Cigars by the Sea: A Relaxed Week in the Outer Banks

I took a short break from posting last week while we slipped away for a much-needed trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It had been three years since our last visit to the OBX, and the return reminded me why this stretch of coast is a popular destination. We've been visiting regularly for the last 40 years and still find it an amazing place — even if I am no longer tempted to jump in and battle the waves. This was not a trip packed with schedules or excursions. We simple enjoyed a laid-back week devoted to the art of leisure. We spent our days relaxing, eating well, laughing over board games, and, for me, savoring some good cigars.

Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown

Most of my smoking time was spent on the deck with a view of the Atlantic or right down on the sand, enjoying the steady rhythm of the surf. A persistent breeze occasionally forced a lopsided burn, but overall the oceanside weather cooperated nicely. I even carved out time for a couple of visits to the local lounge, OBX Cigar Lounge — a welcoming spot that deserves its own write-up, which I’ll share in a separate post.

Black Label Trading Company Royalty

As usual, I packed more cigars than I realistically expected to smoke. I like to give myself options depending on my mood, and there’s always the chance a stick might misbehave. That variety was further expanded by a few purchases at the lounge, which added some fresh finds to the rotation.

Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro

The weather turned out to be surprisingly kind. Aside from a few clouds, there was very little rain — quite a contrast to our last visit, when gusting winds and near-constant downpours limited me to a single cigar the entire week. This time, the conditions allowed for plenty of relaxed smoking sessions without interruption.

El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco

In the end, the vacation was everything it needed to be: unhurried time with family, simple pleasures, the sound of the ocean, good food, and cigars enjoyed without rush. Sometimes the best trips aren’t about doing more, but about slowing down and enjoying what’s right in front of you.

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!

Bold Flavors Unite: Foundation Tabernacle David & St. Augustine Port Bourbon

On a recent evening, I was looking for a short-ish smoke and reached for the Foundation Tabernacle David, a 5 x 54 Perfecto. To go with it, I dug deep into the bourbon shelves and pulled out a long-ignored but much-loved bottle of St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon.

The cigar had been resting in my humidor for about five months. I can’t say there was a reason for the wait other than my humidor being well-stocked with plenty of choices. The Tabernacle line has long been one of my favorites, no matter the vitola. The bourbon, on the other hand, has been rationed carefully since I picked it up in Florida about two years ago. Now about half gone, it remains a bottle I savor since it isn’t available locally through our state-controlled ABC stores.

The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars is the brainchild of Nick Melillo and is produced by AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua. The original blend features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, Mexican San Andrés binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa) and Honduran (Jamastrán) fillers. An extension of the line, the Havana Seed CT-142, sports an oily Connecticut 142 wrapper that undergoes extended aging.

While I’ve smoked both blends, I find myself drawn more to the original Tabernacle, typically in Robusto or Toro sizes. The David is one of two Perfectos in the lineup, alongside the larger Goliath (5 x 58), both released in October 2020.

A couple of clips from the sharply pointed head still left the draw slightly snug, thanks to the small foot. Once lit, the burn opened as the cigar reached its fuller ring gauge.

The opening flavors sat in the medium-bodied range, with notes of mild spice, dark chocolate, and cocoa. As the burn progressed into the wider portion, the profile truly came alive. Bitter cocoa took the lead, joined by toasted nuts, and the strength pushed into full-bodied territory. Creamy sweetness appeared to balance the richness. Toward the finish, both spice and sweet chocolate carried the lead.

The David really shines in the midsection, offering distinct transitions throughout its 65-minute smoke time. If I’m honest, the first inch is a little underwhelming compared to what follows. Perfectos are always fun and interesting, but they aren’t always the best showcase for a blend.

The bourbon was an ideal match. St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon is finished in barrels from the local San Sebastian Winery, which then reuses the casks for their port-style fortified wine. Aged about three years and bottled at 102 proof, the spirit pours a deep ruby color. The nose carries caramel and dark fruit, with the port influence unmistakable. On the palate, rich notes of dark cherry, fig, and raisin dominate, rounded out by a long finish accented with black pepper.

Together, the Foundation Tabernacle David and St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon made for a rich, indulgent pairing. The dark, layered flavors of both cigar and whiskey were perfect companions for a cool pre-fall evening, a preview of many more porch nights to come.

Cheers!

El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco: A Full-Bodied Masterpiece

I picked up a five-pack of the El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco about four weeks ago. Since then, I’ve often caught myself eyeing them in the humidor, tempted to light one up. But I try to give new cigars — especially those that arrive by mail — at least a month, preferably longer, to settle in before smoking. Exactly four weeks to the day, I gave in to temptation and lit one up on a cool evening.

El Pulpo — Spanish for “the octopus” — is the result of a collaboration between Artesano del Tobacco and AJ Fernandez, released in 2023. It wears a dark, oily Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers grown on AJ Fernandez’s farms. The Robusto Grande vitola I chose is a 5 × 56 sharply box-pressed cigar. 

From the first draw, I was enveloped in thick, rolling clouds of smoke — easily one of the smokiest cigars I’ve lit up in some time. Rich flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted nuts greeted my palate, soon joined by a dark sugar sweetness that struck a beautiful balance between bitter and sweet.

El Pulpo delivers a full-bodied yet remarkably smooth experience, never crossing into harshness. While the burn line wavered slightly at times, it never required correction. Smoke production was both ample and flavorful, providing about 75 minutes of satisfying enjoyment.

To accompany the cigar, I poured a glass of Peerless Small Batch Bourbon. At four years old and bottled at 115.4 proof, it carries some heat but is still a surprisingly approachable pour. Bold notes of caramel, cinnamon, butterscotch, and brown sugar dominate. A few drops of water tame the heat and let the flavors shine — an excellent complement to the richness of the cigar.

By the time I set the nub down, I was already contemplating a box purchase of El Pulpo. The only decision left is whether to stick with the Robustos or spring for the slightly longer 6 × 56 Toro.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday:Taxes

And alcohol tax, and property tax, and sales tax, and gas tax, and restaurant tax, and …

Here's to a fun weekend despite the government's efforts against it.

Cheers!

Twenty-Four Years Later: Remembering and Standing Vigilant

It has been twenty-four years — nearly a quarter of a century — since the followers of a demonic ideology attacked our nation. For some Americans, memories have faded. Others choose to forget or forgive. A whole generation has grown up with no firsthand knowledge of that day and little grasp of its history. Yet the events of September 11, 2001 brought a horror to our shores that the world must never be allowed to forget.

The same ideology that fueled those attacks still spreads violence across Europe and throughout the world. It continues to bring evil to our own shores as well. And yet, many remain complacent, blind, or willfully ignorant. Worse still, some within our own government aid and placate those who threaten us.

Today we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families whose grief has never faded. Their sacrifice and suffering deserve not only our remembrance but also our resolve.

We must remember what was done to us on that bright September morning. We must stand firm against it. Be vigilant, for the evil one and his minions have not relented. The threat endures.

NEVER FORGET

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the power of God,

cast into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Red Meat Lovers Cigar: A Bold Cut Above

Steve Saka says his Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Red Meat Lovers line was blended specifically to pair with a hearty steak dinner. Cigars designed to match up with particular beverages are nothing new, but one crafted for a food pairing is unusual. (Honestly, I can’t think of another.) I’ll admit I didn’t enjoy mine alongside a sizzling ribeye — but after smoking the Red Meat Lovers, I intend to do so next time.

I chose the “Filet Mignon” vitola, a 5 x 54 box-pressed robusto. It wears a dark and toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés Negro binder, with fillers from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania. The simple red-and-white band completes the presentation.

From the first light, the Red Meat Lovers shows its full-bodied nature. Flavors of dark chocolate, pepper, roasted nuts, cream, vanilla, and brown sugar come on quickly — powerful yet balanced. I wasn’t prepared for such a bold start, but my palate adjusted, and soon I was savoring the cigar’s richness.

I paired it with a pour of Laws Four Grain Bourbon, which leans dry and grain-forward with notes of cinnamon, tea, honey, and pepper. While bold in its own right, the bourbon carried a lighter profile than the cigar, serving as a counterpoint to the Red Meat Lovers’ darker and more robust flavors.

All told, the Red Meat Lovers delivers a rich, savory, and satisfying experience — spicy, sweet, and deeply flavorful. It certainly seems like a natural companion to a steak dinner. Next time, I’ll make sure the grill is fired up first.

Cheers!

International Buy a Priest a Beer Day

Today is the second Monday in September, which means it’s International Buy a Priest a Beer Day. This lighthearted tradition reminds us that priests are real people who enjoy good company and a good beverage. The celebration was originally dreamed up by the folks at The Catholic Gentlemen.

This festive holiday traces its origins back to the pious deed of St. Hopswald of Aleyard, the first man to buy his priest a beer. The legend goes that St. Hopswald, a master brewer by trade, was a Teutonic pagan who was converted and baptized by a zealous Catholic priest.

One day, St. Hopswald committed a grievous sin. Without wasting a moment, he ran quickly to his priest and confessed. Later that day, as he was particularly enjoying the peace of a clean conscience, St. Hopswald was so filled with gratitude for his priest’s sacramental ministry that he rushed to the rectory and offered to buy his priest a beer.

Okay, if you haven’t figured it out by now, St. Hopswald wasn’t real, but your priest is, and without priestly ministry, getting to heaven would be well nigh impossible!

Believe it or not, priests are real people, and they enjoy socializing over good food and drink as much as anyone. They also have a thankless and difficult job, a job that we couldn’t get to heaven without. Priests are the lifeblood of the Church, and they deserve some appreciation.

Even if you aren't able to buy a round or two for your favorite priest today, raise a pint today in honor of the men who devote their lives to the Church.

The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI celebrates his 88th birthday.

Cheers!