By Timothy Long

February is the shortest month of the year, but it feels like it’s the longest. It’s the Tuesday of months. It’s lipstick on a pig.

Do you get that February is not my favorite month? If you regularly read this column, you probably already knew that.  It’s a dull and dismal month that’s usually colder than January. You shiver so much that it counts as a workout. And it doesn’t offer us much in the way of fun. The best part is the Super Bowl, but that’s always at the very beginning. At least in January you have New Years Day and playoff football for both NFL and college teams throughout the month. In February you get Valentine’s Day, a holiday created by Hallmark. It was the greeting card industry’s biggest success. But now even Valentine’s Day has been eclipsed by the Hallmark Channels and Hallmark Christmas movies. Our wives and significant others should be buying us dinner after we have suffered through Hallmark Christmas. I know, wishful thinking. Let’s face the brutal facts, February is 28 days, sometimes 29 during bad years, that we are never going to get back

However, I feel that maybe this February will be different. Maybe this February will turn out to be fairly fun. Maybe, just maybe, this February wont consist of us counting the days until March.  Why? Because there is a feeling in the air, and a fun event that many of you may not know about. The feeling in the air is Olympic Fever, and the fun event is the Waste Management (WM) Phoenix Open.

The fact that I just suggested a PGA event for fun may throw off those who don’t play golf. You’re probably thinking “What the hell is fun about a golf tournament?” Keep reading, I’ll get there.

The Winter Olympics start on February 6^th, two days before the Super Bowl on February 8^th. Not only is this a grand kickoff to the month, but it’s also going to give a boost to this waste of one twelfth of our year. The Olympics run until February 22^nd. They plow right through Valentines Day. You can skip it completely! I know, more wishful thinking.

Now let’s talk about golf. Why am I suggesting the WM Phoenix Open? Because it is the most raucous and fun golf tournament of the year. For some reason, perhaps television ratings, the PGA allows behavior at this tournament that it would not accept at any of its other events. The fun occurs on the16th hole, also known as The Coliseum because it is a stadium hole. It’s a par-3 enclosed by thousands of fans in temporary seating and skyboxes, creating a party-like atmosphere with roaring crowds, cheers, and even beer showers if you shoot an ace. (An ace is a hole-in one for all of you non-golfers.)  If you hit the green, you get cheered. Miss the green, and the boos are relentless. It turns the game into a fun-filled spectacle. It resembles a fraternity party and is the PGA golf’s craziest hole of golf all year.

The WM Phoenix Open runs from February 5^th to February 8^th. It ends on Sunday before the Super Bowl begins. And it makes for a great Super Bowl party pregame viewing event. The final day is always the best day on the 16^th hole. The debauchery has peaked by then. You’ll actually be disappointed when the golfers move on to the 17^th and 18^th holes to finish the tournament.

And where would be a great place to watch this plethora of fun-filled events?

Imagine yourself at the heart of the action—where is the best spot to catch every thrilling moment? Picture the energy, the camaraderie, and the excitement as you share these experiences with friends and family. Where will you choose to make the most of every unforgettable highlight?

Well, how about your local craft brewery? February is always a great time to support local breweries. Almost all of them have multiple televisions. Here in Alexandria, Aslin Brewing, Port City Brewing, and Atlas Brewing were built for viewing multiple events at once. And this February is made for craft beer drinking. Imagine watching the WM 16^th hole, the USA and Canada competing in hockey, the Swedes crushing the Norwegians in curling, and the Puppy Bowl all at once before the Super Bowl even starts! That in and of itself will make up for having to celebrate Valentines Day!

So, support your local breweries during these fun times. They’re nearly as common now as the neighborhood pubs once were and serve as strong economic engines for their communities. Chances are, you live within ten miles of one. Help consume your share of the 325 million gallons of beer consumed on Super Bowl Sunday, make the day count for something. Buy from your favorite local brewer, support their hard work and their impact on your community, and celebrate the game with a beer that actually tastes good.

Yes, I know, many parties traditionally serve domestic beer. But try this point of view, you’re trying to improve this horrible month. So, do it by drinking good beer! Sure, we all grew up pounding Bud Light and Miller Lite on Super Bowl Sunday. It’s practically a tradition, like turkey at Thanksgiving. You’re at a party and feel obligated to crack one open for old times’ sake. But you don’t have to live in the past. It’s 2026! You need to drink and enjoy a modern beer, not one of your grandpa’s beers!

Enjoy this rare occurrence, this fun February. Cheer on our men and women competing in the Olympics. They’re making this dull and depressing month into a festive occasion. Show your appreciation for them and for your local brewers! Raise your glass to our hard-working athletes! They deserve it! And by the way, so do you. 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

Willet Reserve Potstill Bourbon

The bottle grabs your attention before you even crack the cork. It looks like it belongs on a wizard’s shelf or behind a speakeasy bar guarded by a guy named “Big Percy.” On the nose, you’re hit with the classic bourbon flavors of caramel, vanilla, and honey. The first sip is smooth and delightful, with flavors of toffee, corn sweetness, and light oak. There’s a gentle spice kick, think cinnamon and white pepper. This bourbon is smooth. It shakes your hand instead of challenging you to a duel. The finish is medium-length and warming, leaving behind vanilla, soft oak, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for sipping while enjoying your fun February sporting events. Or you might just have fun admiring that ridiculous bottle on your shelf.  Top of Form

Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Robusto

February is a tough month, and this cigar is just what you need. From the first light, you get dark chocolate, espresso, and a little pepper. This cigar lets you know that it means business, but it stays smooth the whole way through. As it burns, some earthy cedar and a touch of sweetness come through. The draw is easy and the burn is solid. This cigar is classy without being stuffy. It’s perfect for an evening of Olympic hockey, and even better with a bourbon in your hand. Enjoy.

Writer’s Side Note: In the January/February edition of Cigar Afficionado, they picked the Rocky Patel Emerald Robusto as Number 6 in their Top 25 Cigars of the Year list. In my January article, I picked the Rocky Patel Emerald Toro as my Cigar of the Year for 2025. Nice to see that they almost got it right. LOL!

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.