Archives for the ‘Blog Entries.Local’ Category

Tatujae and Redwood Empire: Notes from the Healing Journey

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Apr 5th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
I decided to celebrate a good checkin with the surgeon with a quick smoke and sip. (It's my logic, don't judge.) Friday was a delightfully warm day, even if a bit cloudy most of the afternoon. But as luck would have it, the clouds gave way to sunshine before sunset. Even more reason to head out and soak up some Vitamin D3 for my healing bones.

From the humidor, I selected the Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles that came as part of the December Luxury Cigar Club package. It is a cigar I have not smoked in several years but remembered it fondly. After perusing the bottles on the shelves, I grabbed a pour of Redwood Empire Lost Monarch — a Bourbon and Rye blend, also known as a “Bourye.”



Redwood Empire Lost Monarch blends 60% rye (aged 3 to 5 years) with 40% bourbon (aged 4 to 12 years). The result marries the sweetness of bourbon with the spice of rye. On the nose, there are notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus zest. The palate opens with vanilla and caramel, followed by a lingering peppery finish.

It’s difficult to pick out distinct bourbon or rye flavors — the blend is neither one nor the other, yet somehow both. On the long finish, the rye component seems to take the lead. The overall profile is unique and thoroughly enjoyable. At 90 proof and priced under $35, Redwood Empire Lost Monarch is an easy pick for an everyday sipper.



Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles is a 5 x 50 Robusto wrapped in an oily, reddish-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos complete the blend. Thanks to the rolling and blending techniques employed in production, the Havana VI line is often compared to classic Cuban cigars of the past.

It had been a while since I last smoked one, though I remembered enjoying it. Checks notes… yep, confirmed. Back then, I paired it with a delightful Porter, and I approached the current whiskey pairing with high expectations.

The cigar opens with sweet molasses, caramel, and nutty notes. As it burns, earthy tones, cedar spice, and creamy coffee come into play. The medium-bodied smoke is well-balanced. While it didn’t overpower the spice of the “bourye,” it held its own nicely. I did alternate the whiskey with sips of water before puffing, which helped keep the flavors distinct. Altogether, it made for a flavorful and satisfying pairing.

The Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles comes at a reasonable price, especially in today’s world of ever-rising cigar costs. Like the Redwood Empire Lost Monarch, it’s a strong contender for a regular rotation. Honestly, it’s as if the two were made for each other. 

Cheers!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Five O’Clock Friday: Irish Chili

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Apr 4th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Alright, I’ll admit it—I let the Five O’Clock Friday humor posts slip through the cracks. But they’re making a comeback! I’ll try to keep the laughs to start the weekend coming from here on out.

What better way to start than with a bit of Irish humor?


IYKYK.

Cheers!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

51 Years of the Red Sox

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Apr 3rd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

While working this afternoon, I had the Red Sox game on audio streaming. It's opening day at Fenway, and they were honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1975 team.

I started following baseball with the 1974 Red Sox. That means I've been a baseball and Red Sox fan for 51 years.

I'm not old. You're old!

The Red Sox have been an important part of 89% of my life. You now have all the data you need to figure out my age. ?Math will be required. Hint, the Red Sox lost a World Series to the Cardinals just a month before I was born.

My very first memory of baseball is my parents allowing me to sleep on the floor in the living room when we lived in Spain. Evening games in the US started around midnight in Madrid. So I'd lay on the floor and listen to the Red Sox games when they were broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. My first memory of a specific game is the Red Sox losing big to the Royals. I've gone back and looked at Red Sox vs. Royals games in 1974, and I can't pinpoint the exact game. Other than the occasional game on the radio, I followed the Red Sox via the sports section of The Stars and Stripes.

We moved back to the states ?in Spring of 1975, toward the end of my 3rd grade year. We were at Grissom AFB near Peru, Indiana, so I could get all the Cubs games on the little B&W TV in my bedroom. Yes, I had a TV in my bedroom in 3rd grade. Today's parents giving their kids phones at age 7 is just a new take on a questionable parenting decision, although the phones are more of a problem than a B&W TV that picked up 4 or 5 channels. Looking back, I wonder why I didn't become a Cubs fan. I could watch every Cubs game. The Red Sox were only on TV if they were the Saturday Game of the Week or on Monday Night Baseball. I assume I watched the 1975 World Series, although I can't claim any specific memory of watching it.

The less said about 1978 the better.?

As I got into my high school years I was still a fan, but girls, music, and partying took precedence in my life. In the early to mid-80s. Also, my last two years of high school (83-85) were spent on Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands. Following sports back on the mainland was a challenge. Not that I would have, as I lived somewhere with amazing beaches, and it was 87F 365 days a year.

I remember exactly where I was for the Buckner ground ball. I was a sophomore in college, and we had roadtriped to a nearby campus where our fraternity had a chapter. We were watching game 6 on a big screen TV and the Red Sox had a comfortable lead after the top of the 10th inning. With victory apparently assured, we left early to beat the crowds to the bars. I remember walking into the bar and seeing the Mets celebrating on the TV screens, and wondering what the hell had happened while we walked from the frat house to the bar.?

I graduated from college in 1989 and moved to Atlanta. So Red Sox games on TV were relegated to the Saturday Game of the Week, as Monday Night Baseball was off the air by then. So through most of the 90s, I paid more attention to the Braves than the Red Sox. In the days before interleague play, you could have a favorite team in both leagues without worrying about any rooting interest conflicts unless they both made the World Series.? My baseball memories of the 90s are more centered on Sid Bream's slide into home and dominating pitching performances by Maddux and Glavine than anything the Red Sox did.

2003 about killed me, and then, of course, 2004 was redemption. I did the Red Sox parent thing and got my then 10-year-old son out of bed to witness the glory that was the Red Sox finally winning a World Series. Neither my grandfather nor father, both born in Woburn, MA, lived to see the Red Sox finally get over the hump.? Then I got spoiled, with the Red Sox winning the World Series in 2007, 2013, and 2018.

In the Spring of 2018 I wrote about my changing relationship with baseball. I was still a fan, but it was more casual. We were friends with benefits. I didn't live and die on the ups and downs of the Red Sox trip through the schedule.? In the Spring of 2022 I wrote about my relationship with baseball again, this time trending even more into casual fandom. I went as far as to not sign up for MLB.tv and just deal with whatever games were on whatever collection of streaming channels and OTR channels that we could watch. The Red Sox have not been a playoff threat the last three seasons, so barely paying attention worked well for me.

This year, I've decided to re-engage with the Red Sox. It's not that I'm expecting them to win, but more that I need the distraction from everything else. ? I wrote about this, too, back in February.

I need to end this, but I don't really have an ending. Happy first game of the season at Fenway to all who celebrate. ?

? ?

?

?


Afternoon Indulgence: Cake, Coffee, and a Cigar

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Apr 2nd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
It was a lazy afternoon — but in my defense, there was cake. Colleen had made an absolutely delectable Coconut Pistachio Layer Cake when our son and daughter-in-law visited last weekend. She set aside a couple of slices for us before sending the leftovers home with them. We decided to enjoy the cake with our afternoon coffee, and the thought of a sweet treat gave me the urge to follow it with an afternoon cigar.

Perusing my humidor, I came across a Zino Nicaragua. This cigar arrived in January as part of the Luxury Cigar Club monthly package and had been resting since. Zino is a budget-friendly line from the Davidoff company. In all honesty, it hadn’t intrigued me when it arrived, and I had mentally categorized it as a light afternoon option with coffee. But with the sweet cake in the mix, now seemed like the right time to light it up.



The Zino Nicaragua Toro is a 6 x 50 stick wrapped in a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Habano leaf. A Nicaraguan binder encases a blend of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan fillers. The cigar gives off a faint hay aroma, and once lit, the smoke is thin and mild. Right off the bat, I pick up muted notes of sweet cream and salt. There’s a bread-like quality that persists throughout — think Wonder White Bread crust. In the second half, a touch of white pepper tingles the tongue, adding a bit more interest. The mild sweetness lingers, even leaving a light coating on my lips toward the end.

The Zino Nicaragua burned well, requiring no touchups despite the mild afternoon breeze — or even after I set it down to fetch more coffee. I imagine it would be a fine smoke for those who enjoy milder cigars. While it paired nicely with the rich Coconut Pistachio cake and complemented my coffee, I found it somewhat pedestrian for my tastes.



Still, I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon smoke, and coffee while doing a bit of reading in my yard by the unlit fire pit. The light breeze and dappled afternoon sun filtering through the trees made for a relaxing repast. The trees were alive with birdsong and activity, creating a peaceful setting for a cool spring afternoon.

Cheers!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Weekend Update #12

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Mar 29th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

I skipped last week. Did anybody even notice?

I was in Atlanta for work (and play) last week. DrupalCon North America was Mon-Thur this week, and having lived in Atlanta for most of the 90s, with my mom and brothers still there, I took advantage of the situation and flew down a few days early to visit family and friends before work started on Sunday night. And by "work," I mean the pre-conference happy hour party at a brewery. The conference kept me busy with the conference all day and industry parties (free food and drinks!) in the evenings. In what may be a sign of maturity, or maybe old age, I was in bed before midnight every night, and before 11 PM all nights except one.

I really didn't do much in Atlanta other than conference stuff. The preceeding weekend I did catch up with some old friends and have dinner with my mom and brothers. The Sunday before the conference started I wandered around the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and took pictures. I was probably about two weeks early for peak Spring blooms (no Azaleas in bloom and the Rhododendrons were just starting) but it was still plenty of pretty flowers to see.

One thing I noticed is that by being busy at the conference or socializing at the parties, I did not look at the news at all for 4 days. I was very happy those 4 days. Those two statements are probably not unrelated. I constantly struggle with finding the balance between engaging with the shit show that is my country's government right now, and just tuning it all out to benefit my mental health. Timothy Leary may have been onto something.

My flights both ways were uneventful, which is not a given in the US these days.

I came back home to delightful weather and wore shorts for the first time this year yesterday. Looking at the forecast, it looks certain that we are done with freezing temps until November. So you know what means...

Camping Season is here!

I will pull the camper out of storage next weekend and spend an afternoon testing all systems and getting it in order for camping season. We don't have any camping trips booked before Memorial Day (last weekend in May for my non-US friends) but we will certainly camp at least twice before then.

I have no links to share this week. If it's nice outside where you are turn off the computer and go get some natural Vitamin D.

That's all for this week. In a world where you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind.


The Walk-On Roles in your Life

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Mar 29th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

If our lives are a movie or play, then many of the people we meet are walk-on actors. They are not central to the story. I'm talking about people like:

  • The guy you met at a conference for 15 minutes in 2006 that is still on your LinkedIn contact list
  • That fun German couple that you shared a table with in a Dublin pub while on vacation in 2012
  • Most of your high school graduating class

Before social media, those people were just memories after their "scene" in your life. And that was fine. It's the natural order of things. Nobody thinks about the actors with walk-on roles once they are off-screen. And back in the day, you really didn't think about the walk-ons in your life after their scene, either.

But now, you are connected with the walk-ons on multiple social networks, and the algorithm tosses them into your view once in a while. Is that a good thing?

I'd argue that it is not. Our ability to juggle hundreds of social relationships at a time is much, much worse than we believe. The walk-ons in our lives are not supposed to stay front and center in our minds. Also, you may learn on Facebook that the nice German couple are actually neo-Nazis. In option one, you have the great memory of the night at a pub table, with little to zero chance of every running into them again. In option two, the memory is ruined when they post a picture with their new Cybertruck on Facebook.

Yes, every once in a great while, a walk-on makes it to Broadway. If that is going to happen in your life, it won't be because of a Facebook connection. It'll happen regardless. So relax and let it happen, or not. But stop trying to manage 1200 Facebook friends in the process. 50 meaningful relationships > 500 "Facebook friends."

Focus on the 50.

Note: I borrowed this concept from an article or maybe a post in the Fediverse. But I didn't note the source with my note about it. If you recognize it and know the source please share so I can provide proper credit, as this is not my original idea.


A Taste of Spring: Southern Draw Firethorn and Bulleit Bottled in Bond

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 29th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
With the forecast predicting warm weather for the weekend, I was looking forward to enjoying a relaxing cigar and whiskey on the screen porch Friday evening. I’m allowing myself only limited moments with these pleasures as I continue healing from surgery.

The anticipation built over the afternoon, marked by several visits to my humidor as I debated what to smoke. With so many tempting choices, it was a pleasant dilemma.

I decided to revisit something I’d smoked before rather than sampling one of the newer acquisitions from the past few months. Another priority was selecting one of the older cigars in the humidor. I generally prefer not to age cigars for more than a year or so — I find that full-bodied smokes can lose some of their boldness with extended aging. Of course, there are exceptions. Eventually, I chose a Southern Draw Firethorn Pome, presented in a Lancero vitola.



The Firethorn was part of a Southern Draw Lancero pack I picked up in September 2023, meaning it had aged about 18 months in my humidor. This 6.5 x 40 Lancero features a delicate pigtail cap and a closed foot. Its Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper encases a Mexican San Andrés binder and Nicaraguan filler. It’s an elegant, luxurious-looking cigar that feels just right in the hand.

Once the closed foot was burned, the draw offered ideal resistance. The initial flavors were a robust blend of pepper and cinnamon, softened by a creamy nuttiness. As the Firethorn progressed, notes of mixed nuts emerged, complemented by a creamy coffee essence. Throughout, the pepper and spice profile remained pleasantly present.

I typically enjoy Lanceros with an afternoon coffee. The format demands a certain level of attention to maintain an even burn without overheating. Since I wasn’t overly focused on the cigar this time, I did need to relight it twice over the 90-minute smoke, though it still delivered plenty of rich smoke.

Choosing a beverage for the evening was an easier decision. A few weeks ago, I picked up a bottle of Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon — the distillery’s first Bottled in Bond release, which hit shelves in February 2025. Distilled in the spring of 2017 and aged for seven years, I was pleasantly surprised to find it available so quickly at Virginia’s ABC stores. I had been eagerly waiting to crack it open and had a good feeling it would pair well with the Firethorn.

As per Bottled in Bond regulations, the bourbon is bottled at 100 proof. While the law only requires a minimum of four years of aging, Bulleit chose to age this release for seven years.



Upon pouring, rye spice, vanilla, and sweet chocolate greeted my nose. Using a Glencairn glass for my initial tasting helped concentrate the aromas, making the nosing a delight. On the palate, the first sip delivered a distinct dried fruit sweetness, with apple and date standing out. Layers of vanilla, brown sugar, and dry nuts soon followed, balanced by a vibrant rye spice. The finish was long, with the warmth of spice and lingering sweetness.

The Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon was thoroughly enjoyable. It took some discipline to resist pouring another glass. Given its limited release and the surprising seven-year age statement, I think I’ll be on the lookout for a backup bottle. At under $60, it’s well worth it and could easily become a regular sipper while it’s still available.

The pairing with the Southern Draw Firethorn was exceptional. The bourbon and cigar complemented each other remarkably well. Combined with the warmth of the sun on my neck, the evening on the screen porch was a delightful preview of spring. It was a welcome interlude amid the limitations of my ongoing recovery.

Cheers!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

A Porchside Tradition: Cigars, Seasons, and the Vase That Knows

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 26th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
I’ve been tossing cigar bands into this flower vase for a while now. It gets filled, emptied, and filled again, time after time. I’m not entirely sure why I started, but it does add a touch of cigar-themed décor to the porch.



When I retired last May, I emptied the vase, and since then, it’s slowly filled back up. Not every cigar I smoke ends up contributing to the collection, but most of the ones enjoyed on the deck or porch do. Now, it’s time to empty it once more and start the cycle anew. With the arrival of warmer weather and a return to regular cigar smoking, I expect it will fill faster than it did over the winter.

Cheers!




[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

A Birthday in Lent: Quiet Moments and Simple Pleasures

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 22nd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
My birthday each year falls somewhere within the season of Lent. That means any celebrations are typically subdued, with the occasion often more notably marked after Easter. This year, the day landed on a Friday in Lent, and combined with my ongoing recovery from back surgery, the observance was especially low-key.

But that doesn't mean the day wasn't enjoyed. After a relaxing afternoon, we had a simple dinner of fish and chips. As is proper, a tall glass of Guinness Stout Nitro accompanied the meal. While it didn’t quite have the same magic as enjoying a pint in a pub in Ireland, it was still thoroughly satisfying.

During this post-surgery period, I've been limiting my indulgence in both alcoholic beverages and cigars. Part of that is simply because pain and disrupted sleep diminish the enjoyment of those finer things. However, marking another completed year—an accomplishment not without its challenges—certainly warranted a special treat. Or two.



I had, not surprisingly, been anticipating the pleasure of a cigar and bourbon for some weeks. I wanted something flavorful but not exceptionally strong, so had a while back had decided on an Oliva Serie V Melanio. The selected cigar, a perennial favorite, is a box-pressed 5 x 52 Robusto with a chocolatey Ecuadorian grown Sumatra-seed wrapper. It has a Nicaraguan binder and the filler leaves are a blend of Nicaraguan Habano tobaccos from the Jalapa region. 

The rich blend of aged tobaccos produced a smoke brimming with creamy notes of chocolate, coffee, and toasted bread. Subtle hints of black pepper and sweetness lingered in the background, and the finish left a pleasant nuttiness alongside the spice. It's a cigar that pairs wonderfully with sweet bourbon or even a black coffee.

For my drink, I spied a bottle of Old Grand-Dad 114 with just a small pour remaining. It seemed like the perfect choice for a relaxed evening. This high-rye bourbon, bottled at 114 proof, offers an aromatic nose of spicy rye and brown sugar with a noticeable yet not overpowering alcohol warmth. On the palate, it delivers a delightful blend of brown sugar and caramel, accented by bold rye spice and a touch of cinnamon. The long and satisfying finish leaves a lasting impression of warmth and spice. At under $35 a bottle, Old Grand-Dad 114 deserves to be a staple on my shelf, and I’ll be sure to replace this one soon.

I savored the cigar and bourbon while enjoying a peaceful hour on the screened porch. The springtime air had a slight chill, comfortably mitigated by the propane heater nearby. It's likely this will be the last time the heater sees use until the fall. While my enjoyment of cigars will remain limited and sporadic over the next few months, this celebratory interlude was deeply appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed.

Cheers!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Irish Cheer at Home: Cocktails, Comfort Food, and Classic Cinema

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 18th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
As I continue to recover from back surgery, the days have started blending together. But the Feast of St. Patrick provided a welcome break from the routine. Even the simple act of getting a ride to the barbershop in the morning felt like a treat! However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the food and drink enjoyed in celebration of the Feast Day.

To kick things off, I prepared a pre-dinner cocktail — a twist on a bourbon classic called the Revolver. This variation, the "Irish Revolver," features Irish Whiskey instead of bourbon. I used 2 ounces of Jameson Black Barrel, half an ounce of Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, and a few dashes of orange bitters. The ingredients were combined in a rocks glass over a single cube of ice. To finish, I expressed and garnished with an orange peel. The result was a sweet, coffee-forward drink that was quite enjoyable.



Next came our traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner of Irish Beef Stew, served alongside Irish Soda Bread. The brown stew, made with Guinness Stout, was hearty with tender potatoes and carrots. True to tradition, we enjoyed it with an extra scoop of mashed potatoes, a custom we picked up during our travels to the Emerald Isle. Colleen had actually baked the Soda Bread over the weekend, and we had already been savoring it with our morning coffee for a couple of days. Thankfully, the stew promises to be just as delightful in the form of leftovers over the next few meals.



And what’s a feast without dessert? Colleen prepared a decadent Chocolate Whiskey Cake to round out the evening. This dark chocolate indulgence, made with both coffee and whiskey, was a perfect ending to our meal. I was pleasantly surprised that the Irish Whiskey's flavor remained distinct and enjoyable. Despite its rich appearance, the cake was wonderfully light and moist.



We concluded the evening by watching The Quiet Man, starring Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne. In just a couple of days, we’ll be celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph, when our culinary traditions will shift toward Italian fare.

Coincidentally, my birthday soon follows these Feasts each year. While that personal celebration will certainly be enjoyable, it will remain subdued compared to the grandeur of the Saints' Feasts—it’s not quite deserving of a break from Lenten sacrifices.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

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