Pairing a fine whisky with a premium cigar can elevate both experiences, creating a symphony of flavors that complement and contrast in delightful ways. In this review, we explore the pairing of Tullibardine 500, a Highland single malt Scotch whisky finished in sherry casks, with the Punch Rare Corojo, a robust cigar known for its Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and complex flavor profile. This combination promises a rich and nuanced experience, balancing the whisky’s sweet and fruity notes with the cigar’s spicy and earthy tones.Tullibardine 500 is a non-age-statement Highland single malt from Tullibardine Distillery, finished in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and then further matured in 500-liter Pedro Ximénez sherry butts. This double maturation imparts a distinctive character, with aromas of red berries, vanilla, and toffee, followed by a palate of creamy fudge, orchard fruits, and a hint of spice. The finish is warm, with lingering notes of sherry-soaked fruit and gentle oak.The Punch Rare Corojo is a limited annual release, featuring an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and a filler blend of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan tobaccos. Despite its name, it does not use a true Corojo wrapper, but its dark, oily Sumatra leaf delivers a medium-to-full-bodied smoke with flavors of cedar, leather, black pepper, and subtle sweetness, often accompanied by notes of coffee and floral undertones.The Punch Rare Corojo opens with a burst of black pepper and spicy cedar, complemented by an earthy core and a touch of leather. The Tullibardine 500’s sweet sherry notes, particularly red berries and toffee, provide a smooth counterpoint, softening the cigar’s initial spice. Sipping the whisky after a puff enhances the cigar’s subtle coffee notes, while the whisky’s creamy texture coats the palate, tempering the peppery retrohale. This early interplay is harmonious, with the whisky’s sweetness balancing the cigar’s boldness.As the cigar progresses, the spice mellows, giving way to richer flavors of dark chocolate and black coffee, with a floral undertone emerging. The Tullibardine 500’s orchard fruit and vanilla notes shine here, creating a dessert-like pairing reminiscent of fruitcake or spiced pastries. The whisky’s gentle oak and spice align with the cigar’s cedar, creating a cohesive bridge between the two. At this stage, the pairing feels balanced, with neither overpowering the other, and the whisky’s warmth enhances the cigar’s smoky depth.In the second half, the Punch Rare Corojo becomes earthier, with intensified leather and woody notes, and a slight return of spice in the retrohale. The Tullibardine 500’s sherry-driven finish, with its lingering fruit and subtle nuttiness, complements the cigar’s robust profile, adding a layer of sweetness that prevents the smoke from becoming too heavy. The whisky’s smooth finish extends the cigar’s long, woody aftertaste, creating a satisfying conclusion. The pairing remains well-rounded, with the whisky’s richness standing up to the cigar’s fuller body.The Tullibardine 500 and Punch Rare Corojo form an excellent pairing, with the whisky’s sweet and fruity sherry character complementing the cigar’s spicy, earthy, and woody profile. The Tullibardine 500’s creamy texture and balanced spice enhance the cigar’s complexity without overshadowing it, while the Punch Rare Corojo’s robust flavors add depth to the whisky’s lighter notes. The interplay of sherry sweetness with the cigar’s coffee and chocolate tones is particularly noteworthy, making this a pairing suited for contemplative evenings.Rating: 8.8/10
A highly enjoyable pairing that showcases the strengths of both the Tullibardine 500 and Punch Rare Corojo, with minor considerations for spice and availability.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support.