Bold Flavors Unite: Foundation Tabernacle David & St. Augustine Port Bourbon

On a recent evening, I was looking for a short-ish smoke and reached for the Foundation Tabernacle David, a 5 x 54 Perfecto. To go with it, I dug deep into the bourbon shelves and pulled out a long-ignored but much-loved bottle of St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon.

The cigar had been resting in my humidor for about five months. I can’t say there was a reason for the wait other than my humidor being well-stocked with plenty of choices. The Tabernacle line has long been one of my favorites, no matter the vitola. The bourbon, on the other hand, has been rationed carefully since I picked it up in Florida about two years ago. Now about half gone, it remains a bottle I savor since it isn’t available locally through our state-controlled ABC stores.

The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars is the brainchild of Nick Melillo and is produced by AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua. The original blend features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, Mexican San Andrés binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa) and Honduran (Jamastrán) fillers. An extension of the line, the Havana Seed CT-142, sports an oily Connecticut 142 wrapper that undergoes extended aging.

While I’ve smoked both blends, I find myself drawn more to the original Tabernacle, typically in Robusto or Toro sizes. The David is one of two Perfectos in the lineup, alongside the larger Goliath (5 x 58), both released in October 2020.

A couple of clips from the sharply pointed head still left the draw slightly snug, thanks to the small foot. Once lit, the burn opened as the cigar reached its fuller ring gauge.

The opening flavors sat in the medium-bodied range, with notes of mild spice, dark chocolate, and cocoa. As the burn progressed into the wider portion, the profile truly came alive. Bitter cocoa took the lead, joined by toasted nuts, and the strength pushed into full-bodied territory. Creamy sweetness appeared to balance the richness. Toward the finish, both spice and sweet chocolate carried the lead.

The David really shines in the midsection, offering distinct transitions throughout its 65-minute smoke time. If I’m honest, the first inch is a little underwhelming compared to what follows. Perfectos are always fun and interesting, but they aren’t always the best showcase for a blend.

The bourbon was an ideal match. St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon is finished in barrels from the local San Sebastian Winery, which then reuses the casks for their port-style fortified wine. Aged about three years and bottled at 102 proof, the spirit pours a deep ruby color. The nose carries caramel and dark fruit, with the port influence unmistakable. On the palate, rich notes of dark cherry, fig, and raisin dominate, rounded out by a long finish accented with black pepper.

Together, the Foundation Tabernacle David and St. Augustine Port Finished Bourbon made for a rich, indulgent pairing. The dark, layered flavors of both cigar and whiskey were perfect companions for a cool pre-fall evening, a preview of many more porch nights to come.

Cheers!

El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco: A Full-Bodied Masterpiece

I picked up a five-pack of the El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco about four weeks ago. Since then, I’ve often caught myself eyeing them in the humidor, tempted to light one up. But I try to give new cigars — especially those that arrive by mail — at least a month, preferably longer, to settle in before smoking. Exactly four weeks to the day, I gave in to temptation and lit one up on a cool evening.

El Pulpo — Spanish for “the octopus” — is the result of a collaboration between Artesano del Tobacco and AJ Fernandez, released in 2023. It wears a dark, oily Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers grown on AJ Fernandez’s farms. The Robusto Grande vitola I chose is a 5 × 56 sharply box-pressed cigar. 

From the first draw, I was enveloped in thick, rolling clouds of smoke — easily one of the smokiest cigars I’ve lit up in some time. Rich flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted nuts greeted my palate, soon joined by a dark sugar sweetness that struck a beautiful balance between bitter and sweet.

El Pulpo delivers a full-bodied yet remarkably smooth experience, never crossing into harshness. While the burn line wavered slightly at times, it never required correction. Smoke production was both ample and flavorful, providing about 75 minutes of satisfying enjoyment.

To accompany the cigar, I poured a glass of Peerless Small Batch Bourbon. At four years old and bottled at 115.4 proof, it carries some heat but is still a surprisingly approachable pour. Bold notes of caramel, cinnamon, butterscotch, and brown sugar dominate. A few drops of water tame the heat and let the flavors shine — an excellent complement to the richness of the cigar.

By the time I set the nub down, I was already contemplating a box purchase of El Pulpo. The only decision left is whether to stick with the Robustos or spring for the slightly longer 6 × 56 Toro.

Cheers!

Five O'Clock Friday:Taxes

And alcohol tax, and property tax, and sales tax, and gas tax, and restaurant tax, and …

Here's to a fun weekend despite the government's efforts against it.

Cheers!

Twenty-Four Years Later: Remembering and Standing Vigilant

It has been twenty-four years — nearly a quarter of a century — since the followers of a demonic ideology attacked our nation. For some Americans, memories have faded. Others choose to forget or forgive. A whole generation has grown up with no firsthand knowledge of that day and little grasp of its history. Yet the events of September 11, 2001 brought a horror to our shores that the world must never be allowed to forget.

The same ideology that fueled those attacks still spreads violence across Europe and throughout the world. It continues to bring evil to our own shores as well. And yet, many remain complacent, blind, or willfully ignorant. Worse still, some within our own government aid and placate those who threaten us.

Today we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families whose grief has never faded. Their sacrifice and suffering deserve not only our remembrance but also our resolve.

We must remember what was done to us on that bright September morning. We must stand firm against it. Be vigilant, for the evil one and his minions have not relented. The threat endures.

NEVER FORGET

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the power of God,

cast into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Red Meat Lovers Cigar: A Bold Cut Above

Steve Saka says his Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Red Meat Lovers line was blended specifically to pair with a hearty steak dinner. Cigars designed to match up with particular beverages are nothing new, but one crafted for a food pairing is unusual. (Honestly, I can’t think of another.) I’ll admit I didn’t enjoy mine alongside a sizzling ribeye — but after smoking the Red Meat Lovers, I intend to do so next time.

I chose the “Filet Mignon” vitola, a 5 x 54 box-pressed robusto. It wears a dark and toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés Negro binder, with fillers from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania. The simple red-and-white band completes the presentation.

From the first light, the Red Meat Lovers shows its full-bodied nature. Flavors of dark chocolate, pepper, roasted nuts, cream, vanilla, and brown sugar come on quickly — powerful yet balanced. I wasn’t prepared for such a bold start, but my palate adjusted, and soon I was savoring the cigar’s richness.

I paired it with a pour of Laws Four Grain Bourbon, which leans dry and grain-forward with notes of cinnamon, tea, honey, and pepper. While bold in its own right, the bourbon carried a lighter profile than the cigar, serving as a counterpoint to the Red Meat Lovers’ darker and more robust flavors.

All told, the Red Meat Lovers delivers a rich, savory, and satisfying experience — spicy, sweet, and deeply flavorful. It certainly seems like a natural companion to a steak dinner. Next time, I’ll make sure the grill is fired up first.

Cheers!

International Buy a Priest a Beer Day

Today is the second Monday in September, which means it’s International Buy a Priest a Beer Day. This lighthearted tradition reminds us that priests are real people who enjoy good company and a good beverage. The celebration was originally dreamed up by the folks at The Catholic Gentlemen.

This festive holiday traces its origins back to the pious deed of St. Hopswald of Aleyard, the first man to buy his priest a beer. The legend goes that St. Hopswald, a master brewer by trade, was a Teutonic pagan who was converted and baptized by a zealous Catholic priest.

One day, St. Hopswald committed a grievous sin. Without wasting a moment, he ran quickly to his priest and confessed. Later that day, as he was particularly enjoying the peace of a clean conscience, St. Hopswald was so filled with gratitude for his priest’s sacramental ministry that he rushed to the rectory and offered to buy his priest a beer.

Okay, if you haven’t figured it out by now, St. Hopswald wasn’t real, but your priest is, and without priestly ministry, getting to heaven would be well nigh impossible!

Believe it or not, priests are real people, and they enjoy socializing over good food and drink as much as anyone. They also have a thankless and difficult job, a job that we couldn’t get to heaven without. Priests are the lifeblood of the Church, and they deserve some appreciation.

Even if you aren't able to buy a round or two for your favorite priest today, raise a pint today in honor of the men who devote their lives to the Church.

The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI celebrates his 88th birthday.

Cheers!

The Cigar Smoking Saint: Pier Giorgio Frassati

We have another cigar-loving saint. On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Pier Giorgio, as his friends called him, was born into an affluent family on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy. He was an avid outdoorsman — athletic, adventurous, and always wearing a smile. Tragically, he died of polio on July 4, 1925, at only 24 years old. In his brief life, he became known for his quiet generosity: giving away money, possessions, and even clothing to help the needy. The true depth of his charity was only revealed after his death, when thousands of poor and marginalized people whom he had helped lined the streets of Turin for his funeral.

Pier Giorgio Frassati was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II on May 20, 1990, and his feast day is celebrated on July 4.

Though he is often depicted with climbing gear and a pipe in his mouth, his fondness for cigars is also well documented. FrassatiUSA, a website devoted to his life, preserves a couple of cigar anecdotes.

One comes from a story titled “Pier Giorgio’s Last Christmas,” shared by Gian Pietro Ravera, a teacher and friend:

Christmas 1924 was celebrated according to the Club’s tradition, and in fact about fifteen members gathered that night in a private chapel at 9 Via Ormea where Canon Bues celebrated Mass. I was among those who were invited by Pier Giorgio, who went on and on about how beautiful the Mass would be, as well as the gastronomic delights that would follow. Pier Giorgio and Carlo Pol served the Mass, and I remember how it was difficult to move in the chapel because it was standing room only.

Pier Giorgio had some cigars in his suit coat pocket, and they started to fall out when he was making a genuflection. He blushed deeply as he stuffed them back into his pocket. Then, turning toward my side of the chapel and seeing that I had seen everything that had happened, he made a face as if to excuse himself and he suppressed a smile, returning to his prayers with greater intensity than before.

I continued to watch him, and the longer the Mass went on, and the more intense and spiritually delightful it became, the more I was moved to see that group of university students follow the liturgy of the Mass with such devotion. 

Another story recounts the last gift Pier Giorgio received from his sister on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul — his name day:

... we know that the last gift he received from his sister was a cigar case that he chose for himself that day while they shopped together.  Later, he joked with a maid, “Two cigars.  Today you have to give me two cigars: one for St. Peter and one for St. Paul; it's a double feast today!”

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati lived only 24 years, but left an extraordinary mark. Energetic and adventurous, he loved the mountains, his friends, and the simple pleasures of life. Yet his greatest passion was serving the poor and living his Catholic faith with joy.

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati Ora Pro Nobis!

Range Time Under a Blue Morning Sky

Morning arrived sunny and cool — perfect weather for a trip to the range. I usually head out in the early afternoon to avoid the morning “rush,” but other plans meant trying an earlier time. After my morning coffee, I loaded up the gear and headed out. There was some activity at the park, but I found an open pistol bay.

The sky was a clear, bright blue with just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. I started with 25-yard shooting, working through both the DA and SA trigger pulls on the SIG P226. Out of 45 rounds, about half landed in the -0 circle, most of the rest in -1, with six drifting into -3, and just one miss. Considering the target is little more than a blurry blob to me at that distance, I was pleased with the results — even if the shooting was slow.

Next came 95 rounds from the 15-yard line. I mixed DA and SA trigger pulls with some head shots, firing faster than I had at 25 yards. Even limited to two-shot pairs by range rules, with no movement allowed, it still felt like progress. I wrapped up the session with slow, strong-hand and weak-hand-only shooting at 10 yards.

It was an extremely enjoyable morning — beautiful weather, relaxing time on the range, and satisfying practice. I’m still not sure when I’ll jump back into a local IDPA match, but for now, I’m appreciating every bit of trigger time I can get.

Cheers!