Author Archive

Cold Nights, Warm Spirits: Chattanooga Whiskey and Foundation Aksum

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 19th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

It’s been over two weeks since I last enjoyed a cigar on the deck. The extreme cold, coupled with some lethargy due to pain, led to the hiatus. I did manage a quick indoor smoke one afternoon at Hogshead Cigar Lounge, which was a nice reprieve. On Sat…



Cold Day, Warm Smoke: Terra Nova Dark Fired Kentucky and Coffee

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 4th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy a cigar on Friday. The temperature was low, and the winds were gusting, making it less than ideal for an outdoor smoke. But then I noticed a break in the clouds, with sunshine peeking through. Knowing the next several days w…



First Smoke of 2025: A Vintage Fratello DMV

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 2nd, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I began 2025 by revisiting a cigar that had been aging in my humidor for five or six years—a vintage 2018 Fratello DMV Virginia. I originally added these cigars to my collection during their release party at Hogshead Cigar Lounge in December 2018. A fe…



Looking Back and Moving Forward: A Year of Change and Challenge

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 1st, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

As another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the ups and downs of 2024. Truth be told, this year has been a challenging one. Setting aside the economic and social turmoil brought about by corrupt and incompetent leadership at the highe…



A Festive Afternoon: A Cigar, Bourbon, and the Winter Sun

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 28th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

On the second day of Christmas as the festivities continued, and I found myself running a number of errands to gather supplies for our celebrations and upcoming guests. As I hopped from stop to stop, I kept a close eye on the temperature reading on my …



Sipping with Purpose: Enjoying Alcohol Beyond the Drink

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 27th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I ran across this quote from G. K. Chesterton recently and thought it especially fitting for this blog:“It is quite a mistake to suppose that, when a man desires an alcoholic drink, he necessarily desires alcohol.”— G.K. Chesterton, “Wine When it is R…



A Festive Pairing: Rocky Patel Disciple and Old Elk Cigar Cut

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 26th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Christmas Day was one of relaxation and simple pleasures. We began our celebrations on Christmas Eve by attending the Vigil Mass for the Nativity of the Lord, followed by a cozy evening with snacks and a few glasses of sherry. The chance to sleep in on…



Merry Christmas

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 25th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

After a season of Advent filled with anticipation, the long-awaited day has arrived. Our LORD is born, and the world rejoices! Amid the turmoil and strife that seem ever-present in our world, the birth of Jesus shines as a beacon of hope, reminding us…



Virginia Blues: Cigars, Spirits, and Winter’s Chill

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 24th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Talk of the weather, especially when cold, often finds its way into these Musings—usually as an observation, though sometimes a gripe. Unfortunately when the cold turns extreme, many activities are curtailed, and there’s less musing to be done.Looking …



Crowned Heads and Heaven Hill: A Celebration of Craft and Flavor

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 23rd, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

A cool Friday evening on the deck called for a robust cigar and bourbon pairing. I started the night with a small pour of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, a bottle I’d picked up in Knoxville a couple of weeks ago. I…