Archive for January, 2026

The Saddest Sound a Humidor Makes

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 29th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Those of a certain age will remember the Nestlé Quik commercial from the 1970s that gave us the line, “That’s the saddest sound I know.” That small lament comes to mind whenever I realize I’ve reached the final cigar in a favorite box.The Oliva Serie V…



Crowned Heads La Imperiosa on a Teasing Warm Night

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 26th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

As so often happens, the weather turned unseasonably warm in the days before an “historic” storm was predicted. That brief tease of warmth provided the inspiration for a warm-ish sip and smoke on the porch. Looking over the Cigar of the Month drawer in…



Hermanos de Armas Descending Shadows — Notes from a Late Evening

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 24th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I picked up a selection of cigars from Hermanos de Armas back in June of 2025. I’ve smoked several of them over time, but — with one lone exception — haven’t mentioned them here. That omission is due solely to a lack of effort on my part, not any short…



Done by 10 AM

By From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Jan 23rd, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I just can’t take the news.



When the Sun Lies: An Afternoon at the Cigar Lounge

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 22nd, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I don’t mind sitting with a heater on the enclosed porch on a cool evening to enjoy a cigar. Sitting there with a heater running while the sun is shining in the afternoon, however, generally doesn’t excite me. Maybe my brain automatically equates sunsh…



A Pour Too Cold

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 19th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

My disdain for the frosted beer mug, in most situations, is no secret. Recently, however, I encountered its lesser-known but equally misguided cousin: the frosted whiskey glass.We were enjoying beer and pizza at a restaurant in Blacksburg, Virginia. Th…



A Good Day for an Indoor Smoke

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 15th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

It had been a while since I spent time at my local cigar lounge. I’d often intended to head over to Hogshead Cigar Lounge for some indoor smoking pleasure, but, if we’re being honest, convenience often won out. Why drive when I can simply step onto my …



Good Cigars and a Week That Forgot It Was January

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 11th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

What is one to do when January temperatures climb into the 60s? Spend time outside, of course. Last week’s weather offered a welcome break from the usual winter chill (yes, I know the real cold is still lurking). Along with some refreshing walks around…



Occasional Update 26-1

By From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Jan 9th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

The occasional update, plus bits and bobs that caught my attention.



A Morning of Smoke and Silence

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 8th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Most of my enjoyment of cigars takes place at home on the enclosed porch. In the colder months, I am usually alone (not lonely). So when I found myself sitting by myself in John B. Hayes Tobacconist in Winchester this week, it didn’t feel all that odd …