Author Archive

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…



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…



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 …



The Best Cigar Is the One in Your Hand

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 5th, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

The personalized license plate on my car offers a subtle hint at my enjoyment of cigars. Recently, while pumping gas, the guy behind me called out, “What’s your favorite cigar?” I hesitated, then stumbled through a reply listing a few brands I’ve enjoy…



2025: A Year of Recovery and Small Pleasures

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 1st, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

It’s time for the requisite year-in-review post. Although 2025 marked my first full year of retirement, it was a low-key and, at times, frustratingly sedentary one. After a previous year marked by chronic pain and ineffective treatments, I underwent ba…



2025: A Year of Recovery and Small Pleasures

By From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jan 1st, 2026 • Category: Blog Entries.Local

It’s time for the requisite year-in-review post. Although 2025 marked my first full year of retirement, it was a low-key and, at times, frustratingly sedentary one. After a previous year marked by chronic pain and ineffective treatments, I underwent ba…



A Post-Christmas IDPA Match

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

I’m not getting to the range nearly as often as I’d like. Even so, deciding to shoot the Cavalier IDPA match just two days after Christmas wasn’t an easy call. With family visiting for the holidays, it would have been easy to stay home — but instead I …