Porchside Pairing: Crowned Heads Broadway and New Riff Single Barrel

The end of the week brought delightful weather for sitting outside. On Thursday, I took advantage of it and enjoyed a couple of fine cigars in pleasant outdoor settings.

In the afternoon, I spent a few hours at Slow Burn Cigar Company, a new-to-me shop in Remington. (More on that in a future post.) It was such a nice day that I joined others on the outside porch rather than smoke in the lounge.

After dinner at home, I retired outside to the screened porch to enjoy a Crowned Heads Broadway. 

The Crowned Heads Broadway is a relatively new release from Crowned Heads. Coincidentally, it is the first cigar introduced under the company’s updated branding, with the logo displayed prominently on the primary band and a supplemental band identifying the specific line. I’ve had several of the 4 3/4 x 50 Robusto Extra vitola resting in the humidor for about four months.

The cigar features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The remainder of the blend is Nicaraguan tobacco, incorporating leaf from the Estelí, Jalapa, and Ometepe regions in the filler. That combination creates a rich, savory smoke that opens with notes of espresso, dark cocoa, and black pepper. Occasional but fleeting hints of sweetness emerge throughout.

As the cigar progressed, the pepper intensified and the profile grew bolder. Medium-full bodied at the start, it moved solidly into full-bodied territory during the second half. The final puffs delivered a concentrated wave of black pepper and dark richness.

My original intention was to pour some New Riff Distilling Bottled in Bond with the cigar. When I set the bottle down after pouring, I realized I had grabbed the New Riff Single Barrel by mistake. That worked out just fine — perhaps even better.

New Riff Single Barrel is a high-rye bourbon, offering a pleasant rye-driven kick. This bottle is labeled at 110.3 proof — assertive, but not overwhelming. Rye spice dominates the nose, accompanied by cinnamon, brown sugar, and sweet fruit notes. There is a touch of proof-driven warmth on the palate, though not enough to warrant adding water. Caramel sweetness and dark fruit balance the spice, creating a robust sipping experience.

The pairing, though unintended, turned out to be especially fitting. The bold and spicy New Riff stood up well to the richness of the Broadway, particularly as the cigar’s pepper and espresso notes intensified toward the finish.

As I smoked and sipped, I put on music from the 1960s and ’70s rock band Traffic in honor of the recent passing of founding member Dave Mason. The music stirred a wave of nostalgia and reflection.

The cigar and bourbon, combined with the spring weather and good music, created a serene and relaxing atmosphere — just the right way to get an early start on the weekend.

Cheers!

Montecristo 1935 and the Revolver Cocktail to Fight the Chill

Despite my optimism in de-winterizing the screened porch last week, Mother Nature had other plans. The past few days turned notably cooler, even bringing a couple days of frost warnings. As such, it was a bit chilly when it came time for our Sunday afternoon cocktails and snacks. I assumed we’d retreat indoors, but Colleen suggested we sit out on the porch while I enjoyed a cigar.

I’d been eyeing the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro resting in the humidor for three months now, and decided its full-bodied profile might serve as a fitting counter to the chill.

My first inclination was to pour a bourbon with the cigar, but I opted for a cocktail instead. I settled on the Revolver — a richly flavored mix of bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters that leans decidedly dessert-like.

The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro is a 6 x 54, softly box-pressed Nicaraguan puro. It was originally released to celebrate Montecristo’s 85th anniversary, with the intent of reimagining the original 1935 Cuban profile using modern Nicaraguan tobaccos. I have enjoyed a few Cuban Montecristos on European trips, I recall only one New World Montecristo prior to this — the milder White Series, which didn’t quite suit my preferences.

The 1935 Anniversary delivers a core of dark roast coffee, earth, and bitter cocoa. A moderate dose of pepper and baking spice — especially on the retrohale — adds definition. In the latter half, notes of leather and malted chocolate emerge. The profile remains rich and well-balanced throughout.

The cigar produced copious amounts of smoke, contributing to its overall richness. Even at rest, it gave off steady plumes — at times bordering on excessive when I was actively smoking.

An exceptionally enjoyable and bold smoke, the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary paired beautifully with the Revolver. The cocktail mirrors the cigar’s espresso and cocoa notes, while the hint of orange lifts and brightens the heavier flavors. The interplay between the drink’s coffee character and the bourbon’s sweetness complemented the cigar particularly well. The dark, warming profile of the cocktail also felt right at home in the cool air.

The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua has received high praise, including recognition as the #2 Cigar of the Year from Cigar Aficionado in 2021. Priced in the mid-range, it delivers an exceptional smoking experience. It’s one I could easily see adding to the humidor for special occasions — or simply for a rewarding late-day smoke.

Cooler weather is set to linger through the week, but with dark, bold pairings like this, that hardly seems like a hardship. Before long, I’ll be reaching for lighter, more refreshing combinations — but for now, this suits just fine.

Cheers!

Bourbon, Beef, and Cigars — All for a Good Cause

Enjoying smoked meat, whiskey, cigars, and good company is never a bad thing. Add in a great cause, and the enjoyment is all the greater. Such was the case this past Saturday evening, when I attended an event benefiting the Paul Stefan Foundation.

The Paul Stefan Foundation supports pregnant women in need, along with their children. By providing access to healthcare, housing, and skills training, the organization helps vulnerable women build a better life for their families. For two decades the organization has been providing a critical and, literally, life-saving service in the local community.

This was the fourth year I’ve attended this fun event to support the foundation, while also enjoying camaraderie, excellent food and drink, and, of course, cigars. As an indication of just how much there is to enjoy, this was the first year I actually remembered to pull out my phone and take a few photos — most of them hurriedly snapped near the end of the evening.

Held at the farm of a supporter, the centerpiece of the evening is a long table laden with smoked meats — beef, pork, chicken — along with the usual sides. Much of the meat is prepared by another supporter, and the smoked brisket is consistently among the best I’ve had.

The whiskey and bourbon selection is always diverse, often featuring a few elusive bottles. This year, I gravitated toward the E.H. Taylor Small Batch — at least until it ran dry. The bar also includes other spirits, mixers, bitters, and garnishes, along with a cocktail book for those looking to experiment.

There’s usually a modest selection of cigars available, and this year included offerings from Drew Estate, Padrón, and Fuente. I also brought a few from my own humidor to enjoy or share. With a strong turnout of cigar smokers this year, many others did the same. I started the evening with a Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig — one of my favorites — and later lit up a Micallef Red Robusto I had brought along.

As the evening wore on, a large bonfire was lit, drawing a crowd that lingered well into the night. In years past, I’ve stayed late into those hours, but this time I made an early-ish exit, despite the still lively gathering.

Most of my cigar smoking is a solitary pursuit, so I especially value opportunities like this. Throughout the evening, I enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making new acquaintances. Cigars, food, and drink naturally foster good company — but when there’s a shared sense of purpose behind it all, the experience is elevated all the more.

Cheers!

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!