A Quiet Pairing: Pledge Purple and Bourbon at Sunset

This weekend got off to a delightful start. With mild temperatures and low humidity, the screened porch was especially inviting. Despite the still-high pollen levels, I opened the windows to let in the breeze. While scanning the humidor for an evening smoke, I settled on the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Purple box that arrived a few weeks ago. Though the cigars had rested for just three weeks, curiosity got the better of me.

The Pledge Purple is a one-time release to mark the five-year anniversary of the original Pledge line. The Pledge Prequel earned Cigar Aficionado’s 2020 No. 1 Cigar of the Year with a 98-point rating. For this anniversary release, the same Havana-seed Connecticut wrapper set aside from that original crop was aged an additional five years — bringing the leaf to roughly a decade of age. The blend was adjusted to complement the more refined tobacco. A Mexican binder surrounds a Nicaraguan filler composed of tobaccos from Estelí, Condega, and Ometepe.

The wrapper shows a slightly dry appearance, though the cigar feels well-kept and properly humidified. The box-pressed 6 x 54 Toro is dressed in gold and purple bands, and packed in a bright purple box to match. I’ve long had an aversion to the color — in clothing and dinosaurs — but I’ll make an exception here for the sake of the cigar. :-)

The Pledge Purple opens with mild notes of earth, spice, and espresso. There’s no initial punch; instead, the profile builds gradually. As the cigar develops, cocoa and a subtle sweetness emerge, keeping things in the mild-to-medium range.

After some time, I began sipping the Old Elk Cigar Cut Bourbon I had poured as an accompaniment. I held off initially to get a clean read on the cigar. Cigar Cut is a blend of bourbons finished in Sherry, Armagnac, Port, and Cognac casks, resulting in layers of dark chocolate, toffee, raisins, and baking spice, with hints of tobacco and leather on the finish. It’s a rich and complex pour that has paired well with many cigars.

Together, the pairing proved both enjoyable and instructive. The bourbon’s raisin and port-driven sweetness amplified the cigar’s cocoa and earthy core. Its long finish, however, occasionally overshadowed the cigar’s more restrained close, with the bourbon taking the lead.

As the “sip and smoke” continued, the cigar subtly built to a solid medium body in the second half. Cocoa and espresso remained the dominant notes, gaining depth and intensity, while a touch of cedar spice added interest toward the end.

I enjoyed the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Purple quite a bit. It stands apart from the core Pledge line — less sharp, less spice-driven, and notably more refined. In many ways, it feels like what extended aging might naturally draw out of the original blend.

Relaxation came easily as the sun set, a cool breeze moving through the porch. With a good cigar and bourbon in hand, the evening settled into a quiet, easy rhythm. The cigar burned slowly — nearly two hours in total — and I eked out a few extra minutes, holding the nub between my fingers to capture that last bit of flavor. With nine remaining in the box, I’ll pace myself in lighting up the rest.

Cheers!

Spring on the Deck: Sombremesa Solita Red and Boulevardier Pairing

I’m calling the cold weather done — the portable heaters on the screened porch were packed away this past weekend. Unless we're using the porch, the windows remain closed for now, but only in deference to the “pollening.” Once the yellow scourge passes, the porch will be fully open again.

This past weekend, we took things outside and enjoyed cocktails on the deck rather than inside. I prepared a Negroni for Colleen, while I opted for a Boulevardier — a softer, sweeter riff on the classic that I thought would pair more cleanly with the Sobremesa Solita Red I had in mind.

The Boulevardier is often built with equal parts bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, but I’ve been playing with ratios to dial back the bitterness depending on the cigar I'm selecting. I generally lean toward 2:1:1, and for this pairing I reached for a wheated bourbon — Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength — to add a little extra sweetness and weight.

The 6¼ x 46 Sombremesa Solita Red from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is wrapped in a red-hued Ecuadorian Habano leaf, with a Mexican San Andrés Negro binder and a filler blend from Condega, Estelí, Pueblo Nuevo, and a touch of Pennsylvania Broadleaf. The draw was slightly firm, but well within reason.

At its core, the cigar delivers notes of dark chocolate, black coffee, and a sweet, loamy earthiness, with an occasional flicker of black pepper. Medium-bodied, it strikes a balance between richness and restraint — flavorful without becoming heavy.

The adjusted Boulevardier proved to be a natural companion. The Maker’s 46 Cask Strength brought a round, warming sweetness that echoed the cigar’s profile. I ended up making a second round, nudging in a bit more sweet vermouth for a subtle shift in the profile.

Together, the pairing hit that ideal note, complementary and supportive. A small bowl of salty potato chips rounded out the aperitif, adding just enough contrast to keep things lively.

With the heaters packed away and the deck back in use, this felt like a natural shift into the new season. The Solita Red and the adjusted Boulevardier paired easily. All in all, a simple, well-matched combination and a good way to ease back into spring evenings outdoors.

Cheers!

From the Back of the Humidor — Veritas 412 Revisited

I dug deep into the humidor for my Friday evening smoke and came up with a Veritas 412 — a boutique cigar I used to enjoy regularly at Olde Towne Tobacconist at the Farm. I still had a couple tucked away in the back, sticks I picked up at the now-closed shop and had been aging for the past two years. It felt like the makings of a nostalgic evening.

The Veritas 412 is a 6 x 54 toro featuring a dark, slightly mottled Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés binder and a blend of Pennsylvania and Nicaraguan (Estelí and Condega) filler tobaccos. The cigar is firm, smoothly rolled, and even after two years in the humidor, it retained a nice oily sheen. The “412” name is a nod to the Pittsburgh area code — home to founder Chris Weber.

The cigar opens with a pepper-forward profile, likely driven by the Broadleaf. Dark chocolate and cocoa notes quickly take center stage, becoming the dominant flavor. A subtle dark fruit sweetness and a hint of coffee round out the profile as the smoke progresses. It’s a bold, dense cigar that remains fairly consistent over its roughly 90-minute smoking time.

The cellophane had taken on a golden hue, a subtle indicator of its age. Despite the time in the humidor, performance was flawless. After the initial toast and light, I never needed to touch the flame again. Smoke production was thick and steady, the burn line even, and the ash held firm.

Smoking the Veritas 412 brought back memories of Friday nights at the brewery-based cigar lounge. The lounge at 1781 Brewery has been closed for nearly two years now, but those evenings still come to mind easily. Back then, the 412 was usually paired with a craft beer. This time, I went in a different direction and poured a glass of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.

This particular bottle was Batch A124, released in January 2024. At 119 proof, it’s still a bold pour — even if on the lower end for the series. The bourbon held its own alongside the cigar, offering rich notes of brown sugar and caramel up front, followed by charred oak and a cinnamon-laced finish. A few drops of water softened the spice and brought forward more sweetness, complementing the cigar nicely.

As for Veritas Cigars, their current status is something of a mystery. The brand, founded in 2011, rode the boutique cigar wave with a number of well-regarded blends, including the 412. Production at one point moved to Fábrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, a respected factory known for Black Label Trading Company releases. In recent years, however, the brand has gone quiet — its website offline and social media dormant.

Smoking the Veritas 412 was both nostalgic and a bit bittersweet. It made for a perfect spring evening on the porch — good cigar, good bourbon, and time to reflect. Finding these in the humidor brought back memories of the brewery lounge and the people who made those nights enjoyable. And as I smoked, it dawned on me that I may not come across these again anytime soon. For now, I think I’ll let the last one rest a while longer.

Cheers!

The Beer Set the Tone — The Cigar Did the Rest

With a couple of beer-centric “holidays” falling this past week, I turned my attention to hoppy beverages and their cigar accompaniments. For “New Beer’s Eve” on Monday, I was in the mood for something light and refreshing, still easing out of the indulgence of Easter weekend. A leftover Pilsner Urquell in the fridge fit the bill perfectly.

Choosing a cigar to accompany a lighter beer gave me some pause. A crisp, herbal pilsner calls for restraint; anything too bold would quickly overwhelm its clean malt character and Saaz hop profile. I settled on a lighter-bodied cigar with a creamy, nutty profile and reached for a Davidoff Signature 1000 — a cigar I typically reserve for morning or afternoon smokes, often paired with a cup of creamy coffee.

The pairing proved both enjoyable and surprisingly refreshing. The Ecuador Connecticut wrapper, with Dominican binder and fillers, delivered a smooth, coffee-leaning profile with gentle sweetness and just a hint of pepper. That touch of sweetness played nicely against the pilsner’s bitterness, creating a balanced, complementary experience. My only disappointment was the brevity of the 5 5/8 x 34 panetela — barely a 25-minute smoke. I was sorely tempted to light a second, but resisted.

The following evening, “National Beer Day” called for another moment on the porch. With cooler temperatures settling in, I reached for something darker: Bell’s Christmas Ale. Despite its seasonal branding, it’s a fine Scotch Ale and one I enjoy well beyond the holidays. For the cigar, I chose a Rocky Patel The Edge 20th Anniversary Robusto.

This fuller-bodied cigar brings notes of cedar, earth, dark cocoa, and a touch of spice. Its blend, featuring a 10-year-aged Ecuador Sumatra wrapper, a Honduran Broadleaf binder, and fillers from Honduras and Panama comes together in a rich, medium-to-full-bodied smoke, one I often enjoy with bourbon or rye.

The Scotch Ale brought a deep malt richness to the pairing. Layers of caramel and toffee complemented the cigar’s cocoa and cedar notes, while the beer’s body stood up well to the cigar’s strength. It was a satisfying match, particularly as the evening chill set in. After flirting with 80-degree days just a week prior, we found ourselves under a freeze warning — a classic Virginia spring.

These beer “holidays” served as a welcome prompt to explore a couple of thoughtful pairings. Even after years of enjoying beer — this blog evolved from that passion — I find that discovering the right cigar match still takes a bit of time, a bit of patience, and more than a few moments staring into the humidor.

And it’s always worth the effort.

Cheers!

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A Toast to April 7 and the Return of Beer

On April 7, 1933, a long national drought finally began to break.

After 13 years of Prohibition, Americans could once again legally enjoy beer. Though the failed experiment in prohibition would linger until its full repeal on December 5, the passage of the Cullen-Harrison Act offered some long-awaited relief  — permitting beer of up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (about 4% by volume), the so-called “near beer.”

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the measure on March 22, 1933, he reportedly quipped, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” It was a simple remark, but one that perfectly captured the mood of a thirsty nation ready to raise a glass again.

On the evening of April 6, crowds gathered outside bars and taverns across the country, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. When it did, beer flowed legally for the first time in over a decade. That night would later earn its own name: “New Beer’s Eve.”

Photo by https://www.anheuser-busch.com/about/clydesdale

The celebrations took many forms, including one that would become iconic. To mark the moment, a six-horse hitch of the now-famous Budweiser Clydesdales was presented to August A. Busch Sr. by his sons. Soon after, the team made a public appearance delivering beer to the White House — a fitting tribute to the return of a simple pleasure.

Today, April 7 is celebrated as “National Beer Day.” It’s a nod not just to beer and its long-awaited return, but a reminder that freedom, once taken, is seldom restored without time, patience, and persistence.

Cheers!

The Joy of Easter

“He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”

-- Matthew 28:6

With these words, spoken by the messenger of God, the reality of the Resurrection was revealed to the world. The empty tomb proclaims that death and sin have been conquered. Each time I reflect on the Resurrection, I’m struck by the awe the women at the tomb must have felt that morning — confusion, fear, and overwhelming joy. I also find myself wondering what passed through the minds of those who had persecuted Him — those who believed they had silenced Him, only to be confronted with a truth they could never hide nor coverup.

And yet, even in the light of the Resurrection, the Prince of Darkness continues his work in this world. His followers — whether willing or unwitting — carry out the evil one’s designs by twisting truth, sowing confusion, and offering false promises. Evil is repackaged as good, deception cloaked in virtue. As the enemy works to blur moral lines, we see truth distorted, morality mocked, and genuine love mislabeled as hate. Through persistent attacks on faith, freedom, and the sanctity of life, the spiritual battle still rages.

But today, we celebrate the fulfillment of Our Lord’s promise. On this most glorious day, fear is vanquished and hearts are lifted. The Resurrection reminds us that the ultimate battle between good and evil has already been won. For three days, it seemed as though Satan had triumphed — but three days are nothing in the face of eternity. Easter is our strength and our hope. It empowers us to persevere through trials, resist temptation, and stand firm in the face of persecution.

Wishing you a blessed and joy-filled Easter. May the light and joy of the Resurrection remain in your heart throughout the year.

Happy Easter!

"The Resurrection of Our Lord", Gallery of Tapestries, Vatican Museums

A Good Friday Pairing: Bourbon County Stout & The Wise Man Maduro

After a day of fasting and abstinence on Good Friday, I traditionally enjoy a stout and a cigar in the evening. After all, the monastic tradition of sustaining oneself on “liquid bread” during fasts dates back to the Middle Ages.

I reached into the cellar for a bottle of Bourbon County Brand Stout, this one from the 2024 release. For such an imposing beer, I selected an equally rich cigar — The Wise Man Maduro from Foundation Cigars. A few of these Toros have rested in my humidor for just shy of two years, making them roughly contemporaries of the beer.

Pollen hung thick in the evening air when I stepped onto the porch. Despite having dusted things off the day before, a yellow film coated the furniture — and my sinuses.

Still, the evening called.

The Bourbon County Brand Stout is an annual release from Goose Island Beer Company, aged for about a year in bourbon barrels from distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey. At a formidable 14.7% ABV, it has become a benchmark for barrel-aged imperial stouts.

The beer pours thick and indulgent, offering bold notes of chocolate, vanilla, espresso, and toffee. Undertones of dark cherry weave through a bourbon-like warmth, all carried on a dense, velvety mouthfeel. It could easily be called dessert in a bottle — if dessert were on the Lenten menu. The rich aroma alone cut cleanly through any pollen-induced haze.

The Wise Man Maduro is a standout from Foundation Cigar Company. The 6 x 52 Toro features a dark, reddish Mexican San Andrés wrapper over Nicaraguan binders from Estelí and Jalapa, with fillers from Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa.

Medium to full in body, the cigar opens with notes of bittersweet chocolate and bold espresso, accompanied by a subtle red pepper spice. From the outset, the pairing with the stout feels natural and well-aligned. 

As the smoke progresses, the flavors deepen. The chocolate becomes creamier, while a dark fruit sweetness emerges, reinforcing the dessert-like quality of the experience. The spice builds slightly toward the final third, adding just enough contrast to keep things engaging.

The interaction between the Bourbon County Stout and The Wise Man Maduro proves to be near perfect. Chocolate and coffee notes echo between sip and draw, each enhancing the other without becoming either bitter or cloying.

With blues music playing softly in the background, time seemed to slow as I sipped and smoked. Aside from the persistent assault of spring pollen, the session was effortless. The cigar burned flawlessly — no relights, no touch-ups — maintaining an even burn even when left to rest.

After two years in the humidor, it remained in peak form.

As the cigar neared its end, I glanced at the time and realized that two and a half hours had slipped by. That, perhaps, is the surest sign of a truly exceptional smoke and sip — and a fittingly contemplative close to Good Friday.

Cheers!

Good Friday Contemplation

I share this moving reflection every year on Good Friday. Still, it never fails to raise the dust levels in the room. 

Limbo

The ancient greyness shifted suddenly and thinned like mist upon the moors before a wind.

An old, old prophet lifted a shining face and said:

“He will be coming soon. The Son of God is dead; He died this afternoon.”

A murmurous excitement stirred all souls. They wondered if they dreamed

save one old man who seemed not even to have heard.

And Moses, standing, hushed them all to ask if any had a welcome song prepared.

If not, would David take the task?

And if they cared could not the three young children sing the Benedicite,

the canticle of praise they made when God kept them from perishing in the fiery blaze?

A breath of spring surprised them, stilling Moses’ words.

No one could speak, remembering the first fresh flowers, the little singing birds.

Still others thought of fields new ploughed or apple trees all blossom-boughed.

Or some, the way a dried bed fills with water laughing down green hills.

The fisherfolk dreamed of the foam on bright blue seas.

The one old man who had not stirred remembered home.

And there He was, splendid as the morning sun and fair as only God is fair.

And they, confused with joy, knelt to adore

Seeing that He wore five crimson stars He never had before.

No canticle at all was sung. None toned a psalm, or raised a greeting song,

A silent man alone of all that throng found tongue — not any other.

Close to His heart when the embrace was done, old Joseph said,

“How is Your Mother, How is Your Mother, Son?”

-- Sister Mary Ada, OSJ

Michelangelo's Pieta, via Wikimedia Commons