Pappy

Here in Virginia, if we want to grab a bottle of Buffalo Trace, we wait for the e-mail to be sent that some allocated bottles have been dropped. You’re not guaranteed to get what you want to place on your shelf. Because once that email hits your inbox…It! Is! On!

That announcement of an allocated drop is just like when your partner sends you that text: “I’m wearing high heels and I have whip cream.”

Stay out of our way folks!

Every man or woman is going to take out everyone on the ride home to get to their significant other. That’s what it’s like trying to procure allocated whiskey from a state run store.

Now extremely limited edition bottles are placed in a state wide lottery. One entry per household and you have a better chance at winning Mega Millions. That being said, I’ve won the liquor lottery here in Va. twice.

My first lottery winning will be my

first:

Coop’s Deck Therapy

Whiskey Review for NGCS:

Van Winkle Special Reserve

12 Year Old

Lot “B”

This is a unicorn that’s rarely on shelves without being charged an arm and a leg on the secondary market. The last bottle I saw in the wild had a price tag of $1,100.00!

I had the opportunity to purchase it at retail for $79.99…Snag!

It’s hard to believe that the Carmel/Amber hue of this bourbon spent 12 years in American charred Oak. I expected the color to be much more richer and darker.

Hints of white chocolate and cinnamon on the nose. Toasted stone fruit and subtle baking spice round out the palate. At 90.4 Proof, the burn is soft with hints of vanilla and a smooth, balanced finish.

Smooth is an understatement. I drink most of my bourbon with one large cube of ice, not this elixir! I prefer it neat and I think that has something to do with the mash build.

This is what is referred to as a Wheated Bourbon. It’s still 51% corn, but wheat is the next dominate grain instead of rye. Thanks to W. L. Weller for creating this mash bill and thank you Pappy for mastering this goodness.

I’m a huge fan of the Pappy line especially the 12yr. Now I don’t encourage you to break the bank on a bottle much less a pour at your favorite bar.

This is a special occasion pour and if your rich friend is offering, definitely get a pour.

My cigars of choice to pair with the 12 yr.:

Pappy Van Winkle by Drew Estate

Padron Family Reserve No. 45

Davidoff Royale Reserve

Davidoff The Late Hour

Lunatic Torch

Until next time, Cheers Y’all!

And Remember:

Life’s Too Short to Drink Bad Booze and Smoke Bad Cigars!

The Best of 2022

2022 was a challenging year but we made it through the fire. A short lived job and a return to the cigar industry. And of course, a lot of Dec Therapy.

Cigars played a huge part of my Deck Therapy as well as Bourbon, Scotch, Wine and Brewskies!

Here’s my Best of List:

2022 Cigars

Espinoza Las 6 Provincias LV Robusto

Montecristo Signature Espada

Rocky Patel White Label

Espinoza Street Taco

CAO Pilón Añejo

EP Carrillo Short Run Extended Play

Diesel Disciple Lancero

Diesel Stubborn Fool

H Upmann Heritage Corona

Gurkha by Aganorsa Leaf

Kentucky Fire Cured Flying Pig

Crowned Head Le Patissier

LFD Reserva Especial

Davidoff Royal Release

CAO BX3

Gurkha Heritage

Room 101 13th Anniversary

Rocky Patel DBS

Rocky Patel 1865 Project

Padron 1926 80th Anniversary

Rocky Patel Disciple

Davidoff Gold Band Awards

Davidoff 2022 Limited Edition

La Gloria Cubana 8th Street

The Illusione of Excalibur

Rocky Patel 20 Anniversary Edge

Aganorsa Leaf Anniversario Maduro

Beverages

Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Starlight Carl T. Huber’s Cigar Batch

A Smith Bowman Cask Strength

Old Forester Statesman

Balvenie Caribbean Cask Finish

Laugavulin 11yr. Offerman

EH Taylor Straight Rye

Center of The Universe Octoberfest

Trophy Brewing Trophy Wife IPA

Glen Manor Morales Rosé

More goodies coming the fat man’s way this year. Let’s get out and enjoy the day!

Cheers Y’all!!

Wintertime Deck Therapy

I’m not a fan of the season called Winter. She is a most fickle bitch. Here in Va., we usually don’t encounter really cold weather like back when I was a kid. Mid 30s to 40s during the day. Occasionally we will dip into the 20s but they are far and few between.

Today it’s overcast and low 30s, which makes for a cold ass Deck Therapy session. But, I have good friends who hook me up!

Now that I have time to enjoy my new time off, let’s have some fun!

Montecristo Nicaragua Series

By AJ Fernandez

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Medium to Full Bodied cigar with lush notes of nutty and creaminess. Smooth from start to finish.

2019 Wieninger

Wiener Grüner Veltliner

From Vienna, Austria via my boy Greg. Low acid with hints of Apricots and stone fruit. Light bodied and floral notes of spring flowers. A perfect everyday sipper.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Cheers Y’all!

It’s Nothing Personal

These are the words from the owner of the company I went to work for recently:

“It’s Nothing Personal…I Just Don’t LIKE YOU!”

Then he handed me a check and I was on my way. A 2 week gig of design and getting them caught up for the Christmas rush, he basically used me just to get them on schedule and not look bad to the customers. Yes, I feel like I was used but I believe this was a blessing in disguise.

My days of being aggressive are well past my prime. I primarily got my desk clean of clutter and dirt, he frowned at that. Started organizing my files I worked on and nope – Didn’t like that either!

One customer recognized me from one of the vineyards I worked for. He is anti alcohol, tobacco and vaccines. He hated me talking to customers about wine and resentment was established.

Oh, he’s anti-government too!

As business owner, that’s something you should keep on the DL. Also, he mentioned his hatred towards the government, alcohol and tobacco daily while I worked for him. Hell of a nice guy but completely Bat Shit Crazy!

So, I’m gonna find another job away from the design world and see how sales works for me. I’m entitled to have a job I truly love with no drama. Should have stayed at my cigar shop. However, I’m gonna get me something close to home and have piece of mind.

Need a good fit and I know I will find it.

In the meantime, I’ll enjoy some deck therapy with an Esteban Carrera Barber Pole and the other Pilsner of choice, Miller Lite.

Y’all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years!

More reviews and banter in the coming year.

Cheers Y’all!

I Hate Cold Weather!

When the “ber” months make their appearance, I’m reminded that my everyday deck therapy is about to come to an end. The last 2 months of the year play hell with enjoyment of the outdoors.

The one bright spot that allows me to brave the elements – I have quite a few bottles of bourbon that exceed the 120 Proof mark.

Today is one of the chilly days with winds blowing above 10 miles an hour it makes my old frame wish for warmer days. My pairing today is a nice one to beat the britches off Mother Nature!

Romeo Y Julieta 1875 Reserva Real

Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Dominican/Nicaraguan

Creamy with a subtle nuttiness with a hint of vanilla on the back palette.

My drink of choice is none other than:

Starlight Distillery Carl T Huber’s Cigar Batch

Aged 4.5 years in Brazilian Amburana Barrels, bottled at 114 Proof. This brown-water is heavy with baking spices. Cinnamon, Nutmeg and a total Honey Bomb.

As high a proof as this is, this drinks like a 90 Proof bourbon which can be a touch dangerous.

After finishing 2 glasses, I wanted something with BALLS.

A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength

Aged 10 yrs. at 141.1 Proof this has notes of leather soft flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon. This will knock your junk in the dirt. Doesn’t drink like a high proofed bourbon.

I will enjoy today like I do everyday, like it’s my last. The cooler temps are a hindrance but warmer days are in our future.

A big announcement coming next week for the Fat Man!

In the meantime, Cheers Y’all!

Whistle & Adobe

It’s late October here in Virginia and we are enjoying unseasonably warm temps. Could be the last time for shorts, flashy Hawaiian shirts and sandals. Still working on the tan as I write.

Starting the week with a leftover from Whiskey Weekend and a rebrand cigar.

Whistle Pig Homestock

This was made I place of the Farmstock due to the shutdown in 2020 due to Covid-19. The distillery sent out thousands of tasting/blending kits to selected customers. Through at virtual event, they sampled, blended and then selected what would become Homestock.

Sweet, Vanilla and hints of smoke on the nose. Smooth flavors of citrus and baking spices. This is a great pour and wish I had a full bottle.

I paired that Rye with a Nica Rustica Adobe by Drew Estate.

Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano)

Binder: Brazilian

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Robusto

Soft leather notes with a smooth, nutty draw. Burn time about 45 minutes.

A perfect combination for a perfect day!

Old Man Winter is around the corner, gonna take full advantage when I can

Cheers Y’all!

When Friends Die

It’s been a crazy 12 plus months. I’m a proponent of getting together to hang out with friends and reminisce about the old days. It helps me remember what I’ve forgotten thanks to brain surgery.

For awhile, we were doing good about meeting up at local spots and even at homes to laugh and enjoy everyone’s stories. But lately, we’ve been meeting up at the most unfortunate place, the funeral home.

Whether it be classmates, former coworkers or even new acquaintances, these folks are way to young to leave this rock.

I’ve talked about one my boys in a previous post, Dave. In high school he grew out his hair and had curls and we referred to him as New Wave Dave. When he gave me the grave news of his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, I knew I had to soak up as much of NWD as I could. We had dinners together and talked often. Last year, he started asking me to do his grocery shopping for him and assemble any products he ordered online. He talked about buying and RV and doing some traveling and asked if I would be his chauffeur, anything for you Dave. That never materialized as he left us on Thanksgiving day 2021.

A few months earlier, another classmate, Paul, had emergency surgery and died on the operating table. At the start of 2022, another classmate died suddenly from heart failure, Deb, due to a most unfortunate illness.

In July, “Stallion” or Dave, a former coworker, lost his battle with brain cancer. He was mentioned in my post when I visited NYC in 2016. He gave me the proper tour of NYC visiting Madam X & McSorley’s. Still to this day, I always order my pizza well done per his request.

And then 2 weeks ago, another classmate suddenly died in his sleep, Jeff. A good hearted man with an infectious laugh that was a quiet, gentle dude. He and his wife graduated with me and they were high school sweethearts from their freshman year.

I hate burying friends and all we former coworkers. I’m always telling everyone to get out and enjoy life as tomorrow is not given. Why do you think I live each day like it’s my last. It’s unfair to these friends to be gone so soon. I was hoping for the days to sit and harass the medical staff in the nursing homes after our loved ones shove us into those rat infested facilities. At that point, we won’t have access to adult beverages or drugs but make sure there’s an endless supply of viagra until my death.

This weekend we gather for a decades reunion to see old faces and laugh. Let’s remember those who are no longer with us and have a drink in their honor.

I’m sitting on my deck looking at Signal Knob thinking of my friends, getting a little misty. Wish they were here with me and the rest of the crew.

Let’s Enjoy Life Folks!

Cheers Y’all!

A Bit Special

I had one 1.75 bottle of Weller Special Reserve in hiding. I knew my trip to Chapel Hill was approaching and decided to share with those boys.

All that had a taste really enjoyed that Wheated goodness.

Now that I’m home and enjoying my last days of warm deck therapy before I have to put pants on (relax. I’m not naked but it’s only a matter of time) I’ll give ya a review of today’s pairing.

Weller Special Reserve

The poor man’s Pappy! This Wheated goodness alludes us here in Virginia but I make a few trips a year to procure enough bottles to make me fat and happy.

Corn, Wheat & Rye. This brown water has some hints of baking spices with honey and just enough burn to make you want more.

My cigar of choice for this magic elixir is none other than:

Rocky Patel Special Edition

Size: Toro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Notes of leather and a touch of white pepper. Smooth burn from start to finish and one of Rocky’s masterpieces.

Both products showcase each other and is a must have for your quiet time for Deck Therapy.

Until next time Kids, Cheers Y’all!

An Old Brand Returns

I used to enjoy Sancho Panza Boxed Pressed Cigars. Those were the early days of my cigar smoking. Last week our General Cigars rep walked in handed me this new revamped release and memories from the past came back.

Sancho Panza Extra Fuente

made in Honduras

Manufacturer: General Cigars

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf

Filler: Nicaraguan/Dominican

Size: Robusto

Creamy vanilla and cocoa notes with a hint of earthiness. Smooth with no spice what so ever.

Pairing this goodness with a leftover from my Whiskey Weekend:

Good Times Cigar Finish Rye

A barrel strength straight rye finished in Cognac, Armagnac and Oloroso Sherry barrels. Bottled at 111 Proof. Caramel, honey and oak flavors with leathery cigar notes.

This is a perfect combination!

Now I just need to find more of the Good Times!

Cheers Y’all!

I Love Bottled-in-Bond!

I don’t know for sure, which was my first Bottled-in-Bond Bourbons. I’m leaning toward either E. H. Taylor Small Batch or the 10yr McKenna.

At any rate, I truly love this style of brown water! After reading at rating of these bottles, one stood out and doesn’t break the bank; Evan Williams BiB.

So for todays Deck Therapy tasting, I give you the following:

Pi Synesthesia

Manufacturer: Crowned Heads & Ozgener Family Cigars

Wrapper: Connecticut from Ecuador

Binder: Ecuador

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Toro

A mild to medium bodied smoke with creamy vanilla notes. Some leather essence on the mid palette. The perfect cigar for a newcomer.

As mild as this cigar is, paired it with one of my favorite Bottled-in-Bond:

Evan Williams

At 100 Proof, this is a perfect balance of flavor and heat. A ton of sweet Carmel notes with just the right amount of heat on the finish.

This pairing is as close to perfect as it gets. The weekend is here Kids so let’s have some fun!

Cheers Y’all!