Grumpy’s Bar

06/05/2026

They named it Unapologetic and then dared you to disagree.

Quick backstory for anyone new here. Notorious launched in early 2025 with their original Toro, built down in the Dominican with Chris Frias of MJ Frias. Now they’ve expanded, and the Unapologetic is one of two brand new sticks in the 2026 lineup that literally just hit the shelves. Crème de la Crème is the other, and that one’s coming up next on the channel.

So how does the new one smoke? It doesn’t ask permission. Rich, leathery, a little swagger to it, the kind of smoke that fills the room before you’ve said a word. I paired it with Silver Springs Sweet Rye at 119 proof. Real talk, the rye flexed a little harder than the cigar at first ,that proof does not play quiet, but they shook hands on the back end where the sweet rye spice met the leather notes. If you like your evenings with a little attitude, this is the one.

Keep it Smokey!

**rs

06/02/2026

Some ci**rs you save for a moment. This one makes its own moment.

The Bariay 1492 Red Toro is an anywhere, anytime smoke. Honey and vanilla up front, a little gentle spice riding underneath, and smoke output for days, you can see it in these shots. Draw started a little tight and the. it opened right up, burn stayed honest the whole way.

Paired it with Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and the caramel and vanilla in the pour locked right in with the cigar.

If you like an Undercrown Shade Connecticut, an Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut, or an Oliva Connecticut Reserve, this lands in that same easy-going lane.

Real talk, this one earns a spot in the regular rotation.

Keep it Smokey!

**rs

05/31/2026

Chattanooga Whiskey Founders Series meets La Aurora 107 Diamond. Local TN craft and a refined Dominican classic, both bringing their A game.

The Founders Series pours rich, with caramel, baking spice, and a touch of cherry oak that opens up beautifully as it sits. The 107 Diamond is balanced and smooth, leaning into cedar, sweet cream, and a hint of nuttiness as it builds.

Together they meet right in the middle. The whiskey’s sweet warmth lifts the cigar’s nutty richness, and the cigar’s smooth finish carries the bourbon’s spice notes longer than expected.

Keep it Smokey!

**rsAndBourbon **rs

05/26/2026

Monday wind down, done right. Liga Privada No. 9 and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength.

The 9 brings all the good stuff, espresso, dark cocoa, and that black pepper kick. Maker’s being wheated means there is no rye spice piling onto that pepper. Just soft caramel and vanilla rolling in to round the whole thing off.

Just a solid smoke and a good pour after a long weekend at the lake.

**rsandbourbon

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

Weekend at the lake hits different. Started easy with the Undercrown Shade, smooth and creamy while the sun was still high, then worked up to the Oliva Serie V when it was time to add some backbone. Got the Habano Speed Sport in the mix too.

Pours have been all over the map so far, a little rye, a little bourbon, and yeah, a Coors Banquet and a Busch Light Apple when the cooler called.

No rules out here. Just smoke on the water and good company.

Cheers!

05/18/2026

Look what showed up at Grumpy’s this week.

Big thanks to David Power and the team at Notorious Ci**rs for sending over the full lineup. Crème de la Crème, the Notorious 1st Edition, and Unapologetic.

Three ci**rs, three different profiles, all from a brand making serious moves that started last year and carries into PCA 2026.

If you caught last night’s post, you already saw the 1st Edition paired with Barrell Cigar Blend. Rated #1 New Release of 2025 by The Enthusiast Report and it lived up to it. The other two are on deck this week.

Stay tuned. The lineup is going to get worked.

Keep it Smokey!

05/16/2026

The No. 1 New Release cigar of 2025 meets the bourbon literally engineered for ci**rs.

Notorious 1st Edition paired with Barrell Cigar Blend at Grumpy’s tonight.

The 1st Edition is the cigar that put Notorious on the map. Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Oscuro over a San Andrés binder. White pepper and cedar on the front, espresso and dark chocolate through the middle, dried fruit on the finish. Medium body that builds without ever running you over.

Barrell Cigar Blend was finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak. 111.2 proof. Cask strength bourbon dialed in specifically for to***co. Stewed red fruits, rye spice, cinnamon, and a finish of cigar box and dried oak.

Two craft products built with the same intent, meeting in the middle. The cigar box notes on the bourbon mirror the dried fruit and espresso on the cigar. Everything lines up.

If you’re going to chase the No. 1 New Release cigar of 2025, this is the pour that earns it.

Grumpy’s Bar is where craft ci**rs meet craft bourbon. If you’re making something worth pairing, we’re paying attention.

Keep it Smokey!
**rs

05/16/2026

Friday round two at Grumpy’s. My Father La Lealtad Toro paired with Wild Turkey Rare Breed.

La Lealtad, Spanish for loyalty, is their first major release from My Father’s new Honduran factory, unveiled at PCA 2026. Warm reddish Ecuador wrapper, medium-full, built with the discipline and balance that put the Garcia name on every shortlist worth reading.

Rare Breed Barrel Proof meets it head-on. Oak and baking spice with that rye-forward Wild Turkey backbone, no water needed. The bourbon’s spice locks into the cigar’s depth, and the oak rides alongside the warmth of the Ecuador wrapper without ever stepping on it.

Round one was the reset. Round two is the reward.

**rs

05/15/2026

Friday reset at Grumpy’s. Back from the road and easing in with the Crowned Heads Thunderkiss paired with Old Forester 1920.

Thunderkiss runs medium-full to full. It’s Ecuadorian Habano over Nicaraguan binder and filler, with earth, cocoa, and baking spice that keeps pulling you back to the next draw. Don’t let the price fool you. This stick punches.

One of my favs in 1920 brings the toasted oak and dark caramel at 115 proof. More than enough backbone to meet the cigar head-on without overpowering the spice.

CrownedHeads **rs