Picture this: The sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving only the soft glow of a desk lamp to illuminate the well-worn pages of an old systematic theology. The air is cool, the house is quiet, and the only sound is the rhythmic crackle of a cedar spill meeting the foot of a 1689 London Habano. In your other hand sits a heavy crystal glass, the amber liquid inside catching the light like a liquid sunset. There is a profound, quiet holiness in this moment, a recognition that the God who created the heavens and the earth also saw fit to create the barrel-aged bourbon and the long-filler tobacco.
In some circles, this scene might be met with a furrowed brow or a cautionary lecture on the "appearance of evil." But for those of us rooted in the Reformed tradition, we recognize a different reality. We see the world not as a minefield of forbidden fruits, but as a theater of God's glory where every good gift is intended to be received with thanksgiving.
The Theology of Gladness
When we talk about spirits and smoke, we are not merely discussing hobbies or indulgences. We are discussing the doctrine of Common Grace and the specific provision of God for the refreshment of His people. The Psalmist does not mince words in Psalm 104:15 when he praises God for "wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that strengthens man’s heart."
Notice the company wine keeps in that verse: bread and oil. One is for strength, one is for health, and the other, the wine, is specifically for gladness. God, in His infinite kindness, did not merely provide the bare essentials for survival. He provided the "extra." He provided the nuanced flavors of a charred oak barrel and the complex tapestry of a well-aged Habano leaf to remind us that He is a God of abundance, not just a God of utility.
To the Reformed mind, the bottle is a blessing because it is a witness to the Creator's creativity. When we sip a fine bourbon, we are tasting the interaction of grain, water, yeast, and time, all governed by the sovereign hand of Providence. When we light a 1689 Westminster Maduro, we are participating in a tradition of craftsmanship that honors the raw materials God pulled from the earth.
The Art of the Pour: Moderation as Discipline
Of course, any discussion of "blessings" must be tempered with the reality of our own fallen natures. The same Scripture that praises wine as a gift warns us that "wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler" (Proverbs 20:1). The blessing is found in the use, not the abuse.
In the Reformed tradition, moderation is not a buzzword, it is a spiritual discipline. It is the ability to enjoy the gift without worshiping the gift. To drink to the point of drunkenness is to take a symphony and turn it into noise; it is to take the "gladdening of the heart" and replace it with the clouding of the mind.
When we pair a high-proof spirit with our signature 1689 blends, we are seeking a "holy leisure." We are slowing down time to appreciate the nuances of the smoke and the spirit. If you are drinking to escape reality, you are missing the point. If you are drinking to celebrate the Reality-Maker, you are right where you need to be.
A Symphony of Smoke and Spirit: The Pairings
There is a certain clandestine joy in finding the perfect marriage between a cigar and a spirit. It is a pursuit of harmony where neither overpowers the other, but both are elevated. Here is how we recommend approaching our signature blends from the perspective of the glass.
The London: A Study in Sophistication
Our London blend, whether in its silky Connecticut wrapper or its more robust Habano variety, is the quintessential "study" cigar. It is refined, balanced, and intellectual.
Pair the London Habano with a classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon like Eagle Rare. The vanilla and oak notes of the bourbon play beautifully against the medium-brown Habano leaf's natural spice. It’s a pairing that feels like an invitation to a long conversation about the mysteries of the universe.
The Westminster: The Heavy Hitter
The Westminster, particularly the Maduro, is for the man who appreciates the deeper, darker things. It is toothy, rich, and full-bodied.
This requires a spirit that can stand its ground. Think of a high-rye bourbon or even a peated Scotch. The smoke of the Westminster Maduro is thick and creamy; you need a spirit with enough "backbone" to cut through that richness and provide a clean, spicy finish on the palate. It is a pairing that demands your full attention, an "Amen" in liquid and leaf form.
The Savoy: The Explorer’s Choice
The Savoy Habano, with its distinctive teal and gold branding, offers a unique profile that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary. It has a zest, a certain vibrancy that calls for a spirit with a bit of sweetness.
A wheated bourbon is the perfect companion here. The softer, sweeter profile of the wheat complements the Habano wrapper's natural oils without creating a clash of flavors. It is a silky experience from start to finish, perfect for a Friday afternoon as you prepare your heart for the coming Sabbath.
Fellowship and Iron Sharpening Iron
Perhaps the greatest blessing of the bottle and the smoke is the fellowship they facilitate. There is something about the "slow burn" of a premium cigar that naturally decelerates the pace of life. In a world of instant gratification and 280-character arguments, the cigar lounge (or the back porch) remains a sanctuary of civil discourse.
When brothers gather with a bottle of bourbon and a box of No King But Christ cigars, the conversation inevitably drifts toward the things that matter. We "chew the fat" on theology, we confess our struggles, and we encourage one another in the faith. The cigar and the spirit are the "oil" that lubricates the gears of deep fellowship.
This is the essence of Christian liberty. We are free to enjoy these things, not for the sake of hedonism, but for the sake of community and the glory of God. We are "High Plains Drifters" in a spiritual sense, journeying through this world with a taste of the kingdom to come, where the feast will be eternal and the joy will never fade.
A Final Toast
So, the next time you pour a dram and clip the cap of your favorite 1689 blend, do so with a clear conscience. Let the smoke rise like incense and the spirit gladden your heart. Give thanks to the Father of Lights, from whom every good and perfect gift descends.
Whether you are a pastor seeking a moment of respite after a long week of ministry, or a church member looking to deepen your bonds with your brothers, remember that these earthly pleasures are pointers to a Heavenly Reality.
Smoke to the glory of God. Drink to the glory of God. And above all, live to the glory of God.
The 1689 Riddle
I am born in the barrel and aged in the wood,
I am rolled by the hand for a man's greater good.
One brings the fire, the other the pour,
Together we open a theological door.
I gladden the heart when the day is through,
But I’m best when I’m shared by a brother or two.
What am I?
(The Pairing of Spirit and Smoke)
Disclaimer
1689 Cigar Co. does not advocate for the abuse of alcohol or tobacco. We believe in the biblical principles of moderation and self-control. Our products are intended for adults of legal age who appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage of premium tobacco and spirits. Please enjoy responsibly.
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