Q4 2025 ePulse

Hello Brothers,

As 2025 draws to a close, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude as I reflect on what has truly been a banner year for the Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association and the Undergraduate Chapter. This quarter, in particular, has seen the successful culmination of several major initiatives and a powerful reaffirmation of the strength of our Brotherhood.

The most exciting news to share is the extraordinary progress of our Undergraduate Chapter. After a year of hard work and commitment, they have achieved full recognition from Nationals and are officially off probation! This landmark achievement was underscored by them winning the Tau Epsilon Phi Most Scholastically Improved Chapter Award—a true testament to the dedication of every active brother. Combined with a successful Fall recruitment class that welcomed eight new pledges, the future of our chapter is incredibly bright.

On the real estate front, our continued commitment to 228 Cooper Street has paid off significantly. This past quarter, we successfully completed a major project by installing a new, high-efficiency boiler, ensuring the house remains warm and functional for the cold months ahead. The Real Estate Committee has done excellent work keeping the house safe and updated, and we appreciate the undergraduates’ growing self-sufficiency in handling smaller maintenance issues.

Brotherhood has remained our cornerstone, with a packed calendar of events this quarter. By the time this newsletter is released we will have hosted a successful Charity Golf Outing, the annual Turkey Bowl and the Annual Muskrat Ramble. These gatherings, along with the successful Sigma Epsilon Leadership Retreat held earlier this year, reinforce the value of connecting and growing our leadership across all generations.

Finally, as we look to the new year, I’m excited to congratulate the incoming 2026 Executive Board, led by our new Chairman, Brian Dengler (TEP 109). It has been a true honor and a privilege to serve as your Chairman, and I will be taking a step back to serve the Association as your Vice-Chairman, next year. I am fully confident that the new leadership team is poised to build on the successes of 2025 and guide the SEAA to even greater heights.

Thank you to every brother who supported a fundraiser, attended an event, or volunteered their time this year. Your dedication is what makes the SEAA thrive. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

Fraternally,
Mike O'Connor, TEP 75
SEAA Chairman

The Brothers of Tau Epsilon Phi, Sigma Epsilon Chapter, had a busy Fall semester. We welcomed 2 new brothers to the Chapter. Rush week started in early September. We started with our pizza night event hosted by Little Slice of N.Y. The next day brought our game night event, where interests bonded with brothers. We ended our rush week with the exciting Meet The Greeks event, where each Greek organization was given the chance to introduce itself and its members. The brothers now look towards Ramble coming up shortly on November 22^nd, as well as preparing for the Spring Rush week soon to come.

Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association Annual Financial Report

The above QR code will take you to a Google Sheets file. The file is our rolling year financial statement for both the housing corporation and the SEAA. If you have problems opening it, we believe in full transparency with our Association please contact the board at ant of the following:

SEAA.TEP@gmail.com

seaachairman@gmail.com

SEAApresident@gmail.com

seaacomptroller@gmail.com

Sponsored by Brian Weldon

Turkey Bowl

Rob Higgins, TEP 74

Wind gusts reached 43 MPH coming off the frigid Delaware, with just enough sunshine to keep the day pleasant. The media, John Mcgraw (TEP 22) showed up early for photos and brought dry goods as libations for all to enjoy. He was real MVP of the day filmed the entire game for your viewing pleasure on the SEAA Facebook page. 

As the undergrads emerged from the TEP house early for first time in 20 years of the tradition, they were high flying, even wearing their best BIRDS jerseys. It was as if Cooper DeJean and Jalen Hurts stepped out those double glass doors into the wind on Cooper St. The long walk to the field was filled was anticipation and hope for victory after the decade’s long drought in the UG’s favor. They did not know that the old alumni had been training 1 to, maybe, sometimes, 2 days a month, when their schedules would permit, to be prepared for them on the field. 

The battle was highly defensive and scoreless through 14 minutes of play, the alumni Rob Higgins (TEP 74) managed an interception of a duck flying like a candle in the wind. Austin “Foles” Waller (TEP 81) was being held mostly ineffective at QB, this year due to the steady wind gusts and was moved to WR, while Tyler Zavorski (TEP 83) entered the game. Tyler, with his new ideas on the short pass and quick runs to the outside, were just the change needed. Austin serving now as a WR and a D-back on defense, was heavily accompanied by an unwavering defensive line: Kenny Wac (TEP 105) and Matt Coppola (TEP 112), and baseball shirt guy (Alejandro). This was the bread and butter of the day; the defense kept the undergrads scoreless through 38 minutes. Due to the hustle and superior strength of Kenny, Matt, Mike Monteiro (TEP 105), and baseball shirt guy, Alejandro! Menacing Mehul Khedekar (TEP 103) held it down deep at the safety position. 

Finally at some point late in the second half of play, Tyler was able to hook up in the end zone with Rob for the first TD of the day. The alumni were not done as Tyler scored on one of the only long receptions of the day from Folian Austin, stepping back into the lime light as QB.  Kenny and Matt’s terrorizing defense on the line and blanket coverage let up for a play or two in the closing minutes of the game for a TD pass undergrad MVP 1 Ben to their MVP 2 Sean! Logan the skater stepped in the QB for the change on the undergrad side for a short-lived set of downs, while putting up decent numbers was subbed out due to an injury. Heavily involved in the UG defense was the eye finger-er and Brian “black hoodie” swatted several balls and intercepted a ball in the end zone. Note-able offensive line Cooper DeJean jersey kid, did some stellar blocking.

All and all when the final whistle blew the alumni triumphed by several scores and everyone survived, mostly, injury free. Monteiro probably has a black eye and the ungergrads have bruised egos but it was an awesome day of football and fellowship. May the tradition live on in CAMDEN!!

Ramble

Austin Waller, TEP 81

The 63rd Annual Muskrat Ramble took place at the Splitz Bar & Grill private suite at Laurel Lanes in majestic Maple Shade, NJ on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025.  Brothers younger and older from pledge classes spanning the decades gathered for an evening of bowling, pool, delicious food, and camaraderie.  

Ramble took on a different flavor in 2025, as the event which has long been held at country clubs and catering halls was instead held at a venue that, while retaining the luxurious atmosphere, emphasized a variety of activities and games rather than a strict formal setting.  Food was made available all night rather than a set dinner time.  Rather than a series of dinner tables, the venue featured laid back lounge seating throughout.  It all came together to give the event a more relaxed feel.  Attendees were receptive to doing things a little differently this year.  Rob Spiegel (TEP 76) gave positive feedback.  "I really enjoyed the change in environment.  It was nice having different things to do... bowling, pool, video games.  It gave guests a bunch of options.  I felt like everyone was comfortable and relaxed... just hanging out and socializing.  Also, having the bowling challenge added an element of competition and excitement...".  Speaking of which, James (Jim) Hartman (TEP 29) won the bowling competition and a "big ass bottle of Jameson" as the grand prize.  

Per tradition, awards were given out at the end of the night.  Ben Warren (TEP 114) was awarded Undergraduate Brother of the Year, while Austin Waller (TEP 81) won the Alumni Brother of the Year award for their service to the chapter throughout 2025.  Tyler Zavorski (TEP 83) swept the Alumni MVP awards for the 2025 Muller Classic and Turkey Bowl.  An honorable mention was giving for Turkey Bowl Alumni MVP to John McGraw (TEP 22) for his photography skills and Mike Kueny (TEP 103) for keeping time and score.  Matt Coppola (TEP 112) took home Undergraduate MVP for the Muller Classic, and Ben Warren accepted the award in his stead.  

Is this a new beginning for Ramble?  Remains to be seen.  But it would seem the change-up was well received by everyone involved and it should certainly open the door to more creative ideas for the event going forward.  Hope to see everyone at the 64th Muskrat Ramble next year!

Hollow Knight Silksong

Austin Waller, TEP 81

Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of the most highly anticipated games of all-time, no doubt fueled by its outrageously elongated development cycle and hush-hush style of communication from the chief development unit over at Team Cherry.  This time, you play as Hornet, an important side character from the first game who serves as your guide/nemesis in the world of Hallownest.  With such hype it would be very difficult to live up to the classic, first title in the series, which might very well be the best game I've ever played and is objectively one of the most celebrated sidescrollers ever made.  So, what it do?  

First off, let's get the visuals and music out of the way.  The visual style is hard-drawn art and will surely be considered timeless.  I can't imagine it will age poorly.  It looks like a classic animated film.  The score is again delivered by Christopher Larkin, who composed the soundtrack for the first game.  Again, it's top tier, with sweeping orchestration and haunting melodies.  There's zero disappointment regarding the presentation.  It's among the best. 

Hornet's snappy and acrobatic movement stands in stark contrast to the Knight from the first game.  You can run, jump, flip, and grapple around the various environments at high speed.  Just moving through the game world is a game unto itself.  In classic Metroidvania fashion, there are myriad movement upgrades scattered throughout the world for you to collect, which will open up more of the environment for you to explore.  It's always fun to head back to an area already explored and see what new things can be found using your new abilities.  Thanks to the quick movement speed and many fast-travel points, getting back to a previous area is never out of reach.  

The combat is the real meat of this one, and it's a real humdinger.  The difficulty is ramped up and death is assured, but the thrill of victory is oh-so-sweet.  As with exploration, your battles will be snappy and varied, as the game gives you plenty of unlockable features and collectables with which to find your preferred combat style.  Enemy patterns are tough to learn, but fair, and the shotgun pace always keeps you on your toes.  There are over forty bosses scattered across the map and each feature some of the greatest 2D sidescrolling combat ever put to a game.  

And what of the game world?  Pharloom?  Massive.  No Metroidvania has ever attempted anything on this scale.  Over twenty biomes and areas await you, each more different than the last.  There are lush meadows, burnt fire fields, towering castles, toxic catacombs... all waiting for you to explore.  Just to complete the game could easily take you 50+ hours.  To get true 100% completion, many more.  And for $20?  An incredible value.  

I couldn't gush enough about Hollow Knight: Silksong.  It takes everything in the genre and cranks it up to 11.  Probably the pinnacle achievement in 2D sidescrollers thus far.  Is it hard?  Yeah.  Is it EXTREMELY HARD?  Yup.  But so are my nipples when it's cold out.  Doesn't mean I won't be taking a snow day!

Final score: S+ (highest score given)

Sig Ep The Last

Ted Stubbins, SigEp Spring 1967

Last month, on October 10^th, the SEAA voted in 10 members to run the new Board of Trustees for 2026. With most members returning to their posts, we are looking forward to a year of continued stability and success with our upcoming agenda. That said, one member will be leaving this year, McKinsey Alston (TEP 75), to support his growing family. We wish McKinsey well and appreciate his service to the board.

We would like to welcome in his place, Maurice “Moe” Copeland (TEP 77), for his first time serving on the SEAA Board. Moe brings his dedication, good spirits, and administrative experience to the cohort of members. His ability to creatively collaborate and communicate efficiently will be essential.

We look forward to a prosperous year serving our fraternity, as we look to continue our commitment to friendship, chivalry, and service. If you would like to serve on the upcoming board, please reach out for more information. While voting on the Board requires election, service in a committee like Real Estate, Ramble, Elections or Fundraising only requires appointment by the Board of Trustees. We value all opinions here and want to grow involvement in the SEAA through all generations.

The Homegrown Series

Rob Spiegel, TEP 76

Four years ago, I installed a wood stove in my living room. I figured it would be a nice upgrade, maybe help with heating bills and make the house feel a little cozier. I had no idea it would basically take over my winter.

A wood stove doesn’t just heat a house; it becomes part of the house. It’s a living thing. You feed it, it responds, and suddenly there's this steady warmth and rhythm that you don’t get from a regular furnace. It honestly feels like the heartbeat of the place.

Not long after installing it, I realized that if I was going to do this right, I needed a proper wood setup. So I built a woodshed big enough to hold five cords, giving me plenty of space to season wood a full year ahead. I burn about 2.5 cords a winter, so having the extra capacity keeps everything rotating the way it should.

Living in a small wooded neighborhood means firewood is never far away. Between my place and the neighbors, someone always has a tree coming down. And believe it or not, talking about wood, who’s splitting, who’s seasoning, who’s got a pile that needs moving — becomes this running local conversation. Sounds dull, but those chats are where you pick up the best tips.

A few neighbors have log splitters I can borrow, but splitting wood by hand is honestly a fantastic workout. If I’m not pressed for time, I’d rather go old-school with a maul and an old car tire, making those BTUs feel even warmer.

The practical benefits are hard to beat. My heat bill in the middle of winter can drop to as low as $30. The funny part is that my utility bills flip in the summer — the pool heater ends up costing more than keeping the whole house warm in January. I’ve even caught myself thinking of ways to heat the pool with wood. That might be a project for another article.

To move the heat through the house, I run the furnace fan on circulation. With the stove going 24/7 — only shutting it down once a month to clear the ashes — the whole place stays warm, comfortable, and unbelievably consistent.

If you’ve got an old fireplace or gas logs, I’ll tell you straight: upgrading to a wood stove is a game changer. It’s cleaner, hotter, more efficient, and way more satisfying. If you’re even thinking about it, take your sign from me — do it.

The next article in The Homegrown Series will land around late February, right in the thick of maple tapping season. With any luck, I’ll have sap boiling and a few lessons to share by then.

Stay warm — and don’t be afraid to burn a few trees.

Sponsored by Discount Pools and Supplies

The leaves may have fallen, but spirits were soaring on Friday, November 7, 2025, as the SEAA community gathered for the 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing. This year's event brought together colleagues and friends to support a vital cause, benefiting Northern Children's Services in Philadelphia.

A Crisp Day for a Great Cause

Hosted at the beautiful Gambler's Ridge Golf Course in New Jersey, the day saw approximately 40 dedicated attendees hit the links. More than just a friendly tournament, the outing was a powerful display of the SEAA community's commitment to giving back.

Thanks to the generous participation and support of everyone involved, we are thrilled to announce that the event successfully raised $1,539 for Northern Children's Services! These funds will directly aid their mission to provide critical support and care to children and families in need.

Contests and Comradery

The golfers didn't just compete against the course—they competed for bragging rights in a series of engaging and unique contests:

• Precision & Power: Participants tested their skills in the traditional Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive challenges.
• The Unorthodox: A crowd favorite was the inaugural Rubber Duck Chipping Contest, adding a splash of fun to the short game.
• Beyond Par: Golfers also took on the Putting Contest and the curiously named Closest to the "Gin" challenge.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this meaningful annual event. We look forward to seeing you all next year as we continue to grow the tradition and further support the incredible work of Northern Children's Services!

Woods

Brian Dengler, TEP 109

S2E4

Hidden in the middle of the Wharton State Forest, South Jersey lies Apple Pie Hill. Reaching 205 feet at its peak, it is one of South Jersey’s highest points (WOW!). On top of this “hill” lies the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower that offers a panoramic view of all of South Jersey depending on the visibility. Although only 60 feet tall, when at the top, you can get a glimpse of the Philly skyline as well as Atlantic City. They closed this to the public in 2016 for safety and mischief. If you’re interested in climbing it, they offer ranger run events in March, June, and September or when a ranger is present. 

When I got an email saying it was going to be open on September 27th I knew I had to go. Two buddies and myself booked a campsite at Batona Campground next to the Carranza Memorial and planned a hike. Unfortunately we didn’t end up camping because of the severe storms rolling in at night, but we got to do the 8 mile hike via the Batona Trail. It is definitely a weird sight approaching the hill because you don’t regularly see any elevation change in the Pine Barrens. Once you “ascend” the hill you see the tower that looks unbelievably out of place in the sea of green pines. A giant red and white metal structure that is largely in part of preventing the spread of extensive fires across South Jersey. Getting the chance to be at the top, although a bit nerve racking with the low railings and windy conditions was amazing. We even got the privilege of clear visibility and could easily see Philadelphia and Atlantic City, but I would be lying if I wasn’t happy to be on the ground afterwards.

I have since begun research into visiting some reservation fire towers in New York and Virginia that allow overnight camping from the cabin at the top. It sounds extremely interesting to stay at a fire tower instead of a normal campground. Many of these are extremely remote and come with strong responsibilities. You want to be extra careful with food and you’re liable for fire safety. If you are staying at the top and see smoke, you must call it in. Making you role-play a fire tower watch guard during your stay. Speaking for myself, that has always sounded like a fun job to have, so I’m excited to try it out for a weekend. I will definitely keep this section posted if I end up going on a trip like this; certainly avoiding any in Appalachia though. 

Sponsored by Spiegel Properties

Real Estate Committee Update

Rob Spiegel, TEP 76

This past quarter was dominated by one major project: the boiler replacement. The old system finally reached the point where continued patching wasn’t safe or practical, so we moved forward and had a new boiler installed for $11,300. It was a significant investment, but it keeps the house safe, functional, and reliably heated for the long term.

Resident interest in the house remains steady, and we’re operating close to full by the residents’ preferred standards. That stability continues to help us manage our budget and maintain the property responsibly.

Looking ahead, our focus for the upcoming cycle is simple: rebuild reserves and keep CAPEX light, especially after the boiler project. We’ll continue planning for future upgrades, including long-term ideas like mini-split HVAC systems, but with a conservative approach this year to strengthen the house’s financial footing.

That’s the high-level snapshot for now. More details are covered in the full annual report, but overall the house is in solid shape and moving in the right direction.

As Black Friday, and the Gift-Giving holidays approach, it’s not uncommon to feel the pressure to take advantage of great deals. However, it’s often hard to separate the markdowns from the muck. Is it really a good deal? And what is even worth buying these days with all the fast-fashion and bargain-bin Tik-Tok specials?

In this first edition of Bob’s Corner, I’m going to share with you a few of my favorite things. Deal or no deal, I believe these are all worthy of taking up space in your home. From the kitchen to the bedroom, to the bathroom, these are my top 5 picks for your last-minute Amazon searches.

1. Bidet – Let’s get this one out of the way – the best bang for your butt. I use my bidet every bi’day, multiple times, and my rear end has never been cleaner. Sometimes all you need is a stream of cold water to remove your sins and massage your bum. Don’t go into the holidays this season with a stinky butt and towers of toilet paper taking up precious room in your cabinets. Price: $30-50.
2. Air Fryer – Let’s face it, no one likes to cook. Sure, some people see it as a “hobby” but when time is tight, there’s nothing like throwing frozen food in a basket, and hitting a couple buttons. It’s like a microwave for baking. Frozen salmon, raw chicken, steaks, veggies, fries – dump it in, and in 20 minutes, you’ve got a miracle in your mouth. Price: $100.
3. Melatonin – It’s 1am… you’re on your fourth drink since you’re still not tired. It’s been a long day, so you deserve it, but does your body deserve the consequences tomorrow? Give it a breather and try some melatonin. You’ve heard other people using it with some success, but you have been apprehensive. I’m here to tell you, it’s worth it. For 10 cents or less a day, dosed into your favorite childhood candy, the gummy, you can sleep like a baby without consequences. Nothing says adulting like using your own natural sleeping chemicals to your advantage. A couple gummies around 9pm and you’ll be out with your lights at a reasonable time. Your boss will thank you! Price: $10
4. Full Length Mirror – I realize this is not something most people consider. After all, we have mirrors in the bathroom, we know what we look like. But, every day, millions of people leave the house without realizing how they appear from head to toe. Stains on your pants? Zipper down? Shirt that doesn’t completely cover your belly? You would never know. It’s finally time to start attending to both halves of your body. This one doesn’t even take up any actual space, just stick it to a wall. Your mother will thank you. Price: $50-100
5. Indoor Security Camera – Not just for Bill Gates anymore, home-based technology is sweeping the nation with low prices. You don’t even need to wait for deals. They’re so cheap I have three of them, and I can look at them all in an app. This can benefit not only home surveillance to record intruders, but it can also let you watch your pets when you’re away. You can talk to them and tell them you’ll be home soon. It’s an investment in piece of mind for just a couple coffees per month. Price: $25-30 per Camera 

While this list may not apply to everyone’s needs or wants, you can see how each product has several things in common that are important for all proper purchases: 1) Daily use 2) High value for the money 3) Support health and happiness.

If your upcoming purchases this holiday season meet those criteria, and are competitively priced based on your research, then it’s a no-brainer! So be steadfast and open those wallets, but not too much! Let the games begin.

Sponsored by Scott Lakernick (TEP 27)

As we reflect on the past year, one word comes to mind: gratitude. The Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association is profoundly thankful for the unwavering support and generosity of our alumni community in 2025. Your commitment to preserving the legacy of Sig Ep TEP has made an extraordinary impact, and we want to take a moment to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together.

This year, your contributions have allowed us to:

• Complete critical renovations to the chapter house ensuring a safe and welcoming space for our active members. The most notable update was replacing the boiler.
• Fund programs that strengthen the brotherhood and prepare the next generation of leaders. These programs include the 4th annual Senior Welcome Cocktail Reception in May, the 4th annual SEAA Charity Golf Outing in September, and the 63rd Annual Muskrat Ramble in November.

These successes are a testament to the dedication and belief our alumni have in the mission and values of Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association. Whether through a financial gift, mentorship, or participation in events, your involvement keeps the spirit of our fraternity alive and thriving.

As we look forward to 2026, we are inspired to continue building on this momentum. With your continued support, we aim to:

• Expand opportunities for leadership development.
• Strengthen connections among alumni through reunions and networking events.
• Further invest in the success of our undergraduate members.

Your generosity empowers us to make these goals a reality and ensures that Sig Ep TEP remains a transformative experience for years to come.

Thank you for being an integral part of our fraternity’s story. Together, we honor the traditions of the past, strengthen the bonds of the present, and build a bright future for Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association! 

P.S. Stay connected! Follow us on Instagram account tep_seaa or Facebook group Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association to learn more about our ongoing efforts and future initiatives. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in 2026!

I am proud to announce my 20th novel. "The Immorality Gene" just went up for sale. As some of you know, I write under a pen name, Jack English.

In this novel, a South Jersey pharmaceutical company finds a way to make 80-year-olds in to 50-year-olds. With hundreds of billions of dollars at stake, treachery, double-dealing and murder must follow. You may find it at jackenglishstories.com/gallery. I post bits and pieces of new stories on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube. Follow me at jackenglishstories.

I try to mention Rutgers-Camden and the fraternity in every novel. My main character has a degree in History, but he really majored in fraternity parties. I have a degree in physics, but I really majored in fraternity parties, too.

Tsang's Stash

Austin Tsang, TEP 81

Start Time 3:58pm
End Time 5:15pm

Today, we’re reviewing the Last Cowboy Ghoul made by Sinistro Cigars in the Toro vitola (6 x 56 – reminder that the smaller number is the length of the cigar in inches and the larger number is the ring gauge or circumference of the cigar). The Toro vitola retails at $14.50 each /$290 for a box of 20 and the Robusto vitola (5 x 54) retails at $13.50 each /$270 for a box of 20. The Ghoul is a spinoff of the Last Cowboy line with a bit of a Halloween theme added in featuring a Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper accented with a pair of Dominican candela stripes, a Mexican San Andres binder and a filler made up of Dominican piloto cubano ligero and Nicaraguan tobaccos. It is made at the Artista Cigars Factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic.

The construction of the cigars are firm with no soft spots, dark and oily. I always enjoy smelling the cigar and trying to distinguish the flavor profile. This cigar is giving off notes of hay and earth. This one features a box pressed form, which we tend to look forward to as we’ve never had any draw issues with them. Jesse Williams (TEP 79) and I have a bit of a bias here, we’ve smoked many of the original Last Cowboy Maduro cigars and, as this is a play off of it, we have high expectations. I am curious if the candela stripes will affect the flavor of the smoke at all, or if it is purely an aesthetic touch. 

We both used a punch and a 5 flame torch lighter to keep the review consistent. The draw is perfect, and we were both appreciative of the fact that the head of the cigar didn’t disintegrate while being punched. The flavors on the palate are similar to the smells earlier, we’re getting hay and earth with light, sweet notes.

Upon lighting we both got hints of the candela leaf. Jesse notes that the Candela floral notes have taken over which was not anticipated. I am getting hints of the floral note, but not as significantly, and it’s followed up nicely with the black pepper notes – very similar to the Mr. Candela but lighter on the floral notes. The choice to punch the cigar changes where the flavor profile lands in the mouth. The punch focuses the flavor on the tongue versus your traditional straight cutter allows the airflow to hit your entire palate. After a few puffs where the residual heat cleared from the lighting, I am starting to see Jesse’s point where the floral notes are really covering up the other flavors of the cigar. 

The burn line has varied between cigars – Jesse notes that the Candela stripe extended to the foot of his cigar where mine didn’t, His started to canoe a little bit where as mine has stayed relatively straight. The ash is clinging nicely and breaks off in solid chunks. At a quarter of the way into the cigar, the heat has ramped up. I am getting a nice red pepper note on the palate and the floral notes have all but faded away for me, Jesse states he’s still getting mainly the floral notes. The retrohale is potent, definitely clears out the sinuses and brings a tear to the eye immediately. 

Both of our cigars have gone a little crooked on the burn line just shy of the halfway point. The odd thing is, they, both, are crooked at the Candela stripes, making us wonder if the different tobaccos burn at a different rate. The smoke output is fantastic since we lit the cigars, on par with a Padron. The body of the smoke is interesting, aside from the heat at the beginning during the lighting, it sat around a Medium for most of the first half, but started ramping up to a Medium/Full at the halfway point. Not sure if this is due to the cherry getting closer to the head of the cigar, or if it is by design. I’m curious to see what some aging will do to the quality of this cigar. Will the Candela push through harder, or will the Maduro profile start to shine?

We take a minute here to compare the differences between the regular Last Cowboy vs this Last Cowboy Ghoul, and we wonder what the differences are. Is it just the different band and the addition of the 2 Candela stripes? We know there are variable buried costs when designing cigars, sourcing the different tobaccos, the design or redesign of the cigar band, distribution, etc. With that being said, we are curious what substantiates the $5 increase in cost with the Ghoul. This stick reminds us of the Mr. Red vs the Mr. Candela which is the Mr. Red with the addition of a Candela wrapper. The flavor profile changed significantly with the addition of a full Candela wrapper. With this cigar, it is interesting to think that 2 small strips of the Candela wrapper impacted almost a quarter of the cigar smoke profile. 

We’re entering the final ¼ of the cigar at about the hour mark. Jesse and I continue to differ on our smoke experience through this point. His flavor has not changed much, it is still floral forward where I experienced a pullback in the floral notes almost to the point of it being an afterthought and the pepper and earth notes have taken over. Once the cherry passed the Candela stripes, the burn line evened out on our cigars and remained razor sharp till the end. 

Rating
Construction: 9
Burn: 6
Flavor: 6
Strength: Medium
Overall: 7

Final Thoughts: The floral notes in the cigar definitely threw us for a loop, as it was completely unexpected. I didn’t mind the blend of pepper and the floral notes, but Jesse didn’t care as much for it. I will let the rest of the box age and note any changes after some time. This would be a good recommendation for smokers who are looking to change things up and see if they enjoy a smoke, lightly featuring the Candela leaf.

December 9, 2025, Time 8:00

SEAA Board Meeting On-line

https://meet.jit.si/TEPSEAA

Keep an eye on our Facebook & Instagram for updates on events between now and the next E-pulse in November of 2025

The goal of this newsletter is to be a resource for all alumni; for not only the  business of SEAA but also, the social connection of our social fraternity. To that  end, more diverse content is better. Do you have a hobby that you want to write  about? I bet another alumnus wants to hear your opinions. Did something worth announcing happen in your life that you want to tell us all about? Do you want to advertise your business? In the same vein, if you have feedback about the E-Pulse, then we want to hear it. Broad-based content and an enjoyable reading experience reinforces the purpose of this newsletter, to keep us connected. We want to engage with you all.  

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