Five O’Clock Friday: The Most Essential Element
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 9th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
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Category: Blog Entries.Local
Sunday Deck Cocktails: Mandarin Bourbon Smash
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 6th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
With the return of pleasant weather, our tradition of Sunday cocktails on the deck is back in full swing. While I generally prefer my bourbon neat, I always look forward to these afternoons of relaxed conversation with my wife. Recently, I came across a recipe for the Mandarin Bourbon Smash. It sounded both tasty and, just as importantly, simple to make — so I saved it for later use.
Mandarin Bourbon Smash
- 1 Mandarin Orange
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- .75 oz Lemon Juice
- .75 oz Aperal
- 2 oz Bourbon
- Club Soda
Muddle the mandarin orange (retaining one segment for later) and sugar in mixing glass. Add the lemon juice, Aperal, and Bourbon and shake over ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top off the glass with Club Soda, stir gently, and garnish with the Mandarin slice.
For this cocktail, I selected Belle Meade Sour Mash Straight Bourbon. The light, citrus-forward profile of the drink seemed to call for a “soft” bourbon, and this 90.4 proof whiskey—with its mild character and touch of spice — fit the bill. While I don’t find the Belle Meade particularly compelling as a straight sipper, it performs well here.
We found the Mandarin Bourbon Smash to be an enjoyable and refreshing cocktail. I expect it’ll make more appearances this summer, especially on hot afternoons.
As a snack, we kept things simple with some potato chips. Their saltiness paired nicely with the citrus and bitter notes of the drink. Chips are, after all, a staple when enjoying an apéritif at bars in Italy.
I also enjoyed a cigar with the drink — as usual. I initially lit a Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year 10th Anniversary from my humidor, but it turned out to be a poor pairing, and lacking in flavor overall. I set it aside and reached for a trusted favorite: the Crowned Heads Le Caréme, specifically the limited edition Pastelitos LE 2023. The Le Caréme proved to be a far more satisfying match.
Sunday Deck Cocktails: Mandarin Bourbon Smash
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 6th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
With the return of pleasant weather, our tradition of Sunday cocktails on the deck is back in full swing. While I generally prefer my bourbon neat, I always look forward to these afternoons of relaxed conversation with my wife. Recently, I came across a recipe for the Mandarin Bourbon Smash. It sounded both tasty and, just as importantly, simple to make — so I saved it for later use.
Mandarin Bourbon Smash
- 1 Mandarin Orange
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- .75 oz Lemon Juice
- .75 oz Aperal
- 2 oz Bourbon
- Club Soda
Muddle the mandarin orange (retaining one segment for later) and sugar in mixing glass. Add the lemon juice, Aperal, and Bourbon and shake over ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top off the glass with Club Soda, stir gently, and garnish with the Mandarin slice.
For this cocktail, I selected Belle Meade Sour Mash Straight Bourbon. The light, citrus-forward profile of the drink seemed to call for a “soft” bourbon, and this 90.4 proof whiskey—with its mild character and touch of spice — fit the bill. While I don’t find the Belle Meade particularly compelling as a straight sipper, it performs well here.
We found the Mandarin Bourbon Smash to be an enjoyable and refreshing cocktail. I expect it’ll make more appearances this summer, especially on hot afternoons.
As a snack, we kept things simple with some potato chips. Their saltiness paired nicely with the citrus and bitter notes of the drink. Chips are, after all, a staple when enjoying an apéritif at bars in Italy.
I also enjoyed a cigar with the drink — as usual. I initially lit a Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year 10th Anniversary from my humidor, but it turned out to be a poor pairing, and lacking in flavor overall. I set it aside and reached for a trusted favorite: the Crowned Heads Le Caréme, specifically the limited edition Pastelitos LE 2023. The Le Caréme proved to be a far more satisfying match.
An Evening with Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro and Henry McKenna
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 5th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
I’ve been working through some of the older cigars in my humidor lately. The medium- to full-bodied cigars I prefer tend to lose a bit of their zing after too long a rest. However, this past Friday evening was an exception. Some of my newer acquisitions were calling to me — specifically the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro, which I picked up in mid-March. After a seven-week rest in the humidor, I decided it was time to light one up.
The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro is a stick I’d been eager to try. They’re somewhat limited and not easy to come by. Released in 2023 to commemorate Perdomo Cigars’ 30th anniversary, this cigar joins the ranks of the brand’s other celebratory smokes. I’ve previously enjoyed the 10th and 25th Anniversary releases and had high expectations for this one.
The softly box-pressed Robusto measures 5 x 54. It features an attractive, dark brown Nicaraguan maduro wrapper that’s been aged in bourbon barrels for 15 years. The binder and filler are also Nicaraguan, with some of the tobaccos aged up to 15 years as well. A large, colorful band with gold accents enhances the cigar’s festive presentation.
The smoke opens with rich notes of espresso and dark chocolate, underscored by a touch of black pepper. As the cigar progresses, a background spiciness of pepper and cedar lingers. Soon, flavors of dark fruit join the mix, complementing the chocolate and bitter espresso. Later in the session, a creamy sweetness emerges. The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro delivers a balanced and thoroughly enjoyable smoking experience.
To accompany the cigar, I poured a glass of Henry McKenna 10-Year Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. My current bottle was barreled on October 17, 2012, and purchased in April 2023. It had been a while since I last poured from it, but it’s a bourbon I always enjoy..
At the mandated 100 proof, this Bottled in Bond bourbon opens with aromas of caramel and vanilla, with a hint of fruitiness. The palate follows through with a pleasant blend of caramel and vanilla sweetness, balanced by a peppery rye spice that keeps the sweeter notes in check. Henry McKenna fits right in to the textbook "classic bourbon" profile.
Being a single barrel product, flavor can vary between bottles, but I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve tried. There was a time when it sold for around $25 a bottle. After it won Best in Show Whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, its popularity surged and availability dropped — despite the fact that bottles on shelves weren’t likely from the (unnamed) award-winning barrel. For years, it was an allocated selection in Virginia. Nowadays, expect to pay around $60 and up.
The spring evening weather was perfect — mild and pleasant, with low humidity — which only enhanced the enjoyment of the cigar and bourbon. I cherish these early warm evenings in Virginia. The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro was such a pleasurable smoke that I nearly forgot about my bourbon — though it, too, was a delight. The cigar lasted just over an hour, though it felt like much less. I smoked it down to the nub I could no longer hold, still wishing for just a bit more.
Cheers!
Cheers!
An Evening with Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro and Henry McKenna
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 5th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
I’ve been working through some of the older cigars in my humidor lately. The medium- to full-bodied cigars I prefer tend to lose a bit of their zing after too long a rest. However, this past Friday evening was an exception. Some of my newer acquisitions were calling to me — specifically the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro, which I picked up in mid-March. After a seven-week rest in the humidor, I decided it was time to light one up.
The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro is a stick I’d been eager to try. They’re somewhat limited and not easy to come by. Released in 2023 to commemorate Perdomo Cigars’ 30th anniversary, this cigar joins the ranks of the brand’s other celebratory smokes. I’ve previously enjoyed the 10th and 25th Anniversary releases and had high expectations for this one.
The softly box-pressed Robusto measures 5 x 54. It features an attractive, dark brown Nicaraguan maduro wrapper that’s been aged in bourbon barrels for 15 years. The binder and filler are also Nicaraguan, with some of the tobaccos aged up to 15 years as well. A large, colorful band with gold accents enhances the cigar’s festive presentation.
The smoke opens with rich notes of espresso and dark chocolate, underscored by a touch of black pepper. As the cigar progresses, a background spiciness of pepper and cedar lingers. Soon, flavors of dark fruit join the mix, complementing the chocolate and bitter espresso. Later in the session, a creamy sweetness emerges. The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro delivers a balanced and thoroughly enjoyable smoking experience.
To accompany the cigar, I poured a glass of Henry McKenna 10-Year Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. My current bottle was barreled on October 17, 2012, and purchased in April 2023. It had been a while since I last poured from it, but it’s a bourbon I always enjoy..
At the mandated 100 proof, this Bottled in Bond bourbon opens with aromas of caramel and vanilla, with a hint of fruitiness. The palate follows through with a pleasant blend of caramel and vanilla sweetness, balanced by a peppery rye spice that keeps the sweeter notes in check. Henry McKenna fits right in to the textbook "classic bourbon" profile.
Being a single barrel product, flavor can vary between bottles, but I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve tried. There was a time when it sold for around $25 a bottle. After it won Best in Show Whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, its popularity surged and availability dropped — despite the fact that bottles on shelves weren’t likely from the (unnamed) award-winning barrel. For years, it was an allocated selection in Virginia. Nowadays, expect to pay around $60 and up.
The spring evening weather was perfect — mild and pleasant, with low humidity — which only enhanced the enjoyment of the cigar and bourbon. I cherish these early warm evenings in Virginia. The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro was such a pleasurable smoke that I nearly forgot about my bourbon — though it, too, was a delight. The cigar lasted just over an hour, though it felt like much less. I smoked it down to the nub I could no longer hold, still wishing for just a bit more.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Bourbon Independence Day: A Toast to America’s Native Spirit
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 4th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
On May 4, 1964, Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 (S. Con. Res. 19) was passed, declaring that bourbon “is a distinctive product of the United States.” With that resolution, Bourbon Whiskey joined the ranks of other regionally protected spirits such as Scotch Whisky, Cognac, and Canadian Whisky — each of which must be produced in their respective countries of origin.
Although bourbon may have originated in Kentucky — then still part of Virginia — and the vast majority of it is still produced there today, bourbon is now made in all 50 U.S. states.
So, raise a glass (or two) and celebrate Bourbon Independence Day with your favorite pour!
Cheers!
Bourbon Independence Day: A Toast to America’s Native Spirit
Author: David From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • May 4th, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
On May 4, 1964, Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 (S. Con. Res. 19) was passed, declaring that bourbon “is a distinctive product of the United States.” With that resolution, Bourbon Whiskey joined the ranks of other regionally protected spirits such as Scotch Whisky, Cognac, and Canadian Whisky — each of which must be produced in their respective countries of origin.
Although bourbon may have originated in Kentucky — then still part of Virginia — and the vast majority of it is still produced there today, bourbon is now made in all 50 U.S. states.
So, raise a glass (or two) and celebrate Bourbon Independence Day with your favorite pour!
Cheers!
Weekend Update #17
Author: Chris ODonnell From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • May 3rd, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
May the 4th be with you, from a dreary and rainy Richmond, VA. Also note that the Sunday links publishing schedule will be inconsistent for the next 5 months, as camping season starts for us next weekend. I often won't be home on Sunday mornings. I still plan to do one weekly, but it might be Monday or Tuesday on camping weekends.
It's peak bird migration season here. We went out yesterday, and I would have been out this morning if I hadn't woke up to thunder and pouring rain. It's been really dry the last couple of weeks, and my lawn was starting to suffer. So I washed the car in the driveway yesterday, knowing that direct taunt at the weather gods would deliver rain. It worked.
We bought a new backyard toy this week, and enjoyed our first backyard fire last night. It was nice to sit outside for a couple of hours listening to music instead of sitting inside watching TV. I would have listened to baseball, but the Red Sox lost in a late afternoon game yesterday.
Stuff I wrote this week.
Birding at Malvern Hill Battlefield
The Girl From the Tar Paper School - In 1951, before MLK started marching, before Rosa Parks sat where she wanted to sit on the bus, and before young people sat-in at lunch counters, 16-year-old Barbara Rose organized and led a walkout in Farmville, VA to protest the conditions black kids had to endure at school.
I wrote about the challenges of making friends as an old guy
Radio is underrated - Just yesterday I was streaming a hair metal station from Germany that was much better than anything YouTube Music has ever delivered for me. They were playing deep cuts from the 80s, and not the same 60 songs over and over again.
Stuff I didn't write.
Monty Python and The Holy Grail is 50 years old this week.
The LinkedIn scam bots are getting better
A NYT article about the impact of photography on and after the Vietnam War. - It's a gift link, but not my gift link. Hopefully this works. It worked when I tested it in a private window.
An excuse generator for those times when you want to say no.
Waiter Rant went to a Jews for Jesus service on Easter Sunday and came away with some thoughts about how the promise of Jesus' resurrection can be seen in a new puppy. I'm a non-believer, but I always find Steve's thought on religion (he is a Catholic Seminary dropout) very reassuring.
Benjamin Hollon posted a well done, somewhat academic, overview of the Indieweb movement.
And finally, if you have not seen Wolfie Van Halen's new video, go watch now. Their are numerous 80s Easter eggs in the video, including at least two musical references to his dad, Eddie Van Halen. Also watch for Myles Kennedy, Slash, and his mom, Valerie Bertinelli. This songs rocks, too.
This post was composed while listening to Mammoth on shuffle play. I really haven't spent much time listening to Mammoth. I need to change that because Wolfie is very possibly more talented than his father. He is definitely a better songwriter.
And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.
The Girl From the Tar Paper School
Author: Chris ODonnell From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • May 2nd, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
In 1951, before MLK started marching, before Rosa Parks sat where she wanted to sit on the bus, and before young people sat-in at lunch counters, 16-year-old Barbara Rose organized and led a walkout in Farmville, VA to protest the conditions black kids had to endure at school. The NAACP eventually took her case all the way to the Supreme Court, where it and several other cases were combined with Brown vs. Board of Education, which ultimately led to a ruling outlawing segregation. For her bravery, Barbara's family endured harassment from the KKK that led to a cross burning in her yard. Her family sent her to family in Alabama to finish out high school.
My editor would like me to point out that illegal or not, public schools never really desegregated.
So why don't know we know more about Barbara Rose? She was a kid, and her name got dropped from the headlines when her case was merged with Brown vs. Board of Education. After high school, she graduated from Drexel in Philadelphia, got married, raised a family, and worked as a librarian in Philadelphia until her death in 1991. I like to think she'd be pleased that, in 2025, I learned about her role in history after checking out this book from the library. History has caught up in the last 10 years, with Virginia in particular finding several ways to honor her legacy. Her story is also now part of the 4th grade curriculum in the state.
Also, it's worth pointing out that the book is a kid's book, and you'll be able to read it in 10–15 minutes, and that I learned about it, and about Barbara Rose, when the author ended up in my Mastodon feed. This is a book that the current US government does not want you reading, so it's your moral duty to read it. Also, by checking it out at your library you keep it active, which means it doesn't get removed from circulation.
You know what to do.
Birding at Malvern Hill
Author: Chris ODonnell From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • May 2nd, 2025Category: Blog Entries.Local
The Audubon group was meeting at 6 AM this morning, which meant leaving the house by 5:40 AM. We decided to go solo birding instead and leave at 7:15 AM. We went to Malvern Hill Battlefield, which offers a nice mix of open fields and forests, and is only a few hundred yards from the river, although you can't see it from the battlefield.
We identified 53 species. We spent about 15 minutes watching about 6 Indigo Buntings chase each other around an open area in the forest, while occasionally stopping long enough to hunt for a bug in the grass. It's the longest extended look I've ever gotten at an Indigo Bunting. We also watched 2 Summer Tanagers that appeared to be fighting over a female. We also saw a Bald Eagle soaring in the distance between us and the river, and I also saw a Northern Harrier hunting along the edge of the meadow and forest. It was a very solid morning of birding.
Birding at Malvern Hill is always a little weird. Early in the morning it's peaceful and quiet, with the only noise bird song. Yet, their are replica cannon and placards reminding you of the carnage that occurred in that very spot in 1862. It's one of the better preserved Civil War battlefields, with the grounds mostly unchanged since the battle. But the contrast with the events there in 1862 can be a little unsettling.
Our e-bird list for the morning.
