Archives for the ‘Blog Entries.Local’ Category

Porchside Pairing: H. Upmann 1844 Añejo with Old Elk Cigar Cut

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 25th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Another evening of beautiful weather meant another sit on the porch. With no other plans, I dug into the humidor for something on the larger side and landed on the H. Upmann 1844 Añejo Toro. At 6 x 54, it promised a solid couple of hours of enjoyment.

The cigar wears a smooth, oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that shimmered in the fading sunlight. Construction was excellent — an even, seamless roll. Beneath the wrapper, a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder holds filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This blend, aged for at least five years (as suggested by the name Añejo — Spanish for “old” or “vintage”), promises depth and complexity. Mine had been resting in the humidor about nine weeks, part of the June COTM shipment from Cigar and Pipes.



The smoke opens with rich notes of cocoa, coffee, and mild pepper spice, soon joined by hints of caramel sweetness and a sturdy woodiness. Cedar and pepper weave in and out throughout the long burn, but the profile stays balanced — complex yet approachable, with a satisfying full body. Construction was spot-on, delivering a steady burn and clouds of creamy smoke.

I was so caught up in the cigar that I nearly neglected the pour at my side: Old Elk Cigar Cut bourbon. Typically a celebratory pour for me, it felt right for this leisurely evening.

This bottling was the first “cigar blend” release from Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado. Built on six-year-old bourbons further finished in Sherry, Armagnac, Port, and Cognac casks, it’s bottled at 110.6 proof. On the nose, caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and spiced fruit draw you in. The palate reveals layers of dark chocolate, toffee, and baking spice, with faint notes of tobacco and leather lingering in the long, warming finish.




Like the cigar, the bourbon is layered and complex. I’ve always found port- and sherry-finished bourbons to pair beautifully with cigars, and the additional cask influences here add even more depth. It remains one of my favorite pours to enjoy with a full-bodied smoke — though it has become increasingly elusive on shelves. Old Elk has also released a Cigar Cut Island Blend, but that one still eludes me.

What more could I ask for? A bold, flavorful cigar, an exceptional pour, the setting sun, and blues floating from the outdoor speaker. A perfect evening.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Weekend Update #27

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Aug 23rd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

So the weekly updates are coming every other week lately. The state of the world and my workload are just sucking up all my energy. I have nothing left for creativity right now. The recent weekly updates have been very meh, which isn't helping. I find myself just not caring about anything outside of my tiny locus of control.

The amount of bullshit coming from Washington DC is just overwhelming. The country is is suffocating under a mountain of right wing bullshit, and I find myself thinking about what our longer terms plans are because I'm not sure I can count on staying in the US. Every country in the history of the world has eventually failed, and maybe we've drawn the short straw and get to live through the fall of the US. Lucky us!

In spite of my attitude above I've actually had a pretty good past couple of weeks. Drupal GovCon was the previous week and spending a couple of days with my Drupal community is good for the soul. Then I got to spend a day last weekend with a couple of good friends on a perfect beach weather day, which was good as we were at the beach.

After a solid and busy week my wife and I had a great day in Fredericksburg VA yesterday. I got it in some quality people watching time sitting outside a coffee shop on a surprisingly cool morning before spending an hour in my favorite used book store. Then after lunch with friends we hit Carl's Custard stand before heading home, which was also shockingly easy as there was no traffic on I-95 south between Fredericksburg and RVA. On the drive I was listening to the Red Sox beat the Yankees and Friday night we watched the Red Sox beat the Yankees 1-0. I should probably have stopped for lottery tickets because everything is coming up aces for me this weekend.

This coming weekend is a 3-day weekend in the US for Labor Day. Given the current administration's attitude towards the labor class I'm surprised they haven't renamed the holiday CEO Day. Or maybe Pedophile President Day would work. We are going camping for the weekend and the forecast in the mountains is no rain, highs in the 60s, lows in the upper 40s. Bring on the fall weather, I am so ready for it!

The Value of Minimalism is a good reminder that when we reduce the stuff in our live we make more room for the stuff that really matters.

The photo essay from the Faroe Islands is just stunning. Hat tip to Andreas at https://82mhz.net/ for the link, I think.

I had not really noticed this until this essay, but mass market paperback books are no longer a thing.

This video from Dan Pink has some good ideas for remembering more of what you read.

I love this idea for a new way to use LinkedIn.

Finally, one of my favorite bands dropped a new album on Friday. Check out the new Robert Jon and the Wreck album on YouTube or wherever you stream music.

And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.


Recent NA Beers

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Aug 23rd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

At the John Fogerty concert a few weeks back the only NA beer available was Stella. It was fine. It tasted like a Stella.

At a hotel bar at Drupal GovCon my only option was Becks. I don't think I've drank a Beck's beer in this century, but that skunky nose and taste absolutely reminded me of what I remember Beck's to be, so I'm going to say the brewers nailed it. I don't particularly like Beck's, so this is not one I would seek out again, but if you like Beck's you'll like their NA option.

At the Robert Jon and the Wreck concert a few week's back I tried an Athletic Ale Lemon Radler. Beer mixed with not beer is not a style I seek out, so it's not something I would drink again. But it definitely tasted like lemon soda mixed with beer, so I think they nailed the style. Also, If you go to the Athletic Ales website they'll send you two 6-packs for $14.99, with no shipping fees for your first online order. I used that deal that try the All Out Extra Dark Stout and also the Mexican Style lager. Both were solid beers, with the stout being particularly tasty.

I also tried a couple of new to me beers from Sierra Nevada. The Trail Pass Hazy IPA tastes like an aggressively hopped Hazy, so it is a win. When I was drinking the Trail Pass Brewveza I assumed it was a Mexican lager (Brewveza/ Cerveza) but the website labels it as a blond ale. I thought it was a solid Mexican style lager so I guess that makes it a not great blond ale? I'm confused by that one.

I think the NA beer market has matured to a point that the brewers know the beers need to be good and not just non-alcoholic, and for the most part, the brewers are doing their jobs well.


Five O’Clock Friday: Snacking

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 22nd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
I'm told that weekend calories don't count anyway.


Enjoy the weekend.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Five O’Clock Friday: Snacking

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 22nd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
I'm told that weekend calories don't count anyway.


Enjoy the weekend.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Dry Fire, Live Fire, and Small Steps Forward

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 22nd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
After last week’s long-awaited visit to the range, I was eager for a return trip. With intermittent rain predicted throughout this week, I resolved to head out at the first clear opportunity. The skies were gray after lunch on Monday, but both of the weather apps on my phone promised no rain until evening — good enough for me.

This time I decided to shoot from 10 yards only. I’m still working on re-learning the DA/SA trigger, and shooting from multiple distances also means more bending over to collect brass afterward. One step at a time.



I began with slow, deliberate DA shots and was satisfied with the results. My goal was to stay within the upper body of the silhouette, in line with the standard IDPA target layout — though I really do need to order more of those cardboard targets. SA follow-ups landed well too. (The range rule caps strings at two shots; anything more brings a stern letter from the range master.) Adding draws from the holster for two-shot pairs added some speed, though I caught myself flinching on about one in five DA shots. Not acceptable — but I've doing more dry fire to hopefully steady that long trigger pull.



Even with poor distance vision making the target details a blur, careful sight alignment still produced solid hits in both DA and SA when aiming for more precise hits.

I wrapped up after my planned 100 rounds, satisfied with the session. Thankfully, I had brought along a brass-catching mat, which made cleanup much easier. As I was gathering my gear, the rain finally arrived. I snatched up the mat, hustled the brass under cover, and bagged it just as the shower hit — perfect timing.

I glanced over the local IDPA match schedule online, but decided I need more trigger time first, both live and dry fire. Still, I’m pleased with my shooting “recovery” so far.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Dry Fire, Live Fire, and Small Steps Forward

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 22nd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
After last week’s long-awaited visit to the range, I was eager for a return trip. With intermittent rain predicted throughout this week, I resolved to head out at the first clear opportunity. The skies were gray after lunch on Monday, but both of the weather apps on my phone promised no rain until evening — good enough for me.

This time I decided to shoot from 10 yards only. I’m still working on re-learning the DA/SA trigger, and shooting from multiple distances also means more bending over to collect brass afterward. One step at a time.



I began with slow, deliberate DA shots and was satisfied with the results. My goal was to stay within the upper body of the silhouette, in line with the standard IDPA target layout — though I really do need to order more of those cardboard targets. SA follow-ups landed well too. (The range rule caps strings at two shots; anything more brings a stern letter from the range master.) Adding draws from the holster for two-shot pairs added some speed, though I caught myself flinching on about one in five DA shots. Not acceptable — but I've doing more dry fire to hopefully steady that long trigger pull.



Even with poor distance vision making the target details a blur, careful sight alignment still produced solid hits in both DA and SA when aiming for more precise hits.

I wrapped up after my planned 100 rounds, satisfied with the session. Thankfully, I had brought along a brass-catching mat, which made cleanup much easier. As I was gathering my gear, the rain finally arrived. I snatched up the mat, hustled the brass under cover, and bagged it just as the shower hit — perfect timing.

I glanced over the local IDPA match schedule online, but decided I need more trigger time first, both live and dry fire. Still, I’m pleased with my shooting “recovery” so far.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Pius X and the Papal Humidor: A Feast Day Reflection

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 21st, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Today, August 21, is the Feast Day of Pope Saint Pius X.

Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto on June 2, 1835, in Riese, Venetia, then part of the Austrian Empire (in present-day Italy), he served as Pope from 1903 until his death in 1914. Pius X is remembered — and indeed honored — for his deeply conservative theological positions, firm leadership, and pastoral care for the faithful.

As pope, he enacted reforms that left a lasting mark on the Church. He promoted the use of Gregorian chant in worship and became known as the “Pope of the Eucharist” for his fervent encouragement of frequent Communion, which he described as “the shortest and safest way to get to heaven.” Notably, he lowered the age for First Communion from twelve to seven, a decision still in place today.

Pius also took a hard stance against theological Modernism, which he considered “the synthesis of all heresies.” He resisted the movement of Christian Democracy when it veered into overt political activism, seeking instead to keep Catholic social work grounded in religious rather than partisan aims.

While the Church venerates him for his sanctity and his spiritual reforms, I like to think of Pope Saint Pius X as something else as well — the Patron Saint of Cigar Smokers.



A few years ago, I began wondering if any saint officially filled that role. My search turned up a few saints with ties to tobacco. One, Saint Titus Brandsma, is recognized as the Patron Saint of Tobacconists. Still, there appears to be no widely acknowledged patron saint devoted specifically to cigar smokers.

Then I stumbled across a story about Pope Saint Pius X, recounted in a letter published by Cigar Aficionado. The reader recalled:
Reading of his [Pius X] defense of cigars as not being a vice, I was reminded of a story that a cigar smoking priest of the Diocese of Tulsa, who is now in training for the Vatican diplomatic corps, told me. When he was a seminarian in Rome, he learned that Pius X, who was the pope from 1903 to 1914, called a bishop onto the carpet to reprimand him for his scandalous misbehavior with wine, women and song, and to correct his wrongs patiently.

The pope offered the errant bishop a cigar from the papal humidor on his desk. The bishop declined the offer with the protestation, “I do not have that vice, Your Holiness,” to which His Holiness replied, “If cigars were a vice, I would not offer you one, for you have quite enough vices already.”

There’s no way to know if the exchange truly happened or if it’s simply an ecclesiastical tall tale. Still, we do know that Pius X kept a humidor in his papal office. It’s also said that he broke the tradition of the pope dining alone, instead inviting friends to join him for meals. One can easily imagine that more than one of those dinners ended with the warm haze of cigar smoke drifting through the Vatican rooms.

His fondness for cigars certainly didn’t prevent his canonization in 1954 — proof, perhaps, that the Church doesn’t consider a fine cigar, enjoyed in moderation, to be a spiritual stumbling block. I like to think that the moments of calm and reflection provided by those cigars helped Pope Saint Pius X bear the heavy burdens of the papacy. And for that reason, in my book, he remains the unofficial Patron Saint of Cigar Smokers.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Pius X and the Papal Humidor: A Feast Day Reflection

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 21st, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Today, August 21, is the Feast Day of Pope Saint Pius X.

Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto on June 2, 1835, in Riese, Venetia, then part of the Austrian Empire (in present-day Italy), he served as Pope from 1903 until his death in 1914. Pius X is remembered — and indeed honored — for his deeply conservative theological positions, firm leadership, and pastoral care for the faithful.

As pope, he enacted reforms that left a lasting mark on the Church. He promoted the use of Gregorian chant in worship and became known as the “Pope of the Eucharist” for his fervent encouragement of frequent Communion, which he described as “the shortest and safest way to get to heaven.” Notably, he lowered the age for First Communion from twelve to seven, a decision still in place today.

Pius also took a hard stance against theological Modernism, which he considered “the synthesis of all heresies.” He resisted the movement of Christian Democracy when it veered into overt political activism, seeking instead to keep Catholic social work grounded in religious rather than partisan aims.

While the Church venerates him for his sanctity and his spiritual reforms, I like to think of Pope Saint Pius X as something else as well — the Patron Saint of Cigar Smokers.



A few years ago, I began wondering if any saint officially filled that role. My search turned up a few saints with ties to tobacco. One, Saint Titus Brandsma, is recognized as the Patron Saint of Tobacconists. Still, there appears to be no widely acknowledged patron saint devoted specifically to cigar smokers.

Then I stumbled across a story about Pope Saint Pius X, recounted in a letter published by Cigar Aficionado. The reader recalled:
Reading of his [Pius X] defense of cigars as not being a vice, I was reminded of a story that a cigar smoking priest of the Diocese of Tulsa, who is now in training for the Vatican diplomatic corps, told me. When he was a seminarian in Rome, he learned that Pius X, who was the pope from 1903 to 1914, called a bishop onto the carpet to reprimand him for his scandalous misbehavior with wine, women and song, and to correct his wrongs patiently.

The pope offered the errant bishop a cigar from the papal humidor on his desk. The bishop declined the offer with the protestation, “I do not have that vice, Your Holiness,” to which His Holiness replied, “If cigars were a vice, I would not offer you one, for you have quite enough vices already.”

There’s no way to know if the exchange truly happened or if it’s simply an ecclesiastical tall tale. Still, we do know that Pius X kept a humidor in his papal office. It’s also said that he broke the tradition of the pope dining alone, instead inviting friends to join him for meals. One can easily imagine that more than one of those dinners ended with the warm haze of cigar smoke drifting through the Vatican rooms.

His fondness for cigars certainly didn’t prevent his canonization in 1954 — proof, perhaps, that the Church doesn’t consider a fine cigar, enjoyed in moderation, to be a spiritual stumbling block. I like to think that the moments of calm and reflection provided by those cigars helped Pope Saint Pius X bear the heavy burdens of the papacy. And for that reason, in my book, he remains the unofficial Patron Saint of Cigar Smokers.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Elegance & Power: H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Meets Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 19th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
I first smoked the H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Churchill back in May. The cigar impressed me then, and I suspected it would only improve with some rest in the humidor. After nine months of humidor rest, it was time to find out.

Released in July 2024, this limited edition celebrates 180 years of the H. Upmann legacy, a brand founded in 1844 by German banker Herman Upmann in Havana, Cuba. The Churchill is an elegant 7 x 50 cigar dressed in a chocolate-hued Nicaraguan medio tiempo wrapper — a rare leaf that appears on only about two percent of plants. Typically used sparingly in filler blends, medio tiempo is prized for its concentrated strength and flavor, making it a unique choice for a wrapper. The binder and fillers are also Nicaraguan, lending further depth and character.



From the first draw, the cigar opened with rich notes of chocolate and dark raisins, soon joined by a complex medley of black coffee, pepper, and cinnamon, underpinned by a creamy fruit sweetness. Full-bodied, flavorful, and refined, it proved worthy of the 180-year milestone it commemorates.



For the pairing, I reached for Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Whiskey, bottled at 113 proof. Knowing this would be a long smoke, I wanted a spirit that could keep pace. Introduced in July 2024, this “Bourye” blend combines 30% 9-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon with 70% 7-year-old Kentucky straight rye. On the nose, rye spice and caramel sweetness greet you, while the palate leans rye-forward — bold pepper and cinnamon backed by brown sugar and dark fruit. I’ve enjoyed it neat before and find it a hearty pour on its own.

As the cigar progressed, I noticed the whiskey’s palate-coating spice was starting to overshadow some of the cigar’s subtle sweetness. A few drops of water changed the equation. After resting a moment, the whiskey softened, allowing more fruit and brown sugar to emerge — and that’s when the pairing truly clicked.

The H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Churchill delivered nearly two hours of steady, satisfying smoke with a flawless burn that needed no touch-ups. The extra time also left room for a second pour of the Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye, making for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

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