Author Archive

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…



A Refresh for Musings Over a Barrel: New Look, Same Spirit

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 21st, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

I’ve been gradually updating and tweaking Musings Over a Barrel over the past couple of weeks. The colder weather has meant more time spent indoors, perfect for refining this space. However, within the limitations of the Blogger platform, there’s …



Whiskey History in the Making: American Single Malt Defined

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 20th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Credit: ASMWCThe term American Single Malt Whiskey has been tossed around in marketing for quite some time. Like many whiskey descriptions, it often carried no standardized meaning. That’s no longer the case. After years of lobbying, the American Singl…



Sipping and Smoking: The Buffalo Trace Edition

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 19th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

Last July, while passing through Kentucky, I picked up some Buffalo Trace cigars during a visit to the distillery. I had heard of the co-branded cigars before but wasn’t particularly familiar with the blend. Given their display in several cabinets…



A Seasonal Classic: Sierra Nevada Celebration and a Hearty Lunch

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 15th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

One of the highlights of the winter beer season for me has long been the return of Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop IPA. Although my first pour of Celebration came later than usual this year, it was certainly worth the wait—better late than never!We…



Hamlet Tabaquero and Knob Creek Rye: A Flavorful Winter Escape

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 14th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

For Friday evening’s deck time, I had my cigar picked out early in the day, but when it came time to choose a drink pairing, I was torn. On a whim, I reached for the Hamlet Tabaquero Toro and serendipitously paired it with the Knob Creek Single Barrel …



A Winter Evening Pairing: Bold Cigar Meets Mild Bourbon

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 12th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

As winter approaches, the opportunities to enjoy a cigar grow fewer. This week brought slightly warmer temperatures, but they were accompanied by rain and wind. Still, after a hearty chicken chili dinner, I decided to brave the elements for a cigar on…



Basketball, Bourbon, and Family Make For An Enjoyable Trip

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Dec 11th, 2024 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

We enjoyed a fun and quick trip last week to visit family in Atlanta. The adventure began with an overnight stay in Blacksburg to attend a Virginia Tech basketball game. Despite the home team’s recent struggles, the games are always a good time, win o…