Author Archive

Smoke and Spirit: La Madonna Negra and the Legacy of Uncle Nearest

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 30th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I’ve enjoyed the Black Label Trading Co. La Madonna Negra numerous times over the past couple of years, and recently revisited one that had been resting in my humidor for nearly two years — left from my original pre-release order.Cloaked in a rich U.S….



A Summer Sobremesa: Wine, Smoke, and Setting Sun

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 28th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

After a hearty steak dinner accompanied by a good bottle of wine, we moved out to the deck to continue the evening under the open sky. As I perused the humidor in search of a fitting cigar to round out the experience, I selected the Sobremesa Solita To…



Five O’Clock Friday: Travel Provisions

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 27th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Entering the weekend well prepared. Looks like an Italian First-Aid kit.Cheers!
[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]



Action Item From Cigar Rights of America

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 27th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Attacks on the premium cigar industry seem relentless. Fortunately, the Cigar Rights of America (CRA) stands as the first and only consumer-based public advocacy group dedicated to protecting your right to enjoy premium, hand-rolled cigars. Their effor…



Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco and a Perplexing Angel’s Envy Triple Oak

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 26th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I was pleasantly surprised to see the Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Toro included in the April Luxury Cigar Club package. This was a cigar I had not smoked in several years, but one I had enjoyed frequently in the past. After letting this one rest for…



Aperol Spritz & the Liga Undercrown Shade: A Summer Pairing

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 24th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

They call it a “heat dome.” I call it summer in Virginia. With the afternoon sun ablaze and humidity thick in the air, bourbon — my usual standby — took a backseat to something lighter and more refreshing: the Aperol Spritz. It was Sunday leisure time,…



Summer Solstice: A Smoke, a Beer, and Spicy Shrimp

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 22nd, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

While running errands on June 20 — the Summer Solstice — conversations everywhere seemed to center on the approaching heat wave. Like clockwork, the first truly warm days of the year shift everyone’s focus to “keeping cool.” My usual response is someth…



Five O’Clock Friday: Live Wisely

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 20th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Life is full of decisions. Make the right ones.Enjoy the weekend.Cheers!
[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]



Humidor Review: Early Impressions of the Yohtron YC-488

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

Over the years, I’ve used a variety of plastic “tupperdors” and a small electric “wineador” humidor from NewAir to store my cigars. Most recently, the NewAir housed my loose sticks, while the plastic containers held the few boxes I’d acquired. Boveda h…



Woodford Reserve Double Oaked & Herrera Estelí Norteño Toro Especial

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jun 17th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

For a recent porch smoke, I reached for the Herrera Estelí Norteño Toro Especial by Drew Estate. It had also been a while since I paired a cigar with a pour of bourbon, so I looked forward to revisiting an old favorite: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.Th…