Dave "Greybeard" Yancey
WSET Spirits Sommelier , WSET Wine Sommelier , Bourbon Steward, Cigar Sommelier
Instagram: @justgreybeard
Facebook: Dave.Yancey
LinkedIn: Dave Yancey
I smoked my first cigar in April 92. I was with some friends, and one of our friends brought us some “Cubans” he had brought back from a mission trip. We were sitting out on our back porch, lit up, and well, the rest is history. I knew I was hooked.
Nearly 28 years later, I came upon what is now my passion: pairing cigars. The first pairing that I can remember that impacted the overall experience was a La Aurora Rube with a Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale. The way the flavors complimented each other opened my eyes to the possibilities.
Two years later, I focus on exploring all the pairings I can find, learning all I can about Cigars, Whisk(e)ys, Wines, and so much more. My desire, goal, and dream are to build Leaf n Grain Society as a community and platform to share this passion with all who enjoy cigars.
The Evolution of the Cocktail: A Journey from Medicinal Elixirs to Modern Mixology - The Evolution of the Cocktail A Journey from Medicinal Elixirs to Modern Mixology The cocktail as we know it today has undergone centuries of transformation, traveling through cultures, blending flavors, and refining techniques to become an essential fixture in global hospitality. Its origins date back hundreds of years to crude but flavorful medicinal concoctions that
The Global Journey of Whisky: A Historical Perspective - The Global Journey of Whisky: A Historical Perspective Whisky, a drink with a history as rich as its flavor, has woven itself into the cultures and economies of nations worldwide. From the rolling hills of Ireland to the misty Scottish Highlands, the ancient traditions of Japanese craftsmanship, and the bold innovation of American distilleries, whisky
Cigars: From Taino Tribes to the Modern Boom - Cigars: From Taino Tribes to the Modern Boom The history of cigars is steeped in cultural, political, and economic events that have shaped the way cigars are made, consumed, and valued today. From the early practices of the Taino tribes to the revival of the cigar industry in the late 20th century, cigars have a
Barrel Global™ Partners with Still Austin Whiskey Co. - Barrel Global™ Partners with Still Austin Whiskey Co. Barrel Ownership Company Makes its Move into the Lone Star State in Partnership with Award-Winning Texas Distillery Iowa & Austin, Texas (August 27, 2024) – As Texas Whiskey continues to give Kentucky and Tennessee a run for their money with its booming distillery scene and distinctive sense
Discovering the World of Brews - Discovering the World of Brews Beer is one of the world’s oldest and most beloved beverages, with a history that spans thousands of years and countless cultures. Today, the craft beer movement has revitalized interest in this ancient drink, leading to a vast array of beer styles that cater to every taste. Whether you’re a
Exploring the World of White Wines - Exploring the World of White Wines While Chardonnay is a renowned white grape variety, the world of white wine is abundant with other fascinating grapes, each with its unique history and characteristics. Let’s explore the stories of five exceptional white grapes and their journey through time. Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc is believed to have originated
Cigar Review: The Statesman - Cigar Review: The Statesman Brand: Statesman Cigar Co Vitola: 5 3/8” x 52 Perfecto Filler: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Smoking Time: 46 min Body: Medium Flavor: Medium to Medium + Price: $15 What Makes it Special: The Statesman is the flagship cigar for Tommy and the rest of his team at Statesman Cigar Company. 
Cigar Review: Timeless TAA Limited Edition 2023 - Cigar Review: Timeless TAA Limited Edition 2023 Brand: Ferio Tego Timeless Vitola: Toro Filler: Nicaragua Jalapa Wrapper: Nicaragua Estelí Binder: Nicaragua Estelí Smoking Time: 1.5 Hours Body: Medium Flavor: Full Intensity Price: $16 What Makes it Special: The Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) each year presents the TAA Exclusive Series. Michael Herklots, founder of Ferio
Grape Explorations - Grape Explorations Wine-timeless-enjoyed by countless walks of life and generations. Owning its complexity and diversity to the humble grape. Each bottle of wine is a testament to the unique characteristics of its grape variety, soil, climate, and the craftsmanship of the winemaker. Welcome to the journey, the exploration of wine grapes. Each article in this
Derby Day: The Mint Julep Chronicles - Derby Day: The Mint Julep Chronicles In the sultry embrace of a Southern summer, where the air hung heavy with humidity, and the sun beat down relentlessly, a drink emerged that would become synonymous with leisure, elegance, and the spirit of the South—the Mint Julep. Whispers of legend carry us back to ancient Persia, where