Liga Privada H99 - An Early Retirement Gift to Myself

With retirement just a couple weeks away, I was looking to treat myself to an early retirement splurge. Hogsheads Cigar lounge held a Drew Estate event last Friday evening, which provided the perfect opportunity to indulge myself. 

The evening featured most, if not all, of the extensive Drew Estate lineup, but the "main event" was showcasing the new Liga Privada H99. Along with the regular vitolas the line cigar, the event-only Corona Doble was available for sale as well. I had decided prior to arriving I was going to treat myself to a box of 24.

The purchase of this special box qualified me for slew of H99-themed swag to go along with it. A glass ashtray, Xikar cutter, keychain, a cigar rest, and a selection of free cigars, were all added to my bag. The hardware will be added to my shelf of other themed cigar accoutrements to make appearances as demanded.

I spent the evening at the lounge enjoying fun conversation and smoking a couple other Drew Estate cigars. I didn't win ay of the raffles of the evening, but I had my prize. I'll let the H99 cigars rest in my humidor for as long as I can resist. I am looking forward to enjoying it soon though -- and I'll have plenty of time to do that. 

Cheers!

How to Talk to Santa

I've been dropping hints. And "thinking out loud." Just hoping that Santa might be inclined to slide a Modern Sporting Rifle down the chimney this Christmas. Recently a friend came by with his new AR and we went out to the range to try it out.

Colleen had never shot an AR rifle before. She stood at the 20 yard line and put a few rounds downrange. "That's fun!" she exclaimed.

Santa might be convinced. Just sayin'

Buy A Blogger A Coffee

Starbucks has joined forces with Twitter to make it possible to send a friend the gift of coffee. Link up your Twitter and Starbucks accounts and you can send the gift of Starbucks to a deserving friend. Or even a blogger. :-)

I know many folks in the gun community don't like Starbucks for their recent exhibition of spinelessness, but I'll make a deal with Musings readers. If anyone sends a Starbucks card to me at VADavid, I promise I will exercise my 2nd Amendment rights when I redeem your gift. Ironic isn't it?

More info on tweet-a-coffee here.

Who loves ya, baby?

That was the message I received from Colleen via Facebook yesterday afternoon. I clicked the alert and saw this:

I think we all know the answer to that question. :-)

The Starr Hill Jambeeree! is a rarity among beer assortments. All of the beers I am looking forward to enjoying; no filler beers are included. Northern Lights, The Gift, and Cryptical have all been mused over previously. I guess I owe you readers some notes on the Amber Ale. Stand by...

10 Days Until Christmas

Just sayin' ...

Oskar Blues Schwag

Oh Happy Day! The previously mentioned growler and cap from Oskar Blues Brewery was delivered to my office. I might have to go out and pick up some Old Chub to celebrate. Just to make up for the missed opportunity recently, of course.

In related news, the new Oskar Blues' brewery in North Carolina has opened.

See "Oskar Blues brewery opens in Brevard" for more info on the new brewery.

My Reputation Precedes Me

Monday was one of those dreaded "drive to DC and sit in meetings" days. The company was hosting a conference and we had employees from around the world in town, some of whom came bearing gifts. One of our managers who lives in London brought me two bottles from Belgium's Brasserie Du Bocq; Waterloo Double 8 Dark and Waterloo Tripel 7 Blond. From another employee in Ireland came three beers by the Dungarvan Brewing Company; Copper Coast Red Ale, Helvick Gold Blonde Ale and Black Rock Irish Stout. Coincidently, the first two of these I got to try in Ireland recently. I'm looking forward to getting another taste of them, and of course trying all the other beers as well.

In another awesome surprise, one of the system administrators from our Colorado office brought along one of the new stainless steel growlers from Oskar Blues, as well as a cap from the brewery. Unfortunately those two gifts got locked in a room while I was in a meeting, so a coworker will be delivering those treats later this week.

All these great beer gifts were certainly a fine consolation for being in meetings all day. I guess it's good to be the guy who divvies up company resources among business units. Well, I don't mind a little bribe every now and then. 

Gifts For The Shooter Who Has Everything

Speaking of top shelf, here's a shaving brush that goes beyond a plain wooden handle. The Six Shooter Shaving Brush is brought to us by the same folks who gave us the 50 cal bottle opener.

Bullets2Bandages produces unique items from real bullets, casings, and firearms parts. A portion of the proceeds is donated to charities supporting veterans.