My deck is gonna assume I’m cheating on her. I’ll only have 2 quality days to truly enjoy her company.
3 days of driving this week and 2 in the cigar shop has me busier than normal. However my first day allows me some bottle crackin’ Szn!
New Riff Single Barrel, aged at least 4 years and a mash bill of 65% Corn, 35% Rye and 5% Malted Rye. Bottled at 108.4 Proof.
Sweet to the tasted with baking spices and a soft burn on the back palette. This is definitely a perfect bourbon to serve neat.
I’m pairing this brown water goodness with a limited edition release:
My Father Le Bijou 1922 100 Anos
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Oscuro
Size: Lonsdale
With the smaller gauge, you really get some great flavors from the wrapper. Earthy, Oily and coffee notes. Mild to medium flavors with little to no spice. Overall Awesome Smoke!
I’ve always been a big fan of My Father Cigars and even bigger fan of the New Riff Distillery products.
Until next time Kids! Another milestone for me next week and I’ll tell you about it later.
My last day off has me yo-yoing from inside to out.
Random showers have me watching Netflix and then running outside for deck therapy. With a longer break between showers of rain, I decided to crack open one last bottle.
Sazerac Rye, aged 6 years bottled at 90 Proof. Mash bill comprised of: 51% Rye, 39% Corn, 10% Malt.
Smooth from start to finish. Sweet notes of honey and a touch of spice.
I’m pairing it with a stick that’s been in my humidor for a few months.
Davidoff 702 Series No. 2
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Size: Panatela
Light smooth with earthy notes and a touch of citrus. A perfect cigar from beginning to end.
With fall around the corner and the “ber” months upon us, it’s time to open a new bottle. As Shorty calls it: Bottle Crackin’ Szn…Kids!
Shorty and BD are always telling to open those bottles in my reserve. I prefer to open them once I have a replacement but that’s not always possible. Today, I’m crackin’ a brand favorite, E. H. Taylor.
I’ve had luck find the EHT small batch in the wild here in Va. as well as Ky. As our liquor controlled state holds the good stuff at times, once a year they will release a massive load of allocated items.
I waited 2.5 hours to get this bottle and it was worth the wait.
E. H. Taylor
Straight Rye
Carmel, sweet like honey, subtle baking spices with a low burn. This doesn’t drink like a 100 proof. This bottle could get you in trouble.
I paired it was the long awaited cigar from Rocky Patel:
Rocky Patel DBS
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaragua/USA
Filler: Honduran/Nicaraguan
DBS stands for Double Broadleaf Selection. Using Pennsylvania and Nicaraguan broadleaf.
Flavors of coffee, cocoa and soft spices. This medium to full bodied cigar is perfect to pair with a Rye or Bourbon.
Deck Therapy in full effect with two of my favorite brands. Have a great and safe weekend Kids. Let’s have some fun!
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.
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.
I’m a country boy and proud of it. Bourbon, Moonshine swilling, Southern Rock listening and lover of the old school staple beers; Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old German and Schlitz. However I do like the finer things in life. As one of my former coworker said: “You’ve got Redneck ways and Champagne taste.”
I don’t smoke the cigars of my grandfather or Pop Daily as I called him. El Producto and Grenadier were his go to. I had the pleasure of smoking some Romeo Julieta’s with him before he went on to the next life. Today, I carry on his passion for cigars – I miss him and wish I had burned more cigars with him.
Growing up in the ‘70s, it wasn’t uncommon to steal a taste of beer from Pappy or Uncle Med. Pabst, Schlitz and Carling Black Label were always in their fridge.
The ‘80s saw a lot of Old Milwaukee, Coors Light and Milwaukee’s Best. My cigar of choice was Back Woods Smokes and Philly Titan, my palette hadn’t evolved.
Fast forward to the 2000’s, my proclivity to fine cigars rivals my taste of good bourbon. But drinking the beer of my father, I would have never guessed in a million years I would be a regular drinker of PBR. I love craft beer but when your local store has a limited selection of these craft barley and hops, if you have to pick a regular domestic, you might as well pick one with a Blue Ribbon.
So today’s deck therapy, we are enjoying a glass of a George Dickel Barrel Select with a PBR an:
Oliva Melanio Series V Boxed Press
Shape: Robusto
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Mild essence of leather, creamy with low acid. The draw is nice and has a great mouth feel. This a good stick to pair with a Pilsner, IPA, or even a Stout. High proof bourbons like McKenna 10 yr., Stagg Jr., Weller Antique 107, Weller Full Proof or any of the Col. E. H. Taylor products would also compliment this cigar. A two light stick but worth the trouble and about a 30 minute burn time. This is one I would share with friends who are not big cigar smokers but want to give it a try.
So to all my city friends who wish to channel their inner rednecks, grab ya some Brown Water and go to your local B&M and pick up some of these sticks.
Get out and enjoy your life Y’all!
In less than 2 weeks, Whiskey Weekend 7. I may broadcast live from the event.
2021 started well and I was active on this platform. I made a decision to focus more on the cigar industry because I’m working for a shop in Northern Virginia (Route 7 Cigars).
My funds became tight and I had to cut my graphic design tools out of my budget. Once I can get these resources back, my visuals will return.
I have had the opportunity to smoke some of the best cigars over the past year. When I flip through my cigar magazines, I realized 98% of the advertisements I’ve actually smoked these products.
So I’ve compiled the best of 2021 by CrazyNVa in no particular order.
Top cigars of 2021
Padron Family Reserve 45 years
Yagua Yagua
Cohiba Weller
Rocky Patel ALR
Rocky Sixty
Tabernacle Double Corona
Undercrown Decade
Casa Fuente 806
Room 101 12yr Anniversary
Plasencia 149 Cosecha
Padron Family Reserve 80 years
Oliva 135 Anniversary
This new job is an absolute enjoyment and on the weekends I drive folks around to vineyards and breweries for Seven Bends Spirits Tours.
I promise to be more active and give you great options to smoke and drink. Slainté Mhath Kids!
It was the Friday before the Big Game and we know how that ended, Brady won another. The afternoon was warm but not worthy of flip flops just yet. Low 40s and full sunshine, deck therapy sessions was open for business.
A snowy Signal Knob.
I wanted something different on the beer front. Shaffer’s, a local BBQ place, has a nice selection of craft beer. I grabbed a 4-pack from a local brewery just over the mountain, Adroit Theory Brewing Company.
When your tasting room pipes in Death Metal, the ABV’s are high especially the Imperial Stouts and your Brewer is a cigar smoker, this tends to be a favorite spot to visit.
I picked this beer up last summer and I really enjoyed the flavor.
It was roughly 33 degrees out and I had a busy day at the vineyard. As soon as I got home, I gathered my accouterments for an evening of deck therapy sessions.
My son had dropped off an early birthday gift along with three Scotch samples. I decided to try one and I chose a brand that is a household favorite, Balvenie.
Of course, Tish wanted to try because she is a big fan of Balvenie – especially the Doublewood 12 yr. So, I decided to to a vertical tasting of the 3 we had in house.
Tish enjoyed the 12yr. & 17yr. She wasn’t a fan of the 14yr. and said vile things that we can’t use on this platform.
I took the remaining samples and here’s my take on the 17yr with an evening smoke.
Balvenie Doublewood 17 year
Done in American Oak Barrels before finished in European Oak Sherry Casks.
Light Tan in color. Mild nose with an essence of grass Earthy notes/Petracore on the nose. Flavors of sweetness almost caramel like. Fresh cut grass with coriander and spice on finish.
This smoke had a nice draw. Fresh cut hay with a touch of leather, a medium-bodied cigar. Soft mouth feel with a subtle spice on the end. A perfect 40 minute burn and a one light evening.
It was a good way to end a hectic day and it definitely soothed the soul.
Smoking a cigar is a way to clear your head from all that is on your mind. Midway through and after a few sips of your whiskey, all the stress you’ve had has vacated your soul. The cigar helps you make peace and that my friends is a good thing.
crazynvirginia 