Crowned Heads and Heaven Hill: A Celebration of Craft and Flavor

A cool Friday evening on the deck called for a robust cigar and bourbon pairing. I started the night with a small pour of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, a bottle I’d picked up in Knoxville a couple of weeks ago. I’d been eager to try it, saving it for just the right relaxing evening.

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon is a distinctive release, crafted to emphasize transparency and showcase the artistry behind its production. Even the corn seed used in the mash bill was specifically selected for this bottling. With a mash bill of 52% corn, 35% wheat, and 13% malted barley, this bourbon leans heavier on wheat than most. Aged for six years and bottled at a bold 121 proof, it promised a memorable experience—and it delivered.

From the Glencairn Glass, enticing aromas of vanilla, oak, and white fruit wafted up, mingling with what I could only describe as gingerbread cookie dough—a seasonal suggestion, perhaps? A deep inhale delivered a gentle alcohol warmth to the nose. The first sip of the amber liquid opened with robust flavors of vanilla, oak, and nuts, followed by layers of molasses, apple, and pear. The finish was equally satisfying, with a pepper-tinged sweetness that lingered pleasantly on the palate.

After savoring the bourbon, I reached for the Crowned Heads Belgian Blue LE, a new release I’d been itching to try. It had been resting in my humidor for about five weeks, as I waited for the right pairing inspiration. Crowned Heads is among my favorite cigar brands, and the Belgian Blue didn’t disappoint.

This limited-edition cigar is truly special—only 2,000 boxes of 12 were produced. The 6x54 box-pressed Toro features a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder, with an intriguing filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. Impressively, 75% of the filler is comprised of ligero leaves, the strongest part of the tobacco plant, lending the cigar its bold character. It’s aptly named after a breed of Belgian cattle known for their strength and sculpted muscularity.

The Belgian Blue hit all the right notes. It opened with a pleasant peppery kick that quickly gave way to a medley of caramel, roasted nuts, and oak. Despite being full-bodied, it delivered a smooth, creamy smoke with no harshness. The cigar burned evenly and slowly, offering a delightful 1-hour-and-50-minute experience.

Perhaps it was the setting—a clear night sky, a whisper of warmth from the deck heater, and the stillness of the evening—but the pairing of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon and Crowned Heads Belgian Blue was remarkable. The richness of the bourbon beautifully complemented the cigar’s full-bodied complexity.

So enjoyable was the pairing that I immediately ordered more of the Belgian Blue cigars while they were still available. As for the bourbon, it’s an allocated release in Virginia, but I’ll keep an eye out for another bottle. The non-wheated Heaven Hill Grain to Glass expression remains on my wish list, too.

While I rarely purposefully repeat pairings, this one is worthy of an encore. That said, the Heaven Hill Wheated Bourbon undoubtedly has other cigars waiting to complement its unique profile, just as the Belgian Blue will pair beautifully with other fine bourbons. Exploring those possibilities will be a journey I’ll savor.

Cheers!

A Refresh for Musings Over a Barrel: New Look, Same Spirit

I’ve been gradually updating and tweaking Musings Over a Barrel over the past couple of weeks. The colder weather has meant more time spent indoors, perfect for refining this space. However, within the limitations of the Blogger platform, there’s only so much I can do—after all, you get what you pay for. If you’re reading on a mobile device, you may not notice the design changes as much. Curious? Scroll to the bottom of your phone screen and click “View web version,” but be ready to squint a bit.

In addition to refreshing the look, I’ve focused on updating the link compilation pages in the sidebar. While reviewing the blogs and sites I link to, it’s clear that fewer people are blogging these days. Many of the links I’d previously shared are inactive or gone. Platforms like YouTube and Rumble seem to have taken over. (And let’s not even start on the mind-numbing content on China's TikTok.)

Back in the early blogging days, reciprocal link networks were all the rage. Content creators worked to build communities by sharing links. These days, bloggers seem to prefer a more insular approach, often limiting links to paying sponsors. Personally, I enjoy sharing interesting sites I frequent—no strings attached—for the enlightenment of my readers.

For those of us feeling “old school,” RSS feeds are still around. I rely on an RSS reader daily to browse through roughly 100 feeds that interest me. If you’re similarly inclined, you can subscribe to an RSS feed of Musings Over a Barrel via the sidebar. Sadly, Google has done away with the subscribe-by-email functionality.

Speaking of sponsors, this blog remains a hobby, not a source of income. While I occasionally review products, I only do so if they genuinely interest me and might appeal to my readers. At times, I’ll use an Amazon or other sponsored link to offset minor costs—Blogger might be free, but domain registrations and related services are not.

Lastly, photo sharing on Instagram has become quite popular among cigar and whiskey enthusiasts. My Instagram account gets frequent, in-the-moment updates. If photos of cigars, whiskey, and craft beer pique your interest, I invite you to check it out!

Cheers!

Whiskey History in the Making: American Single Malt Defined

Credit: ASMWC

The term American Single Malt Whiskey has been tossed around in marketing for quite some time. Like many whiskey descriptions, it often carried no standardized meaning. That’s no longer the case. After years of lobbying, the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission has successfully established an official definition for this category.

For the first time in over 52 years the U.S.  Government is adding a new Type of whiskey to its regulations: American Single Malt Whiskey. On December 18th, 2024 TTB officially added the new Standard of Identity to Part 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations with an effective date of January 19th, 2025 that clearly defines the category and protects its producers and their products.

Just as the legal definition of Bourbon whiskey has long been codified, the term American Single Malt now has its own set of rules. To qualify as an American Single Malt Whiskey, a product must meet the following criteria:

• Made From 100% Malted Barley
• Distilled Entirely At One Distillery
• Mashed, Distilled And Matured In The United States Of America
• Matured In Oak Casks Of A Capacity Not Exceeding 700 Liters
• Distilled To No More Than 160 (U.S.) Proof (80% Alcohol By Volume)
• Bottled At 80 (U.S.) Proof Or More (40% Alcohol By Volume)

To date, I’ve only sampled a handful of American Single Malts. During the process of defining this new category, many producers provided input, often shaped by their own production preferences. It will be fascinating to see – and taste – the innovation and growth that emerges in this space as a result of the ruling.

You can find the official regulation on the Federal Register. I’ll be keeping an eye on new developments and look forward to sharing my experiences with this evolving category of whiskey.

Cheers!

Sipping and Smoking: The Buffalo Trace Edition

Last July, while passing through Kentucky, I picked up some Buffalo Trace cigars during a visit to the distillery. I had heard of the co-branded cigars before but wasn’t particularly familiar with the blend. Given their display in several cabinets at the gift shop, I wasn’t entirely confident in how well they had been stored. Not all the cigars looked pristine, so I selected a couple of the best-looking ones to bring home. Since then, they’ve been resting in my humidor. On a relatively warm evening this week, I decided it was time to light one up—with a pour of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, of course.

Buffalo Trace Cigars are produced by General Cigar in the Dominican Republic, designed to complement and be enjoyed with the bourbon of the same name. The blend features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper covering a Brazilian Arapiraca binder, with barrel-aged Piloto Cubano and Nicaraguan tobaccos making up the filler. I chose the 5x49 Robusto vitola for my purchase.

The cigar had an attractive oily sheen on its wrapper and felt densely packed. However, the draw was initially too tight, requiring two deep insertions with my trusty PerfecDraw tool. (In over two years of owning the PerfecDraw, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve needed it, but every time, I’ve been grateful to have it.)

Once lit, the Buffalo Trace cigar proved more flavorful than I expected. I believe the Brazilian Arapiraca binder contributes a rich earthy sweetness, with notes of licorice and nutty caramel. There’s also a spicy cedar element that lingers pleasantly on the finish and leaves a slight tingle on the lips.

The first couple of inches burned unevenly, which prompted my OCD to step in for frequent touch-ups. Fortunately, after some attention, the cigar eventually settled into a sharp, slow burn, providing a satisfying 70-minute smoking time.

I paired the cigar with a pour of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, served in the heavy rocks glass I had also picked up at the distillery. At 90 proof, this bourbon delivers classic notes of toffee, dark fruit, and oak, with lingering hints of vanilla and cinnamon on the finish.

While the pairing was enjoyable, I wouldn’t say it was especially unique compared to other good cigar-and-bourbon combinations. Like the bourbon itself, the cigar offers a pleasant and approachable flavor profile that’s easy to enjoy without much fuss.

I’m looking forward to trying the other Buffalo Trace cigar I have on hand. Next time, I might pair it with a more robustly flavored bourbon, perhaps another from the same distillery, to see how well the cigar holds its own. Overall, the Buffalo Trace cigar delivers a flavorful and satisfying smoking experience—one that matches the spirit of its namesake bourbon, even if it doesn’t surpass other tried-and-true pairings.

Cheers!

A Seasonal Classic: Sierra Nevada Celebration and a Hearty Lunch

One of the highlights of the winter beer season for me has long been the return of Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop IPA. Although my first pour of Celebration came later than usual this year, it was certainly worth the wait—better late than never!

We stopped for lunch at a favorite local pub on Saturday, and I was thrilled to spot Celebration IPA on the rotating draft list. My decision was immediate; I didn’t even glance at the rest of the menu. In years past, we’ve typically stocked up on a six-pack—or even a case—of this seasonal gem by now. However, I hadn’t noticed it on store shelves yet this season (though I admit I hadn’t been looking too closely).

Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA is brewed with freshly harvested hops, including Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook varieties, which are added shortly after harvest to lock in their vibrant flavors. In the glass, it glows with a vibrant amber-orange hue and a thin white head. Aromas of fresh pine and citrus leap from the glass, setting the stage for a bold flavor profile. Each sip delivers a symphony of hop bitterness, citrus zest, pine resin, and a sturdy malt backbone that provides just the right touch of sweetness for balance. This bright and refreshing combination delights from start to finish.

The flavorful ale made a superb pairing with the Bourbon Peppercorn Burger I had for lunch. The char-grilled patty was topped with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, bacon, garlic aioli, and a house-made bourbon peppercorn sauce. It was messy, indulgent, and absolutely delicious—a perfect match for Celebration IPA’s bold and crisp profile.

Winter seasonal beer releases often lean toward dark, roasted flavors with notes of coffee, caramel, and higher alcohol content. While I enjoy those profiles as well, Celebration IPA stands apart with its bright, hoppy focus. Dating back to 1981, Celebration IPA is considered one of the earliest examples of an American-style IPA to incorporate fresh hops, making it an iconic and eagerly anticipated seasonal offering each year.

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!

A Winter Evening Pairing: Bold Cigar Meets Mild Bourbon

As winter approaches, the opportunities to enjoy a cigar grow fewer. This week brought slightly warmer temperatures, but they were accompanied by rain and wind. Still, after a hearty chicken chili dinner, I decided to brave the elements for a cigar on the screened porch. With fresh propane canisters installed on the heater emptied last week, and joked to my wife that the other heater would probably run out as soon as I got settled.

As I was making room my my shelves for the bottles picked up over the weekend, I spotted the Basil Hayden Toast, a bottle I had not explored in some time, so decided to make it one half of the evening's pairing.

For a shorter session, I chose the Black Label Trading Company Coffin Nails Petit Corona. This 5x40 cigar is wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano Maduro leaf, with a Honduran binder and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua. It’s a striking little cigar, its dark, oily wrapper hinting at bold flavors to come. The dense construction made for a tight draw at first, but a quick adjustment with my PerfecDraw tool solved the issue.

The name “Coffin Nails” is intriguing. To me, it feels like a cheeky nod to those who might seek to curb our smoking freedoms. More likely, it’s simply a play on the cigar’s compact size and shape. Regardless, this cigar is unapologetically full-bodied. Bold spiciness dominates, layered over dark fruit notes. Yet, for all its strength, the smoke remains balanced, with a sweet, creamy undertone that ties everything together beautifully.

On the other hand, Basil Hayden Toast offers a stark contrast. At just 80 proof, it’s lighter than my usual preference of 90 or even 100 proof. The nose is subtle, with faint notes of caramel and oak. On the palate, delicate flavors of toffee and caramel blend with cinnamon and brown sugar. Despite the pairing’s contrasting intensities, I found the combination surprisingly harmonious.

The short 40-minute smoke ended just as predicted: with the propane tank on the second heater running dry. The steady wind made the temperature drop more noticeable, but fortunately, the cigar was nearly done, and I didn’t have to cut it short. At least now I know both heaters will be fully prepped for the next outing.

Cheers!

Basketball, Bourbon, and Family Make For An Enjoyable Trip

We enjoyed a fun and quick trip last week to visit family in Atlanta. The adventure began with an overnight stay in Blacksburg to attend a Virginia Tech basketball game. Despite the home team’s recent struggles, the games are always a good time, win or lose.

After the late night game, we got off to an early start and headed on towards Atlanta the next morning. Passing through Knoxville, TN, we stopped for lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery. I enjoyed a Cherokee Red Ale alongside shareable plates of nachos and roasted chicken quesadillas. The Red Ale was delightful, with flavors of toasted bread, toffee, and malt. I tend to gravitate toward Red or Irish ales when exploring new breweries, and this one didn’t disappoint. With many miles still ahead, I reluctantly refrained from sampling more of the brewery's beers.

Leaving the brewery, I noticed a Total Wine nearby and couldn’t resist a bit of bourbon hunting. Virginia’s state-controlled liquor sales often limit the options, so this was an exciting opportunity. I tried to exercise restraint but still managed to check off several bottles from my wishlist.

• Pikesville Rye: A replacement for a recently emptied favorite.

• Redwood Empire Lost Monarch, Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye, and Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated: All three are difficult to find or allocated at home.

• Chattanooga Single Barrel: A local bottle recommended by other whiskey enthusiasts in the aisle.

• High West Double Rye!: Pictured but not purchased with the others, this one came later as a thoughtful gift from family (and yes, it was opened during the visit).

I’m looking forward to trying these new-to-me whiskies!

Although I don’t drink much Scotch these days, I still enjoy it on occasion. Most of the Scotch in my collection has been gifted by friends, and I’ve worked through most of it. I should probably add a few new bottles to my selection at some point. My brother-in-law recently received a bottle of Macallan Scotch as a gift and kindly shared it during dinner. 

The Macallan A Night on Earth - The Journey is a holiday release from the Speyside, Scotland distillery. Presented in a beautifully designed box by artist Nini Sum, this single malt was crafted using first-fill American ex-bourbon barrels and both European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks.

At 43% ABV, it’s a mild Scotch, both in aroma and taste. Notes of oak, vanilla, and fruit dominate the nose and the flavor. There's a creamy texture on the palate. The packaging blurb mentions coconut, which I detected only after careful consideration—perhaps the power of suggestion. Overall, it’s an approachable Scotch, suitable for those less accustomed to robust profiles, though its higher price point may be a consideration. The packaging certainly adds to its charm, and the selling price undoubtably.

Later that evening, we opened the bottle of High West Double Rye!. My wife enjoys a Rye Old Fashioned, so I made one using the Double Rye! and the ingredients we had on hand (sadly, no Luxardo cherries). Afterward, I enjoyed the rye neat.

High West Double Rye! (the distillery adds the exclamation point) is a 92 proof rye made from a blend of two straight rye whiskeys — a 95% rye, 5% barley malt rye from MGP, and a 80% rye, 20% malted rye from High West Distillery. This bottle is labeled Batch 21B02. 

The aroma has clove and mint, along with mild vanilla. The rye aspect is not strong in the nose. In the mouth, the rye spice becomes more apparent, along with cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of honey. The finish is clean and short lived. High West Double Rye! is a pleasant rye with a low proof point. And if I do say so myself, makes a decent Old Fashioned. 

While I packed cigars for the trip, a busy schedule and unusually cool Atlanta weather left little time to enjoy them. Instead, I made up for it with plenty of delicious food and drink.

After all the indulgence, some physical activity was essential. One afternoon, we took a beautiful sunset walk along the Chattahoochee River.

All in all, it was a fantastic mini-vacation filled with family, friends, and copious amounts of delicious food and drink. Now, I’m eager to pair my new whiskies with a good cigar in the weeks to come.

Cheers!