Community Updates

Buckle up, friends. This is a big one. THE big one, in fact. If you have been following along, you know that I have hinted at major changes for months now…

As I am typing this, it is my first day of self employment!! Well, *attempted* self employment. I want to be very transparent throughout this whole process, so let me start by saying NO, I am not making a comfortable salary at the moment. That said, I think I have a pretty good plan to get there, and I want to take you all on that journey with me. For that reason, I am planning to post weekly vlog updates to the Patreon page! Speaking of the Patreon…

Patreon OVERHAUL

Oh yeah, HUGE changes are coming to the Patreon. Barrel picks, way more content, monthly virtual meetups, and even yearly IN PERSON meetups! Let’s dive in:

New Tiers: I’ve decided to add two more tiers for those who are really dedicated and/or just want the cool stuff that I’m offering! These tiers will be offered at $50 and $100, but have no fear, the $5-$20 tiers are getting new benefits too!

Giveaways: 

By popular demand, we’ll be keeping the giveaways. If you are keeping score, though, you are probably a bit concerned about the fact that the new tiers will get an absurd number of entries, making it hard to win from a lower tier - don’t worry, I thought of that! From now on, I will be giving away TWO bottles every month - the same giveaway we have always done for the first three tiers, and an added “top tier” giveaway for the new tiers! This way, those in the first three tiers get the same odds they’ve always had, and those in the higher tiers can enjoy the improved odds that they’d expect from paying more!

Barrel Picks: I am finally getting back to picking some barrels, and I want to get the community involved in them as much as possible. Not only will the Patrons get first dibs on bottles and help decide which brands I pick barrels from, but some will even get to join me in picking! The highest tiers will even be getting a FREE barrel pick bottle as a thank you!

Bonus Podcasts: 

That’s right, I will be producing an extra monthly episode that some tiers will have access to!

Weekly Vlogs: In order to have as much transparency as possible throughout this process, I am planning to make weekly vlogs updating the patrons on business progress, challenges, and general life updates!

Meetups: Some tiers will get access to virtual meetups, and I’d really like to get enough folks for a YEARLY meetup in person! This will come down to what the community decides, of course.

Probably even more… but let’s start with all of that :)

If you like what you’re hearing, please consider checking it out by clicking the button below!

Cigar Review: Cusano 18yr Double Connecticut

You thought I’d forget this month’s cigar review?! Not a chance! Let’s talk about the Cusano 18yr Double Connecticut.

Maybe it was the light wrapper, maybe it was something else, but I didn’t expect to like this cigar as much as I did. As a double Connecticut (meaning it is made with TWO connecticut shade leaves, rather than one), I expected it to be overly mellow and sweet, but that isn’t the case…

The cigar does bring a few of those classic lighter notes, with some creamy sweetness (especially at first), but it backs them up with a surprising amount of body and spice. After the initial hit of sweetness, I got some baking spice and even a little black pepper, which for me, made the smoke a lot more enticing. Even better, this added body helped the cigar stand up to a high-octane pairing! Add a strong, spicy bourbon into the mix (I went with Copper and Cask Wheated Bourbon, which is spicier than it sounds), and the cigar gets sweeter like granola while bringing a marshmellow-y flavor to the bourbon.

I’m not putting this cigar in my top 10, but if I saw it at a lounge, I wouldn’t have any problem grabbing it for a smoke. Especially if there is bourbon around ;)

Didn’t get to try this cigar this month? Click the button below to get a new cigar for every week of the year!