Five O’Clock Friday: Holiday Weekend Shopping
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 23rd, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
Archives for the ‘Blog Entries.Local’ Category
Category: Blog Entries.Local
Mid-Week Cigar Break: Enjoying the Powstanie San Andrés at Hogshead
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 22nd, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
A rainy day offered the perfect opportunity to spend a few mid-week hours enjoying a cigar at Hogshead Cigar Lounge. It’s always a pleasure to settle in indoors for a smoke — and since most of my cigar time is typically solo, it was nice to pair this one with a bit of friendly conversation.
For the afternoon, I reached for a Powstanie San Andrés. I picked up a few of these new releases last month but hadn’t yet lit one up. The ones resting in my home humidor are Robusto size, so I opted for the Toro vitola to pass the time today.
I’ve long been a fan of Powstanie cigars, and I was especially eager to try their new San Andrés wrapper version. I’m happy to say it more than lived up to my expectations. Medium to full-bodied, the cigar delivered rich notes of espresso and chocolate, complemented by a moderate pepper spice. I’ll be doing a full review soon — complete with a beverage pairing.
All in all, those two hours spent relaxing in the lounge made for a wonderfully satisfying way to enjoy a cool, rainy afternoon.
Mid-Week Cigar Break: Enjoying the Powstanie San Andrés at Hogshead
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 22nd, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
A rainy day offered the perfect opportunity to spend a few mid-week hours enjoying a cigar at Hogshead Cigar Lounge. It’s always a pleasure to settle in indoors for a smoke — and since most of my cigar time is typically solo, it was nice to pair this one with a bit of friendly conversation.
For the afternoon, I reached for a Powstanie San Andrés. I picked up a few of these new releases last month but hadn’t yet lit one up. The ones resting in my home humidor are Robusto size, so I opted for the Toro vitola to pass the time today.
I’ve long been a fan of Powstanie cigars, and I was especially eager to try their new San Andrés wrapper version. I’m happy to say it more than lived up to my expectations. Medium to full-bodied, the cigar delivered rich notes of espresso and chocolate, complemented by a moderate pepper spice. I’ll be doing a full review soon — complete with a beverage pairing.
All in all, those two hours spent relaxing in the lounge made for a wonderfully satisfying way to enjoy a cool, rainy afternoon.
Celebrating Recovery: Liga Privada H99 and Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 18th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
Friday morning, I went in for my three-month check-in with the back surgeon. Good news: I’ve been cleared to start bending and doing light lifting again — slowly and carefully over the next six weeks as I ease back into a more normal routine, realizing that full recovery could take an entire year. (The surgeon also reminded me that I’m not 20 anymore. Harsh, but fair.) He also gave me a referral for physical therapy, which I’m genuinely excited about. I’m more than ready to start rebuilding strength.
I celebrated that evening with a special — and large — cigar. The Liga Privada H99 line from Drew Estate was introduced last year. I picked up a box of the event-only 7 x 54 Corona Doble vitola a year ago as a retirement gift to myself.
A hybrid Connecticut-grown Corojo wrapper encases a Mexican San Andrés Otapan Negro binder. The filler is a blend of tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania. The minimalist band leaves plenty of the beautiful wrapper on display, and the lengthy cigar makes a bold statement.
I used my PerfecPunch to open up the end of the cigar. The draw was somewhat loose at first but developed into perfect resistance as the cigar warmed up. Smoke production was plentiful throughout the long session.
Flavors opened with hints of pepper and toasted bread. Brown sugar sweetness gradually built alongside notes of dark chocolate, and graham cracker. It stayed consistently in the medium-bodied range, with occasional dips into full-bodied territory. The flavors remained balanced, smooth, and consistent throughout. Even toward the end, the Liga Privada H99 never exhibited any harshness — a flavorful and thoroughly enjoyable smoke.
I’ve only smoked a few from this box over the past year. The two-and-a-half-hour (or longer) smoking time requires some commitment. I did have to relight the cigar a couple of times when I briefly stepped away.
I paired the Liga Privada H99 with Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye — a bottle that’s been on my shelf for several years, as evidenced by the “Basil Hayden’s” label. Around 2020, the brand dropped the possessive “’s” and now goes by “Basil Hayden.”
Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye is a unique expression blending Kentucky straight rye, Canadian rye, and California port wine. The result is a dark red rye with a wine-like, fruit-forward flavor — more sweet than spicy, and at just 80 proof, very approachable.
The sweet fruit, caramel, and mild rye spice notes of the Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye made for an exceptional companion to the Liga Privada H99. While it’s never been a favorite sipper on its own, I especially enjoyed it with this cigar.
The small amount left in the old bottle wasn’t enough to last through the entire long smoke, so I eventually poured some Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon — coincidentally another bottle with just one pour remaining.
Four Roses Single Barrel is a go-to for both cocktails and sipping. Its profile — dark fruit, brown sugar, and spice — is more intense than the sweeter initial rye pairing. For this particular experience, the Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye was the better match for the H99. That said, I’ll still likely be restocking the Four Roses before replacing the Basil Hayden Rye.
Celebrating Recovery: Liga Privada H99 and Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 18th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
Friday morning, I went in for my three-month check-in with the back surgeon. Good news: I’ve been cleared to start bending and doing light lifting again — slowly and carefully over the next six weeks as I ease back into a more normal routine, realizing that full recovery could take an entire year. (The surgeon also reminded me that I’m not 20 anymore. Harsh, but fair.) He also gave me a referral for physical therapy, which I’m genuinely excited about. I’m more than ready to start rebuilding strength.
I celebrated that evening with a special — and large — cigar. The Liga Privada H99 line from Drew Estate was introduced last year. I picked up a box of the event-only 7 x 54 Corona Doble vitola a year ago as a retirement gift to myself.
A hybrid Connecticut-grown Corojo wrapper encases a Mexican San Andrés Otapan Negro binder. The filler is a blend of tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania. The minimalist band leaves plenty of the beautiful wrapper on display, and the lengthy cigar makes a bold statement.
I used my PerfecPunch to open up the end of the cigar. The draw was somewhat loose at first but developed into perfect resistance as the cigar warmed up. Smoke production was plentiful throughout the long session.
Flavors opened with hints of pepper and toasted bread. Brown sugar sweetness gradually built alongside notes of dark chocolate, and graham cracker. It stayed consistently in the medium-bodied range, with occasional dips into full-bodied territory. The flavors remained balanced, smooth, and consistent throughout. Even toward the end, the Liga Privada H99 never exhibited any harshness — a flavorful and thoroughly enjoyable smoke.
I’ve only smoked a few from this box over the past year. The two-and-a-half-hour (or longer) smoking time requires some commitment. I did have to relight the cigar a couple of times when I briefly stepped away.
I paired the Liga Privada H99 with Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye — a bottle that’s been on my shelf for several years, as evidenced by the “Basil Hayden’s” label. Around 2020, the brand dropped the possessive “’s” and now goes by “Basil Hayden.”
Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye is a unique expression blending Kentucky straight rye, Canadian rye, and California port wine. The result is a dark red rye with a wine-like, fruit-forward flavor — more sweet than spicy, and at just 80 proof, very approachable.
The sweet fruit, caramel, and mild rye spice notes of the Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye made for an exceptional companion to the Liga Privada H99. While it’s never been a favorite sipper on its own, I especially enjoyed it with this cigar.
The small amount left in the old bottle wasn’t enough to last through the entire long smoke, so I eventually poured some Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon — coincidentally another bottle with just one pour remaining.
Four Roses Single Barrel is a go-to for both cocktails and sipping. Its profile — dark fruit, brown sugar, and spice — is more intense than the sweeter initial rye pairing. For this particular experience, the Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye was the better match for the H99. That said, I’ll still likely be restocking the Four Roses before replacing the Basil Hayden Rye.
Weekend Update #18
Author: Chris ODonnell From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • May 17th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
I never did get around to writing an update last week. Those of you on the paid subscription plan can apply for a refund.
Editor: Chris, you don't have paid subscribers.
Well, whatever. It's the thought that counts.
It was a busy weekend for us. I started Saturday morning by birding with the Audubon Club. It was threatening rain, so I left my camera in the car, so no pictures. It's a shame too, as several birds decided to linger in easily photographed areas, as they always do when I don't have my camera.
But before I could even get out of the house to go birding, I had to deal with a pesky door-to-door salesperson. See the link below for details.
Last night we went downtown to Riverrock 25. Riverrock is a 3 day free festival celebrating outdoor sports, music, and dogs. We got there kind of late after dinner at Penny Lane Pub, which is the local Liverpool supporters hangout. I'm a Southampton supporter, so it's enemy territory, or would be, if Southampton mattered enough to be considered by Liverpool. The two bands last night we solid though. We were wandering around and not really paying attention during Mikaela Davis' set, but she sounded good. The headliner, Andy Frasco & the U.N, blew the roof off the joint. Normally at a free show like this, the crowd peaks early and then people drift away as they lose interest in a band they've never heard of. It was the opposite last night. They were so good they were pulling people in through the night. They had a bunch of really great originals, plus they played a nice selection of cover tunes. Any band that can pull of Bad Reputation by the Runaways and Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks in the same set gets respect from me.
On to the links:
Stuff I wrote.
Birding while camping last week
Annoying door-to-door salespeople
Stuff I did not write.
A fabulous introduction to the Stevie Wonder songbook
I am definitely old enough to relate to this article about how stereo equipment was essential to your decorating choices in the 1970s.
How to switch out Google Fonts for a privacy friendly alternative.
In case you missed it last week, Andreas posted a fabulous WWII inspired tour of his hometown of Nuremberg. Yes, that Nuremberg.
Not sure I agree with this, but maybe it's worth considering if bowls should replace plates in all dining scenarios.
Always being entertained by the pocket computer we all carry around means never daydreaming, and never daydreaming isn't healthy.
There is no "if" involved here. GenX are the cools one.
Next week is Memorial Day weekend in the US. We'll be camping. You should probably just assume that weekly updates will be bi-weekly through the end of September.
And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.
Snake at the door
Author: Chris ODonnell From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • May 16th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
Excuse me sir, can I interest you in a rodent control contract?
He was stretched out across the patio this morning when I put the dog out. Teddy didn't even notice him. I encouraged Mr. Snek to move on out, and I thought that was it. 5 minutes later I turn around and he is looking in the sliding glass door like a sad puppy.
Shortly after noon he turned up out front of a neighbor's house, who locked her doors are refused to come out. My son relocated Mr. Snek to the drainage pond area of the neighborhood.
Five O’Clock Friday: Bourbon Math
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 16th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
A Public Service Announcement from Musings Over a Barrel.
Five O’Clock Friday: Bourbon Math
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 16th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
A Public Service Announcement from Musings Over a Barrel.
A Rainy Morning at John B. Hayes Tobacconist
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 15th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
I found myself in Winchester, VA this week with some time to spare, so I decided to stop by John B. Hayes Tobacconist in downtown Winchester. After a long drive through heavy rain, my luck seemed to turn — I found an open metered spot just around the block. Even better, I already had the ParkMobile app on my phone, so the absence of coins in my car wasn’t an issue.
I browsed the cabinet humidors for a few minutes while the proprietor helped another customer. Once he was free, he retrieved my selections, and I settled into one of the large leather chairs to finally enjoy a long-anticipated smoke.
The shop’s “old school” charm made an immediate impression — everything from the furnishings to the display of umbrellas and walking sticks evoked a bygone era. John B. Hayes Tobacconist is a long-standing institution in the DC Metro area, known especially for catering to pipe enthusiasts. While the cigar selection isn’t the most extensive I’ve seen, it’s more than adequate, with plenty of appealing options. In fact, I ended up buying more cigars than I had time to smoke.
Though I didn’t have quite as much time to unwind as I’d hoped, I still enjoyed a satisfying break after a two-hour morning drive. The dry shop on rainy morning offered a peaceful interlude with a good cigar, a comfortable chair, and a city sidewalk to watch. I’ll definitely keep John B. Hayes Tobacconist in mind for future visits to Winchester.
Cheers!
