By Timothy Long

Why didn’t I think of this before? It’s so obvious. These end of year lists are everywhere. They pop up on social media. They come in emails. They glare at us from magazine stands. It’s like being hit on the head with a mallet. I guess the most obvious things are often the hardest to see.

The idea dawned on me while I was reading the most recent edition of Whiskey Advocate. I subscribe to both Whiskey Advocate and Cigar Afficionado. And I’m like a kid in a candy store when either magazine arrives. This year’s Whiskey Advocate winner was the Elijah Craig 12 Year 3-Month-Old Barrel Proof Rye. Heaven Hill does a great job with the Elijah Craig series, and I was happy to read that one of their newer brands had been named Whiskey of the Year.

It’s the first rye whiskey ever to win the award. The writers claimed it earned the award for its complex and balanced profile, which includes notes of baking spices, stewed fruits, and a generous rye spice finish. Reviewers from Whisky Advocate specifically praised its maturity, depth, and surprising approachability. At 108 Proof and $75, I am definitely adding it to my wish list.

So, while I’m reading about this wonderful whiskey, an idea popped into my head. Why don’t I do my year end favorites? If the writers of Whiskey Advocate and Cigar Afficionado can do it, so can I! It’s all about passion. And I have a passion for good beer, good whiskey, and good cigars. My passion also includes other things as well, like golf, family, etc. But one must have one’s priorities.

My list works a little differently than most. Each category will have a winner and a runner up. It’s just like a beauty pageant. And every one of the runners up and the winners are beautiful. (Dad joke alert!) The idea is that once you’ve drunk or smoked the winner, you can move on to the runner up. It’s an easy assignment that you have an entire year to complete. Enjoy.

2025 Craft Beers

2025 Winner: Bear Chase Brewing’s Kodiak Kolsch

I knew before I started reviewing my craft beer recommendations that this beer would win. On first taste, when I wrote that I had to look around to see if I was in Germany, I wasn’t kidding. This beer hits every note. It pours a light golden color with a clean white head, exactly as a Kolsch should. You’ll get soft bready malt, a touch of honey, and a light herbal note that keeps things balanced. The finish is clean, dry, and refreshing. One drink and it becomes obvious why this beer won the GABF Gold Medal in 2023.

2025 Runner Up: Maine Lunch IPA from Maione Brewing Company

I’ve had a long-time love affair with this beer. When I spotted it on tap on a trip to Easton, MD, I had to write about it. It’s getting more and more common to find it on draft beer lists. It’s quite citrusy on the nose, think orange and grapefruit. This beer walks a fine line between hop-forward and totally drinkable. The bright citrus notes are paired with just enough piney hop bitterness to keep it interesting. This brews malty sweetness is subtle and keeps everything balanced. It’s a perfect IPA.

2025 Whiskeys

Winner: Blue Run Reflection II Bourbon

I recommended this as a springtime bourbon, but it can be enjoyed any time of year. My brother-in-law, Colby, introduced me to this bourbon during a visit to Lexington. KY. I will be forever grateful. You’ll get a warm mix of spices and cocoa on your nose. The first sip brings out bright notes of orange peel and honey, which is very unexpected in a bourbon. That classic toasted oak backbone is present, but it leans lighter and a bit more floral compared to the typical caramel and vanilla flavors that most bourbons have. This bourbon is a unique beauty that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Runner Up: Baby Jane Bourbon

That’s right, our runner up is a New York Bourbon and another one of Heaven Hill’s brands. This bourbon is much more traditional than our winner. On the nose, it opens with sweet corn, vanilla, and a touch of caramel, nothing too heavy or aggressive. The first sip is smooth and approachable, bringing more vanilla and honey up front, followed by light oak and a hint of baking spice. The finish is clean and mildly sweet, with just enough warmth to remind you that it’s a bourbon. This is a solid everyday drinking bourbon.

2025 Cigars

Winner: Rocky Patel Emerald Toro

Same as the craft beer winner, I knew this was the winner before I even started researching. This cigar blew my socks off. From the first light, you get a smooth, easygoing cigar that’s perfect when you want to relax without overthinking every puff. Expect mellow flavors of cream, toasted bread, and a touch of cedar, with a light nuttiness hanging in the background. You’ll get hints of coffee and a touch of sweetness at the end. This, my friends, is a golfer’s dream cigar.

Runner Up: CAO Flathead 660

To say that this cigar is delightful would be an understatement. CAO does a great job with the Flathead series. There are rich notes of cocoa, espresso, and a heavy dose of black pepper. As it opens up, the pepper tapers off and lets some earthy sweetness and dark roasted flavors appear, charred oak, leather, and a touch of molasses. It’s full-bodied without being harsh, and the smoke is thick and chewy the whole way through. This cigar pairs perfectly with any bold bourbon or a dark beer, and it’s ideal for a long, relaxed evening of smoking.

So that’s the list. I hope you enjoyed it. And I suggest you get to work. You have a lot of drinking and smoking to do. Cheers!!

About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@belmarinnovations.com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com

Tim’s Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

Wilderness Trail Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Just because I made a yearly list of recommendations, doesn’t mean I get to skip my monthly recommendation. I understand, and truly enjoy, my job. The nose is a delightful mix of caramel, vanilla, and honey. On the palate, it’s smooth and well-balanced. You’ll get sweet corn, toffee, and vanilla up front, with rye spice and cinnamon creeping in later. The oak is present but not overpowering. The finish is clean and satisfying. This bourbon is perfect for an on-the-rocks pour while enjoying some playoff football. At 100 Proof and around $75 a bottle, it’s a great choice.

La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut Cigar

This cigar is a smooth smoke. It starts off mildly with a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that has hints of nuts and coffee. As you smoke, the profile opens up with notes of cashew, almonds, and a subtle honeyed sweetness that keeps things interesting without ever overwhelming your palate. The finish is soft and mellow, leaving a gentle trace of melon and cream. This is an easy-going cigar that pairs nicely with smoother bourbons, like the one I recommended, or even a morning coffee. Enjoy.

This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% off the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.