated as I soaked in the remaining warming rays of the afternoon. With the rich boldness of the cigar and the comforting familiarity of the bourbon, I savored the moment of tranquility -- while it lasted.

 
Cheers!

Weekend Escape: Family, Football, and Bourbon

We escaped for a weekend in Blacksburg, VA, to catch another Virginia Tech football game. It was also a chance to spend time with our son and daughter in-law who also came to town for the weekend. The weather in southwest Virginia was unexpectedly pleasant, and after a filling dinner of pizza and beer, I settled on one of the hotel’s patios to savor my evening repast. Although the prominent signs announced, “This is a Non-Smoking Hotel,” I’ve noticed that the same single ashtray drifts between the outdoor seating areas, typically bearing the remnants of a cigar.

Knowing that the lobby bar’s selection of distilled beverages and beer tends to be disappointing, I typically bring along a flask with something to enjoy. This time, I paired Barrel Mizunara Cask Finish Bourbon with a Bishops Blend cigar by Black Label Trading Company.

The Barrel Mizunara Cask Finish Bourbon opens with a warm oak and butterscotch aroma. The golden liquid glistens under the lights in the parking lot. With the first sip, rich notes of vanilla and butterscotch unfold, balanced by hints of dark cherries, dry nuts, and a touch of oak. There’s a brief cinnamon heat on the palate, but it quickly mellows, blending seamlessly into a smooth, lingering finish. The flavors of the finished bourbon meld very nicely with the roasted coffer boldness of the Bishops Blend cigar.

The evening was cool, but the nearby lights and parking lot offered enough warmth—no jacket required. The parking lot bustled with people arriving for the weekend, but otherwise I was alone with my thoughts. My only gripe? The driver who pulled into a nearby spot, with his headlights glaring right into my face, cutting through my peaceful setting briefly, but I was too relaxed to let it spoil the moment. A strategically propped seat cushion on the railing helped block most of the annoyance. After 20 minutes, he eventually backed out and left, never even stepping out of his car. If I were a bit more paranoid…

After a restful evening unwinding on the patio, Saturday brought a different pace as we geared up for the noon kickoff against Georgia Tech. The early start meant the tailgating activities were limited to some morning sandwiches before heading into the stadium. Alas there was no time for a cigar.

The game ended in our favor, with the Hokies pulling off a solid win. Afterward, we celebrated over dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, savoring the food and enjoying sightings of some of the players. When we got back to the hotel, my family, tired from the long day, headed straight to their rooms. I wasn’t quite ready to call it a night, so I took the opportunity to unwind on the patio and finally enjoy that smoke.

For this evening’s cigar, I chose an AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil, a 5 1/2 x 54 box-pressed Robusto. This cigar has a Brazilian Mata Fina maduro wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and filler. The wrapper feels slightly dry and rough to the touch, likely from having been in my humidor for just four weeks. I’d tried one recently while in Italy, and it felt a little dry then too, though the draw and burn were still excellent. This one burned quickly but evenly, giving just enough smoking time to relax into the evening.

The flavor profile started with earthy notes and a subtle sweetness of coffee, which deepened into layers of milk chocolate and caramel. As the cigar progressed, the flavors shifted toward darker, roasted coffee with a hint of spice, adding complexity to the smoke. Paired with Barrel Mizunara Finished Bourbon, it wasn’t quite as spot-on as the previous night’s selection, but I still savored every sip—until the flask ran dry, that is.

All in all, it was a weekend to remember — perfect weather, an exciting win, plenty of good food, and, best of all, time spent with family. A tiring weekend with just the right balance of relaxation and celebration. 

Cheers!

Enjoying Cigars in Italy

We kicked off October with an exciting whirlwind trip to northern Italy, which explains the brief pause in posting. Our journey took us through Venice, Murano, Burano, Padua, Ravenna, Bologna, Modena, Parma, Pisa, Florence, Siena, and Milan. What a ride! While we’ve previously explored the southern regions of Italy, this northern adventure was a fresh and unforgettable experience. Italy is rich in history, culture, and religious landmarks, making it impossible to take it all in on a single trip. Besides soaking in the sights and indulging in the incredible food, I always look forward to the opportunity to enjoy a few cigars in an environment far more welcoming to this pastime than in the U.S.

I packed a couple of travel humidors with cigars from home, but I was also on the lookout for cigar shops, hoping to pick up some Cuban cigars I’d been eager to try. In Italy, you’ll frequently encounter tabaccherias, or “tabacchi” shops. These small stores are like convenience shops, offering everything from tobacco products to lottery tickets, train passes, and stamps. The most common cigars found there are dry-cured Italian cigars, like Toscano. Early on in the trip, I picked up a pack of Toscano Classico, an inexpensive yet richly flavored smoke that I always enjoy, whether in Italy or back home.

My first chance to enjoy a cigar on this trip came in Venice. After a gondola ride through the canals on a sunny morning, we were hit with torrential rains in the afternoon. But during a brief break in the downpour, I seized the moment, lit up a Toscano, and enjoyed a relaxing stroll. I rarely smoke while walking at home, but in Italy, it’s a simple pleasure that feels perfectly natural.

Amidst all the sightseeing, and despite the frequent rain showers, I still found moments to enjoy a cigar and a drink at street-side cafés. After a fascinating visit to the Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto factories in Parma, we stopped at a café in the heart of the city for some afternoon refreshments. It was the perfect opportunity to light up another Toscano Classico, while savoring a generously sized Negroni and a delicious pastry.

With the combination of busy schedules and unpredictable weather, it wasn’t always easy to find time to relax during the day. More often than not, I found those moments of peace after dinner, back at one of the hotels where we stayed.

For a late evening cigar I usually enjoyed one of the cigars I had brought from home, such as the AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Robusto shown above. The Bira Messina Cristalli di Sale purchased at the hotel bar was refreshing, even if it does come from an Italian Heineken brewery.

We stayed four nights at a very nice hotel in Montecantini. They had a large covered patio with plenty of seating. Unfortunately the hotel bar was not open every night — the service schedule seemed to be irregular.

On the first evening at the hotel, I took advantage of the clear night to enjoy a Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Sun Grown Robusto I had packed from home. Alas, the bar was closed. 

It was mid-trip, while visiting Florence, that I came across the Tabaccheria San Giovanni Di Simonetti Mauro in the square near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The well-reviewed shop had a fairly sizable selection of premium cigars, both the usual Nicaraguan and Dominican brands, as well as some Cubans. I picked up a few moderately priced Partagas Serie D No. 4.

Located in that same square was, of all things, an Irish pub. Of course we stopped in for a quick beer. 

The next evening, the hotel bar open, I shared a Partagas with a fellow traveler and we enjoyed the cigars, again with Negronis, before dinner. It was raining, so the covered patio was welcome.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Partagas Serie D. I did not take note of the date on the box at the store, so had no idea if the cigars' age. They seemed to be in good shape and showed no signs of cracking or damage. The flavor profile, as with all the (limited) Cuban cigars I've smoked, was on the mild side. The flavor had a sweet, cream and vanilla profile. There was a hint of cinnamon present but overall it was a quite mild smoke. 

The trip itinerary was filled with much more than cigars obviously. As always, there was copious delicious food and drink to be enjoyed. We moved around a lot, taking in numerous northern Italian cities. I had hoped to visit a store with a full selection of Cuban cigars. It was not until our last day, while in Milan, that I came across Noli Fumatori in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. I did only some window shopping as there would be no time to consume any purchases before flying home.

The acceptance of personal choices in Italy, and Europe as a whole, is a stark contrast to the judgmental attitude found in America, despite the well-established freedoms we profess and enjoy here. Cigarettes and "e-cigs" are the prevalent choices, but cigar smokers are seen frequently. After finishing one quick lunch during the trip, our server came by and placed an ashtray on the table, as if the after-meal smoke was expected. I compared that to the shocked reaction shown by one of my traveling companions when she saw the remnants of a previous evening's cigar in the ashtray on a hotel patio in the morning. (Most days the outdoor ashtrays were emptied very early in the morning, if not late at night.)

More cigars, and drinks, were enjoyed than documented here, most of the time I didn't bother trying to get a photo, and just enjoyed the moment.

It was another great trip — despite our Irish heritage we truly enjoy visiting Italy. It's still the only place to get a proper espresso! I have no doubt this trip, our third to the country, will not be our last. 

Cheers!

New Riff Single Barrel (Again) and Viva La Vida Cigars

I've been looking forward to smoking the Artesano del Tobacco Viva La Vida cigar since it arrived in the October Luxury Cigar Club monthly shipment. I've smoked this cigar line produced at the AJ Fernando factory in the past. Both the lancero and toro vitolas have made appearances in these Musings. This time it was the 5 x 54 robusto that I was enjoying. The attractive maduro Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro 2000 wrapper, Nicaraguan Corojo 99 binder, and the Nicaraguan Criollo 98 filler combine to make a flavorful smoke. This is full-bodied smoke with notes of leather, black coffee, pepper and a moderate cinnamon spice. The robusto was no less delectable than the others I've tried.

As the accompaniment for the evening, I poured some New Riff Single Barrel. The New Riff is a high rye bourbon with the expected rye-influenced kick. This particular batch is bottled at a robust 110.3 proof. The spice of the rye is prominent in the nose, along with cinnamon, brown sugar and sweet fruit notes. The proof is noticeable in the mouth giving a nice heat, one that stands up well to the full bodied cigar. The rye spiciness makes itself known more as the liquid rests on the tongue. The spiciness is balanced by some vanilla and cream sweetness. I was very pleasantly surprised by enjoyment of the pairing. This despite a memory of this one being a little more harsh previously. That harsher profile remembered was the reason I chose it for the pairing.

I went back and looked my previous remarks on the New Riff, which pretty well confirmed my memory. Then I noted that the previous tasting had been accompanied by a less than stellar cigar. It so happens that the same cigar has since disappointed on multiple occasions. Maybe that had some effect on my perceptions. This outing, I found the bourbon to be a most agreeable drink.

It's often said that the enjoyment of a particular bourbon, or a cigar, is influenced in no small part by one's mood or the accompanying food or cigar or drink, as the case may be. The more I explore bourbon and cigar pairings, and revisit some of the individual players, the more I experience that. I certainly found this to be true with the New Riff Single Barrel. I look forward to enjoying it again, with yet another cigar.

Cheers!

Surviving COVID-19 with Beer and Cigars

What else shall I do? I don't need to run out to shop for hand sanitizer or toilet paper. My work schedule, though from home, is filled with frequent conference calls and check-ins as we negotiate the (temporary) displacement of the normal routine. But, life goes on and so does the enjoyment of cigars and adult beverages.

After a busy Thursday, and presumably my last day in the office for a while, I escaped the cacophony of pandemic news and planted myself in a comfortable chair at the Olde Towne Tobacconist lounge at 1781 Brewing. With a tasty brew in my mug, I lit a Micallef "To Be Named Maduro." This pre-release cigar is currently available at Micallef retailers for review by enthusiasts. The final name will be nominated and voted on by the company's "Ambassadors" social media group.

The ale for the pairing was 1781 Brewing L'Automne Imperial Irish Red Ale. This beer has malt and caramel sweetness with a nice dry finish. Both the beer and the cigar are medium bodied in flavor, with the beverage coming in as the more dominant profile. The cigar had nice leather and coffee notes, but was milder than expected. Overall, a quite enjoyable combination.

After dinner Friday, the temperature was approaching 70°, allowing for a pleasant outdoor respite on the screen porch. Perusing the basement beer fridge, I realized that I have been remiss in keeping it well-stocked, and the choices were limited. I found a lone Old Bust Head Caramel Macchiato Stout hiding in the back. Roasted coffee notes were topped by vanilla and caramel sweetness. I grabbed a Man O'War Armada by AJ Fernandez from the humidor to go along with the beer. The cigar has an Ecuadorian wrapper over Nicaragua filler and binder. For my tastes, beer started out too sweet. However, has I progressed with the smoke, the moderately full wood and spice notes countered the cloyingness of the beer.

We had plans to attend an afternoon event featuring Irish music, food, beer, and cigars on Saturday. However, giving in to "social distancing" we opted to stay home. Though a bit cooler than Friday, it was still warm enough to allow for another beer and cigar paring on the back deck. Staring again at my bare beer fridge, I located a Tröegs Nugget Nectar. Though not a traditional red ale, this Imperial Amber Ale is one my favorite seasonal beers.

The previously selected cigar choice for the afternoon event was the Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan Shamrock. The venue may have changed, but I was still going to light that stick. This is a limited release that sports three different Honduran wrapper leaves creating a unique triple striped barber pole. The flavor was medium bodied with espresso, leather, and wood. It's probably a great match for an Irish stout, however it was also most enjoyable with the bitter hopped Red Ale. I have another, so perhaps after I restock the fridge I'll try the Stout pairing.

Sitting in the sun, reading a book and listening to music made for a most enjoyable afternoon. The pleasure was only slightly marred by having to grab my laptop and sit on another call before I finished the smoke.

I suspect this will be the routine for a while, so I'm hoping warm temperatures prevail in the coming weeks. There are certainly worse ways to weather this storm. Alas I do need to go on a beer run to restock that supply.