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!

Thanksgiving Blessings

Have A Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you a day filled with family, friends, and fond memories. May God bless your life with His gifts today and everyday.

Lá Altaithe Sona Daoibh!

A Thanksgiving Tradition

I repost this just about every year. And it's still funny. 

They just don't do TV like that any more.

"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers!

An Autumn Afternoon: Oliva Serie V, Coffee, and an Unexpected Guest

The mid-week crisp fall weather was too good to pass up—60 degrees and sunny. I brewed a large mug of hot, black coffee, grabbed an Oliva Serie V Lancero from the humidor, and headed to the deck with a good book. 

The whole Oliva Serie V lineup never disappoints and the cigars consistently pair well with black coffee. Sporting a Habano Sun Grown wrapper, the 7 x38 stick makes a nice presentation. The Nicaraguan binder and filler tobacco blend includes Jalapa Valley Ligero for some extra robustness. A full flavor palate of cocoa, coffee, roasted nuts, and cedar complete the profile

This stick had been hiding in the humidor nearly 18 months. It retained a slightly oily shine, and burned wonderfully. It had been a while since I had smoked any cigar in a Lancero format, and I initially started off drawing on it a bit too hard, which created some bitterness. Adjusting my draw, but maintaining enough frequency to keep a good burn going corrected that issue. The Serie V Lancero gave a 65 minute smoke, enough time to pour a second cup of coffee.

Midway through the smoke a beautiful doe came out of the woods to dine on the many acorns fallen in the grass. She had been feasting for 30 minutes and was still there when I headed inside. She paid me little mind but did look up and stare at me occasionally. The deer are abundant here but it's unusual to see them stay in the open so long. She was welcome to dine as long as she desired, that's a few less acorns I need to rake.

A slight chill came upon the porch as the sun started dipping below the trees, timed perfectly with the end of the smoke. 

Cheers!

A Sunday Smoke and Sip: Bishops Blend Cigar and a Classic Negroni

This past Sunday brought an unexpected treat: 60-degree weather and calm skies—perfect for a little deck time. As the afternoon sun began its descent, I prepared two Negronis, grabbed a favorite cigar, and joined my wife for a pleasant hour of conversation and indulgence.

Frequently mentioned here, the Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend is a regular resident in my humidor, offering a robust smoking experience. I still have some from past years' releases carefully aging in my humidor, This particular cigar, from the 2024 release, had been resting since July. While I’ve tried every the cigar in all its vitolas, the 5 x 48 Robusto remains my favorite.

Crafted with an oily Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper, Ecuadorian Habano binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf fillers, the Bishops Blend is both visually appealing and a flavorful. The well-crafted cigar features a pigtail cap and closed foot. 

If you choose to draw on the cigar as you first put the flame to the closed foot of the Bishops Blend you can get a burst of the rich tobacco and earthiness flavor of the Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper before the rest of the leaves begin to burn. After years of enjoying this cigar, I now usually just toast it traditionally to dive straight into its rich, complex flavors.

Lighting this cigar reveals a symphony of flavors. The initial draw highlights rich tobacco and earthy tones from the wrapper, followed by a complex blend of dark coffee, cocoa, and dark fruit. Subtle sweetness, reminiscent of molasses, weaves through the profile, complemented by a moderate peppery spice.

As the smoke progresses, notes of espresso and meaty char emerge, rounding out the bold flavor pallet. 

Though bourbon is my usual go-to with cigars, the classic Negroni—a mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—pairs exceptionally well with the Bishops Blend. The drink’s sweet, bitter, and herbal notes highlight the cigar’s dark fruit flavors while standing up to its bold profile.

The Bishops Blend provided just under an hour of enjoyment, perfectly complemented by the Negroni. As the sun dipped below the trees and the temperature dropped, we headed inside, wrapping up a pleasant afternoon of flavors and good company.

I cherish the unexpected moments like these—when a fine cigar, a flavorful cocktail, and the right weather come together. Such times will be less frequent in the coming winter months. making the afternoon all the more special.

Cheers!

Between the Heaters: A Liga Privada T52 and Pikesville Rye Pairing

Even in retirement, Friday evenings hold a special excitement—they mark the perfect time to unwind. This week, I started the weekend as I often do: savoring a good cigar, a delicious whiskey, and blues music on the screened porch. The cool evening air carried a hint of the strong afternoon winds, but my two propane heaters kept the chill at bay.

Earlier in the day, I browsed my humidor in anticipation, selecting the Liga Privada T52 for the evening’s smoke. For the pairing, I chose the nearly empty bottle of Pikesville Rye—a whiskey I had been reluctant to finish, knowing how rare it is to find in Virginia. I shared one of the last pours with my wife, who reminded me we’d soon be traveling to other states where I might find another bottle to replenish my stock.

Pikesville Rye is a throwback to the Maryland Rye of pre-prohibition days. Pikesville Rye was produced in Maryland as far back as the 1890's. Though surviving that dark time of oppressive alcohol regulation, it is no longer produced in Maryland. The historical recipe is now made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill. The whiskey is aged for six years and bottled at 110 proof. The straight rye shines a brilliant copper color in the glass. Notes of caramel, honey, and vanilla waft from the glencairn glass, backed by rye spice and a hint of dark cherry.

Sipping brings a pleasant warmth to the mouth. Sweet from caramel and butterscotch start things off. Soon black pepper and cinnamon join in. The rye spiciness lingers, with black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg contributing to a warm finish.

After a few sips of the Pikesville Rye, I turned my attention to the Liga Privada T52 from Drew Estate. The 6 x 52 Toro is cloaked in a beautifully mottled stalk-cut Habano Oscuro wrapper. This wrapper is produced by cutting the entire plant and hanging it intact to cure. This method allows the leaves to absorb more nutrients and oils, resulting in a rich flavor profile. A Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos complete the blend.

The smoke starts off with notes of black pepper, roasted nuts, and black coffee. As the cigar progresses a mild sweetness comes in, joined by hints of espresso. The robust spice of the start backs off slightly but remains to the finish along with hints of molasses and cocoa. The cigar, which had been resting in my humidor for three months, had a slightly tight draw but burned evenly, although it did require the occasional triple puff, and one relight, over the one hour and fifty minute smoking time.

The sweet rye spice of the Pikesville Rye was a fitting pairing for the robust Liga Privada T52. Even after taking a puff from the cigar, the flavorful finish of the rye remained on the palate.

My cozy spot between the heaters created the perfect setting for an evening of flavorful smoke and drink. I can’t wait to do it again.

Cheers!

Remembering Blessed Miguel Pro

This was originally posted November 23, 2013, and shared nearly annually on this date. This is not ancient history and must not be forgotten. 

November 23 is the Feast Day of Blessed Miguel Pro. Born on January 13, 1891, in Guadalupe, Mexico, Miguel Pro was ordained a Jesuit priest in Belgium in 1925. He returned to his home country in 1926, in the midst of that country's Cristeros War. After being falsely accused of an attempted bombing, Father Pro was executed by government forces without trial. 

Blessed Miguel Pro's final request was to be allowed to pray to his heavenly Father.

After which he refused a blindfold and faced the firing squad bravely, proclaiming ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Father Pro's executioners initially failed at their task, and the deed was finished at point blank range.

I am saddened, but hardly surprised, at the ignorance of the American public regarding the persecution of Catholics, and of the Cristero War that took place in Mexico in 1926 through 1929. Some 250,000 people lost their lives in a persecution that was supported by the government of the United States with both funds and air support. Given the ever-growing intolerance towards Christians, especially Catholics, in the United States, we would do well to remember.

Christ the King, by the intercession of Blessed Miguel Pro, I beg you to answer my prayers. Give me the grace and the strength necessary to follow your heroic example and to live my Catholic faith in spite of all temptations and adversities. Amen.

Images from Wikipedia.

Midweek Musings: Flavors of the All Saints St. Francis and Old Grand-Dad

The midweek “hump day” brought an unseasonably cool evening, a perfect opportunity to unwind on the back porch after dinner. For the occasion, I selected the All Saints St. Francis cigar—a 5 1/2 x 50 box-pressed stick wrapped in a luxurious Ecuadorian Oscuro leaf over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers. As this was my first time smoking this particular cigar, I was eager to try it, especially since it’s crafted at the Rocky Patel Tavicusa factory in Nicaragua, where many of my favorite cigars originate.

Right from the start, the cigar delivered rich notes of black coffee, chocolate, and black pepper. Throughout the smoke, hints of salt and subtle sweetness occasionally emerged, adding complexity. After resting in my humidor for about 10 weeks, the cigar burned evenly, though smoke output was inconsistent at times. I found myself needing to double or triple puff occasionally to maintain a fuller draw. Toward the finish, the coffee notes shifted to bitter espresso, while the spice intensified, leaving a lingering black pepper tingle on my lips.

The cigar burned relatively quickly, lasting around 50 minutes—a pace likely influenced by the extra puffing. I enjoyed it so much that I smoked it down to the nub. Surprisingly, the smoke remained cool even when the cigar was almost too small to hold.

To pair with the cigar, I poured a glass of Old Grand-Dad 114 bourbon. This 114-proof high-rye whiskey is highly aromatic, with spicy rye and brown sugar on the nose, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. On the palate, the bourbon delivers a delightful mix of brown sugar and caramel sweetness, complemented by rye and cinnamon spice that lingers beautifully.

At just $30 a bottle, Old Grand-Dad 114 offers exceptional flavor at a budget-friendly price. It paired wonderfully with the bold flavors of the All Saints St. Francis. The cigar and bourbon complemented each other without overpowering, each retaining its distinct character.

Typically, I enjoy music while smoking on the deck, but this evening, I chose to listen to the natural chorus of tree frogs in full song after the warm day. The peaceful backdrop made the experience even more enjoyable. As the warmer evenings of the season become less frequent, this one was truly memorable.

Cheers!

Cold Weather Comfort: Elijah Craig 18 and a Cigar

And so it begins — cold weather smoking. When the colder weather settles in, it ways takes some extra effort to get outside to enjoy a cigar. I think "Do I really want to do this?" The answer is of course "yes" so I grab a jacket, fire up the propane heater, and go out. Once I'm settled in it's usually not that bad, and even pleasant. It's just that initial seasonal change that takes getting used to. In a few weeks, I won't think twice.

This evening I poured tastes of several whiskies from my shelves to decide what I felt like enjoying. I settled on the Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel. This is a bottle I've been nursing for a couple years. It's an excellent pour, though a somewhat pricey one.

The 90 proof bourbon emits a delightfully rich aroma of honey, vanilla, and citrus. Those flavors transfer to the palate. The overall taste is cinnamon, a sweet fruit, with vanilla and caramel thrown in. I retrospect it reminds me of an apple pie. The sweet finish is moderately long with a lingering oaky dryness.

With the bourbon decided, it was time to choose the cigar to accompany it. I decided to light up a Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada that had been sitting in my humidor since July. (Ah, thoughts of warmer days.) Gurkha is not a brand I've smoked much, but was interested in what the Cellar Reserve held in store.

The 6 x 58 Perfecto has a dark brown Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper that's oily in appearance. The Dominican filler and binder leaves have been aged for 15 years. A tight pigtail finishes the cap. The smoke started off medium bodied with leather, cocoa, and roasted notes. The flavors and body remained consistent throughout. Admittedly I was hoping for a bit more boldness for the evening. The burn was excellent, however I did let the cigar go out once when I set it down and zoned out to the music I was listening to. Overall, the Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada was a flavorful, though milder than expected, smoke.

The delicious bourbon, the smoke, and bit of dark chocolate thrown in, made for a most pleasant evening. Despite the openness of the screen porch, the propane heater at my side kept the chill away. As the temperatures drop, I look forward to trying new pairings to help warm the cold nights.

Cheers!

A Perfect Pairing for a Mild Fall Evening: Southern Draw and Wilderness Trail Bourbon

Another fall weekend, another road trip. This time we were headed to Blacksburg to catch the VA Tech football game. In Southwest Virginia, nights can get chilly this time of year, but Friday evening’s mild weather let me comfortably enjoy a cigar on the hotel patio after dinner.

I had packed a travel humidor with a selection of cigars for the evening and the next day's tailgate activities. For this evening, I lit a Southern Draw Manzanita and poured a glass of Wilderness Trail Bottled in Bond Bourbon.

Southern Draw Manzanita is a cigar that consistently pairs well with bourbon. This 6x52 Toro, features a reddish-brown Habano wrapper encasing a Habano binder and Corojo and Ligero fillers. I was surprised this one has been resting in my humidor for 7 months. A purchased a 5 pack in April and surprisingly had not smoked them all yet.

The Manzanita produces a rich smoke with deep notes of earth and leather, complemented by bold dark chocolate and cedar. A touch of black pepper intensifies as the cigar progresses. The combination of bitter chocolate and spice makes for a satisfying flavor combination when enjoyed with a robust bourbon.

The Wilderness Trail Bottled in Bond Bourbon I had put into my travel flask was quite enjoyable with the Southern Draw Manzanita. This wheated bourbon is aged five to six years. The aroma is rich with vanilla and caramel with just a hint of alcohol. The flavor profile combines sweet vanilla and caramel with a touch of oak, while a moderate kick of cinnamon and pepper adds spice to the finish. It's a good bourbon for a full bodied cigar.

As in past visits, the hotel parking lot was bustling with traffic from the neighboring restaurants, headlights constantly cutting through the night. Yet, despite the distractions, the evening was relaxing and a welcome way to unwind after an afternoon of busy interstate driving.

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!

An Evening of Flavor: Skipper’s Select Bourbon and Crowned Heads Le Carême

I picked up a bottle of J. H. Bards Skipper's Select Toasted Barrel Bourbon while visiting the tasting room a couple months ago. I had nearly forgotten about it until now but on a very pleasant Halloween evening, I decided to open it. Trick or Treating is a non-event the last few years in our neighborhood, so I knew I wouldn't be interrupted. I looked forward to a relaxing evening on the deck.

Named after Skipper, the cannon that fires with every VA Tech Hokies football score in Lane Stadium, this release supports a great cause, the Triumph NIL fund for VT athletes. I was hopeful the whiskey would live up to the occasion.

The aroma brings the classic caramel and vanilla notes that bourbon lovers expect, but the toasted barrel aging adds a mild, satisfying char that deepens each sip. Overall the flavor is smooth, sweet caramel and fruit. The wood char finish is quite pleasant. The finish is smooth and short lived. It's a very pleasant and enjoyable sipper at a mild 93 proof.

For the cigar, I selected my last Crowned Heads Le Carême 2021 Limited Edition Belicosos Finos. It had been aging in my humidor for over three years, making this final smoke bittersweet. 

The well-aged cigar was exceptionally enjoyable. The cigar burned beautifully, releasing rich, flavorful smoke. The creamy chocolate and cedar flavors of the Le Carême paired wonderfully with the bourbon’s caramel and char notes. Beside the Crowned Head La Carême being one of my favorite cigars, I believe the Skipper's Select Toast Barrel Finish just might be my favorite J. H. Bards spirit yet.

While enjoying the Le Carême Limited Edition I had a flashback to the very first one of these I smoked from the box I had purchased on preorder. We were on a getaway to a cabin in southwest Virginia and enjoyed it around the fire. I thought it was interesting how that memory popped into mind, and how distinct it was. It’s amazing how a well-aged cigar and a good bourbon can bring back the best memories. 

Here’s to more evenings like this one.

Cheers!