Archives for the ‘Blog Entries.Local’ Category

A Sunday in the Sun With a Cigar and Coffee

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 24th, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
After a long day of birthday celebrations, Sunday was a much-needed day of rest. I’m not as young as I used to be — but then again, who among us is?

The afternoon was sunny, with temperatures climbing into the 80s. It was not a day to be spent inside. The warm deck beckoned us. We opted for creamy iced coffee, a nod to lingering fatigue, paired with a couple of chocolate-dipped biscotti for a simple but uplifting treat.



I grabbed a Mr. Sinistro by Sinistro Cigars to light up with the cold, sweet drink. (The biscotti were gone well before I got around to lighting up.) Mr. Sinistro is a relatively new release from last year. I had the 6½ × 56 Toro on hand. The cigar features a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder. The fillers are a complex mix of Olor, Piloto Cubano, and Corojo ligero from the Dominican Republic, along with Paraguayan leaf. This cigar had been resting in my humidor for five months, arriving as part of an October monthly shipment from Cigar and Pipes.

Upon lighting, the Mr. Sinistro offered notes of mild black pepper along with hints of sweet bread and honey. Smoke output remained somewhat limited throughout the session, which may have muted the flavors. A leathery, earthy backbone developed as the cigar progressed, accompanied by a dry, creamy quality.

The burn was quite wavy through the first third but evened out in the remaining portion. The ash behaved somewhat strangely throughout the smoke. While it held firm and did not easily give way when tapped, small flakes would regularly drop from the sides. In the latter half, the ash began peeling away in thin sheets, reminiscent of bark shedding from a dying tree.



The cigar is often listed as medium to full-bodied, but I would place it closer to medium-mild. Overall, I found the flavor profile somewhat bland. Combined with the mildly frustrating ash behavior, the experience left me underwhelmed. That said, this was my only sample. That is one drawback of the monthly cigar subscription format — and why I usually tend to acquire more than one example when trying something new. As with any handmade product, variability is always a factor.

The mediocre smoke aside, the afternoon itself was refreshing and uplifting. The songs of early spring arrivals filled the air, while greening grass and budding trees offered clear signs of the season’s arrival.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

A Sunday in the Sun With a Cigar and Coffee

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 24th, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
After a long day of birthday celebrations, Sunday was a much-needed day of rest. I’m not as young as I used to be — but then again, who among us is?

The afternoon was sunny, with temperatures climbing into the 80s. It was not a day to be spent inside. The warm deck beckoned us. We opted for creamy iced coffee, a nod to lingering fatigue, paired with a couple of chocolate-dipped biscotti for a simple but uplifting treat.



I grabbed a Mr. Sinistro by Sinistro Cigars to light up with the cold, sweet drink. (The biscotti were gone well before I got around to lighting up.) Mr. Sinistro is a relatively new release from last year. I had the 6½ × 56 Toro on hand. The cigar features a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder. The fillers are a complex mix of Olor, Piloto Cubano, and Corojo ligero from the Dominican Republic, along with Paraguayan leaf. This cigar had been resting in my humidor for five months, arriving as part of an October monthly shipment from Cigar and Pipes.

Upon lighting, the Mr. Sinistro offered notes of mild black pepper along with hints of sweet bread and honey. Smoke output remained somewhat limited throughout the session, which may have muted the flavors. A leathery, earthy backbone developed as the cigar progressed, accompanied by a dry, creamy quality.

The burn was quite wavy through the first third but evened out in the remaining portion. The ash behaved somewhat strangely throughout the smoke. While it held firm and did not easily give way when tapped, small flakes would regularly drop from the sides. In the latter half, the ash began peeling away in thin sheets, reminiscent of bark shedding from a dying tree.



The cigar is often listed as medium to full-bodied, but I would place it closer to medium-mild. Overall, I found the flavor profile somewhat bland. Combined with the mildly frustrating ash behavior, the experience left me underwhelmed. That said, this was my only sample. That is one drawback of the monthly cigar subscription format — and why I usually tend to acquire more than one example when trying something new. As with any handmade product, variability is always a factor.

The mediocre smoke aside, the afternoon itself was refreshing and uplifting. The songs of early spring arrivals filled the air, while greening grass and budding trees offered clear signs of the season’s arrival.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

A Birthday Celebration: Good Food, Drink, Cigars, and Friends

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 22nd, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
At this stage of life, birthday celebrations tend to be quiet and laid back. Still, a few extra touches this year elevated the day and made it feel just a bit more special.

The day began as most do, with a relaxing morning and coffee. Instead of a traditional cake, I requested something we could enjoy alongside that first cup. Colleen delivered with a delicious Almond Honeycomb Cake — one that will happily stretch across several mornings in the days ahead.



Later, we headed out for lunch, settling in at the bar at Capital Ale House, a once-regular stop we hadn’t visited in a couple of years. I opted for a Killanny Red from Brehon Brewhouse in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Ireland. The deep ruby-red ale, served on nitro, offered plenty of biscuity malt character. At a modest 4.5% ABV, it allowed for a second pour alongside a flatbread pizza. As a birthday bonus, loyalty points covered more than half the bill.



The evening was capped with a visit to the home of good friends. We began lakeside, enjoying cigars and Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey on the dock. My friend had picked up a couple of Andalusian Bull cigars by La Flor Dominicana for the occasion. It had been about five years since I’d last had one, which made the experience all the more special.

The Andalusian Bull was an enjoyable as I remembered — rich and full-bodied, with notes of earth, warm spice, and a touch of sweetness that lingered on the finish. The whiskey’s sweet fruit and gentle spice complemented the cigar beautifully, softening some of its intensity while amplifying the sweeter undertones.

After the cigars, we headed out for a delicious dinner and more drinks. The food was excellent, but as always, the real highlight was the company.



It was an ideal way to celebrate not just another trip around the sun, but also good health and the enduring gifts of family and friendship. There’s not much more one could ask for. Even the steady stream of texts and social media messages added to the day and was sincerely appreciated.

Looking back, I was struck by how naturally the day unfolded. Planned moments and small surprises came together to create a celebration filled with food, drink, and laughter. Thoroughly enjoyed — though once a year is probably enough.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

A Birthday Celebration: Good Food, Drink, Cigars, and Friends

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 22nd, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
At this stage of life, birthday celebrations tend to be quiet and laid back. Still, a few extra touches this year elevated the day and made it feel just a bit more special.

The day began as most do, with a relaxing morning and coffee. Instead of a traditional cake, I requested something we could enjoy alongside that first cup. Colleen delivered with a delicious Almond Honeycomb Cake — one that will happily stretch across several mornings in the days ahead.



Later, we headed out for lunch, settling in at the bar at Capital Ale House, a once-regular stop we hadn’t visited in a couple of years. I opted for a Killanny Red from Brehon Brewhouse in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Ireland. The deep ruby-red ale, served on nitro, offered plenty of biscuity malt character. At a modest 4.5% ABV, it allowed for a second pour alongside a flatbread pizza. As a birthday bonus, loyalty points covered more than half the bill.



The evening was capped with a visit to the home of good friends. We began lakeside, enjoying cigars and Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey on the dock. My friend had picked up a couple of Andalusian Bull cigars by La Flor Dominicana for the occasion. It had been about five years since I’d last had one, which made the experience all the more special.

The Andalusian Bull was an enjoyable as I remembered — rich and full-bodied, with notes of earth, warm spice, and a touch of sweetness that lingered on the finish. The whiskey’s sweet fruit and gentle spice complemented the cigar beautifully, softening some of its intensity while amplifying the sweeter undertones.

After the cigars, we headed out for a delicious dinner and more drinks. The food was excellent, but as always, the real highlight was the company.



It was an ideal way to celebrate not just another trip around the sun, but also good health and the enduring gifts of family and friendship. There’s not much more one could ask for. Even the steady stream of texts and social media messages added to the day and was sincerely appreciated.

Looking back, I was struck by how naturally the day unfolded. Planned moments and small surprises came together to create a celebration filled with food, drink, and laughter. Thoroughly enjoyed — though once a year is probably enough.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Spring’s First Pour: Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 21st, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
At last, spring has sprung. Friday marked the first official day of the season and, surprisingly, it actually felt like it. The day began warm and sunny — accompanied, of course, by a healthy dose of pollen. I spent the morning spreading mulch around the beds, and I’ll admit, I enjoy stepping outside and catching that sweet, earthy aroma of fresh mulch in the air.

After a much-needed afternoon nap, I was refreshed and ready for an evening on the porch. As luck would have it, my bottle of Barrell Craft Spirits Cigar Blend Bourbon arrived that very afternoon, and I eagerly cracked it open for the evening’s sip and smoke.



Barrell Cigar Blend is a blend of whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years, finished in Madeira, Armagnac, rum, and Hungarian oak casks. The few early reviews I've seen were favorable and I was curious to see if the 111.2-proof whiskey would live up to the early hype.

Poured into a Glencairn, the nose offered aromas of dark fruit and baking spices, complemented by a deep copper hue in the glass. The first sip carried a hint of the proof, but it quickly gave way to rich notes of dark, sweet cherry. With subsequent sips came additional layers — dates, figs, and a gentle mix of cinnamon and spice on the finish. A subtle hint of sweet tobacco lingered in the background, while the mouthfeel proved creamy and pleasantly viscous.

The Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition I chose for the pairing is no stranger to these Musings. Featuring a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Honduran binder, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, it delivers notes of coffee, espresso, and a dark fruit sweetness that complements the bourbon beautifully.

Together, the pairing was thoroughly enjoyable. The Barrell Cigar Blend melded seamlessly with the cigar’s sweet undertones. I’ve long appreciated Barrell's blends, and this release only reinforces the brand’s reputation. It seems others agree — within days of placing my order, the Cigar Blend had already sold out on Barrell’s website.

The tranquility of the spring evening was interrupted — twice — by the roar of the generator as brief power outages rolled through. A passing rainstorm, with its gusty winds, was likely to blame. The main supply lines to our neighborhood run along the edge of National Park Service land, where tree trimming is minimal, so these occasional blips come with the territory.

Even so, the evening remained a delight. The soft breeze drifting through the screened porch added to the sense of calm after a day of yard chores. A good bourbon and a fine cigar only made it better.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Spring’s First Pour: Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 21st, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
At last, spring has sprung. Friday marked the first official day of the season and, surprisingly, it actually felt like it. The day began warm and sunny — accompanied, of course, by a healthy dose of pollen. I spent the morning spreading mulch around the beds, and I’ll admit, I enjoy stepping outside and catching that sweet, earthy aroma of fresh mulch in the air.

After a much-needed afternoon nap, I was refreshed and ready for an evening on the porch. As luck would have it, my bottle of Barrell Craft Spirits Cigar Blend Bourbon arrived that very afternoon, and I eagerly cracked it open for the evening’s sip and smoke.



Barrell Cigar Blend is a blend of whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years, finished in Madeira, Armagnac, rum, and Hungarian oak casks. The few early reviews I've seen were favorable and I was curious to see if the 111.2-proof whiskey would live up to the early hype.

Poured into a Glencairn, the nose offered aromas of dark fruit and baking spices, complemented by a deep copper hue in the glass. The first sip carried a hint of the proof, but it quickly gave way to rich notes of dark, sweet cherry. With subsequent sips came additional layers — dates, figs, and a gentle mix of cinnamon and spice on the finish. A subtle hint of sweet tobacco lingered in the background, while the mouthfeel proved creamy and pleasantly viscous.

The Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition I chose for the pairing is no stranger to these Musings. Featuring a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Honduran binder, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, it delivers notes of coffee, espresso, and a dark fruit sweetness that complements the bourbon beautifully.

Together, the pairing was thoroughly enjoyable. The Barrell Cigar Blend melded seamlessly with the cigar’s sweet undertones. I’ve long appreciated Barrell's blends, and this release only reinforces the brand’s reputation. It seems others agree — within days of placing my order, the Cigar Blend had already sold out on Barrell’s website.

The tranquility of the spring evening was interrupted — twice — by the roar of the generator as brief power outages rolled through. A passing rainstorm, with its gusty winds, was likely to blame. The main supply lines to our neighborhood run along the edge of National Park Service land, where tree trimming is minimal, so these occasional blips come with the territory.

Even so, the evening remained a delight. The soft breeze drifting through the screened porch added to the sense of calm after a day of yard chores. A good bourbon and a fine cigar only made it better.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Irish Stew and Candlelight Mass for a Cool St. Patrick’s Day

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 18th, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations took an unexpected turn this year. A short but powerful storm moved through Monday evening. Though it lasted less than 30 minutes, it was intense enough to knock out the power. Fortunately, our generator kicked on, keeping the inconvenience to a minimum. By morning, however, the outage persisted, with no estimated restoration time from the power company.

We learned that power was also out at our church — but of course, Mass was still being said. We headed over to celebrate our parish’s patronal feast. Mass by candlelight proved a quiet delight, though the after-Mass festivities were sadly canceled. Back at home, we made the most of it, enjoying Colleen’s homemade Irish soda bread with our morning coffee.



Thanks to the hardworking utility crews, power was restored by early afternoon — about 16 hours after it went out. After spending some time clearing storm debris around the house, I decided the weather wasn’t exactly inviting for a visit to the local brewery. That Red Ale can wait for another day.

Instead, we sat down early for our traditional Irish beef stew dinner, accompanied by more soda bread. The hearty mix of beef, potatoes, and carrots — made with Guinness Stout — was served with an extra scoop of mashed potatoes, a custom we happily adopted after our travels to the Emerald Isle.



I did manage a wee pour of Redbreast Irish Whiskey after dinner — a proper digestif ahead of the planned indulgence of bread and butter pudding with hot whiskey sauce.

Alas, no cigar this day. By late afternoon, the forecasted overnight snow had faded from the weather app, but I opted to enjoy my drink in the warmth of the living room instead of the cool porch.

Despite the rough start, the day unfolded much as it should — filled with good food, good drink, and proper observance of our saint.

The blustery weather also brought to mind past St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the long-gone Blue & Gray Brewing. Fredericksburg’s St. Patrick’s — and Oktoberfest — haven’t quite been the same since those days when the festivities stretched across the entire weekend. More often than not, the weather was just as cold and damp then, though I suspect I was made of slightly hardier stock in those years.

Sláinte!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Irish Stew and Candlelight Mass for a Cool St. Patrick’s Day

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 18th, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations took an unexpected turn this year. A short but powerful storm moved through Monday evening. Though it lasted less than 30 minutes, it was intense enough to knock out the power. Fortunately, our generator kicked on, keeping the inconvenience to a minimum. By morning, however, the outage persisted, with no estimated restoration time from the power company.

We learned that power was also out at our church — but of course, Mass was still being said. We headed over to celebrate our parish’s patronal feast. Mass by candlelight proved a quiet delight, though the after-Mass festivities were sadly canceled. Back at home, we made the most of it, enjoying Colleen’s homemade Irish soda bread with our morning coffee.



Thanks to the hardworking utility crews, power was restored by early afternoon — about 16 hours after it went out. After spending some time clearing storm debris around the house, I decided the weather wasn’t exactly inviting for a visit to the local brewery. That Red Ale can wait for another day.

Instead, we sat down early for our traditional Irish beef stew dinner, accompanied by more soda bread. The hearty mix of beef, potatoes, and carrots — made with Guinness Stout — was served with an extra scoop of mashed potatoes, a custom we happily adopted after our travels to the Emerald Isle.



I did manage a wee pour of Redbreast Irish Whiskey after dinner — a proper digestif ahead of the planned indulgence of bread and butter pudding with hot whiskey sauce.

Alas, no cigar this day. By late afternoon, the forecasted overnight snow had faded from the weather app, but I opted to enjoy my drink in the warmth of the living room instead of the cool porch.

Despite the rough start, the day unfolded much as it should — filled with good food, good drink, and proper observance of our saint.

The blustery weather also brought to mind past St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the long-gone Blue & Gray Brewing. Fredericksburg’s St. Patrick’s — and Oktoberfest — haven’t quite been the same since those days when the festivities stretched across the entire weekend. More often than not, the weather was just as cold and damp then, though I suspect I was made of slightly hardier stock in those years.

Sláinte!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Mass, Music, and a Wee Dram: St. Patrick’s Day

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 17th, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh!

It’s that time of year when a saint revered by many — especially in the Irish Catholic community — is embraced by people of all backgrounds. As a Catholic of Irish descent, I can find little fault with people bettering themselves. :-)

This year, the feast day falls on a weekday — as odds usually have it. Another blessing of retirement is that doesn't much matter. 

I’m writing this before we begin our celebration — for good reason, probably. But I can confidently predict the schedule of events. For us, the day will begin with Mass, as it’s our parish’s patronal feast day. I’m told Mass will be followed by Irish music and treats in the parish hall. We typically avoid the pubs on this day. However, if the weather cooperates later in the afternoon, perhaps we'll head off to a local brewery for some Red Ale and more music.

I don't doubt I'll enjoy a wee pour or three of Irish Whiskey in the evening. In our house, there’s always homemade Irish Soda Bread and Irish Beef Stew (made with potatoes and served over mashed potatoes.) 

While you’re in the midst of your celebrations, I hope you’ll take a moment to think about the man behind the Feast Day. Whether you accept the traditions associated with St. Patrick’s life or not, there’s no denying the good he did. Some of the stories can’t be proven — but they can’t be disproven either.

Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery in Ireland, Patrick grew to love the Irish people. Later in life — around the age of 60 — Saint Patrick returned to Ireland to teach and convert the people he had come to see as his own. Certainly that is worthy of our respect.

Our family has long had a devotion to St. Patrick. That admiration was made all the more tangible when we were blessed to make two pilgrimages to the Emerald Isle, in 2012 and again in 2019. During those visits I was reminded just how much the Irish love Patrick. Over there, he’s far more than just a marketing gimmick.

Each year it seems necessary to remind some people (and the marketing dweebs) that St. Patrick was a man — not a woman. His name is Patrick, which comes from the Irish, Pádraig. Shorten his name to Paddy if you truly must. But we do not, under any circumstances, celebrate “St. Patty’s Day.” Patty is short for Patricia — a lovely name, for  a woman, but not his.

Let’s all celebrate the memory of St. Patrick. Enjoy a toast or two and some good food. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little revelry into the world; God knows we need it. I enjoy a good party as much as anyone and I can appreciate a good Irish drinking joke. Drink your green beer if you must. Dress up in silly clothes if it suits you. (But remember: St. Patrick was a man, not a leprechaun.)

Still, remember the reason for the feast. Take a moment to honor the man and all the good he did. In our house we'll raise a drink of uisce beatha — the water of life — and say a prayer in honor of St. Patrick and his beloved Ireland. These days, as Ireland navigates profound cultural shifts — from the rapid secularization of a once deeply Catholic nation, to the challenges brought by immigration and an evolving national identity — the people of Ireland could use St. Patrick’s courage and clarity more than ever.


All the children of Ireland cry out to thee:
Come, O Holy Patrick, and save us!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Mass, Music, and a Wee Dram: St. Patrick’s Day

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Mar 17th, 2026
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh!

It’s that time of year when a saint revered by many — especially in the Irish Catholic community — is embraced by people of all backgrounds. As a Catholic of Irish descent, I can find little fault with people bettering themselves. :-)

This year, the feast day falls on a weekday — as odds usually have it. Another blessing of retirement is that doesn't much matter. 

I’m writing this before we begin our celebration — for good reason, probably. But I can confidently predict the schedule of events. For us, the day will begin with Mass, as it’s our parish’s patronal feast day. I’m told Mass will be followed by Irish music and treats in the parish hall. We typically avoid the pubs on this day. However, if the weather cooperates later in the afternoon, perhaps we'll head off to a local brewery for some Red Ale and more music.

I don't doubt I'll enjoy a wee pour or three of Irish Whiskey in the evening. In our house, there’s always homemade Irish Soda Bread and Irish Beef Stew (made with potatoes and served over mashed potatoes.) 

While you’re in the midst of your celebrations, I hope you’ll take a moment to think about the man behind the Feast Day. Whether you accept the traditions associated with St. Patrick’s life or not, there’s no denying the good he did. Some of the stories can’t be proven — but they can’t be disproven either.

Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery in Ireland, Patrick grew to love the Irish people. Later in life — around the age of 60 — Saint Patrick returned to Ireland to teach and convert the people he had come to see as his own. Certainly that is worthy of our respect.

Our family has long had a devotion to St. Patrick. That admiration was made all the more tangible when we were blessed to make two pilgrimages to the Emerald Isle, in 2012 and again in 2019. During those visits I was reminded just how much the Irish love Patrick. Over there, he’s far more than just a marketing gimmick.

Each year it seems necessary to remind some people (and the marketing dweebs) that St. Patrick was a man — not a woman. His name is Patrick, which comes from the Irish, Pádraig. Shorten his name to Paddy if you truly must. But we do not, under any circumstances, celebrate “St. Patty’s Day.” Patty is short for Patricia — a lovely name, for  a woman, but not his.

Let’s all celebrate the memory of St. Patrick. Enjoy a toast or two and some good food. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little revelry into the world; God knows we need it. I enjoy a good party as much as anyone and I can appreciate a good Irish drinking joke. Drink your green beer if you must. Dress up in silly clothes if it suits you. (But remember: St. Patrick was a man, not a leprechaun.)

Still, remember the reason for the feast. Take a moment to honor the man and all the good he did. In our house we'll raise a drink of uisce beatha — the water of life — and say a prayer in honor of St. Patrick and his beloved Ireland. These days, as Ireland navigates profound cultural shifts — from the rapid secularization of a once deeply Catholic nation, to the challenges brought by immigration and an evolving national identity — the people of Ireland could use St. Patrick’s courage and clarity more than ever.


All the children of Ireland cry out to thee:
Come, O Holy Patrick, and save us!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

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