Archives for the ‘Blog Entries.Local’ Category

A Sunday Smoke and Sip: Bishops Blend Cigar and a Classic Negroni

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 26th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
This past Sunday brought an unexpected treat: 60-degree weather and calm skies—perfect for a little deck time. As the afternoon sun began its descent, I prepared two Negronis, grabbed a favorite cigar, and joined my wife for a pleasant hour of conversation and indulgence.



Frequently mentioned here, the Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend is a regular resident in my humidor, offering a robust smoking experience. I still have some from past years' releases carefully aging in my humidor, This particular cigar, from the 2024 release, had been resting since July. While I’ve tried every the cigar in all its vitolas, the 5 x 48 Robusto remains my favorite.

Crafted with an oily Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper, Ecuadorian Habano binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf fillers, the Bishops Blend is both visually appealing and a flavorful. The well-crafted cigar features a pigtail cap and closed foot. 

If you choose to draw on the cigar as you first put the flame to the closed foot of the Bishops Blend you can get a burst of the rich tobacco and earthiness flavor of the Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper before the rest of the leaves begin to burn. After years of enjoying this cigar, I now usually just toast it traditionally to dive straight into its rich, complex flavors.

Lighting this cigar reveals a symphony of flavors. The initial draw highlights rich tobacco and earthy tones from the wrapper, followed by a complex blend of dark coffee, cocoa, and dark fruit. Subtle sweetness, reminiscent of molasses, weaves through the profile, complemented by a moderate peppery spice.

As the smoke progresses, notes of espresso and meaty char emerge, rounding out the bold flavor pallet. 

Though bourbon is my usual go-to with cigars, the classic Negroni—a mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—pairs exceptionally well with the Bishops Blend. The drink’s sweet, bitter, and herbal notes highlight the cigar’s dark fruit flavors while standing up to its bold profile.

The Bishops Blend provided just under an hour of enjoyment, perfectly complemented by the Negroni. As the sun dipped below the trees and the temperature dropped, we headed inside, wrapping up a pleasant afternoon of flavors and good company.

I cherish the unexpected moments like these—when a fine cigar, a flavorful cocktail, and the right weather come together. Such times will be less frequent in the coming winter months. making the afternoon all the more special.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Between the Heaters: A Liga Privada T52 and Pikesville Rye Pairing

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 24th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Even in retirement, Friday evenings hold a special excitement—they mark the perfect time to unwind. This week, I started the weekend as I often do: savoring a good cigar, a delicious whiskey, and blues music on the screened porch. The cool evening air carried a hint of the strong afternoon winds, but my two propane heaters kept the chill at bay.

Earlier in the day, I browsed my humidor in anticipation, selecting the Liga Privada T52 for the evening’s smoke. For the pairing, I chose the nearly empty bottle of Pikesville Rye—a whiskey I had been reluctant to finish, knowing how rare it is to find in Virginia. I shared one of the last pours with my wife, who reminded me we’d soon be traveling to other states where I might find another bottle to replenish my stock.



Pikesville Rye is a throwback to the Maryland Rye of pre-prohibition days. Pikesville Rye was produced in Maryland as far back as the 1890's. Though surviving that dark time of oppressive alcohol regulation, it is no longer produced in Maryland. The historical recipe is now made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill. The whiskey is aged for six years and bottled at 110 proof. The straight rye shines a brilliant copper color in the glass. Notes of caramel, honey, and vanilla waft from the glencairn glass, backed by rye spice and a hint of dark cherry.

Sipping brings a pleasant warmth to the mouth. Sweet from caramel and butterscotch start things off. Soon black pepper and cinnamon join in. The rye spiciness lingers, with black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg contributing to a warm finish.

After a few sips of the Pikesville Rye, I turned my attention to the Liga Privada T52 from Drew Estate. The 6 x 52 Toro is cloaked in a beautifully mottled stalk-cut Habano Oscuro wrapper. This wrapper is produced by cutting the entire plant and hanging it intact to cure. This method allows the leaves to absorb more nutrients and oils, resulting in a rich flavor profile. A Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos complete the blend.




The smoke starts off with notes of black pepper, roasted nuts, and black coffee. As the cigar progresses a mild sweetness comes in, joined by hints of espresso. The robust spice of the start backs off slightly but remains to the finish along with hints of molasses and cocoa. The cigar, which had been resting in my humidor for three months, had a slightly tight draw but burned evenly, although it did require the occasional triple puff, and one relight, over the one hour and fifty minute smoking time.

The sweet rye spice of the Pikesville Rye was a fitting pairing for the robust Liga Privada T52. Even after taking a puff from the cigar, the flavorful finish of the rye remained on the palate.



My cozy spot between the heaters created the perfect setting for an evening of flavorful smoke and drink. I can’t wait to do it again.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Birding at Dutch Gap

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Nov 24th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

Species / Count

Canada Goose - 105
Gadwall - 2
Bufflehead - 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1
Great Blue Heron - 1
Black Vulture - 1
Bald Eagle - 1
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Carolina Chickadee - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Carolina Wren - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 8
White-throated Sparrow - 16
Song Sparrow - 3
Swamp Sparrow - 2
Northern Cardinal - 1

photo collage


Remembering Blessed Miguel Pro

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 23rd, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
This was originally posted November 23, 2013, and shared nearly annually on this date. This is not ancient history and must not be forgotten. 

November 23 is the Feast Day of Blessed Miguel Pro. Born on January 13, 1891, in Guadalupe, Mexico, Miguel Pro was ordained a Jesuit priest in Belgium in 1925. He returned to his home country in 1926, in the midst of that country's Cristeros War. After being falsely accused of an attempted bombing, Father Pro was executed by government forces without trial. 

Blessed Miguel Pro's final request was to be allowed to pray to his heavenly Father.


After which he refused a blindfold and faced the firing squad bravely, proclaiming ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Father Pro's executioners initially failed at their task, and the deed was finished at point blank range.


I am saddened, but hardly surprised, at the ignorance of the American public regarding the persecution of Catholics, and of the Cristero War that took place in Mexico in 1926 through 1929. Some 250,000 people lost their lives in a persecution that was supported by the government of the United States with both funds and air support. Given the ever-growing intolerance towards Christians, especially Catholics, in the United States, we would do well to remember.

Christ the King, by the intercession of Blessed Miguel Pro, I beg you to answer my prayers. Give me the grace and the strength necessary to follow your heroic example and to live my Catholic faith in spite of all temptations and adversities. Amen.

Images from Wikipedia.



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Midweek Musings: Flavors of the All Saints St. Francis and Old Grand-Dad

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 21st, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
The midweek “hump day” brought an unseasonably cool evening, a perfect opportunity to unwind on the back porch after dinner. For the occasion, I selected the All Saints St. Francis cigar—a 5 1/2 x 50 box-pressed stick wrapped in a luxurious Ecuadorian Oscuro leaf over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers. As this was my first time smoking this particular cigar, I was eager to try it, especially since it’s crafted at the Rocky Patel Tavicusa factory in Nicaragua, where many of my favorite cigars originate.

Right from the start, the cigar delivered rich notes of black coffee, chocolate, and black pepper. Throughout the smoke, hints of salt and subtle sweetness occasionally emerged, adding complexity. After resting in my humidor for about 10 weeks, the cigar burned evenly, though smoke output was inconsistent at times. I found myself needing to double or triple puff occasionally to maintain a fuller draw. Toward the finish, the coffee notes shifted to bitter espresso, while the spice intensified, leaving a lingering black pepper tingle on my lips.



The cigar burned relatively quickly, lasting around 50 minutes—a pace likely influenced by the extra puffing. I enjoyed it so much that I smoked it down to the nub. Surprisingly, the smoke remained cool even when the cigar was almost too small to hold.

To pair with the cigar, I poured a glass of Old Grand-Dad 114 bourbon. This 114-proof high-rye whiskey is highly aromatic, with spicy rye and brown sugar on the nose, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. On the palate, the bourbon delivers a delightful mix of brown sugar and caramel sweetness, complemented by rye and cinnamon spice that lingers beautifully.

At just $30 a bottle, Old Grand-Dad 114 offers exceptional flavor at a budget-friendly price. It paired wonderfully with the bold flavors of the All Saints St. Francis. The cigar and bourbon complemented each other without overpowering, each retaining its distinct character.

Typically, I enjoy music while smoking on the deck, but this evening, I chose to listen to the natural chorus of tree frogs in full song after the warm day. The peaceful backdrop made the experience even more enjoyable. As the warmer evenings of the season become less frequent, this one was truly memorable.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Cold Weather Comfort: Elijah Craig 18 and a Cigar

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 16th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
And so it begins — cold weather smoking. When the colder weather settles in, it ways takes some extra effort to get outside to enjoy a cigar. I think "Do I really want to do this?" The answer is of course "yes" so I grab a jacket, fire up the propane heater, and go out. Once I'm settled in it's usually not that bad, and even pleasant. It's just that initial seasonal change that takes getting used to. In a few weeks, I won't think twice.

This evening I poured tastes of several whiskies from my shelves to decide what I felt like enjoying. I settled on the Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel. This is a bottle I've been nursing for a couple years. It's an excellent pour, though a somewhat pricey one.

The 90 proof bourbon emits a delightfully rich aroma of honey, vanilla, and citrus. Those flavors transfer to the palate. The overall taste is cinnamon, a sweet fruit, with vanilla and caramel thrown in. I retrospect it reminds me of an apple pie. The sweet finish is moderately long with a lingering oaky dryness.


With the bourbon decided, it was time to choose the cigar to accompany it. I decided to light up a Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada that had been sitting in my humidor since July. (Ah, thoughts of warmer days.) Gurkha is not a brand I've smoked much, but was interested in what the Cellar Reserve held in store.

The 6 x 58 Perfecto has a dark brown Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper that's oily in appearance. The Dominican filler and binder leaves have been aged for 15 years. A tight pigtail finishes the cap. The smoke started off medium bodied with leather, cocoa, and roasted notes. The flavors and body remained consistent throughout. Admittedly I was hoping for a bit more boldness for the evening. The burn was excellent, however I did let the cigar go out once when I set it down and zoned out to the music I was listening to. Overall, the Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada was a flavorful, though milder than expected, smoke.

The delicious bourbon, the smoke, and bit of dark chocolate thrown in, made for a most pleasant evening. Despite the openness of the screen porch, the propane heater at my side kept the chill away. As the temperatures drop, I look forward to trying new pairings to help warm the cold nights.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Birding at Maymont Park

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Nov 16th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

22 species observed on a crisp fall morning.

Mourning Dove - 3
Turkey Vulture - 2
Bald Eagle - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker - 1
Blue Jay - 2
Carolina Chickadee - 1
Tufted Titmouse - 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Carolina Wren - 2
European Starling - 2
Northern Mockingbird - 2
Eastern Bluebird - 3
House Finch - 3
House/Purple Finch - 2
American Goldfinch - 2
Chipping Sparrow - 3
White-throated Sparrow - 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 7
Northern Cardinal - 2

photo collage


A Perfect Pairing for a Mild Fall Evening: Southern Draw and Wilderness Trail Bourbon

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 11th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Another fall weekend, another road trip. This time we were headed to Blacksburg to catch the VA Tech football game. In Southwest Virginia, nights can get chilly this time of year, but Friday evening’s mild weather let me comfortably enjoy a cigar on the hotel patio after dinner.

I had packed a travel humidor with a selection of cigars for the evening and the next day's tailgate activities. For this evening, I lit a Southern Draw Manzanita and poured a glass of Wilderness Trail Bottled in Bond Bourbon.


Southern Draw Manzanita is a cigar that consistently pairs well with bourbon. This 6x52 Toro, features a reddish-brown Habano wrapper encasing a Habano binder and Corojo and Ligero fillers. I was surprised this one has been resting in my humidor for 7 months. A purchased a 5 pack in April and surprisingly had not smoked them all yet.

The Manzanita produces a rich smoke with deep notes of earth and leather, complemented by bold dark chocolate and cedar. A touch of black pepper intensifies as the cigar progresses. The combination of bitter chocolate and spice makes for a satisfying flavor combination when enjoyed with a robust bourbon.

The Wilderness Trail Bottled in Bond Bourbon I had put into my travel flask was quite enjoyable with the Southern Draw Manzanita. This wheated bourbon is aged five to six years. The aroma is rich with vanilla and caramel with just a hint of alcohol. The flavor profile combines sweet vanilla and caramel with a touch of oak, while a moderate kick of cinnamon and pepper adds spice to the finish. It's a good bourbon for a full bodied cigar.

As in past visits, the hotel parking lot was bustling with traffic from the neighboring restaurants, headlights constantly cutting through the night. Yet, despite the distractions, the evening was relaxing and a welcome way to unwind after an afternoon of busy interstate driving.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Road Trip!

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Nov 10th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

In Animal House, the Deltas took a road trip for some live music when faced with the loss of their house. I did the same when faced with the loss of my country.

Okay...that might be a bit overstated above. This trip has been planned for months.

Back in 2012 I bought this book as a $1.99 Kindle special. It's the story of the band Watershed, a band that you've never heard of that is better than most bands that you have heard of. The book is great. The music is even better. However, the band members had to start adulting, so they have non-music careers now, only playing the occasional live show. Yesterday was one of those live shows, in Myrtle Beach, SC. We drove 12 hours RT in a 36 hour period for a 90 minute no cover charge concert in a beach bar where we may have been the only 2 people in the crowd that didn't have a personal connection to somebody in the band.

I regret nothing.

I had always heard that Watershed was one of those bands that is better live than recorded, and I 100% support that idea after my first Watershed show. There is something magical about a very tight rock band on stage that no recording medium will ever convey, and last night was absolute proof of that. More proof, my wife is a bigger fan after seeing them live.

So anyway, go out and support original rock and roll. In times of darkness and stress, art becomes even more important.


What now?

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Nov 8th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Politics

I successfully avoided publishing an ill considered and profane rant here on Wednesday. I'll take that as a sign of my growing maturity. I'm never going to be able to write a clear and organized essay about the events of this week. So we are going with the unstructured bullet points format.

  • A lot of people that fucked around voting on Tuesday are going to be very unhappy with the find out phase of their actions.

  • MAGA thinks they won, but in fact we all lost. Well, not the billionaires.

  • Billionaires are a policy failure.

  • Spare me the 5000 word essays on economic insecurity. Over half of the country can't deal with a black woman in charge. It really is that simple.

  • If I want to be generous a lot of people that aren't racist or sexist are okay with endorsing that as a policy if it saves them a few bucks on their taxes.

  • I don't want to be generous. Not with them.

  • After running for President twice and being President once, Trump has absolutely no idea how government runs. I'm looking forward to the MAGA Congressional contingent from Kansas and Iowa telling him to go fuck himself when Musk tries to eliminate or cut farm subsidies. All politics are local, so all cutbacks have to affect only other people. With any luck , the gridlock will lock up Congress for 4 years. This assumes Democrats don't eek out a victory in the House.

  • It is perfectly acceptable to believe that your Trump voting family member doesn't give a fuck about LBGTQ people. This sadly holds if you are LBGTQ. When somebody shows you who they are, believe them. If any LBGTQ folks reading this need to talk, or vent, or whatever, shoot me an email. I'll be happy to commiserate, or just listen.

  • Don't trust anyone that might be a fascist supporter. There will be (or maybe already is) a snitch line.

  • Several states voted to protect access to abortion and also voted for the guy promising to eliminate abortion.¯\(?)/¯

  • North Carolina punished the black Nazi but not the white Nazi.¯\(?)/¯

  • On second thought, the NC thing makes perfect sense.

  • It's not my place to tell anybody how to grieve, but at some point we all need to go from anger and grief to anger and action. I'm not qualified to tell anybody how to help. I'd suggest talking to the marginalized folks in your life and ask them what you can do to help. Lots of organizations are going to need your money and your time as they work to counteract the fascist regime and help protect those that get targeted.

  • If your first thought about Trump's election was "Praise Jesus," you don't know a damn thing about Christianity.

  • Posting on Facebook is not activism.

  • Mark Zuckerburg was an active participant in the election results. Assume everything you've ever posted on FB, regardless of your privacy settings, will be available to MAGA persecution squads. I don't know that deleting anything on FB actually removes it from the database, but you should think about mass deleting everything you've ever put on Facebook and then use it very carefully going forward, if at all.

  • Twitter is a Nazi bar. Stop fooling yourself that you are making a difference there and close your account, yesterday.

  • The first Europeans that set foot in what is now America were Christian, racist, and sexist. Over 1/2 the county has failed to evolve beyond it.

  • In Animal House, faced with the loss of Delta House, the Deltas went on a road trip. I'm doing the same.

Social Media preview image from the always entertaining and insightful Clay Jones.


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