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Smoke and Spice: Noble Act Two with Rabble Rouser Rye

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 4th, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

This past weekend brought a welcome taste of fall. After weeks of oppressive heat and seemingly endless rain, we were treated to dry, sunny days with temperatures hovering in the mid-70s — perfect weather for an evening on the deck.

For the occasion, I reached for a cigar I’ve mentioned before: the Noble Cigars Act Two. Noble Cigars, founded in 2022, currently offers three lines — Act One, Act Two, and Intermission — each in a 6 x 52 Toro format. Of the three, I’ve only smoked the Act Two, and it continues to impress.

The Act Two features an exquisitely smooth, dark brown Mexican San Andrés wrapper, with Dominican binder and filler. Noble classifies the blend as a full-bodied “Doble Ligero,” and this particular cigar had been aging in my humidor for fourteen months.

Construction and performance were flawless — as has been my experience with every Act Two I’ve smoked. The cigar burned slow and even for nearly two hours, producing a solid white ash , speckled with white mineral dots — a sign of well-cured, high-quality tobacco.

For the evening’s “sip and smoke,” I paired the cigar with Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Rye. This Virginia-based distillery, founded in 2009 in Purcellville, honors its founders’ Scottish heritage by using the “whisky” spelling.

Rabble Rouser Rye is distilled from 100% rye, aged for six years, and bottled in bond at 100 proof. It pours a rich red-amber and offers bold aromas of fruit, honey, and rye spice. The palate delivers candied fruit, caramel, tobacco, and a touch of pepper, finishing long and warm with lingering spice. It’s one of my favorite ryes to sip neat — and also shines in a Rye Old Fashioned.

Though it’s traditionally released each February, I try to secure a bottle every year before it sells out. While it’s a lottery-only item in Virginia ABC stores, it’s been easier to find lately through the Catoctin Creek website.

The pairing of the Rabble Rouser Rye and Noble Act Two delivered a remarkable experience. The cigar’s sweetness and spice played beautifully with the rye’s rich, fruity complexity. While I typically prefer to experiment with new combinations, this pairing is one I’d happily revisit.

Cheers!

Smoke and Spice: Noble Act Two with Rabble Rouser Rye

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 4th, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

This past weekend brought a welcome taste of fall. After weeks of oppressive heat and seemingly endless rain, we were treated to dry, sunny days with temperatures hovering in the mid-70s — perfect weather for an evening on the deck.

For the occasion, I reached for a cigar I’ve mentioned before: the Noble Cigars Act Two. Noble Cigars, founded in 2022, currently offers three lines — Act One, Act Two, and Intermission — each in a 6 x 52 Toro format. Of the three, I’ve only smoked the Act Two, and it continues to impress.

The Act Two features an exquisitely smooth, dark brown Mexican San Andrés wrapper, with Dominican binder and filler. Noble classifies the blend as a full-bodied “Doble Ligero,” and this particular cigar had been aging in my humidor for fourteen months.

Construction and performance were flawless — as has been my experience with every Act Two I’ve smoked. The cigar burned slow and even for nearly two hours, producing a solid white ash , speckled with white mineral dots — a sign of well-cured, high-quality tobacco.

For the evening’s “sip and smoke,” I paired the cigar with Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Rye. This Virginia-based distillery, founded in 2009 in Purcellville, honors its founders’ Scottish heritage by using the “whisky” spelling.

Rabble Rouser Rye is distilled from 100% rye, aged for six years, and bottled in bond at 100 proof. It pours a rich red-amber and offers bold aromas of fruit, honey, and rye spice. The palate delivers candied fruit, caramel, tobacco, and a touch of pepper, finishing long and warm with lingering spice. It’s one of my favorite ryes to sip neat — and also shines in a Rye Old Fashioned.

Though it’s traditionally released each February, I try to secure a bottle every year before it sells out. While it’s a lottery-only item in Virginia ABC stores, it’s been easier to find lately through the Catoctin Creek website.

The pairing of the Rabble Rouser Rye and Noble Act Two delivered a remarkable experience. The cigar’s sweetness and spice played beautifully with the rye’s rich, fruity complexity. While I typically prefer to experiment with new combinations, this pairing is one I’d happily revisit.

Cheers!

Smoking the CAO Brazilia Lambada & Sipping Henry McKenna 10 Year

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 2nd, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

I’ve smoked the CAO Brazilia in various vitolas over the years. It’s a popular, flavorful, and budget-friendly smoke. This particular example, the Lambada — a 6 x 50 Toro — has been resting in my humidor since January.

The Brazilia Lambada wears a very dark, shiny Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper. It’s smooth and oily, wrapping a Nicaraguan binder and Honduran fillers. The construction was solid and even, and the look of the cigar brought to mind a rich chocolate bar — though maybe I was just hungry.

The Brazilia is medium to full-bodied and puts out rich flavors of cocoa and espresso, with nutty and spicy notes adding complexity. The burn was mostly even through the first two-thirds, but the final stretch saw one side stall out. Despite multiple touch-ups, it wouldn’t correct fully. Still, the cigar delivered a satisfying experience with bold, flavorful smoke.

To pair with the Brazilia, I poured a glass of Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond. At 100 proof, this bourbon opens with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of fruit. The palate brings more caramel and vanilla sweetness, layered with oak and cinnamon spice.

As with most single barrels, McKenna’s profile can vary bottle to bottle — possibly more than other brands. This particular bottle leans heavy on oak and tannins, with mild rye spice. While I’ve enjoyed this bottle many times — it’s nearly empty — the dry oak notes didn’t mesh perfectly with the Brazilia’s flavor profile. I found myself thinking a spicier rye might have made a better match, though not quite enough to get up and pour one.

Despite the slight mismatch, the CAO Brazilia Lambada and Henry McKenna Bottled-in-Bond still made for an enjoyable evening on the screened porch, especially on an unseasonably cool summer evening.

Cheers!

Smoking the CAO Brazilia Lambada & Sipping Henry McKenna 10 Year

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 2nd, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

I’ve smoked the CAO Brazilia in various vitolas over the years. It’s a popular, flavorful, and budget-friendly smoke. This particular example, the Lambada — a 6 x 50 Toro — has been resting in my humidor since January.

The Brazilia Lambada wears a very dark, shiny Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper. It’s smooth and oily, wrapping a Nicaraguan binder and Honduran fillers. The construction was solid and even, and the look of the cigar brought to mind a rich chocolate bar — though maybe I was just hungry.

The Brazilia is medium to full-bodied and puts out rich flavors of cocoa and espresso, with nutty and spicy notes adding complexity. The burn was mostly even through the first two-thirds, but the final stretch saw one side stall out. Despite multiple touch-ups, it wouldn’t correct fully. Still, the cigar delivered a satisfying experience with bold, flavorful smoke.

To pair with the Brazilia, I poured a glass of Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond. At 100 proof, this bourbon opens with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of fruit. The palate brings more caramel and vanilla sweetness, layered with oak and cinnamon spice.

As with most single barrels, McKenna’s profile can vary bottle to bottle — possibly more than other brands. This particular bottle leans heavy on oak and tannins, with mild rye spice. While I’ve enjoyed this bottle many times — it’s nearly empty — the dry oak notes didn’t mesh perfectly with the Brazilia’s flavor profile. I found myself thinking a spicier rye might have made a better match, though not quite enough to get up and pour one.

Despite the slight mismatch, the CAO Brazilia Lambada and Henry McKenna Bottled-in-Bond still made for an enjoyable evening on the screened porch, especially on an unseasonably cool summer evening.

Cheers!

Peace, Love, and John Fogerty

Author: Chris ODonnell From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Aug 1st, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

CCR was classic rock when I was in high school. John Fogerty is 80. It rained the entire show. None of that mattered last night as Fogerty radiated peace, love and joy throughout the entire set. With his two sons from his current marriage leading the opening act and then flanking him on stage all night, a new record coming out later this month, and control of his music back where it belongs, John Fogerty seemed like a guy that has never been happier as he ripped through his greatest hits last night.

And ripped is the operative word, as this was a loud rock and roll show. I guess I knew intellectually that Fogerty was a solid guitar player, but I did not have John Fogerty finger tapping his was through a solo on my bingo card. Several tunes featured extended solos with John trading licks with his son. We even got a drum solo and a killer saxophone solo during the set. He talked several times about how happy he was that his wife, after years and years of negotiation, finally got the publishing right back to his music. Run Through the Jungle will not be in an Army recruiting commercial anytime soon, and it was very obvious just how much it means to him that he has that control of his legacy.

The opening act Harty Har has been his two son's project for about a dozen years. They are a psychedelic / garage rock band, which if nothing else proves the boys were paying attention while they were growing up. Also, when you are John Fogerty's kids you can start a psychedelic garage rock band in the 21st century and not worry about paying rent. Don't get me wrong, the band rocked. Both of the kids are very talented musicians, but that is not the band you start if paying the rent is a primary concern.

Also, I'm 57, and I may have been below the average age of an attendee last night. But full props to RVA. A bunch of boomers and older GenX types stood for the entire show in the rain. We showed up. Or maybe we just didn't want wet asses from sitting on wet chairs.

The pictures suck. I've never been able to get decent photos at concerts. Given this has been an issue through 4 or 5 phones at this point, the equipment may not be the problem.

Peace, love, and rock and roll. Not a bad way to spend a Friday night. Or a life.

concert photos

Five O’Clock Friday: There’s a Time & Place for Everything

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 1st, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

Except decaffeinated coffee.

Cheers!

Five O’Clock Friday: There’s a Time & Place for Everything

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Aug 1st, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

Except decaffeinated coffee.

Cheers!

Fuente 8-5-8 Maduro Cigar Review: Flavor, Value, and Performance

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jul 30th, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

The Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 was part of the June Cigar of the Month package from Cigar and Pipes. After resting for six weeks in the humidor, it was finally time to light it up.

This 6” x 47 Corona Gorda sports a dark, toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over Dominican binder and filler. The wrapper is richly hued with prominent veins, mottling, and visible leaf seams. The cigar had a somewhat rustic look — with a slight curve and asymmetry near the cap — creating a bit of old-school charm.

Upon lighting, the 8-5-8 Maduro opened with bold notes of cocoa and dark coffee. As it warmed, a subtle spice emerged, and the dark coffee transitioned into a more intense espresso profile. In the final third, a pleasantly bitter cocoa took center stage. The thick, dry-edged smoke was plentiful and satisfying throughout the session.

Body-wise, it lands comfortably in the medium-full range. I paired my cigar with plain water after dinner, but couldn’t help imagining how beautifully it would complement a strong, black coffee. Unfortunately, the near-100° heat kept me from brewing a cup — maybe next time.

Despite its rustic appearance, performance was stellar. The burn line was straight, producing thick clouds of flavorful smoke. The ash held firm with no flaking, even under the steady breeze of a fan.

At a price point under $8.00, the Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 offers a flavorful, well-constructed smoking experience. It may not win points for appearance, but it delivers where it counts — in flavor and consistency. For those who enjoy a classic maduro profile, it’s a cigar worth trying.

Cheers!

Fuente 8-5-8 Maduro Cigar Review: Flavor, Value, and Performance

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jul 30th, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

The Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 was part of the June Cigar of the Month package from Cigar and Pipes. After resting for six weeks in the humidor, it was finally time to light it up.

This 6” x 47 Corona Gorda sports a dark, toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over Dominican binder and filler. The wrapper is richly hued with prominent veins, mottling, and visible leaf seams. The cigar had a somewhat rustic look — with a slight curve and asymmetry near the cap — creating a bit of old-school charm.

Upon lighting, the 8-5-8 Maduro opened with bold notes of cocoa and dark coffee. As it warmed, a subtle spice emerged, and the dark coffee transitioned into a more intense espresso profile. In the final third, a pleasantly bitter cocoa took center stage. The thick, dry-edged smoke was plentiful and satisfying throughout the session.

Body-wise, it lands comfortably in the medium-full range. I paired my cigar with plain water after dinner, but couldn’t help imagining how beautifully it would complement a strong, black coffee. Unfortunately, the near-100° heat kept me from brewing a cup — maybe next time.

Despite its rustic appearance, performance was stellar. The burn line was straight, producing thick clouds of flavorful smoke. The ash held firm with no flaking, even under the steady breeze of a fan.

At a price point under $8.00, the Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 offers a flavorful, well-constructed smoking experience. It may not win points for appearance, but it delivers where it counts — in flavor and consistency. For those who enjoy a classic maduro profile, it’s a cigar worth trying.

Cheers!

A Criminally Good Pairing: BLTC Morphine & Larceny Barrel Proof

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Jul 28th, 2025
Category: Blog Entries.Local

After a brief reprieve from the summer heat, July’s familiar weather returned — with it came the late afternoon thunderstorms and an early, storm cloud-induced dusk. Lately, some evenings have felt darker than the doldrums of winter. When the porch thermometer dipped into the double digits this weekend, I knew it was time for a smoke. Thankfully, the storm clouds hadn’t yet rolled in.

Looking for a quick, satisfying option, I grabbed a Black Label Trading Company Morphine. Scanning the whiskey shelf, a bottle of Larceny Barrel Proof caught my eye. Morphine and Larceny — it sounds like the title of a crime drama or the name of a punk band. Either way, it seemed like the right combination.

Black Label Trading Company’s Morphine is a mostly annual, limited release from the boutique cigar brand. The 2024 edition marks the 10th anniversary of the line, with four different vitolas offered. I picked up a few in the 5×50 Perfecto size last November.

This year’s blend features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper subtly accented by an Ecuadorian Maduro leaf, creating a nearly invisible barber pole. The Nicaraguan binder and filler are not otherwise specified. The cigar is beautifully rolled with a narrow foot and a needle-like cap.

After a couple of clips to the cap, I had an easy draw despite the tight foot, which lit quickly with a touch of the torch. The burn line expanded evenly as the cigar widened and required no touch-ups. The first puffs brought pepper, cocoa, dark cherry, and raisin. As it progressed, the profile evolved into deeper notes of espresso, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of molasses sweetness. Morphine delivers bold, full-bodied flavor, yet remains balanced and smooth throughout. Smoking time was about 40 minutes.

On the bourbon side, Larceny Barrel Proof B523 (May 2023 release) comes from Heaven Hill. It uses their wheated mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley, and is bottled uncut at 124.4 proof.

The nose opens with strong notes of cinnamon and fruit. The palate delivers a rich wave of cinnamon spice, caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit, all underpinned by that soft wheat sweetness. The long finish brings lingering cinnamon, oak, and vanilla. It’s a powerful pour, but very approachable.

I started neat, as usual, but added a few drops of water to ease the spice and allow more of the cigar’s richness to shine. The transformation was immediate: the bourbon’s sweet, dark fruit and candy-like notes became more prominent, without losing its character. Cinnamon still lingered on the finish but now played backup to the enhanced sweetness.

This robust pairing of Black Label Morphine and Larceny Barrel Proof B523 made for a fitting end to the day. Thunder rumbling in the distance added the final note to a dark and delicious screen porch experience.

Cheers!