Bourbon & Cigars

Bourbon & Cigars
Smoke in this Life not the Next

Better to smoke in this life then the next

Can a bourbon and a cigar as the sun goes down and twilight descends be a part of a healthy lifestyle?

🌅 The Ritual: Bourbon, Cigar, and Twilight

Symbolically, this trio evokes:

  • Contemplation: Twilight invites reflection, a natural pause between day and night.
  • Sensory grounding: Bourbon’s warmth and a cigar’s complexity engage taste, smell, and touch.
  • Spiritual rhythm: Like the Liturgy of the Hours, it marks a transition—perhaps aligning with Vespers or Compline.

🧘‍♂️ Health Considerations

1. Bourbon (in moderation):

  • A small pour (1–2 oz) can be part of a mindful indulgence.
  • May aid digestion and relaxation.
  • Choose quality over quantity—savoring rather than consuming.

2. Cigar (occasionally):

  • While cigars do carry health risks, occasional use—especially outside of habitual smoking—can be part of a contemplative ritual.
  • The key is infrequency and intentionality, not routine dependence.

3. Twilight setting:

  • Natural light fading helps regulate circadian rhythms.
  • Stepping outside at dusk can reduce stress and enhance mood.

🕊️ Integrating with Virtue and Wellness

If your lifestyle includes:

  • Physical discipline (e.g., walking, meal planning)
  • Spiritual reflection (e.g., prayer cycles, scripture meditation)
  • Sensory awareness (e.g., pairing flavors with meaning)

…then this ritual becomes less about indulgence and more about integration—a moment where body, soul, and story meet.

🚬 One Cigar a Day: Health Perspective

Medically speaking, even one cigar a day carries risks:

  • Nicotine exposure: Even without inhaling, nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining.
  • Cancer risk: Oral, throat, and lung cancers are associated with regular cigar use.
  • Cardiovascular strain: Nicotine and smoke can affect blood pressure and heart health.

Unlike wine or bourbon, which in small amounts may have some protective effects, cigars don’t offer health benefits—so moderation is key.

🧘‍♂️ Lifestyle and Intentionality

But health isn’t just biology—it’s also ritual, meaning, and balance. If the cigar:

  • Marks a daily examen or spiritual reflection
  • Is paired with outdoor time, fresh air, and twilight
  • Is part of a disciplined lifestyle (nutrient-dense meals, regular walking, spiritual practice)

…then it may serve a purpose beyond the physical. The question becomes: Is it a tool for presence, or a habit of escape?

🕊️ A Catholic Lens: Virtue and Temperance

From a Catholic perspective:

  • Temperance is the virtue that governs moderation—not abstinence, but wise restraint.
  • If the cigar is enjoyed with gratitude, not compulsion, and doesn’t interfere with health, relationships, or vocation, it may be morally neutral or even enriching.

You might consider:

  • Sabbath-style pacing: One cigar on Sundays or feast days.
  • Liturgical alignment: Pairing cigars with saints known for contemplation or courage—like St. Joseph or St. Ignatius.

🌿 Alternatives for Daily Ritual

If you’re seeking a daily sensory anchor, here are some gentler options:

  • A pipe with herbal blends (non-tobacco)
  • A bourbon-scented candle or incense
  • A sunset walk with prayer beads
  • A small dram of whisky with a spiritual reading

Perfect, Richard. Here's a focused layout for the Autumn Ember Days—just the three liturgical touchpoints, each paired with bourbon, cigars, and reflection. It’s lean, intentional, and ready for contemplative hospitality:

🍂 Autumn Ember Days – September 2025

Date Liturgical Focus Hospitality Pairing Reflection Prompt
Wed, Sep 17 Ember Wednesday – Pruning Elijah Craig Small Batch + Oliva Serie G “What needs pruning in my life to bear fruit?”
Fri, Sep 19 Ember Friday – Sacrifice Water only + Silent smoke (no bourbon) “What am I offering back to God in gratitude?”
Sat, Sep 20 Ember Saturday – Vocation Wild Turkey 101 + My Father La Opulencia “Where is my vocation quietly unfolding?”

🕯️ Suggested Ritual Flow

  • Evening Light: Candle or hearth, Scripture open, silence before the pour
  • Smoke Time: 6:15 PM sunset ritual, journal nearby
  • Prayer Arc:
    • Wednesday: Psalm 1 – “Like a tree planted by streams of water…”
    • Friday: Isaiah 58 – “Is this not the fast I choose?”
    • Saturday: Luke 5 – “Leave everything and follow Him”

Would you like this woven into your September calendar or blog reflections? I can also help you build a printable Ember Days card with Scripture, oils, and vineyard notes for Domus Vinea Mariae.

🍂🥃 September Twilight Companion: Date-Ordered Ritual Guide

DateSaint / FeastVirtue FocusCigar ProfileBourbon PairingReflection Theme
Mon, Sep 1Labor Day (USA)Dignity of WorkRustic, earthy (Broadleaf)Knob Creek – robust, classic“Where do I find holiness in labor?”
Sun, Sep 7Sunday ReflectionSteadfastnessBalanced, medium-bodiedBuffalo Trace – smooth, reliable“What routines shape my soul?”
Thu, Sep 12Most Holy Name of MaryReverence & TrustMild, floral (Connecticut)Bulleit Bourbon – crisp, clean“What name do I call upon in fear?”
Sat, Sep 13Exaltation of the Holy CrossRedemption & StrengthBold, dark (Maduro)Stagg Jr. – intense, complex“Where do I carry the cross with love?”
Sun, Sep 14Sunday Reflection (Cross echo)Courage in SufferingBold, dark (Maduro)Stagg Jr.“How do I unite my wounds to Christ?”
Mon, Sep 15Our Lady of SorrowsCompassion & EnduranceSmooth, contemplative (Sumatra)Eagle Rare – elegant, deep“Whose sorrow do I carry with grace?”
Sun, Sep 21St. MatthewConversion & MissionRich, layered (aged blend)Maker’s Mark 46 – warm, spiced“Where is God calling me to follow?”
Tue, Sep 23St. Padre PioPrayer & SufferingDeep, mysterious (Oscuro)Old Ezra 7 Year – bold, smoky“What wounds do I offer in silence?”
Sun, Sep 28Sunday ReflectionGratitude & HarvestToasted, nutty (Cameroon)Basil Hayden Toast – gentle, warm“What fruits has this season borne?”
Mon, Sep 29Sts. Michael, Gabriel, RaphaelProtection & ClarityBright, spicy (Habano)1792 Small Batch – bold, structured“What battles are mine to fight?”
Tue, Sep 30St. JeromeTruth & StudyStrong, uncompromisingWild Turkey 101 – fiery, focused“Where do I seek truth with humility?”

🍁 Twilight Ritual Tips

  • Harvest Atmosphere: Let the changing light and cooler air deepen your sensory awareness.
  • Liturgical Echoes: Align with Vespers or Compline for spiritual resonance.
  • Journaling Prompt: After each ritual, jot down one insight or grace received.

Absolutely, Richard. November invites a deeper descent into mystery—where memory, mourning, and mercy converge. It’s the month of All Saints and All Souls, of Christ the King and twilight reckonings. Here's your 🍂🥃 November Twilight Companion, curated with liturgical reverence, cigar and bourbon pairings, and reflection themes that echo eternity.


Here’s your updated October 2025 Bourbon & Cigar Chart, Richard—with a second reflection added for October 31, deepening the vigil’s contemplative power. This version keeps the liturgical rhythm intact while offering layered prompts for prayer and hospitality:

🥃🔥 October 2025 – Bourbon & Cigar Pairings

Date Feast Day / Theme Theme Bourbon Cigar Reflection Prompt
Oct 1 (Tue) St. Thérèse of Lisieux Hidden fire, childlike trust Angel’s Envy – soft, elegant Fuente Chateau Fuente Natural “Where do I trust with simplicity and fire?”
Oct 4 (Sat) St. Francis of Assisi Poverty, creation, joy Woodford Reserve – earthy, balanced Nub Cameroon – short, rich, humble “Where am I called to joyful surrender?”
Oct 7 (Tue) Our Lady of the Rosary Marian contemplation Basil Hayden’s – light, floral La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor “Where does beauty lead me deeper into prayer?”
Oct 15 (Wed) St. Teresa of Ávila Interior castle, bold mysticism Booker’s – intense, complex Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro “Where is God building His dwelling within me?”
Oct 18 (Sat) St. Luke the Evangelist Healing, storytelling Maker’s Mark 46 – warm, spiced Oliva Serie V Melanio “Where do I speak mercy through story?”
Oct 22 (Wed) St. John Paul II Courage, witness, suffering Knob Creek – bold, enduring My Father Le Bijou 1922 “Where am I called to suffer with love?”
Oct 28 (Tue) Ss. Simon & Jude, Apostles Mission, mystery Wild Turkey Rare Breed – raw, potent Tatuaje Black Label “Where do I follow without full understanding?”
Oct 31 (Thu) Vigil of All Saints (Anti-Halloween) Mystery, communion, resistance Stagg Jr. – bold, unfiltered Padron 1926 Maduro “Where am I tempted by unhollow spectacle?”
“How do I keep vigil with the saints in silence and light?”


🍂🥃 November Twilight Companion: Date-Ordered Ritual Guide

Date Saint / Feast Virtue Focus Cigar Profile Bourbon Pairing Reflection Theme
Sat, Nov 1 All Saints Day Communion & Witness Bright, celebratory (Candela) Angel’s Envy – elegant, lifted “Whose holiness shapes my path?”
Sun, Nov 2 All Souls Day Mercy & Memory Deep, contemplative (Oscuro) Elijah Craig Barrel Proof – rich, solemn “Who do I carry in prayer and remembrance?”
Sun, Nov 3 Sunday Reflection Hope in Mourning Smooth, earthy (Sumatra) Four Roses Small Batch – gentle, layered “Where does grief become grace?”
Mon, Nov 4 St. Charles Borromeo Reform & Integrity Structured, spicy (Habano) Old Forester 1920 – bold, historic “Where am I called to rebuild?”
Sun, Nov 10 Sunday Reflection Gratitude & Vigilance Toasted, warm (Cameroon) Woodford Reserve – balanced, classic “What blessings have I overlooked?”
Mon, Nov 11 St. Martin of Tours / Veterans Day Charity & Sacrifice Mild, noble (Connecticut) Redemption Bourbon – clean, reverent “How do I honor those who gave?”
Thu, Nov 14 St. Lawrence O'Toole Peace & Perseverance Gentle, steady (Natural) Weller Special Reserve – soft, enduring “Where do I seek peace in the storm?”
Sun, Nov 17 Sunday Reflection Endurance & Light Balanced, resilient (Corojo) Russell’s Reserve – warm, tenacious “What light do I carry into the dark?”
Sun, Nov 24 Christ the King Sovereignty & Surrender Regal, bold (Maduro) Blanton’s – refined, majestic “Who reigns in my heart and habits?”
Thu, Nov 28 Thanksgiving (USA) Gratitude & Communion Nutty, festive (Cameroon) Bardstown Fusion – rich, communal “What feast do I offer in thanks?”
Sat, Nov 30 St. Andrew Calling & Preparation Clean, purposeful (Connecticut) Peerless Small Batch – crisp, focused “How do I prepare for the coming King?”

🍁 Twilight Ritual Tips

  • Liturgical Echoes: Align with Compline or the Office of the Dead for deeper resonance.
  • Atmosphere: Let candlelight, fading leaves, and quiet music shape the mood.
  • Journaling Prompt: After each ritual, write one name you’re praying for and one grace you’ve received.

August Twilight Companion in chronological order, with all Sundays and major feast days, each paired with a saint, virtue, cigar, bourbon, and reflection theme. This layout makes it easy to follow day by day.

📅🥃 August Twilight Companion: Date-Ordered Ritual Guide

Date Saint / Feast Virtue Focus Cigar Profile Bourbon Pairing Reflection Theme
Sun, Aug 3 St. Ignatius of Loyola (Jul 31) Discernment & Courage Bold, earthy (Nicaraguan) Booker’s – high proof, intense “What am I truly afraid of? What is God asking of me?”
Wed, Aug 6 Feast of the Transfiguration Awe & Transformation Light, aromatic (Connecticut) Angel’s Envy – port-finished “What light do I carry into the world?”
Sun, Aug 10 St. Lawrence Joy in Suffering Spicy (Cuban-seed blend) Four Roses Single Barrel – spicy, floral “What am I willing to offer joyfully?”
Thu, Aug 14 St. Maximilian Kolbe Sacrifice & Courage Deep, contemplative (Maduro) Elijah Craig Barrel Proof – bold, smoky “Whom do I protect with my choices?”
Fri, Aug 15 Assumption of Mary Hope & Elevation Elegant, floral (Dominican) Blanton’s – refined, honeyed “What weighs me down? What lifts me toward heaven?”
Sun, Aug 17 Sunday Reflection (Kolbe echo) Heroic Love Deep, contemplative (Maduro) Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “How do I live sacrificial love daily?”
Mon, Aug 19 St. John Eudes Formation & Devotion Smooth, balanced (Habano) Woodford Reserve – rounded, nutty “How do I shape hearts—mine and others?”
Wed, Aug 21 Pope St. Pius X Simplicity & Strength Mild, classic (Connecticut) Old Forester 100 – straightforward, bold “Where does strength lie in simplicity?”
Sun, Aug 24 St. Bartholomew Hidden Strength Subtle complexity (Cameroon) Weller Special Reserve – soft wheat “Where am I called to serve quietly?”
Wed, Aug 27 St. Monica Perseverance & Prayer Smooth, persistent (Sumatra) Basil Hayden’s – gentle, peppery “What do I pray for without ceasing?”
Thu, Aug 28 St. Augustine Conversion & Passion Rich, layered (aged blend) Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – oak, vanilla “What longings shape my prayers?”
Sun, Aug 31 Twilight of the Month Gratitude & Closure Your favorite blend Your favorite bourbon “What graces have I received this month?”

🌌 Tips for Using This Guide

  • Twilight Ritual: Begin at sunset. Let the fading light guide your pace.
  • Sensory Meditation: Engage cigar and bourbon slowly, pairing each with a virtue and reflection.
  • Spiritual Integration: Use the saint’s life as a lens for your own journey. Consider journaling or praying Compline afterward.

September—where twilight deepens, harvest themes emerge, and the liturgical calendar offers saints of wisdom, labor, and spiritual fire. This month’s Twilight Companion will include:

  • All Sundays
  • Major feast days
  • Saints of contemplation or courage
  • Cigar and bourbon pairings
  • Reflection themes



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