You know, there are some moments in life that just call for a pause. Not a frantic scroll through your phone, not another email, but a genuine, honest-to-God halt. For me, that happens often because I just prefer life that way. But the times I enjoy things most are days like this day. My wife and I had friends over and with our family in the background, kids playing games, music, and a lot of laughter. It’s in those rich, easy lulls that one may start thinking about a good smoke.

I have a deep appreciation for anything well-crafted, from a meticulously curated art collection to a carefully crafted oatmeal stout. A cigar, when executed flawlessly, belongs in that same esteemed category. While some cigars might be seen as merely functional or utilitarian, they can also truly surprise you, offering a fascinating experience when paired thoughtfully. Sunday was precisely one of those days for me.

I landed on this specific cigar, a Camacho Connecticut, after some thought about what would best complement to my drink of the day: a “Perfectly Crafted Christmas Tree.” I still can’t quite explain it, but if this drink had a flavor, it would taste exactly like what the ideal Christmas Candle would smell like. I know, not what you expected me to say rolling into June in Texas, but that’s what my buddy brought over and it was magical like Old St. Nick himself.

We’ll dive deeper into that pairing soon, but first, back to the cigar. This particular stick, hailing from Honduras, is enveloped in a sturdy-looking Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf that promised a substantial smoke. Beneath that wrapper, a Corojo binder holds together a Dominican and Honduran filler blend, hinting at a balanced, medium-strength experience.

Lighting it up, the first draw was pure buttery goodness. There was a subtle sweetness, like dried fruit, but it was quickly overtaken by something woodsy – cedar, maybe a hint of oak. As I settled into the first third, a distinct creaminess emerged, smooth and mellow, followed by a surprising little kick of pepper. Now, I’ll admit, that pepper might have been influenced by my drink but it was there, nonetheless, adding a welcome layer to the initial profile. It wasn’t aggressive, mind you, but it had a presence. Moving into the second third, that creaminess really took center stage, becoming even more pronounced. By the final third, the cigar had truly opened up. It was as if all those flavors – the creamy notes, the wood, the earth, and that subtle pepper – intensified, coming together in a more robust and satisfying crescendo. It held its character right down to the nub, a testament to its good composition.

It paired well with the quiet (sometimes not so quiet) hum of the tree frogs. And speaking of pairing, this Camacho Connecticut was a great choice to go along with my drink: a concoction of 1.5 ounces of Cinnamon Whiskey by Tennessee Legend Distillery, a full can of Barq’s Root Beer, and 1.5 ounces of Jim Beam White Label. That blend, with its sweet spice and a solid bourbon backbone, mellowed with the creamy notes of the cigar just right, and likely amplified that initial peppery kick in the first third. It was a combination that just made sense, a natural fit for an outdoor evening.

This isn’t a cigar for fancy occasions or for impressing anyone. This is a cigar for reflection, for winding down, for appreciating the simple fact that you’re alive and breathing and the world is still turning. It’s a cigar for when you’ve earned a moment of family time and relaxation or around a campfire stargazing. At around $10 a stick, it’s a fair trade for that kind of quiet contemplation.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, and you happen to have a Camacho Connecticut handy, I’d say give it a light. You might just find it tastes exactly like what you needed.