Bernheim Barrel Proof & Rocky Patel ALR

Deck Therapy has been a bit chilly lately. I know what y’all are gonna say: “It’s winter dumbass! Of course it’s cold!” In my defense, I hate being indoors. I’d rather freeze my jewels off before I spend a full day in my home. 

Over the holidays, I decided to start a new tradition…Bottle Crackin’ on Christmas. What can be better than opening a fresh new bottle on Jesus’ birthday or any day for that matter. 

The bottle of choice for the inaugural Santa’s Bottle Crackin’ Szn is:

Bernheim Barrel Proof

Made at Heaven’s Hill Distillery released twice a year and aged for 7 to 9 years in an open air rickhouse. Batch: B923 with a mashbill consisting of:
51% Wheat 
37% Corn 
12% Malted Barley
Coming in at 120.4 Proof 60.2% ABV this has a bit of bite that’s perfect for a cold day of Deck Therapy! 

Aromatics of candy corn and chocolate on the nose. Cinnamon with brown sugar on the middle palate with leather and black pepper on the finish. Big bold flavors with a good kick in the jewels!

Pairing this with one of my favorite cigar brands:

Rocky Patel ALR (Aged Limited Rare) 2nd Edition

Made in the TAVICUSA factory in Nicaragua using an oily San Andres wrapper. This Box Pressed Toro consist of Honduran binder and Honduran/Nicaragua filler.

Earthy with notes of mocha and toasted wood creates a smooth draw. Subtle sweetness with a hint nutmeg on finish. 

Between the earthiness of the cigar and the spice/heat from the bourbon, both compliment each other very well. 

Until next time Kids, Remember:

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

Cheers Y’all!

Give the Fat Man a follow on Instagram if you will: @crazynvirginia

Planning Your Trip!

As most of my 10 readers know (and those numbers have been ballooned). I’ve been driving for Seven Bends Spirits Tour for just under 2 years.

My knowledge of wine, liquor, beer, food and of course, cigars benefits my groups as we travel the roads here in Virginia.

Depending on what location you are staying in, I provide many options for my day drinkers to enjoy for their outing.

We pick folks up in all regions of the Shenandoah Valley and even in the No. Va. region to visit that areas locations. But there’s one thing that I’d like to provide. A quick list to improve your travels.

1. Stay Close – This is important as visiting specific wineries can eat up a lot of your time. By looking at a map, a vineyard is 6 miles as the crow flies from your Air Bnb. In reality it’s actually 30 minutes or more away. Always choose a location that’s has vineyards within 10 miles of your overnight stay.

2. Select Wisely – Not everyone in your group likes wine, bold reds or even sweet varietals. Some may prefer to have beer or even cider. Investigate whether these stops have other options to make everyone’s visit a memorable one.

3. Dining – Even if you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will need to be close to food options as well as a coffee shop if you’re not that verse in brewing a cup of Joe. Having multiple food choices is important because at the end of a day of drinking, the last thing you need to be doing is trying to drive to get a meal, you’ll need someone to deliver.

4. Accommodation Location – This is an important one. This should factor in with which stops you wish to visit (See no. 1.) if that cabin or house in the woods looks cute, remember, you still have to drive to the site. Be sure to ask if 4X4 is required (we have almost gotten stuck on a road several times because 4X4 was required). Make sure there isn’t any seedy houses of roads that look suspicious in your area. If you happen to venture onto a wrong road, local residents may not be very happy about your mistake.

5. Travel Time – Certain regions have multiple vineyards within a few miles. Others can be 20-30 miles apart from each other. If in a busy area travel times can double. Try to keep your time between stops to 15 minutes at tops. This will allow you longer times to enjoy your tasting. Also, don’t hesitate to bring snacks and beverages with you if the distance between stops are longer. Just don’t get too hammered between these stops. If the staff thinks you’ve had to much to drink, they will not serve you and they’ll ask us to leave.

6. Your Stops – Be sure to review the places you wish to visit. Recent groups have encountered horrible customer service and failure to get served. If you wish to pack some eats for your tasting, confirm outside food can be brought on site.

The bottom line is, we want you to have a great time without delays, mishaps or unwanted surprises. We can’t control the weather but we will make sure your tour with us will be top notch, that way you will return for another visit.

So if you’re looking for a great weekend to visit some watering holes, give us a call. Who knows, I may even be your driver.

Cheers Y’all!

https://www.sevenbendstours.com

Oh My, Four Roses

It was just another day in the cigar shop and as always, multiple cigar reps make an appearance. Two of them are big Bourbon drinkers and we always have stories about bottles that we’ve found in the wild.

Brett is always grabbing store picks from establishments that are close to cigar lounges he visits in other states. It’s amazing how many he can accumulate during his travels in the tri-state area.

He hit the mother load on his most recent trip as he was able procure close to a case of these elusive store picks. And in turn, offered one to me.

Why Yes, I think I will!

Four Roses Single Barrel

Store Pick/Barrel Pick

106.6 Proof aged 10yr & 7 months

Mashbill: 75% Corn 20% Rye 5% Malted Barley

Aromatic notes of brown sugar and Carmel, kind of like my Moms kitchen when she makes her homemade Carmel Popcorn. Baking spices with dominate notes of cinnamon and vanilla on the palette. Full bodied bourbon that drinks smooth as a 90 proof.

Store/Barrel Picks are exclusively for specific stores. They visit distilleries and hand pick their barrel. Once it’s aged to the master distillers liking, it’s bottled and sold only at that particular store.

I opted to pair this brown water with an Oliva 135th Anniversary Limited Edition. If you have a Connecticut broadleaf cigar sitting in your humidor, it would pair wonderfully as well.

If you happen to not see these bottles, remember this. One of the rules I tell folks is, if it’s not on the shelf or on the tasting list, don’t hesitate to ask if they have anything in the back or open for tasting.

Until next time Kids, Remember:

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

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!

Rain with a chance of Rye

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.

Until next time…Cheers Y’all!

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!

Virginia Wine meets The Green Fairy

It was early December when I visited District Winery in Washington D.C. and posted an image from their tasting room. A comment had me a bit perplexed about a possible visit. Then I realized it was that time of year and Greg was coming home for the holidays.

He expressed interest in visiting the D.C. winery but I had other plans. To my “Rookie” mistake I had forgotten about the winter hours at most Virginia vineyards and had to make a late adjustment.

Linden Vineyards wasn’t open that Friday so I opted to take Greg to another vineyard not to far away, Arterra Wines.

Sandy and Jason are the owners and we were lucky enough to have Jason pour our wines. Here was the list and my notes along with Greg’s humorous feedback.

’16 Dry Riesling

Me: Herbaceous, light and bright with low acids. A touch of sweetness on the palette with a subtle dry finish.

Greg: D.U.I made easy (drink with great care).

’15 Chardonnay

Me: Soft golden colors, a touch of minerality on the front of the mouth with buttery textures to round out the finish.

Greg: Not Cali – But still has the fornication.

’15 Cabernet Franc

Me: Dark red fruit on the nose, black currants and stone fruits on the back of the palette with a touch of white pepper on the finish.

Greg: Relax campfire wine to talk to a bunch of woulda been coulda been.

’15 Petit Verdot

Me: My favorite varietal! Bright concentrated fruit with a hint of leather on the nose. Bold rich fruit flavors with a cigar smoke on the finish. This is the perfect deck/porch sitting wine.

Greg: Official seal of Virginia! Seriously run with this one! Thomas Dolby reading Edgar Allen Poe!

’14 Reserve

Me: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. An intense nose with dark fruit flavors. Gorgeous tannins with a bright finish. Another true deck/porch sipping wine.

Greg: The Harold Baines, Coco Crisp and Johnnie Damon All-Star Team wine.

’15 Tannat (bonus pour)

Me: Robust dark fruit essence on the nose. A well rounded mouth flavors of stone fruits – great balance. Bright acid with nice tannins on the finish. Beautiful wine!

Greg: Mystery Wine – Ask Coop! Joan Jett, Rage Against The Machine and Beatles Mash-up.

Blueberry Apple Wine

Me: This wine reminds me of the old field party days drinking fruit wines of my childhood. Bright berry and fruity flavors with a soft acidic finish. Refreshing flavors.

Greg: Not cobbler, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Apple Wine

Me: Refreshing fruit flavors from start to finish.

Greg: What really hit Sir Issac Newton on the head and made him giggle. Strong gravitational pull!

Overall wonderful wines and Greg truly enjoyed them.

Lunch at the Hunters Head Tavern followed. French Dip Sandwiches and craft beer were paired with the meals (Greg, Legends Brown Ale Me, Devils Backbone Black Lager). Then I mentioned that Absinthe was being made a few miles down the road and Greg was on board to visit with the Green Fairy.

Off to Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery we went.

To his surprise Virginia is making top notch Absinthe as well, or as he put it:

From the moment I entered this fine establishment I knew… I just knew… on the bar it was there. The fountain of the Green Fairy herself. My inner child of La Belle Époque knew I had a chance for a moment of real Steampunk Van Gogh in the Shenandoah Valley.

The slow drop of this magical fountain set the stage for the suspense and anticipation to build. Indeed… could this magic potion bring me somewhere near Aix-en-Provence?

With the first sip it was indeed the kiss of the Green Fairy… adding a new bit of surrealism to my expanding Absinthe Adventures.

Absinthe began as an all-purpose patent remedy created by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Couvet, Switzerland… to this day I’m not sure what it really cures, but I can say this glass I found under this magic fountain made me quite happy to have the appropriate disease.

Thus far he has not been disappointed with any of the Virginia watering holes I have introduced to him.

His next visit I’ll try to get Greg to the Godfather of Virginia wine, Jim Law at
Linden Vineyards.

Until next time my friend…Cheers! Prost! Slainte! Cin Cin! And my favorite…Bottoms Up!

 

PDT

It was a short stroll to our last stop of the evening. As you know, most speakeasies are disguised and you need to look for landmarks. As soon as I saw the Crif Dogs sign or the other that says: “Eat Me”, I knew we were there.

The long counter of stools were filled and there was a short line to use the phone booth. Yes, I said phone booth and it was sporting an “out of order” sign.

The routine is simple, dial 1 and wait. The adjacent wall opened to a magnificent dim,  yet sultry lit bar. The young lady asked for my name and said it would be 5 minutes. So we hung out with a very young crowd and when they called my name, we heard grumbles from the peanut gallery.

I was borderline righteous at this point and said:

“Hey Scooter, you should have made reservations…Rookie!”

We took seats at the bar. Gorgeous backlit bar with high-end spirits. Several taxidermy items on the walls made my two vegetarians nervous.

Our bartender presented us with our cocktail menus and I spotted my first drink:

Paddington
Banks 5 Island Rum, Lillet Blanc, Lemon & Grapefruit Juice, Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade, St George Absinthe

An amazing presentation of a craft cocktail with magnificent balance of citrus flavors. If the first one was this good, I can’t wait to try my second choice.

Shark
Butter infused Bacardi Silver Rum, Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum, Frangelico, Blue Curaçao, Lemon & Pineapple juice, Cream, Bitterman’s Elemakule Tiki Bitters

A true Tiki drink, I wanted the bartender to turn on some Buffett tunes at this point. The girls truly enjoying their drinks too.

And was it worth the trouble of getting reservations…

I can honestly say, this is one of my favorite bars of all-time. I will be back and will tell all my friends about this place.

At the end of the night, NYC got the best of me but tomorrow will be another day of go, go, go. This country boy is ready for another day of fun. Music and more cocktails are on the docket.

Did I mention brunch and boobs too!

Reunions…Good Times As Always!

1988 our 5 year reunion. We were still just babies!

Rich & Cheryl with Patterson in the background. Where is he?

The 10 year reunion…I remember it being an “S” storm. This was the part of my life when the Dr.’s had complete control of me, I was miserable beyond belief and I was married.

The hardcores were making the circle that I remembered at the field parities. A bottle of Boone’s Farm would be opened, take a swig and pass it around. I remember Stickles going around taking up a collection and going to purchase more wine. 36 empty bottles were left behind. The story goes that we as a class were barred for life at the Moose Lodge. Like I said, a “S” storm.

I only attended 1 of the next 3 and that was the 20th in 2003. Tish and I had just moved in together and she hadn’t been around too many of my classmates. But if you’re going to be with a Strasburg man, you need to meet his family from S.H.S.

The 30 year reunion, we are aging well just like fine wine!

Just 3 years ago we celebrated our 30th , Margo had organized a picnic for the town park all the way from Portland, Oregon. We attended and we left around 1 and took Horton and his better half to Glen Manor Vineyards to enjoy the warm July afternoon and wine. A group assembled at the Depot Lounge and more drinks flowed. During this time a talk of a field party were discussed and plans were made. In Sept. of that year, we had a good ole redneck field party.

Now that a good group of us are on the social media’s, we make plans to meet more often. The Depot Lounge seems to be a good meeting place but I’m always interested in other options if one is suggested.

A good many of my classmates are now facing an empty nest. Although in Brenda’s case, she’s dealing with grandkids because she started way too young. Damn Granny.

Then a familiar face appeared on Facebook, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The last time I saw Joey was at SVP where a good number of ’83 worked and some still do. I heard rumors about him moving but I exhausted them as that. When I visited the Southwest in ’84, I never thought about looking him up. Then again I was with my Grandparents and they were keeping a tight lease on their grandson. I recently found out that Joey hadn’t moved out that way during that time. So all is well.

A year ago, Joey had posted that he was going to be at a conference in DC for a week. I reached out to him and asked if he would be making a trip to the valley. To my surprise, he was going to come and visit with family and we decided to grab a cocktail at the Hotel.

Joey came to town and we showed him a large time. Hey enjoyed so much he came back for more this year!

My phone began blowing up from members of the family wanting to know if they could join us. I’m all about a party. I coordinated with Joey and he agreed to the small group. I put additional info out to those who turn their nose up to Facebook. They were informed and some showed. I believe we had close to 20 folks show and we had a large time.

Over the past year, we have gotten together 2 other times and I truly enjoy meeting up with these good friends. I’m confident that if I needed bail money, I have plenty of folks to contact. With that being said, I’m blogging from lock up in Woodstock, I went streaking down Main Street this morning and I need some one to pick me up and bring me a towel.

Hmm…that would be an interesting way to celebrate my 60th birthday.

Add.

To.

Bucket.

List!

The End – June 3, 1983

 

By the way I am dressed, there’s no wonder I was a walking wedgie!

I spent my last day of school mowing the yard and getting the car loaded for the evenings celebration. The graduation ceremony was held indoors because of the early Virginia summer, it was hot and humid. Having to wear a shirt and tie along with the ceremonial gown was making a brother sweat. As the time approached, we were lined up on both sides of the hallway, I glanced down to see all of my classmates have smiles on their faces and out of a doorway came a group in similar outfits but in black. It almost look like a covenant of witches walking down the hall. The first face I saw was Mr. Hodson our Principle.
My Cousin, feeling his oats addresses Mr. Hodson as “J.D.” and proceeded to call all the teachers by their first name but one…Coach Proctor. To this day I refer to him as Coach or Mr. Proctor.

 

We were in and out in about 2 hours. As we exited the gymnasium and I began to hear the sounds of girls sobbing. Little did I know one those sobbing just so happened to my Cousin. Tears flowed and hugs were everywhere. As we met up with our families, we handed them our diplomas caps & gowns. I went and changed cloths and was told that if I was going to consume to stay at the field. I informed them that I would see them at sun up.

Hours after the event, my classmates were still hugging and tears still flowed. A few made plans to visit Ocean City, Md. the following week. I was scheduled to work at 8:00 Monday morning, so I maintained my composure and partied the night away.

A few of my classmates were only going to relax and enjoy their new freedom for just a short period. Uncle Sam called their number and they were heading off to basic training. Those who went to college, we would run into each other in town on the weekends and we would gather some where to talk.

Over time, some got married, some moved away, some stayed close, and some never left. But it so funny how we can go months even years and not see each other yet we live only 5 to 10 miles from each other. So much for the small town mentality.

When it was time for our 5 year reunion, I knew our class lacked funds to pull off renting a venue. Somehow, we were able to scrap enough together to rent the VFW in Strasburg and get crazy just like we did back in the day. The most important thing was…we still were a tight knit group and I can only hope in 25 years we are still that close.