A Bold Cigar, A Gentle Bourbon

I’ve had a few of the new Rocky Patel Sapphire cigars in the humidor for about five weeks. I pulled one out on a warm evening recently to enjoy with a glass of Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon.

The Rocky Patel Sapphire was introduced in June 2026. The brand continues the “jewel” theme established with the Gold Label and Emerald cigars introduced previously. A Mexican San Andrés wrapper surrounds two binders — one from Estelí, Nicaragua, and the other from the Jamastrán Valley of Honduras. The filler is Nicaraguan, with tobacco from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega. Much of the filler was aged six to seven years and, except for the wrapper, all of the tobaccos used were grown on farms owned by Rocky Patel.

As with so many of his cigars, Rocky Patel hides much of the cigar beneath a decorative sleeve. Removing the adornment reveals a dark brown, slightly rough wrapper encasing the sharply box-pressed stick.

Upon lighting, the smoke begins with dark coffee and espresso. The initial flavor is bold and sharp, but caramel and sweet chocolate soon join the mix. The overall profile is smooth and balanced, with the darker flavors of coffee, espresso, and chocolate countered by caramel and sweet spice. Solidly medium-bodied to start, the cigar creeps into the medium-full range later in the smoke. Smoking time was longer than expected, lasting about 75 minutes in total.

At a moderate 91.4 proof, Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon is a relatively soft and well-rounded bourbon. It offers a classic bourbon profile of mellow caramel, vanilla, and stone fruit. Not an overwhelming bourbon, Michter’s allows the Sapphire to take the flavor lead. The cigar’s coffee and espresso notes blend particularly well with the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla.

The darker, more robust flavors of the cigar took center stage in the pairing, but the bourbon held its own and provided a pleasant counterpoint. Still, I came away thinking the Sapphire could handle — and perhaps even benefit from — a more assertive bourbon. That’s an experiment I look forward to trying in the future.

Cheers!

A Porch Pairing for a Summer Afternoon

Here’s a summertime pairing that I tried on a whim, and it turned out even better than expected. Samuel Adams Summer Ale is a seasonal release from the Boston brewery that has been a staple of summer cookouts since 1995. The refreshing 5.3% ABV ale features Hallertau Mittelfrüh noble hops, lemon, lime, and orange peels, along with Grains of Paradise. The result is a crisp beer with a light herbal hop character, bright citrus notes, subtle wheat sweetness, and a gentle peppery spice in the finish.

Summer Ale seemed the perfect choice for a warm, rainy afternoon on the screened porch. Wanting a cigar that wouldn’t overpower the beer, yet still offered a satisfying depth of flavor, I reached for a Rocky Patel A.L.R. (Aged, Limited, and Rare) Second Edition in the Robusto vitola.

The A.L.R. Second Edition is a cigar I’ve enjoyed frequently over the years, resulting in numerous mentions here in these Musings. Wrapped in Mexican San Andrés leaf over a Honduran binder and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, the medium-bodied smoke delivers satisfying richness while remaining remarkably balanced. Rocky Patel ages the cigars for two years after rolling, and this particular example had spent an additional 22 months resting in my humidor.

The cigar kicks off with notes of espresso and cocoa. As expected from the San Andrés wrapper, a sweet earthiness balances those darker flavors. Rather than dominating the palate, the wrapper’s natural sweetness softens the bitterness of the espresso and cocoa, creating a rich yet approachable combination.

Medium-bodied rather than powerhouse in strength, the A.L.R. Second Edition emphasizes balance over intensity, making it an ideal companion for Samuel Adams Summer Ale. The beer’s bright citrus, wheat, and subtle spice refresh the palate between draws, lifting the cigar’s espresso, chocolate, and earthy sweetness while providing a crisp contrast to its darker flavors.

Pairing cigars and beer isn’t always about matching intensity. Sometimes the better approach is finding complementary flavors that allow each to shine. In this case, the citrus brightness of the Summer Ale and the earthy sweetness of the San Andrés-wrapped A.L.R. Second Edition came together in a way that was both balanced and thoroughly enjoyable.

Cheers!

The Celebration That Almost Slipped By

The day almost slipped by unnoticed. Monday marked the second anniversary of my retirement. Unlike that first year, which was heavily shaped by back problems and the surgery that followed, this past year has felt much more normal. The routines have settled in, and retirement has begun to feel less like an adjustment and more like a way of life.

To mark the occasion, I opened a bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon that I recently picked up. I’m a longtime fan of the standard Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and this special expression takes an already excellent bourbon to another level. After the regular Double Oaked bourbon has fully matured, it spends an additional year in a second heavily toasted, lightly charred new oak barrel, creating a whiskey with remarkable depth and richness. Once available only as an annual distillery-exclusive release, this special bourbon now enjoys limited national distribution.

The bourbon’s deep, maple-syrup color immediately reflects the influence of that extended oak aging. Rich aromas of maple syrup and caramel rise from the Glencairn glass, while notes of butterscotch emerge as it opens up. The dark, inviting profile continues on the palate. Waves of caramel and maple lead the way, followed by hints of dark cherry and gentle spice. Taken as a whole, Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked is dessert in a glass.

After savoring the bourbon for a while, I lit a Rocky Patel DBS. The 5 x 50 Robusto features dual Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf binders along with dual Honduran and Nicaraguan Broadleaf fillers. “DBS” stands for “Double Broadleaf Selection,” an appropriate name for a blend built around broadleaf tobaccos. Completing the package is a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper.

The DBS opens with black pepper layered over bold cocoa and nut flavors, supported by subtle wood and vanilla sweetness. This cigar had been resting in my humidor for nearly a year, and while it remained full-bodied, it seemed slightly less intense than earlier examples I smoked closer to release. One characteristic that remained unchanged, however, was the draw. Although the cigar never appeared overly packed, every DBS I’ve smoked has drawn like a thick milkshake through a straw until about the first third, when airflow finally begins to improve. Draw issues aside, it remains a cigar I consistently enjoy.

The Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked and Rocky Patel DBS proved to be fitting companions. From the start, the bourbon’s caramel and maple notes complemented the cigar’s vanilla and wood flavors. As the pairing progressed, espresso, cocoa, and dark fruit characteristics from both began to intertwine, creating seamless transitions across the palate. Near the finish, the cigar seemed to coax additional pepper and baking spice from the bourbon, adding another layer of complexity.

The evening of slow sipping and leisurely smoking provided plenty of time for reflection. It has taken a while, but it feels as though we’ve finally found our rhythm in retirement. The freedom to set our own schedule, whether for travel, social gatherings, household projects, or simply relaxing, is a reward earned through decades of work.

Perhaps the best indication that retirement suits me is that it took two days to find the time to sit down and write these thoughts. Boredom, it seems, is not a problem.

Cheers!

The Beer Set the Tone — The Cigar Did the Rest

With a couple of beer-centric “holidays” falling this past week, I turned my attention to hoppy beverages and their cigar accompaniments. For “New Beer’s Eve” on Monday, I was in the mood for something light and refreshing, still easing out of the indulgence of Easter weekend. A leftover Pilsner Urquell in the fridge fit the bill perfectly.

Choosing a cigar to accompany a lighter beer gave me some pause. A crisp, herbal pilsner calls for restraint; anything too bold would quickly overwhelm its clean malt character and Saaz hop profile. I settled on a lighter-bodied cigar with a creamy, nutty profile and reached for a Davidoff Signature 1000 — a cigar I typically reserve for morning or afternoon smokes, often paired with a cup of creamy coffee.

The pairing proved both enjoyable and surprisingly refreshing. The Ecuador Connecticut wrapper, with Dominican binder and fillers, delivered a smooth, coffee-leaning profile with gentle sweetness and just a hint of pepper. That touch of sweetness played nicely against the pilsner’s bitterness, creating a balanced, complementary experience. My only disappointment was the brevity of the 5 5/8 x 34 panetela — barely a 25-minute smoke. I was sorely tempted to light a second, but resisted.

The following evening, “National Beer Day” called for another moment on the porch. With cooler temperatures settling in, I reached for something darker: Bell’s Christmas Ale. Despite its seasonal branding, it’s a fine Scotch Ale and one I enjoy well beyond the holidays. For the cigar, I chose a Rocky Patel The Edge 20th Anniversary Robusto.

This fuller-bodied cigar brings notes of cedar, earth, dark cocoa, and a touch of spice. Its blend, featuring a 10-year-aged Ecuador Sumatra wrapper, a Honduran Broadleaf binder, and fillers from Honduras and Panama comes together in a rich, medium-to-full-bodied smoke, one I often enjoy with bourbon or rye.

The Scotch Ale brought a deep malt richness to the pairing. Layers of caramel and toffee complemented the cigar’s cocoa and cedar notes, while the beer’s body stood up well to the cigar’s strength. It was a satisfying match, particularly as the evening chill set in. After flirting with 80-degree days just a week prior, we found ourselves under a freeze warning — a classic Virginia spring.

These beer “holidays” served as a welcome prompt to explore a couple of thoughtful pairings. Even after years of enjoying beer — this blog evolved from that passion — I find that discovering the right cigar match still takes a bit of time, a bit of patience, and more than a few moments staring into the humidor.

And it’s always worth the effort.

Cheers!

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Spring’s First Pour: Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon

At last, spring has sprung. Friday marked the first official day of the season and, surprisingly, it actually felt like it. The day began warm and sunny — accompanied, of course, by a healthy dose of pollen. I spent the morning spreading mulch around the beds, and I’ll admit, I enjoy stepping outside and catching that sweet, earthy aroma of fresh mulch in the air.

After a much-needed afternoon nap, I was refreshed and ready for an evening on the porch. As luck would have it, my bottle of Barrell Craft Spirits Cigar Blend Bourbon arrived that very afternoon, and I eagerly cracked it open for the evening’s sip and smoke.

Barrell Cigar Blend is a blend of whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years, finished in Madeira, Armagnac, rum, and Hungarian oak casks. The few early reviews I've seen were favorable and I was curious to see if the 111.2-proof whiskey would live up to the early hype.

Poured into a Glencairn, the nose offered aromas of dark fruit and baking spices, complemented by a deep copper hue in the glass. The first sip carried a hint of the proof, but it quickly gave way to rich notes of dark, sweet cherry. With subsequent sips came additional layers — dates, figs, and a gentle mix of cinnamon and spice on the finish. A subtle hint of sweet tobacco lingered in the background, while the mouthfeel proved creamy and pleasantly viscous.

The Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition I chose for the pairing is no stranger to these Musings. Featuring a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Honduran binder, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, it delivers notes of coffee, espresso, and a dark fruit sweetness that complements the bourbon beautifully.

Together, the pairing was thoroughly enjoyable. The Barrell Cigar Blend melded seamlessly with the cigar’s sweet undertones. I’ve long appreciated Barrell's blends, and this release only reinforces the brand’s reputation. It seems others agree — within days of placing my order, the Cigar Blend had already sold out on Barrell’s website.

The tranquility of the spring evening was interrupted — twice — by the roar of the generator as brief power outages rolled through. A passing rainstorm, with its gusty winds, was likely to blame. The main supply lines to our neighborhood run along the edge of National Park Service land, where tree trimming is minimal, so these occasional blips come with the territory.

Even so, the evening remained a delight. The soft breeze drifting through the screened porch added to the sense of calm after a day of yard chores. A good bourbon and a fine cigar only made it better.

Cheers!

A Celebrated Pairing: Rocky Patel Emerald & New Riff Bottled-in-Bond

The weather cooperated nicely for my observance of National Cigar Day last Friday, with daytime temperatures climbing into the low 60s. The thermometer dipped after sunset, but the mild afternoon led to the porch far more welcoming later in the day. With the heater set on low — and not positioned directly at my feet for a change— I settled into a comfortable evening. The respite was especially welcome, as it had been a full week since I’d last enjoyed a relaxing smoke.

To mark the occasion, I selected a Rocky Patel Emerald in the Robusto vitola. I had picked up a few Emeralds just weeks earlier and decided to light one up without the customary extended rest in the humidor. I’d smoked one last fall but failed to jot down any notes. With the cigar recently named one of Cigar Aficionado’s Top Cigars of 2025, I was curious to revisit it with a more attentive approach.

As with many offerings from Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, much of the stick is initially concealed beneath ornate bands and decorative wrapping. Once the glossy green sleeve is removed, a smooth Ecuadorian wrapper is revealed. Beneath that lies a complex construction: dual binders from Mexico and Nicaragua encasing a filler blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The 5½ x 50 cigar is sharply box-pressed into a rectangular form, the narrow edge measuring closer to a 40 ring gauge in feel.

The cigar was densely packed and firm to the touch. The cold draw leaned tighter than I prefer, though I was hopeful it would open as it warmed. Described as on the “lighter side of medium,” the Emerald opened with a moderately robust burst of espresso and dark coffee. That initial intensity quickly settled into a pleasing balance. The coffee notes remained at the core, joined by leather and a gentle sweetness that rounded the profile.

The draw did loosen somewhat as the cigar progressed, though it remained slightly snug throughout. Smoke output was occasionally restrained, yet the flavor never felt lacking. Despite the extreme box-press, the burn line remained even and required no relights — even after a brief step away from the porch.

Top 25 lists are, of course, subjective — cigars are deeply personal experiences. Rankings aside, the Emerald proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable smoke.

To accompany the cigar, I reached for a bottle of New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. Coincidentally — or perhaps not — this bourbon has also garnered recent accolades. (Truth be told, the award-themed pairing was intentional.) At the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, it was named World’s Best Bourbon. Awards can be taken with a grain of salt, but they do have a way of tightening supply and nudging prices upward.

With that in mind, I secured a bottle at its still-reasonable sub-$40 price. The 100-proof bourbon is aged at least four years in new, charred and toasted 53-gallon American oak barrels, adhering to the Bottled-in-Bond Act. Its high-rye mash bill — approximately 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley — promises both sweetness and spice.

On the nose, rich vanilla and butterscotch rise readily, accompanied by a pronounced rye spice. The palate delivers caramel and vanilla sweetness layered with lively rye character. The finish lingers with notes of candied dark fruit and warming spice — long enough to satisfy, yet never overwhelming.

Together, these two award recipients formed a harmonious pairing. The well-packed cigar delivered an impressive 110 minutes of smoking time, allowing nearly two hours of unhurried sipping, reflection, and enjoyment of the mild evening air. After a week of cold weather and crowded obligations, the extended porch time felt less like indulgence and more like restoration.

Cheers!

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.

Cheers!

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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.

Cheers!

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A Festive Pairing: Rocky Patel Disciple and Old Elk Cigar Cut

Christmas Day was one of relaxation and simple pleasures. We began our celebrations on Christmas Eve by attending the Vigil Mass for the Nativity of the Lord, followed by a cozy evening with snacks and a few glasses of sherry. The chance to sleep in on Christmas morning is something I've come to enjoy later in life. Yet, I’ll admit I still miss those early mornings when our son was young, eager to unwrap presents and dive into the day.

By lunchtime, the promise of sunshine teased through the clouds, and I decided to indulge in one of my favorite traditions: enjoying an afternoon cigar on the deck.

For this year’s Christmas celebration, I selected a well-rested Rocky Patel Disciple from my humidor, the last of a purchase made in October 2023. It seemed the perfect moment to pair it with something equally special—my backup bottle of Old Elk Cigar Cut Bourbon. After all, it was a holiday!

The temperature outside hovered around 40°F—not too chilly but far from warm. I queued up some holiday-themed music on satellite radio, bundled up, and settled in for what promised to be an excellent pairing.

The Rocky Patel Disciple is a visually striking cigar. Its elaborate gold-and-black banding, along with the black sleeve covering much of the 6.5 x 52 Toro, made it feel appropriately festive. Once unwrapped, the very dark chocolate-hued San Andrés wrapper was revealed, shiny and marked with a few prominent veins.

Underneath the San Andrés wrapper lie Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos—a combination I often gravitate toward for its rich complexity. Despite the familiar recipe, the Disciple offered a unique smoking experience.

From the first draw, the cigar treated me to a satisfying palette of espresso, dark fruit, and cocoa, accented by black pepper and raisins. It was full-bodied, producing thick, aromatic clouds of smoke that I savored for nearly two hours.

The Old Elk Cigar Cut Bourbon is the first of several limited bourbons the Fort Collins, Colorado distiller produces designed to pair with a fine cigar. I truly enjoy it and was happy to find a bottle last summer during a trip to replace a bottle emptied earlier the year. Last spring the VA ABC stores put the bottle on a half price clearance sale -- an event I sadly missed. Old Elk has released other cigar-focused bourbons—the Cigar Cut Island Blend and Cigar Cut Punch Cut—but I’ve yet to explore those.

Cigar Cut is a masterful blend of bourbons finished in Sherry, Armagnac, Port, and Cognac casks. On the nose, it offers inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and spiced fruit. The palate reveals layers of dark chocolate, toffee, and baking spices, while subtle notes of tobacco and leather linger on the finish. As a fan of port- and sherry-finished bourbons with cigars, I found the additional influence of the other casks added depth and complexity. The resulting flavor profile paired beautifully with the full-bodied Rocky Patel Disciple, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.

Halfway through my smoke, the sun finally emerged, bringing a bit of natural warmth to the chilly afternoon. I kept a patio heater on low but appreciated the brightness and extra comfort from the sun. The peacefulness of the moment—sipping bourbon, smoking a superb cigar, and enjoying the music—made for a most peaceful Christmas afternoon.

We rounded off the day by grilling steaks to accompany a holiday favorite: Oyster Casserole. For reasons I can’t explain, we only make this dish at Christmas, but perhaps that’s a tradition worth changing.

We enjoyed a very peaceful, relaxing, and joyful day. Things will get a bit more exciting this weekend when family and friends come by for more feasting and celebrating.

Cheers!

Hamlet Tabaquero and Knob Creek Rye: A Flavorful Winter Escape

For Friday evening’s deck time, I had my cigar picked out early in the day, but when it came time to choose a drink pairing, I was torn. On a whim, I reached for the Hamlet Tabaquero Toro and serendipitously paired it with the Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye. With those decisions made, I bundled up, lit the heaters, and stepped outside to enjoy the evening.

The Tabaquero line, created by renowned Cuban roller Hamlet Paredes in collaboration with Rocky Patel, has been a staple in my humidor. Back in 2022, when I learned that Hamlet Paredes was leaving Rocky Patel and the Tabaquero was being discontinued, I acted quickly and secured a box online. Two years later, I’ve smoked through half the box, and the cigar remains a favorite.

This cigar boasts a San Andrés wrapper, a blend of Nicaraguan fillers, and dual binders of San Andrés and Brazilian Mata Fina. Measuring 6x52, it’s smoothly rolled, dense, and rich in flavor. From the first draw, it delivers a creamy sweetness complemented by notes of milk chocolate, cedar, earth, and oak. While earlier sticks from this box had burn issues requiring frequent touchups (leading to some bitterness), two years of aging have transformed it into a balanced and full-bodied experience.

The Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye was a Virginia ABC pick from summer 2023. This barrel was filled on June 12, 2016, giving it a robust 6.5-year age. With a mash bill of 55% rye, 35% corn, and 10% malted barley, and bottled at a hearty 115 proof, it’s an ideal companion for a cold evening and a bold cigar.

From the rocks glass, the aroma is mild, offering hints of cocoa, vanilla, citrus, and rye spice. On the palate, it opens with flavors of butterscotch, cocoa, and dark fruit, layered with nuts and an assertive rye spiciness that lingers on the tongue. Despite its high proof and bold spice, the drink is exceptionally well-balanced and surprisingly easy to sip.

The Hamlet Tabaquero paired beautifully with the Knob Creek Rye, the boldness of the cigar harmonizing with the robust, spicy sweetness of the whiskey. Interestingly, as I was reflecting on this pairing, I discovered an earlier blog entry noting that I had enjoyed this exact combination back in March. Even subconsciously, I must have remembered how perfect this pairing is.

Cheers!

Thanksgiving Traditions: A Smoke, a Sip, and a Sweet Dilemma

It’s a tradition: after enjoying the Thanksgiving feast, I step outside for a cigar while the family gathers around the TV for football. This year was no different. I had initially set aside a robust smoke for the occasion, but when I noticed an unfinished bottle of Prosecco on the table, I decided it shouldn’t go to waste. To complement the fruity, sweet libation, I opted for a milder cigar. Enter the Rocky Patel Number 6.

The Rocky Patel Number 6 is a 6 x 52 Toro, featuring an oily Honduran Corojo wrapper over a Honduran binder and a filler blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos. It’s an unusually mild offering from Rocky Patel and a departure from my typical preference for bolder cigars. I had these in my humidor mainly for friends who favor milder smokes. The flavor profile showcases a gentle sweetness, creamy coffee, and classic tobacco notes, accented by a hint of citrus and a touch of white pepper. As the cigar progresses, the mild pepper becomes slightly more prominent, leaving a subtle spice on the palate. Beyond that, the flavor remains consistent throughout. After three months of resting in my humidor, the cigar burned evenly and performed admirably, even in the cold evening air.

Paired with the Prosecco, the experience was a mixed bag. The sparkling wine’s sweetness and effervescence tended to overpower the cigar’s delicate flavors. I found myself abstaining from sips for long stretches to allow the Number 6’s subtle notes to shine through and linger. While both the cigar and the Prosecco were enjoyable in their own right, they didn’t shine as a pairing.

The evening was crisp and chilly, with gusty winds that added an extra bite to the air. I resorted to running the patio heaters and bundling up under my hooded sweatshirt to keep the experience comfortable. After a pleasant 90-minute smoke, I headed back inside, faced with one last decision for the night: pumpkin or apple pie? Or maybe both?

 
Cheers!

An 80° Fall Sunset: Still Austin Bourbon and Rocky Patel Anniversary Pairing

With the days getting shorter, I’m drawn to the deck for an after-dinner sip and smoke when an early sunset meets unseasonably warm weather. I was grateful for just such an evening this week.

Still Austin Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon was my choice for the evening. This is a bottle I picked up during our summer travels and have only poured it a few times, but it's one I truly enjoy. The rich aroma of brown sugar and dark fruit fills the glass, with its 116 proof clearly evident on the nose.

Sipping it brings a pleasant warmth and spice, complemented by complex notes of raisins, plum, caramel, molasses, cinnamon, and a touch of sweet maple. Each time I pour this one, I am surprised to remember that it bears just a two year age statement. The bourbon is smooth and the rich flavor profile, along with a touch of heat, lingers on the palate.

For my cigar, I selected a Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary Robusto. This 5x50 soft box-pressed cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. It had only been resting in my humidor for about four weeks, but the burn and flavor were spot-on. The smoke started off creamy and sweet, gradually developing rich notes of dark fruit and chocolate. Toward the end, a hint of cinnamon spice emerged, adding even more depth.

Combined with the unusual 80° temperature, the cigar and bourbon made for a delightful after dinner repast. As the sun set I couldn't help but feel completely "unburdened." 

Cheers!

Rocky Patel A.L.R. 2, Again and Again

The Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition is a cigar I find myself coming back to time and time again. The name stands for Aged, Limited, and Rare, though mentions of it in my musings are anything but rare. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed this cigar in several vitolas and with a variety of drinks. On a recent evening, I paired one with a glass of Sazerac Rye for a perfect wind-down.

The vitola for this smoke was a 6 1/2 x 52 Toro. It’s a box-pressed cigar, wrapped in a rich, dark chocolate brown Mexican San Andrés wrapper. Underneath, you’ll find a Nicaraguan binder and filler made up of Nicaraguan tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa. Most of the cigar’s beauty is hidden behind a large informational band and a shiny, embossed gold label. This particular stick had been aging in my humidor for nearly two years.

As for the pairing, I opted for Sazerac Rye. It’s a go-to for cocktails in my house, but since the bottle was nearly empty, I decided to finish it off with the smoke. Sazerac Rye is an easy-drinking 90-proof whiskey, reportedly aged for around six years, though the bottle lacks an official age statement. It offers flavors of sweet, dark fruit, caramel, and vanilla, with a finish full of rye spice, char, and a touch of cinnamon.

The aged A.L.R. cigar burned beautifully. Espresso, cocoa, and roasted nuts dominated the flavor profile, with a bit of the signature cedar spice still present, though mellowed by time. The nearly two-hour smoking experience paired wonderfully with the Sazerac Rye, making for a relaxing and flavorful evening.

Cheers!

Rocky Patel DBS With Larceny Barrel Proof

I’d been eagerly waiting for a few months to try the Rocky Patel DBS. After letting it rest for a few months in the humidor, I couldn’t hold off any longer and decided to light it up on a Friday evening, pairing it with a glass of Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon.

The 5x50 Robusto has a distinctive appearance, decked out with three separate cigar bands—a bit of the usual “glitz” you’d expect from Rocky Patel. While it’s not as over-the-top as the A.L.R. 2, the deep brown Mexican San Andrés wrapper is still about half-covered by the bands.

The “DBS” stands for “Double Broadleaf Selection,” likely referring to the dual Nicaragua and Pennsylvania Broadleaf binders, or perhaps the Honduran and Nicaraguan Broadleaf fillers. From the start, I got a hit of black pepper that quickly mellowed into wood and earthy flavors, all complemented by a creamy sweetness on the finish. As the cigar progressed, cocoa and nuts joined the mix, making for a rich and evolving flavor profile. The draw was a little more resistant than I prefer, but there were no burn issues throughout.

For my pairing, I chose the Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon, specifically the Batch B522 at 123.8 proof. When I first opened this bottle a couple of years ago, I found the proof a bit sharp but still enjoyable. While I personally prefer the newer Batch B523, the B522 offers flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon, with a hint of sweet bread. It finishes with warmth, pepper, and spice, and the bold flavors of the cigar helped to balance out the intensity of the alcohol.

Overall, the Rocky Patel DBS was a thoroughly enjoyable smoke. Despite its $20 price tag, I’d consider buying more for special occasions. It was a perfect companion for a laid-back fall evening.

Cheers!

Abraham Bowman French Oak Series Lottery Win

Some people have all the luck. In this case, "some people" is my wife. A couple of months ago she had a winning entry in the A. Smith Bowman lottery for the "opportunity to purchase" a bottle of the distillery's new Limited Edition Abraham Bowman French Oak Whiskey. Fortunately, her luck is my luck by extension. 

From the A. Smith Bowman website:

The Abraham Bowman collection of experimental, limited-edition whiskies began in 2010 with the release of Abraham Bowman Rye Whiskey. Since, A. Smith Bowman Distillery has released 22 experiments that have challenged whiskey-making methodologies and captivated fans.

Recently, ASB has put a specific focus on exploring oak varietals with its latest collection, The Abraham Bowman Oak Series. For the series inaugural release, the experimental distillery is sharing its take on whiskey aged in French Oak barrels. This is the first of multiple releases that explores oak varietals and its impact on American whiskey maturation.

The distillate for this release was aged for 12 years in a combination of both charred and no-char French Oak barrels before blending and bottling in April of this year. Due to the use of barrels without char, this whiskey cannot be called a bourbon, instead is classified as American Whiskey.

The aroma from the glass is rich with vanilla, caramel, and fall-like spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. Bottled at a moderate 100 proof,  I can detect no alcohol on the nose. Sipping releases a delightful blend of candied cherries, vanilla, and toffee. There's a mild warmth going down. The flavors are long-lingering, with a mild char note mixed in with sweet cherry, vanilla, and spice.

Abraham Bowman French Oak Whiskey is an exciting drink. We'll be reserved in how often we pour from this bottle, likely saving it for special occasions. That said, I also don't see the bottle lasting a long time on our shelves. I know some local restaurants also managed to snag bottles. I wouldn't be opposed to paying for pours when I'm out either.

The whiskey was paired with an old favorite, the Rocky Patel Disciple. This time in a 6 x 50 Toro. The cigar is wrapped in a milk chocolate-colored San Andrés leaf. The binder and filler tobaccos are from Nicaragua. The medium to full bodied, richly flavored smoke with notes of espresso and cocoa. A bit of black pepper and raisons come in to play as the cigar progresses. I had nearly a two hour flawless smoke from the well-aged stick. The cigar's coffee and pepper note complimented the Abraham Bowman French Oak whiskey perfectly. 

Cheers!

Friday Evening - A Cigar, A Rye, and New Music

I'd been looking forward to revisiting the Buzzard's Roost Cigar Rye, and finally did pull it down from the shelf on Friday evening. I also grabbed a Rocky Patel The Edge 20th Anniversary to smoke along with the rye on a pleasantly warm and low humidity evening. This sort of weather doesn't last long in Virginia.

Batch 2 of Buzzard's Roost Cigar Rye was released in the fall of 2022. The mash bill is 95 percent rye and 5 percent malted barley and bottled at moderate 105 proof. The #1 char barrels used for the cigar blend were smoked over tobacco leaves.

The aroma is light in the rocks glass, but a rye spice and a hint smoke come through. The rye spiciness is forward in the sip. Tobacco and citrus notes come through after the initial spice. A caramel and tobacco smoke presence coats the palate in a lingering finish. Taking a sip of water clears the spice and helps the tobacco smoke come through. I enjoyed the Buzzard's Roost Cigar Rye. It's not the typical cognac - port - wine finish of other "cigar blends" but makes a quite pleasant pairing for the cigar.

The Rocky Patel Edge 20th Anniversary is a smoke I've enjoyed often. This particular 5 1/2" X 50 Robusto has been resting in the humidor for a year. The 20th Anniversary was introduced by Rocky Patel in 2022 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Edge series. The stick has a 10 year aged Ecuador Sumatra wrapper, a Honduran Broadleaf binder, and filler tobaccos from Honduras and Panama. The chocolate brown, silky wrapper gives evokes a classic HERSHEY'S Chocolate Bar. The medium bodied smoke delights with rich notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and nuts. The flavor was consistent throughout the smoke, which was just fine with me as it was pairing with the rye most beautifully.

The Friday evening was made even more enjoyable with some new music from a favorite artist. I'd been looking forward to Joanne Shaw Taylor's new blues album to be released. As Friday was the release date, it got a couple play throughs in the course of this evening.

Cheers!

Maker's Mark Private Selection and Rocky Patel A.L.R. II

Kicking off the weekend, I grabbed one of my favorite Rocky Patel cigars, the A.L.R. Second Edition. I also went back to the Virginia ABC pick of Maker's Mark Private Selection Hint O' Chocolate II. In retrospect, it was a "Volume Two" sort of evening. 

The evening was cool and breezy, but bearable. Colleen even grabbed a coat and joined me on the porch for a pour and conversation. 

The Maker's Mark Hint O' Chocolate has grown on me since I first tried it in 2022. The 107.9 proof bourbon has a pleasant aroma of fruit and oak. With sipping, there is sweet cream along with a stone fruit and some drying oak. The milk chocolate I had originally detected in the finish, which was slightly off-putting to me, is nearly imperceptible. Colleen noted without prompting that she wasn't tasting any chocolate. Interesting given the naming, but a pleasant development in my opinion.

The Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition is a 6 1/2 x 52 box-pressed Toro. The initials on the band stand for Aged, Limited, and Rare. The wrapper is San André Maduro, and the binder and filler tobaccos are of Nicaraguan origin. The wrapper is slightly rough and is dry to the touch. The burn was slow and even, the cigar offering a pleasant 80 minute smoke. The ALR is full bodied with coffee, roasted nuts, and just a touch of spice. 

It was a pleasant "outing on the deck, even if it did get much cooler quickly. Colleen headed inside after a bit while I finished my smoke, and another pour of the Maker's Mark.

Cheers!

Rocky Patel Disciple With Peerless Bourbon

After a small Good Friday dinner, I settled in with a good cigar and a wee sip of bourbon to assuage my desire for a filling dessert. I honed in quickly on the Rocky Patel Disciple. The Peerless Small Batch Bourbon was a bottle I grabbed in Florida last fall, but had not explored very much.

The Rocky Patel Disciple is a cigar I've enjoyed many times, in both Robusto and Toro vitolas. This 6 x 50 Toro has been sitting in my humidor since October. Once the large marketing swag is removed, the cigar shows off a chocolate brown San Andrés wrapper leaf. The oily wrapper encases Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. The Disciple is a medium to full bodied, richly flavored smoke. Initially there are notes of espresso and dark cocoa. Soon black pepper and raisons join the mix. Smoke production seems a bit on the light side, but the flavor is still robust. The burn is even throughout the 75 minute smoke.  

This Peerless Small Batch Bourbon is labeled at 115.4 proof. That's a little higher than some bottles I've seen online, which hover around 110 proof. There is alcohol on the nose, along with cinnamon and sweet caramel. Still, the bourbon has a mild aroma, especially for the proof.

Upon sipping, the caramel remains, along with other sweet notes of butterscotch and brown sugar. A pleasing addition of dark cherry comes in at the end. The finish is soft and short.

Overall, I found the Peerless Small Batch Bourbon to be a pleasing sipper. It was balanced and mellow. I think the higher proof gave it a bit of strength to stand on, but did not seem "proofy" at all. The pairing with the Rocky Patel worked, with the cigar holding the edge. I'll certainly enjoy both again in the future.

Cheers!

Cool Evening With Hamlet Tabaquero and Knob Creek Rye

March 1 marked the first day of "meteorological spring." The actual start of spring is still three weeks off, but the days are getting longer and warmer. The bulbs are sprouting in the garden, and the birds in the trees are active. And it's pleasant enough for a smoke on the deck. 

For this evening repast I grabbed one on my favorites, the Rocky Patel Hamlet Tabaquero, accompanied by a bottle of Knob Creek Single Barrel Rye.

The Hamlet Tabaquero is from my slowly shrinking stock I purchased in September 2020 upon hearing the line was being discontinued. The 6 x 52 Toro  has a San Andrés wrapper, a Nicaraguan filler, along with San Andrés and Brazilian Mata Fina double binders. The previous ones from this box have had some minor burn issues, but after 16 months of resting, the performance has improved. The balanced flavors of creamy sweetness, milk chocolate, cedar, and oak still present themselves well. With half the box gone, it's getting more difficult to light up one, but I know the flavor will change over time, and they are great right now.

The Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye is a VA ABS pick, with a barrel date of June 13, 2016 and a selected date of January 31, 2023. I purchased the bottle in July 2023. The 6 year old rye is bottled at a respectable 115 proof. The nose is deceptively mild with cocoa, vanilla, and citrus. The proof and robust flavor profile truly shines in the sipping. I get a moderate amount of rye spice. Butterscotch, cocoa, along with some cinnamon and nuttiness join in as I roll the rye across my tongue. A spicy heat lingers for a long while in the finish.

The Tabaquero and the high proof Knob Creek Rye made for a flavorsome combination. I was pleased how neither the smoke nor the rye dominated, but instead complimented each other quite well.

Cheers!

Rocky Patel Disciple and Old Forester 1910

The days are getting longer. Ever so slowly, but it's beginning to be noticeable. It's nice to start the evening smoke with a bit of sunlight still available. I kicked off the weekend with a Rocky Patel Disciple paired with some Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky. (Old Forester uses the Old World spelling without the 'e'.)

Old Forester is "double oaked" bourbon. The whiskey undergoes a second barreling in a heavily charred barrel. The technique is said to have originated after a warehouse fire in 1910 when bourbon was moved into charred barrels from the fire. The 93 proof bourbon has rich, caramel and vanilla aroma. There's a hint of smoke but it's surprisingly faint. The aroma is easily noticeable from the side table even as I light my cigar.

Sipping the bourbon it's apparent why the fairly new bottle is nearly empty. This was indeed a bottle kill evening. My palate is treated to more rich flavors of caramel and vanilla. A touch of tobacco and cocoa make it into the mix. The finish is mildly spicy and sweet. Oh, I do wish there was more to be poured.

The Rocky Patel Disciple is a cigar I've enjoyed on many occasions since its 2021 release, in both Robusto and Toro vitolas. This 6 x 50 Toro has been resting for about four months in the humidor. In what seems like a break from the usual Rocky Patel release, the cigar is not box-pressed, a switch I appreciate.

The cigar initially sports a large superfluous band that covers much of the length, in addition to the usual cigar band nearer to the cap. Fortunately the large covering slides right off, and makes a handy prop for the cigar.

The cigar is wrapped in a dark San Andrés wrapper leaf.  The wrapper encases binder and fillers tobaccos from Nicaragua. The Disciple is a medium to full bodied, richly flavored smoke. Notes of espresso and cocoa come first. Black pepper and raisons follow. The burn line was sharp and smoke production was plentiful for the entire 90 minute smoke. Unfortunately the second band suffered from excessive glue and was removed in pieces. A small bit of wrapper leaf tore away but it did not affect performance. Oddly, I've experienced this issue with each of the Disciples I've smoked.

By the time the cigar, and the bourbon, was finished the temperature had only dropped to 58°. The evening was extremely pleasant, especially with the added pleasure of not having to run the propane heater. 

Cheers!