The Boss Man Knows Best!

I’m pretty good at recommending cigars to friends and customers. So far, no one has been disappointed but I have a lot to learn. And the best teacher I can learn from is The Boss Man.

T.B.M., has been in the cigar industry since he was 19. His knowledge exceeds that of anyone who’s been in the game for 50+ years. He’s always telling me to try different brands that way I can have a nice repertoire under my belt to suggest to my customers.

He’s impressed with my knowledge of wine, bourbon and beer. Pairing a cigar with any adult beverage is a personal preference. I’m always saying everyone’s palate is different and drink what you want with your stogie.

That being said; The Boss Man recommended this stogie with a lower proofed bourbon. And just like a loyal employee, I listen to his every word.

Let’s see if he know what he’s talking about!

JFR Lunatic Corojo Torch Gordo

Binder: Nicaraguan

Wrapper: Corojo Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Manufacturer: Aganorsa Leaf

6.5 X 60

Mild to medium cigar with earthy and subtle spices. Nice draw and a 2 light stick with a 45 minute duration.

My brown water of choice for this cigar: Eagle Rare

Distilled by Buffalo Trace Distillery, aged for 10 years. It is made with Mash bill #1 which is a low rye concoction. Complex flavors of orange peel and a nice sweetness on the finish.

Overall, a great combination! Since Elmer T Lee is at 90 Proof but different Mash Bill (higher rye) I’ll try that pairing next.

Until next time kids, let’s get after it and enjoy Deck Therapy everyday.

Cheers!

A Quick Trip

Shorty mentioned about a weekend trip to Akron, Ohio soon. We did our version of Smokey & The Bandit two years ago to Akron driving up, grabbing bourbon and returning the same day without getting busted by Sheriff Buford T. Justice. A whirlwind trip that had me wanting to revisit the following week but y’all know…Covid.

After a long wait, Shorty, myself and 2 other good guys (Mr. Goulash & B-rad) made a weekend outing to visit one of their frat brothers, Beckett. One of the coolest dudes on the planet with a bourbon collection that rivals some of the best in America.

He was a most gracious host sharing plenty of open bottles and giving us a culinary tour of Akron. With LeBron being the number one citizen of Akron, I believe Beckett is a close second.

He wanted us to experience an AYCE Sushi bar. Being the raging redneck that I am, I was thinking; it’s bait, I can eat 25 rolls…Nope!

This was a place that didn’t want novices in their midsts. I ordered 3 rolls and my chest was all puffed out. Beckett bitched slapped me back to reality. These rolls weren’t the quarter size I was used to in Va., these bastards were the size of silver dollars.

An impromptu stop on Saturday had the group visiting a new watering hole in the 330, Smoke On The Water. A BBQ joint with a modest cigar selection and an impressive bourbon/rye selection.

Our bartender Drew was absolutely amazing! She made each of us feel like royalty and we enjoyed her banter.

One of the bourbons we were hoping to find in Ohio was from New Riff Distillery. This establishment had a nice line up along with a unicorn, New Riff 6 yr. Malted Rye.

After getting a sample, the bulk of us got pours and truly enjoyed that distilled goodness. This rich beverage maybe one of the best distilled products I’ve ever tasted.

That lasted about 15 minutes until Shorty opened his pie hole.

Shorty feeling generous asked about a fancy bottle on the shelf. Turns out it was a high price bottle of tequila – Gran Patron Burdeos Tequila Añejo.

He and B-rad got a pour and shared with the group.

DAMN!

I had no idea tequila could taste that smooth!

I would have never guessed in a million years that I would sample 2 of the best distilled products on the planet that day.

The Cast of Characters

We retreated to Beck’s basement and enjoyed his open bottles. B-rad suggested that we walk down to the local cigar shop, The Cigar Lodge.

I’m always ready to burn one so he and I walked (or stumbled) to the local shop. A very impressive lounge with a private area and spots for newcomers. They had pool tables, a full Bar as well as a golf simulator.

I chose Davidoff Signature Toro to burn. I got a pour of the Willet Rye and B-rad got Weller Antique.

B-rad did enjoy the Davidoff and I’m sure he will buy more after this outing. We stumbled back to the house and sampled more whiskey. However, the next day, we head back to The Old Dominion.

My Haul.