Winter’s Intermission: Bourbon, a Cigar, and 50° Bliss

It was a warm weekday in the late afternoon, with the temperature climbing above 50° — a worthy cause for celebration, especially in February. The sun still hung above the horizon as dinner wrapped up, so I quickly grabbed a cigar and poured myself a bourbon.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the ground was still blanketed in snow during my last cigar session on the deck. This unexpected break in the weather was an opportunity not to be missed.

For my cigar, I selected a Tatuaje Cojonu 2015, one of three Tatuaje cigars included in the December 2024 Luxury Cigar Club shipment. It had been resting in my humidor for about six weeks. The Cojonu line from Tatuaje typically has a scheduled release every three years, though the 2015 edition was delayed until 2022.

To accompany the smoke, I poured a glass of Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon from Fredericksburg’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery. This flavorful 90-proof bourbon has become a go-to for an easy-drinking daily pour. Unlike the distillery’s John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, this one is readily available and comes in under $35. Noting the low level in my bottle, I made a mental note to pick up another soon.

Bowman Brothers Small Batch offers a mild, slightly floral aroma with hints of brown sugar and cinnamon. The full-bodied flavor profile delivers notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and dark fruit, rounded out by a peppery spice on the finish.

As expected from a Tatuaje, the Cojonu 2015 delivered a full-bodied smoke, rich with notes of coffee and cocoa. Earthy undertones mingled with a subtle sweetness, and at first light, I wondered if the cigar might overpower the bourbon. I needn’t have worrie, despite its bold character, the subtle spice of the bourbon held its own, making for a well-balanced pairing.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky was painted in shifting hues of orange and red. The landscape, now free of snow, added to the tranquil ambiance of my time on the porch. When the 80-minute smoke finally came to a close, the temperature was still comfortably above 50° — a rare gift for a February evening.

Cheers!