Saturday Afternoon at the Brewery for Brews and Cigars

The second day of our Independence holiday activity revolved around a visit to 1781 Brewing for afternoon beer and cigars. Arriving shortly after lunch, the crowds were still small and we easily claimed a table under the trees in the garden. Rain threatened a bit later in the afternoon but for now the sky was just hazy and a light breeze blew. The resident roosters provided added entertainment as they prowled about.

It had actually been a long time since we made it to 1781. I'd spent time in the cigar lounge onsite, but even that was last in December. Checking out the menu board, I saw that the selection was as always, lengthy and varied. Colleen opted for the Høst Saison, while the Belsnikel Dunkelweizen tempted me.

Drinks out of the way, it was time to select a cigar to enjoy. I had brought along a Powstanie Broadleaf Corona Gorda and a New World Dorado Robusto. The Powstanie kicked off the afternoon.

Belsniel Dunkelweizen is a dark wheat beer and the style is one I frequently turn to when pairing a beer with a cigar. This version checks in at an afternoon suitable ABV of 4.7%. The soft wheat and malt flavor with very low bitterness was refreshing and made a good pairing for the Powstanie.

The Powstanie line makes a regular appearance in these Musings. Both the Broadleaf and Habano versions, in any vitola, are a favorite. This Corona Gorda is a new 5 1/2" x 46 vitola that made its world debut in May at Fredericksburg's Hogshead Cigar Lounge. The event was attended by brand owner Mike Szczepankiewicz. I was able to enjoy the cigars right at the beginning of their availability, and of course brought some of each size home. The Powstanie Broadleaf features the same broadleaf maduro wrapper, Indonesian binder, fillers of Estelí ligero, Jalapa and Pueblo Nuevo tobaccos as the rest of the line. The usual flavors of creamy chocolate and wood, with a touch of cedar spice complimented the lager quite well. The Corona Gorda vitola is a great addition to the Powstanie line up.

We ended up staying for a second round and the New World Dorado also got its chance to shine with the beer. It performed admirably. Unfortunately the distant thunder was getting closer so we decided to leave before the rain started. I abandoned the cigar with a little over half smoked. Our timing was spot on as the first rain drops began falling as we exited the brewery. In a stroke of good timing, the heavy rain delayed until we arrived home. Despite the weather shortened visit, the afternoon was pleasant and hopefully a prelude to more relaxing summer afternoons spent enjoying good beer and cigars.

Cheers!