A Birthday in Lent: Quiet Moments and Simple Pleasures

My birthday each year falls somewhere within the season of Lent. That means any celebrations are typically subdued, with the occasion often more notably marked after Easter. This year, the day landed on a Friday in Lent, and combined with my ongoing recovery from back surgery, the observance was especially low-key.

But that doesn't mean the day wasn't enjoyed. After a relaxing afternoon, we had a simple dinner of fish and chips. As is proper, a tall glass of Guinness Stout Nitro accompanied the meal. While it didn’t quite have the same magic as enjoying a pint in a pub in Ireland, it was still thoroughly satisfying.

During this post-surgery period, I've been limiting my indulgence in both alcoholic beverages and cigars. Part of that is simply because pain and disrupted sleep diminish the enjoyment of those finer things. However, marking another completed year—an accomplishment not without its challenges—certainly warranted a special treat. Or two.

I had, not surprisingly, been anticipating the pleasure of a cigar and bourbon for some weeks. I wanted something flavorful but not exceptionally strong, so had a while back had decided on an Oliva Serie V Melanio. The selected cigar, a perennial favorite, is a box-pressed 5 x 52 Robusto with a chocolatey Ecuadorian grown Sumatra-seed wrapper. It has a Nicaraguan binder and the filler leaves are a blend of Nicaraguan Habano tobaccos from the Jalapa region. 

The rich blend of aged tobaccos produced a smoke brimming with creamy notes of chocolate, coffee, and toasted bread. Subtle hints of black pepper and sweetness lingered in the background, and the finish left a pleasant nuttiness alongside the spice. It's a cigar that pairs wonderfully with sweet bourbon or even a black coffee.

For my drink, I spied a bottle of Old Grand-Dad 114 with just a small pour remaining. It seemed like the perfect choice for a relaxed evening. This high-rye bourbon, bottled at 114 proof, offers an aromatic nose of spicy rye and brown sugar with a noticeable yet not overpowering alcohol warmth. On the palate, it delivers a delightful blend of brown sugar and caramel, accented by bold rye spice and a touch of cinnamon. The long and satisfying finish leaves a lasting impression of warmth and spice. At under $35 a bottle, Old Grand-Dad 114 deserves to be a staple on my shelf, and I’ll be sure to replace this one soon.

I savored the cigar and bourbon while enjoying a peaceful hour on the screened porch. The springtime air had a slight chill, comfortably mitigated by the propane heater nearby. It's likely this will be the last time the heater sees use until the fall. While my enjoyment of cigars will remain limited and sporadic over the next few months, this celebratory interlude was deeply appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed.

Cheers!