Author Archive

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

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Feb 5th, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

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 b…



Seeking Warmth and Flavor at the Cigar Lounge

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Feb 3rd, 2025 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

It’s been an extremely cold couple of weeks—so cold that I haven’t felt the urge to step outside for a cigar. Fortunately, I managed to make it over to Hogshead Cigar Lounge a couple of times to enjoy a smoke in warmth and good company.Since I hadn’t e…



Celebrating St. Brigid and Her Great Lake of Beer

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

February 1 marks the Feast Day of St. Brigid of Ireland, a beloved figure in our family and one of the most revered Saints of the Emerald Isle. Among the many quotes attributed to her, this one is particularly famous:“I’d like a great lake of beer for …



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…