Musings Over a Barrel

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

A Sunday in the Sun With a Cigar and Coffee

After a long day of birthday celebrations, Sunday was a much-needed day of rest. I’m not as young as I used to be — but then again, who among us is?

The afternoon was sunny, with temperatures climbing into the 80s. It was not a day to be spent inside. The warm deck beckoned us. We opted for creamy iced coffee, a nod to lingering fatigue, paired with a couple of chocolate-dipped biscotti for a simple but uplifting treat.

I grabbed a Mr. Sinistro by Sinistro Cigars to light up with the cold, sweet drink. (The biscotti were gone well before I got around to lighting up.) Mr. Sinistro is a relatively new release from last year. I had the 6½ × 56 Toro on hand. The cigar features a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder. The fillers are a complex mix of Olor, Piloto Cubano, and Corojo ligero from the Dominican Republic, along with Paraguayan leaf. This cigar had been resting in my humidor for five months, arriving as part of an October monthly shipment from Cigar and Pipes.

Upon lighting, the Mr. Sinistro offered notes of mild black pepper along with hints of sweet bread and honey. Smoke output remained somewhat limited throughout the session, which may have muted the flavors. A leathery, earthy backbone developed as the cigar progressed, accompanied by a dry, creamy quality.

The burn was quite wavy through the first third but evened out in the remaining portion. The ash behaved somewhat strangely throughout the smoke. While it held firm and did not easily give way when tapped, small flakes would regularly drop from the sides. In the latter half, the ash began peeling away in thin sheets, reminiscent of bark shedding from a dying tree.

The cigar is often listed as medium to full-bodied, but I would place it closer to medium-mild. Overall, I found the flavor profile somewhat bland. Combined with the mildly frustrating ash behavior, the experience left me underwhelmed. That said, this was my only sample. That is one drawback of the monthly cigar subscription format — and why I usually tend to acquire more than one example when trying something new. As with any handmade product, variability is always a factor.

The mediocre smoke aside, the afternoon itself was refreshing and uplifting. The songs of early spring arrivals filled the air, while greening grass and budding trees offered clear signs of the season’s arrival.

Cheers!

Sunday, March 22, 2026

A Birthday Celebration: Good Food, Drink, Cigars, and Friends

At this stage of life, birthday celebrations tend to be quiet and laid back. Still, a few extra touches this year elevated the day and made it feel just a bit more special.

The day began as most do, with a relaxing morning and coffee. Instead of a traditional cake, I requested something we could enjoy alongside that first cup. Colleen delivered with a delicious Almond Honeycomb Cake — one that will happily stretch across several mornings in the days ahead.

Later, we headed out for lunch, settling in at the bar at Capital Ale House, a once-regular stop we hadn’t visited in a couple of years. I opted for a Killanny Red from Brehon Brewhouse in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Ireland. The deep ruby-red ale, served on nitro, offered plenty of biscuity malt character. At a modest 4.5% ABV, it allowed for a second pour alongside a flatbread pizza. As a birthday bonus, loyalty points covered more than half the bill.

The evening was capped with a visit to the home of good friends. We began lakeside, enjoying cigars and Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey on the dock. My friend had picked up a couple of Andalusian Bull cigars by La Flor Dominicana for the occasion. It had been about five years since I’d last had one, which made the experience all the more special.

The Andalusian Bull was an enjoyable as I remembered — rich and full-bodied, with notes of earth, warm spice, and a touch of sweetness that lingered on the finish. The whiskey’s sweet fruit and gentle spice complemented the cigar beautifully, softening some of its intensity while amplifying the sweeter undertones.

After the cigars, we headed out for a delicious dinner and more drinks. The food was excellent, but as always, the real highlight was the company.

It was an ideal way to celebrate not just another trip around the sun, but also good health and the enduring gifts of family and friendship. There’s not much more one could ask for. Even the steady stream of texts and social media messages added to the day and was sincerely appreciated.

Looking back, I was struck by how naturally the day unfolded. Planned moments and small surprises came together to create a celebration filled with food, drink, and laughter. Thoroughly enjoyed — though once a year is probably enough.

Cheers!

Saturday, March 21, 2026

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!

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Irish Stew and Candlelight Mass for a Cool St. Patrick’s Day

Our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations took an unexpected turn this year. A short but powerful storm moved through Monday evening. Though it lasted less than 30 minutes, it was intense enough to knock out the power. Fortunately, our generator kicked on, keeping the inconvenience to a minimum. By morning, however, the outage persisted, with no estimated restoration time from the power company.

We learned that power was also out at our church — but of course, Mass was still being said. We headed over to celebrate our parish’s patronal feast. Mass by candlelight proved a quiet delight, though the after-Mass festivities were sadly canceled. Back at home, we made the most of it, enjoying Colleen’s homemade Irish soda bread with our morning coffee.

Thanks to the hardworking utility crews, power was restored by early afternoon — about 16 hours after it went out. After spending some time clearing storm debris around the house, I decided the weather wasn’t exactly inviting for a visit to the local brewery. That Red Ale can wait for another day.

Instead, we sat down early for our traditional Irish beef stew dinner, accompanied by more soda bread. The hearty mix of beef, potatoes, and carrots — made with Guinness Stout — was served with an extra scoop of mashed potatoes, a custom we happily adopted after our travels to the Emerald Isle.

I did manage a wee pour of Redbreast Irish Whiskey after dinner — a proper digestif ahead of the planned indulgence of bread and butter pudding with hot whiskey sauce.

Alas, no cigar this day. By late afternoon, the forecasted overnight snow had faded from the weather app, but I opted to enjoy my drink in the warmth of the living room instead of the cool porch.

Despite the rough start, the day unfolded much as it should — filled with good food, good drink, and proper observance of our saint.

The blustery weather also brought to mind past St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the long-gone Blue & Gray Brewing. Fredericksburg’s St. Patrick’s — and Oktoberfest — haven’t quite been the same since those days when the festivities stretched across the entire weekend. More often than not, the weather was just as cold and damp then, though I suspect I was made of slightly hardier stock in those years.

Sláinte!

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Mass, Music, and a Wee Dram: St. Patrick’s Day

Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh!

It’s that time of year when a saint revered by many — especially in the Irish Catholic community — is embraced by people of all backgrounds. As a Catholic of Irish descent, I can find little fault with people bettering themselves. :-)

This year, the feast day falls on a weekday — as odds usually have it. Another blessing of retirement is that doesn't much matter.

I’m writing this before we begin our celebration — for good reason, probably. But I can confidently predict the schedule of events. For us, the day will begin with Mass, as it’s our parish’s patronal feast day. I’m told Mass will be followed by Irish music and treats in the parish hall. We typically avoid the pubs on this day. However, if the weather cooperates later in the afternoon, perhaps we'll head off to a local brewery for some Red Ale and more music.

I don't doubt I'll enjoy a wee pour or three of Irish Whiskey in the evening. In our house, there’s always homemade Irish Soda Bread and Irish Beef Stew (made with potatoes and served over mashed potatoes.)

While you’re in the midst of your celebrations, I hope you’ll take a moment to think about the man behind the Feast Day. Whether you accept the traditions associated with St. Patrick’s life or not, there’s no denying the good he did. Some of the stories can’t be proven — but they can’t be disproven either.

Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery in Ireland, Patrick grew to love the Irish people. Later in life — around the age of 60 — Saint Patrick returned to Ireland to teach and convert the people he had come to see as his own. Certainly that is worthy of our respect.

Our family has long had a devotion to St. Patrick. That admiration was made all the more tangible when we were blessed to make two pilgrimages to the Emerald Isle, in 2012 and again in 2019. During those visits I was reminded just how much the Irish love Patrick. Over there, he’s far more than just a marketing gimmick.

Each year it seems necessary to remind some people (and the marketing dweebs) that St. Patrick was a man — not a woman. His name is Patrick, which comes from the Irish, Pádraig. Shorten his name to Paddy if you truly must. But we do not, under any circumstances, celebrate “St. Patty’s Day.” Patty is short for Patricia — a lovely name, for a woman, but not his.

Let’s all celebrate the memory of St. Patrick. Enjoy a toast or two and some good food. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little revelry into the world; God knows we need it. I enjoy a good party as much as anyone and I can appreciate a good Irish drinking joke. Drink your green beer if you must. Dress up in silly clothes if it suits you. (But remember: St. Patrick was a man, not a leprechaun.)

Still, remember the reason for the feast. Take a moment to honor the man and all the good he did. In our house we'll raise a drink of uisce beatha — the water of life — and say a prayer in honor of St. Patrick and his beloved Ireland. These days, as Ireland navigates profound cultural shifts — from the rapid secularization of a once deeply Catholic nation, to the challenges brought by immigration and an evolving national identity — the people of Ireland could use St. Patrick’s courage and clarity more than ever.

All the children of Ireland cry out to thee:

Come, O Holy Patrick, and save us!

Monday, March 16, 2026

Cold Snap Pairing: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout & CAO Flathead V660

A late-winter cold snap rolled back into Virginia last week, reminding us that spring’s recent tease wasn’t ready to commit just yet. The afternoon air this weekend carried just enough bite to make a big stout feel like the right call, so I dug into the dark corner of the basement storage for an old bottle of Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. A beer that rich and dark demands a cigar with some muscle, and the CAO Flathead V660 seemed a natural companion. With its broad ring gauge and reputation for notes of cocoa, coffee, and molasses sweetness, it seemed well suited to stand up to the deep roasted character of the stout.

The Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout was bottled for the Winter 2009–2010 season. Opening the dusty bottle, I was immediately greeted with rich aromas of dark chocolate and sweet molasses. A thin head formed in the glass, confirming the bottle had remained tightly capped after some sixteen years.

Upon sipping, a rich dark chocolate flavor greets the palate, accompanied by a moderate dose of espresso. A mild roasted note remains, though it’s not as pronounced as I recall from younger bottles. The 10% ABV is well masked and easily overlooked. Brewer Garrett Oliver once described this beer as “the ultimate dessert beer.” That’s a fitting description indeed.

The CAO Flathead V660 proved well suited to stand up to the stout’s rich character. The cigar had been resting in my humidor for about three years, its chocolate-hued Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper still oily and pliable. An Ecuadorian Connecticut binder and Nicaraguan fillers complete the blend in this box-pressed 6 x 60 stick.

The V660 is a full-bodied smoke, opening with a rich coffee and cocoa base. Sweet hints of dark fruit and molasses balance the coffee bitterness, while an occasional note of pepper adds complexity. The cigar is bold yet balanced, delivering a surprisingly smooth smoking experience. The large ring gauge produces ample smoke through an open draw.

The CAO Flathead V660 held its own against the rich Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, the two settling into an easy harmony of cocoa, coffee, and a touch of molasses sweetness. The pairing felt perfect for the cool afternoon. A plate of cheese and crackers completed the repast as clouds gradually moved in toward evening.

Although the cold snap prompted the desire for a rich stout, the afternoon on the porch was quite pleasant. Even with the windows open for ventilation, we enjoyed an “indoor” temperature in the mid-60s. In the coming days we’re expecting more dramatic temperature swings, along with the severe weather such changes often bring. Still, the last vestiges of winter are — albeit begrudgingly — slowly giving way to spring.

Cheers!

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Spring’s Hit and Run: Room 101 Hit & Run Redux with Old Forester 1920

Well, that tease of Spring was nice while it lasted. On Thursday the thermometer went from 80 to 35 like it spotted the sheriff behind the billboard. The winter blast even dropped a few inches of snow. By Friday evening the sun was shining, the snow was gone, but the thermometer still hovered in the low 50s. Despite it all, it was still warm enough for a sip and a smoke on the porch.

I lit up a Room 101 Hit and Run Redux that had been resting in my humidor since last July, and poured a bit of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon to enjoy alongside it. Given how the weather had bolted from spring back to winter in less than a day, the cigar’s Hit and Run name felt especially appropriate.

The Hit and Run Redux is a medium-to-full bodied smoke with a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and USA Pennsylvania Broadleaf and Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 filler leaves. This 6 × 50 Toro has a slick, dark wrapper and a nearly seamless appearance.

A mix of sweetness and pepper kicked off the smoke, soon joined by notes of bitter espresso and dark chocolate. There was also a faint edge of minerality in the profile that was a bit off-putting in an otherwise smooth and flavorful cigar.

The Old Forester 1920 proved a fitting companion. Notes of cherry, dark chocolate, caramel, and maple sweetness — along with a robust oak char and its healthy 115 proof — stood up well to the cigar’s bold character.

A steady wind roared through the treetops and pushed a cool breeze through the open porch window. Even so, the evening was a pleasant one. The return of colder weather was disappointing, though certainly not a surprise. Around here, March rarely settles on a season for long.

Still, a good cigar, a solid pour of bourbon, and a little time on the porch make even a fickle Virginia spring feel just about right.

Cheers!

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

A Sunset Smoke: Tatuaje Cojonu 2018 and Amaretto

Sunday marked the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. We moved the clocks forward, taking an hour of light from the morning and adding it to the evening. Of course, the length of the day itself isn’t affected and nothing is truly “saved,” but it’s a welcome change in my book. I don’t mind drinking my morning coffee in the dim light of early day, and I certainly appreciate enjoying my evening smoke before and during sunset — or at least getting a good start before darkness settles in.

With temperatures in the low 70s after the Sunday evening meal, I grabbed a Tatuaje Cojonu 2018 Broadleaf from the humidor, poured myself an Amaretto digestif, and stepped outside to enjoy the fading day.

The Cojonu 2018 had been resting in the humidor for the past three months. I’m a fan of Tatuaje cigars, and frankly I’m a bit surprised it sat that long. The 5 5/8 x 54 stick features a rounded box press and is cloaked in an oily, USA-grown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Nicaraguan tobaccos make up the binder and filler. The blend reportedly contains a generous amount of ligero and higher-priming wrapper leaves, adding both body and strength.

The smoke begins with a robust mix of cedar, espresso, and dark cocoa. As the cigar settles in, an undercurrent of sweetness emerges to balance the profile. By the end of the roughly 75-minute smoke, the pepper note moves back to the forefront. The cigar delivers full body, yet remains balanced and flavorful throughout.

The almond sweetness of the Disaronno Amaretto contrasted with the opening notes of the Cojonu 2018 — though not unpleasantly. As the smoke progressed, I found the sweet liqueur softened the cigar’s peppery edge somewhat, making for an enjoyable and flavorful pairing.

As I savored the drink and cigar, the sun slowly slipped below the horizon and the low-angled light warmed the porch in its final moments. While enjoying the spring-like weather, I couldn’t help but notice the grass around the house beginning to green. At the same time, our local deer herd strolled in to nibble on the fresh shoots.

Such is the cycle of spring.

Cheers!

Monday, March 9, 2026

Daffodils, Negronis, and a Sunday on the Porch

The signs of Spring continue to reveal themselves in small but welcome ways. I was delighted last week to see the first daffodils sprouting from the ground.

Even more welcome was the return of our Sunday Aperitivo on the porch.

It has been some four months since we moved our Sunday tradition indoors for the winter. While the drinks and pre-dinner snacks remain the same, enjoying them outside allows me to enjoy a cigar at the same time. For the new season’s opening salvo, I paired a Negroni with the My Father Le Bijou 1922 Petit Robusto. The shorter smoking time was a concession to the remaining chill in the air.

Soon those daffodils will bloom and outdoor dining will resume in earnest. It can’t happen too soon.

Cheers!

Friday, March 6, 2026

The First Long Smoke of Spring: Liga Privada H99 & Bulleit Bottled in Bond

Spring — at least the meteorological version — arrived in force late this week, bringing with it temperatures warm enough to lure me into the yard for needed chores. It was actually refreshing to begin the winter cleanup, which includes pruning a good deal of shrub damage from the extreme cold weather a month ago. It’s an ongoing project, but one I’m thankful the weather, and my health, allow me to undertake.

By evening, it was time for a sip and smoke on the porch. With plenty of free time and a cooperative thermometer, I opted for a long smoke. The Liga Privada H99 in Corona Doble is a cigar I enjoy infrequently — the 7” x 54 vitola is a two-hour-plus commitment. Some Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon was poured to accompany the cigar.

The H99 Corona Doble comes from a box purchased in May 2024 as a retirement gift to me, from me. At the time it was promoted as an event-only vitola, and I picked up plenty of extra swag with the purchase. I now see the cigar listed for sale by some online retailers.

The cigar gets its name from the H99 Connecticut Corojo hybrid wrapper. The leaf is a cross between Stalk-Cut Habano and Corojo ’99 tobacco seeds grown in the Connecticut River Valley by a single farm specifically for Drew Estate. A Mexican San Andrés Negro binder encases filler tobaccos grown in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Pennsylvania. The long cigar is smooth and solidly rolled.

Despite a somewhat loose draw, the plentiful smoke opened with hints of pepper and lightly toasted bread. A brown sugar sweetness gradually builds and joins a core of dark chocolate, coffee, and graham cracker. The cigar exhibits a medium body, building to near full in the second half.

Knowing I was in for a long smoking session, the 100-proof Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon made a suitable companion. This first bottled-in-bond release from Bulleit debuted in early 2024. The whiskey was aged for seven years — well beyond the four years mandated by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897.

The bourbon leans toward rye spice rather than classic bourbon sweetness, both on the nose and the palate. However, that spice is moderate and well balanced with the rest of the profile. Rye, vanilla, and sweet chocolate greet the nose upon pouring. On the sip, vibrant rye spice is layered with balancing vanilla and maple sweetness on the tongue. A hint of dried fruit adds further complexity.

As expected, the Bulleit and H99 proved to be an exemplary pairing. The cigar treated me to an amazing two hours and forty-five minutes of smoking pleasure. Even with a bit of breeze wafting through the now-opened windows on the porch, the spring-like balm contributed to the enjoyable evening. For a while, I even forgot about the remaining winter yard cleanup waiting to be done — a problem for another day

Cheers!

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Smoke, Bourbon, and a Season About to Change

Spring continues to tease us here in Virginia. Winter is far from finished, yet hints of the new season are unmistakable. Bluebirds sing from the trees, daffodils push through the mulch, and cigars are occasionally enjoyed without the need for heavy coats or supplemental heat. And still, stubborn piles of snow linger from the storm four weeks ago.

Saturday evening, I ventured out to the porch to relax with a cigar and was pleasantly surprised to find the propane heater unnecessary. In fact, I left my jacket inside and settled in wearing only a light sweatshirt — a small but welcome concession to the changing season.

The cigar for this mild evening was the E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Confidant, the last remaining from a June 2024 purchase. The Confidant vitola is a 6” x 52, slightly rounded box-pressed toro, wrapped in an oily, smooth Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf. Nicaraguan tobaccos comprise the binder and fillers. The cigar was blemish-free and expertly rolled, with a firm but comfortable feel in hand.

The opening delivered a burst of cedar and pepper. As the cigar warmed, notes of roasted nuts and espresso emerged, complementing the persistent cedar. A gentle peppery spice lingered in the background — present but never dominant. Medium-bodied throughout, it proved an easy companion for the evening sip of bourbon.

My pairing drink was Blade and Bow Bourbon, bottled at 91 proof. Balanced and flavorful, it complemented the cigar without overshadowing it. Notes of caramel, light orchard fruit, and mild baking spice greeted the palate, with a relatively short finish that invited the next draw from the cigar.

Even after sunset, the temperature remained agreeable for porch sitting. The smoke lasted about 80 minutes — hardly lengthy, but a welcome respite from the recent cold. The forecast promises more of Virginia’s familiar temperature swings in the coming weeks, yet even that volatility signals that spring is drawing near.

Cheers!

Monday, March 2, 2026

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!

Friday, February 27, 2026

National Cigar Day: Smoke, Spirit, and Reflection

February 27 is National Cigar Day, a day set aside for cigar lovers to reflect on their passion and celebrate the craftsmanship and culture behind the leaf. Truth be told, we don’t need a special day to do that — but who’s going to turn down another reason to enjoy a fine cigar?

The date is notable because on February 27, 1883, Oscar Hammerstein I was granted a patent for an automated cigar rolling machine. While National Cigar Day largely celebrates hand-crafted cigars, Hammerstein’s innovations helped advance the broader cigar industry; he held some 80 cigar-related patents. As an interesting aside, he was the grandfather of Oscar Hammerstein II, one half of the famed Rodgers & Hammerstein duo — proof that creativity can run in the family, whether expressed through tobacco or theater.

Like so many similar observances — those devoted to bourbon, beer, coffee, chocolate, and countless other indulgences — this “holiday” is largely a lighthearted nod to an enjoyable pastime, with a predictable marketing angle attached. But who really cares? If it prompts us to pause, light up, and appreciate the artistry in hand, that’s reason enough. Every cigar carries with it the work of farmers, rollers, blenders, and generations of accumulated knowledge — a small, hand-held testament to patience.

I’ll gladly mark the occasion the only way that seems fitting: with a well-made cigar and a good bourbon at day’s end — a quiet tribute to craftsmanship, tradition, and life's simple pleasures.

Cheers!

A Lizard, a Legend, and Saint Gabriel Possenti

Today, February 27, is the Feast Day of St. Gabriel Possenti, also known as St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Gabriel Possenti was a Catholic seminarian in Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy. According to tradition, in 1860 Gabriel used his marksmanship to save the town from a band of marauding soldiers. As the story goes, he seized revolvers from two soldiers and boldly confronted the intruders. When the soldiers mocked the seminarian, he silenced them by taking aim and shooting a lizard scurrying across the road with remarkable accuracy. Impressed — and perhaps intimidated — the marauders left the town peacefully, escorted by the seminarian who had become an unlikely hero.

Like many saints, the line between historical fact and legend in Gabriel’s story can be difficult to discern. However, this tale of courage and skill has earned him the unofficial title of Patron Saint of Handgunners. The St. Gabriel Possenti Society was even founded to promote his legacy and to advocate for the moral and theological principles underlying self-defense. Unfortunately, the society became inactive following the death of its founder in 2017.

Many years ago, our parish was blessed with a relic of St. Gabriel Possenti under his title, St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. I vividly remember the excitement of seeing the announcement in the weekly bulletin. When our new church was completed a few years ago, a relic of St. Gabriel was among several placed in the altar — a lasting reminder of his presence and intercession.

The intercession of St. Gabriel Possenti is needed today, especially in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Content to ignore the Bill of Rights, as well as numerous decisions from both state and federal courts, Virginia’s leftist leadership is hard at work to strip Second Amendment rights from law-abiding citizens. The history of socialism and communism is rife with governments that first stripped away gun ownership before attacking and limiting other freedoms. Our current governor and legislature seem determined to imitate the oppressors of the past.

St. Gabriel Possenti’s life and legend inspire us to stand firmly in defense of what is right and just, trusting in the guidance of God. Whether we see him as a hero of faith, a protector of the innocent, or both, his story resonates with the courage needed to face the challenges of our own times.

St. Gabriel Possenti ora pro nobis!

Monday, February 23, 2026

Winter's Pause and a Saintly Smoke

As we settle into the early days of Lent, I turned to a cigar created to honor a newly canonized saint for a Friday evening smoke. I wrote about Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati last September on the occasion of his canonization. At that time, I ordered a few cigars named in his honor from Regina Cigars — the PGF ST-090725. They’ve been resting in my humidor since, and this week I finally lit one.

According to Regina Cigars, the blend was crafted by Noel Rojas, known as well for the popular Street Tacos series. An oily Habano wrapper covers the cigar, extending slightly over the foot — though in varying degrees among the samples I have — lending the stick a somewhat unfinished, rustic appearance.

I lit the Frassati-themed cigar on an upliftingly warm evening. The outdoor temperature hovered around 60°, while the porch thermometer optimistically pointed to 70. The damp air felt cooler than either reading suggested, but a heater running on low took the edge off and made for a comfortable setting.

The cigar opened with mild notes of earth and leather. There was little sweetness or spice in the understated introduction. I held off on sipping my accompanying beverage, giving the cigar time to develop its character.

After the first inch or so, the flavor began to build. A gentle, sweet nuttiness joined the earth and leather. The profile itself remained consistent, but the added depth created more interest and a more engaging experience.

Expecting a mild-to-medium smoke, I poured a glass of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon to accompany it. At 90 proof, the bourbon offers a soft fruit sweetness with a restrained spice. Once the cigar reached its steady state, the bourbon’s lingering spice subtly amplified the sweeter and nutty notes in the smoke rather than overpowering them.

The Pier Giorgio Frassati cigar ultimately provided a mild and contemplative experience. While enjoyable in the evening, I suspect it would be even better suited to a quiet morning or early afternoon. Still, paired with an easy-sipping bourbon, it proved a pleasant way to conclude a simple Lenten day.

The mild weather added to the enjoyment. Knowing it was only a brief reprieve — with another winter storm forecast in the coming days — heightened the appreciation of the moment.

Cheers!

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Late-Winter Evenings: El Pulpo & Valentine’s Chocolate

We continue to enjoy some moderately warmer weather and ever-later sunsets — welcome signs that there’s more time to linger outdoors with an after-dinner cigar. Earlier this week, the El Pulpo from Artesano del Tobacco, paired with some Valentine’s Day candy, made for a sweet treat as the sun settled below the horizon and the evening air began to cool.

The El Pulpo is a smoke I’ve been enjoying often of late. Balanced and rich, notes of dark chocolate, black coffee, and roasted nuts are supported by a palate-pleasing dark sugar sweetness. Though the burn wavers at times, the cigar produces copious, flavorful smoke and remains an easy one to revisit. As the smoke progressed, the bitter notes of coffee and dark chocolate moved from medium-bodied into the fuller range. At the same time, the sweetness deepened in the finish, maintaining balance.

Chocolate treats rarely fail when enjoyed alongside a darker-flavored cigar. The creamy chocolate and hazelnut fillings in the candies were satisfyingly decadent, their sweetness complementing the cigar’s deeper notes. Not a bad way to spend an evening as the days begin, almost imperceptibly, to stretch.

Cheers!

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Ash Wednesday: A Cigar and a Pint

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. Though I am well past the age when the Church requires such penance, it feels odd not to offer the sacrifice — as long as health allows. So food was minimal on Wednesday as we marked the beginning of Lent. Recalling the Latin phrase “Liquidum non frangit ieiunium quadragesimale” — “Liquid does not break the Lenten fast” — the day was made easier by the anticipation of a good cigar and a pour of Guinness that evening.

The cigar I selected was one I’ve enjoyed often: the My Father El Centurion H-2K-CT. It’s a versatile smoke, one I’ve paired with nearly everything — beer, whiskey, wine, coffee, even water — and it rarely disappoints. I had picked up a few more some months ago and had been reminding myself to let them rest. While scrolling through my inventory app recently, I realized they’d been sitting for nearly four months. Clearly, the waiting period had been satisfied.

A can of Guinness Draught Stout was poured — into the proper glass, of course — to accompany the smoke.

The My Father El Centurion H-2K-CT is a box-pressed 6 x 52 Toro featuring an oily, caramel-hued H-2K-CT Connecticut wrapper — a Cuban-seed strain grown in open sunlight in the Connecticut River Valley — which gives the cigar its name. Nicaraguan binder and fillers round out the blend. Medium-bodied and notably creamy, it delivers a measured pepper warmth alongside layered notes of vanilla, nuts, caramel, roasted coffee, honeyed sweetness, and a subtle touch of dark fruit.

At a modest 4.1% ABV, the smooth, creamy Irish stout proved a fitting companion, its texture mirroring the cigar’s own creaminess. It’s always a welcome treat — though even with its nitro enhancement, it doesn’t quite aspire to the greatness of a pint enjoyed in the “Mother Land.”

Together, the cigar and stout offered a mild, balanced experience — nothing heavy or overly bold — well suited to a quiet, contemplative beginning to Lent.

Cheers!

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

A Lenten Tale

It's Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent. It's good to add some humor to the fasting.

An Irishman moves into a tiny hamlet in County Kerry, walks into the pub and promptly orders three beers.

The bartender raises his eyebrows, but serves the man three beers, which he drinks quietly at a table, alone.

An hour later, the man has finished the three beers and orders three more.

This happens yet again.

The next evening the man again orders and drinks three beers at a time, several times. Soon the entire town is whispering about the Man Who Orders Three Beers.

Finally, a week later, the bartender broaches the subject on behalf of the town. "I don't mean to pry, but folks around here are wondering why you always order three beers?"

'Tis odd, isn't it?" the man replies, "You see, I have two brothers, and one went to America, and the other to Australia. We promised each other that we would always order an extra two beers whenever we drank as a way of keeping up the family bond."

The bartender and the whole town was pleased with this answer, and soon the Man Who Orders Three Beers became a local celebrity and source of pride to the hamlet, even to the extent that out-of-towners would come to watch him drink.

Then, one day, the man comes in and orders only two beers. The bartender pours them with a heavy heart. This continues for the rest of the evening - he orders only two beers. The word flies around town. Prayers are offered for the soul of one of the brothers.

The next day, the bartender says to the man, "Folks around here, me first of all, want to offer condolences to you for the death of your brother. You know-the two beers and all..."

The man ponders this for a moment, then replies, "You'll be happy to hear that my two brothers are alive and well... It's just that I, myself, have decided to give up drinking for Lent."

Messrs Maguire Pub, Dublin, 2012

Cheers!

Monday, February 16, 2026

Winter Reprieve: Fuente Maduro & Port-Finished Bourbon

Maybe we’re getting a small break from the deep freeze. Even if only temporary, an evening above freezing made for a relaxing stretch of time on the porch — aided by the propane heater of course. For this evening’s repast, I selected an Arturo Fuente Maduro Churchill that has been resting in the humidor since early August. At 7¼″ × 48, I figured the stick would deliver a couple of unhurried hours of relaxation.

The dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wraps binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic. The wrapper appears thick and dense, lending the cigar a somewhat rustic character. Deep, earthy notes of oak, coffee, and cocoa open the smoke. After a short while, dark chocolate and a sweet, toasted nuttiness round out the profile. A gentle sweetness gradually builds, eventually leaving a faintly syrupy coating on the palate.

To accompany the cigar, I brought out a bottle of Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon. There was just a plus-sized pour left — fortunately, enough to carry me well into the smoke.

The 92-proof bourbon spends 4½ to 5½ years in new charred oak before finishing three to six months in port barrels. The port influence contributes a sweet, fruity layer — dark cherry and raisin notes come forward — while the familiar brown sugar, vanilla, and spice of the base bourbon remain intact.

I’ve become a fan of port- and sherry-finished bourbons alongside a cigar. The medium-bodied Fuente Maduro offered just enough sweetness to align nicely with the Isaac Bowman. I set the cigar down after about 110 minutes. Though my glass was emptied before the final inch, the lingering bourbon notes seemed to extend their influence over the remaining smoke.

Winter may not yet be finished — and the stubborn layer of “snowcrete” still dominates the landscape — but even a modest reprieve is a welcome gift.

Cheers!

Friday, February 13, 2026

Rye and Broadleaf Against the Cold

After nearly two weeks of resorting to the cigar lounge for a smoke — mostly due to bitter cold temperatures — I was finally able to spend some time enjoying a cigar and drink on the porch this past week. As enjoyable as the lounge is, I prefer selecting from my own humidor. As the sun was beginning its descent, the outside thermometer read 31° — “mild” enough to be counteracted by the propane heaters.

I grabbed a Mi Querida Triqui Traca No. 652 and a pour of Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Rye to accompany the cigar.

The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust cigar had been sitting in my humidor for five months. A dark, USA-grown Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper sits tight and smooth over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The blend includes some ligero leaf among the filler tobaccos.

The cigar comes in solidly full-bodied, with deep, rich notes of dark chocolate and espresso right off the bat. A bit of black pepper joins in as the cigar warms. Joined by a dark sweetness, the spice never dominates but instead adds depth to the profile. The bold, rich flavors remain steady and consistent throughout the smoke.

The Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Rye is a pour I’ve enjoyed on numerous occasions, as evidenced by the declining level in the bottle. Batch 2 of the line was released in the fall of 2022 and takes a different path from many so-called “cigar blend” whiskeys. Rather than relying on secondary finishes in cognac, port, or wine casks, this expression begins with a mash bill of 95 percent rye and 5 percent malted barley and is bottled at a moderate 105 proof. The whiskey is matured in specially treated barrels — including char #1 oak and finishing techniques designed to introduce subtle smoky and tobacco-like nuances — an unusual step that hints at the profile to come.

The rye spice arrives first on the sip, followed quickly by notes of tobacco, char, and a touch of citrus brightness that keeps the whiskey lively. Caramel and citrus-tinged rye notes settle into the foreground, while gentle smoke lingers for quite some time on the palate. The smoky finish is mild, evocative of tobacco and seasoned wood rather than a campfire.

I initially had some apprehension that the potent flavors of the Mi Querida Triqui Traca might overpower the subtle smoky accent of the rye. However, I found the pairing to be quite delightful. There’s enough spice from the rye to stand up to the bold cigar, and its smoky accent is not lost. In fact, I felt that the charred wood notes in the Buzzard’s Roost were actually lifted somewhat by the cocoa and pepper of the cigar.

The nearly two-hour smoke was a relaxing and refreshing diversion from the bitter cold and ice-covered landscape we’ve been experiencing. The heaters did their work well, though I suspect the cigar and rye deserved most of the credit.

Cheers!