Bourbon & Ashes

28/07/2024

It's that time again.....My Sunday smoke this week is an Olivia series O, this acclaimed, 94 rated stick helped to put Oliva on the map! Paired with some Old Grandad 114, My idea of perfection!!

27/07/2024

Stopped into Warehouse Distillery for the first time in nearly six years, and what a difference a few years can make! We couldn't be more happy that this small business not only made it through the struggle of the pandemic (switching their operation over to much needed hand sanitizer) but has flourished into a mature distillery with a beautiful tasting room/cocktail lounge and a bright future. Thank you to Bailey for hosting us, we can't wait to visit again!

26/07/2024

Enjoying a premium hand-rolled cigar starts with a proper cut; cutting a cigar properly is essential for ensuring a good draw and an enjoyable smoking experience. Here's how to do it:
Select the Right Tool: There are various tools you can use to cut a cigar, including a guillotine cutter, punch cutter, or cigar scissors; we will explore these more in the future. For now, the key is choosing the tool you feel most comfortable using, as your comfort is paramount in this process.
Inspect the Cap: Examine the cigar cap, which is the rounded end you'll be cutting. Look for where the cap begins; this is where you'll want to make your cut.
Choose Your Cut: Remember, there's no right or wrong here. Decide how much of the cap you want to remove. A shallow cut will result in a tighter draw, while a deeper cut will provide a more open draw. If unsure, start with a shallow cut and adjust as you go. Never cut too much, as this can cause the cigar to unravel. But don't worry, you can always cut more if your first cut is not to your liking.
Make the Cut: Hold the cigar firmly in one hand and the cutter in the other. Position the cutter just above the cap, making sure it's aligned properly. Cut swiftly and decisively in one motion to avoid tearing the wrapper.
Test the Draw: After cutting the cigar, test the draw by placing it in your mouth and drawing air through it. The draw should offer some resistance but still allow air to pass freely. If it is too tight, you may need to cut a little more off the cap.
Once you're satisfied with the cut, light the cigar and enjoy your smoke!
Remember, cutting ci**rs is a skill that improves with practice. So, don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. With each attempt, you're approaching the perfect cut for your preferences. Keep at it, and you'll soon master the art of cutting ci**rs.
Until next time, Stay Smokey!

22/07/2024

Our last night in Williamsport PA, we decided to try the Billtown Cigar Club . Our bartender was very discerning about their large selection of bourbon and knocked our socks off with the delicious charcuterie board she created ( sorry we didn't get a picture, we just got down to business 😁). The ambiance and conversation was just what we needed before the long trip home. Can't wait to stop in next time we are in PA!
Check out their podcast on YouTube 👍 https://youtube.com/?si=r_ob5iISB1PRvYJh

19/07/2024

"A cigar has a fire at one end and a fool at the other." -Horace Greely

Name them if you know them!

12/07/2024

Under Crown 10 & Woodford Double Oaked a match made in heaven....
"If heaven has no ci**rs, I shall not go there" — Mark Twain

05/07/2024

Do you have plans for some summer sipping this season? Whether sitting poolside or enjoying a few bourbon tastings, remember that the higher the ABV, the more dehydrating it will be. Be sure to pack a few water bottles in the cooler and stay thirsty, my friends!!

28/06/2024

Does smoking a cigar really help repel insects? The short answer is YES! Due to the high ni****ne content, gardeners have used homemade mixtures of to***co and water as pesticides to kill insect pests for centuries. As far as cigar smoke goes, any smoke is a deterrent for bugs.
So this summer, when you are enjoying a long sit by the campfire, light up a stogie, pour yourself a bourbon, and be ready to share this information with everyone who complains about the smoke :)

21/06/2024

Let's start the weekend off with a game of name that movie! Leave your answers in the comment section :)

20/06/2024

Anticipating the weekend by enjoying a Oliva series V Milano, paired with Whistle Pig 6 year. Stay thirsty my friends 😉

15/06/2024

First couple puffs of a Deadwood (Drew Estate) Fat Bottom Betty, impressions TBD. Happy Saturday!

24/05/2024

Today, we delve into the Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary cigar, an exclusive special edition release that marks a decade of unparalleled excellence in cigar craftsmanship. Crafted by the esteemed Perdomo family, these ci**rs are revered for their smoothness, complexity, and elegant flavor profile, offering a unique smoking experience that is truly one of a kind.
The Perdomo Champagne line is known for its Connecticut Shade wrapper, which imparts a creamy and slightly sweet taste. It is complemented by Nicaraguan binder and filler to***cos, adding depth and richness to the blend. This combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors, making it a favorite among cigar enthusiasts seeking a mellow yet flavorful smoke. With its luxurious aroma, impeccable construction, and refined taste, the Perdomo Champagne cigar truly lives up to its name, providing aficionados with a delightful smoking experience that's worthy of celebration.
With its Connecticut Shade wrapper, the Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary cigar offers a creamy texture and mild to medium strength. This accessibility makes it a perfect choice for a wide range of smokers, from novices to seasoned aficionados, ensuring that everyone can partake in the celebration of this special edition release.
This celebrated cigar's wrapper contributes a subtle sweetness to the flavor profile, with hints of caramel, honey, and cream. As you progress through the cigar, this sweetness is balanced by notes of cedar and nuts, adding complexity and depth to the overall taste and smoking experience. The blend of Nicaraguan binder and filler to***co complements the Connecticut wrapper perfectly, resulting in a well-balanced smoke with a consistent flavor profile from start to finish.
The aroma of the Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary cigar is a captivating blend of elegance and refinement, with subtle floral notes and a hint of spice that lingers in the air, inviting you to indulge in its delightful scent. Whether you're enjoying it in the morning with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat, its consistent construction and smooth draw make it a pleasure to smoke on any occasion.
Overall, the Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary cigar offers a sophisticated smoking experience characterized by its creamy texture, mild strength, subtle sweetness, and well-balanced flavor profile. This cigar is sure to impress with its quality craftsmanship and delightful taste.
Stay Smokey!

19/05/2024

Todays Sunday smoke is a "Filthy Hooligan" by Alec Bradley. Have a great week folks and stay smokie!

17/05/2024

Hey, Bourbon and Ashes friends and followers, in this session, we will explore the vast and varied world of glassware. While there are MANY types of vessels to present and consume your favorite brown spirit, here are a few of our favorites!
Your choice of glassware for drinking bourbon can significantly impact your drinking experience, influencing factors such as aroma concentration, temperature maintenance, and overall enjoyment. Here are some of our favorites that are also popular glass options favored by bourbon enthusiasts:
Glencairn Glass: Widely regarded as the quintessential glass for whiskey tasting, the Glencairn glass features a tulip-shaped design that concentrates the aromas of the bourbon, allowing you to appreciate its nuances fully. The narrow opening directs the aromas toward your nose, while the wide bowl provides ample space for swirling and aerating the whiskey. Do you aerate your bourbon? If you don't, you should try…………neat, of course.
Copita Glass: Similar to a Glencairn glass but with a narrower bowl and a longer stem, the copita glass is traditionally used for tasting sherry but has gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts. The elongated shape helps concentrate the aromas, while the stem prevents the heat from your hand from affecting the whiskey's temperature.
Lowball or Old-Fashioned Glass (Rocks Glass): Also known as a rocks glass, a Lowball glass is a short tumbler with a wide rim and a sturdy base. This glass is ideal for enjoying bourbon on the rocks or with a splash of water, providing plenty of room for ice cubes and allowing you to savor the whiskey flavors without distractions. For you Yellowstone fans out there, Lowball glasses are prominently featured in many episodes; we here at Bourbon and Ashes usually fancy the Lowball glasses and even have the same ones used by John and the Dunton clan. Fancy that!
Tumbler or Highball Glass: Tumblers and highball glasses are versatile options for enjoying bourbon-based cocktails such as the whiskey sour or the bourbon highball. These glasses typically have a wide rim and a tall, narrow body, making them suitable for neat pours and mixed drinks.
Snifter Glass: Often associated with brandy or cognac, the snifter glass features a wide bowl and a short stem, allowing you to cup the glass to warm the bourbon slightly and release its aromas. While rare for bourbon tasting, some drinkers appreciate the unique characteristics that the snifter glass can bring out in the whiskey.
Ultimately, the best glass for drinking bourbon is one that suits your personal preferences and enhances your enjoyment of the spirit. Whether you prefer the concentrated aromas of a Glencairn glass, the simplicity of a Lowball glass, or the versatility of a tumbler, the key is to choose a glass that fully allows you to appreciate the flavors and aromas of the bourbon.
Until next time, keep drinking that water of life and stay smokey!

12/05/2024

To all of the Moms out there, we celebrate you! Cheers to a beautiful day of relaxation and don't forget to stay smokie 💖

10/05/2024

Today, we review the My Father No. 1 cigar, Robusto (because last night, we smoked it)! The No. 1 is the original from master blender Jose "Pepin" Garcia; construction as follows:
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Rosado
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

The My Father No. 1 presents itself with a rich, oily Nicaraguan Habano Rosado wrapper boasting a reddish-brown hue. Its construction appears flawless, with a smooth and seamless roll. The pre-light aroma is inviting, offering hints of cedar, leather, and a touch of spice. The cold draw reveals a perfect resistance, with earth, cocoa, and subtle pepper notes.
Upon lighting, the cigar bursts with flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, and a distinct cedar wood undertone. The initial draws are bold yet smooth, accompanied by a zesty pepper spice that tantalizes the palate without overwhelming it. The first third is tasty and consistent.
As I smoke the cigar, progressing into the second third, the flavors deepen and evolve. Rich notes of leather, roasted nuts, and caramel emerge, adding complexity to the profile. The pepper remains present but mellows slightly, allowing other flavors to shine through. The cigar remains consistent in flavor with an impeccable burn.
In the final third, the My Father No. 1 continues to impress. The strength builds gradually, reaching a medium- to full-bodied intensity. The flavors remain consistent, with subtle nuances such as sweet cream and toasted oak added. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of spice and dark chocolate on the palate.
Overall, The My Father No. 1 is a masterpiece of Nicaraguan craftsmanship, offering a harmonious blend of rich flavors and impeccable construction. It is a cigar that demands attention, delivering a truly memorable smoking experience from start to finish. Whether enjoyed as a special occasion smoke or a daily indulgence, the My Father No. 1 is sure to satisfy even the most discerning cigar enthusiasts.
Stay Smokey!

07/05/2024

BOURBON, our beloved form of whiskey here at Bourbon and Ashes, is often hailed as "America's native spirit," it is a whiskey with a rich history and a unique flavor profile. Whether you enjoy it neat or on the rocks, bourbon offers a complex and satisfying drinking experience that appeals to aficionados and casual drinkers alike.
Let us know in the comments, what brand of bourbon is your everyday sipper??

03/05/2024

Ending the week with a Weller CYPB The Original Wheated Bourbon. Thanks to Andy for the great service!

02/05/2024

Stopped in to City Walk Brewing to check out "No Entry" speakeasy in Hickory NC. a few weekends ago.
A single door on the side wall with a sign next to it that reads "No Entry", leads you into a low lit well decorated speak easy. It was an "Engine No. 3 for me and a "Figgy Pop" for the birthday girl. The service was pleasant and the cocktails were delicious!

27/04/2024

First pour of the Stapleton/Buffalo Trace Distillery collaboration, Traveler! I'll let y'all know how it is.

26/04/2024

When you are in Tampa, check this place out, and stay smokie!

The new lounge replaces what used to be a Davidoff of Geneva location. | Cigar Aficionado

30/03/2024

Quick stop at Carolina Cigar Company. Picked up two smokes, can't wait to smoke and post a review!

29/03/2024

Woodford double oaked......double, and Olivia series V.....with my partner in crime! LIG

17/03/2024

Sunday smoke, my favorite Liga Privada #9 paired with a smoked old fashioned. What does your Sunday smoke look like? Stay smokey my friends 😉

15/03/2024

How much do you love the skull aesthetic?
https://amzn.to/4a940q1

15/03/2024

So, you’re a cigar enthusiast? Did you know many famous and historically relevant individuals share our passion? Throughout history, many have been known for their affinity for ci**rs. Here are a few notable cigar smokers:
Winston Churchill: Perhaps one of the most famous cigar smokers, Churchill was the British Prime Minister during World War II and was often seen with a cigar in hand.
Fidel Castro: The Cuban revolutionary leader was rarely seen without a cigar, and his image of smoking a cigar became iconic.
Mark Twain: The American author and humorist was a known cigar aficionado, often photographed with a cigar in hand.
Sigmund Freud: The father of psychoanalysis was known to enjoy ci**rs, and smoking was a standard part of his consultations with patients.
Groucho Marx: The comedian and actor was frequently seen with a cigar, which became a signature part of his persona.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: The actor and former Governor of California is known to enjoy ci**rs, often seen smoking them in public.
Al Capone: The infamous American gangster was often seen with a cigar, adding to his tough-guy image.
George Burns: The comedian and actor was famous for his love of ci**rs, often incorporating them into his performances.
These are just a few examples, but many other notable individuals throughout history have enjoyed ci**rs. Of the shortlist we made, perhaps George Burns could be referenced as a "favorite." George was known to smoke 15 – 20 ci**rs A DAY and legend has it also enjoyed an adult beverage now and then!
Stay Smokey…. you’re in good company!

13/03/2024

ATTENTION ATTENTION, as promised here is a little bit on the topic of ICE for all of you who like your bourbon chilled and "opened up," as they say…….
Choosing the best ice for bourbon drinking can be subjective and depends on personal preference. However, there are a few types of ice that are commonly favored for serving bourbon on the rocks:
Large Ice Cubes: Large ice cubes, or "blocks" as we call them, are typically around 2 inches in size and are famous for bourbon because they melt more slowly than smaller ice cubes, minimizing dilution while keeping the drink cold. They also have less surface area, which means they will melt slowly and dilute the bourbon gradually.
Ice Spheres: Ice spheres are another option for bourbon drinkers who want to chill without excessive dilution. Like large ice cubes, ice spheres have less surface area and melt slowly, providing a longer-lasting chill.
Ice Cubes from, preferably from Filtered Water: The quality of the water used to make the ice can affect the taste of the bourbon. Using ice cubes made from filtered water ensures that impurities and off-flavors are minimized, allowing the authentic flavors of the bourbon to shine through.
Clear Ice: Clear ice is made by slowly freezing distilled or filtered water, resulting in ice free from impurities and air bubbles. Clear ice looks more visually appealing in the glass and melts more gradually, providing a longer-lasting chill with minimal dilution.
The large "blocks," as those of us a Bourbon and Ashes refer to them, are our personal favorite for when we drink "on the rocks." Ultimately, the best ice for bourbon drinking suits your preference and enhances your enjoyment of the spirit. Whether you prefer large ice cubes, ice spheres, or clear ice, the key is to use ice that chills the bourbon without diluting it too quickly, allowing you to savor the flavors of the whiskey as it slowly evolves in the glass.
Until next time, keep drinking that water of life and stay smokey!