Pairing cigars with bourbon is a time-honored ritual for those who appreciate craftsmanship, complexity, and contemplative indulgence. Few combinations rise to the level of refinement as the pairing of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon with the Oliva Serie V Melanio cigar. Both are revered in their respective realms: one as a meticulously matured expression of Kentucky tradition, and the other as a celebrated Nicaraguan cigar offering depth, elegance, and strength.

Let’s explore why this pairing works so well—flavor by flavor, note by note.

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The Bourbon: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Profile
• Proof: 90.4
• Mashbill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
• Process: Aged in new oak barrels, then finished in deeply toasted and lightly charred second barrels

Tasting Notes
• Nose: Rich dark caramel, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and subtle baking spice
• Palate: Layers of butterscotch, chocolate, hazelnut, and spiced apple
• Finish: Long, warm, with sweet oak and lingering cocoa

Character
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a bourbon lover’s dessert dram. The second barrel imparts additional depth and complexity—heavy on dark sweetness and smooth tannins. It’s soft but assertive, making it an ideal companion for fuller-bodied cigars.

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The Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio (Torpedo or Robusto)

Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa Valley)
Strength: Medium to full
Construction: Box-pressed, oily and elegant

Tasting Notes
• First Third: Earthy leather, black pepper, and a hint of cedar
• Second Third: Cocoa, toasted nuts, and a transition to sweeter wood and spice
• Final Third: Espresso, dark chocolate, and a deep, smooth spice core

Character
The Melanio is a bold yet refined cigar, designed for complexity and balance. It doesn’t overpower with strength, but rather with layers of deep flavor that unfold slowly. Its restrained spice and rich tobacco core make it ideal for pairing with a smoother, sweeter spirit.

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The Pairing Experience

1. Aroma Synergy
The first draw of the Melanio delivers a spicy and woody bouquet that mirrors the toasted oak and spice of the bourbon. Together, the combined nose evokes notes of an autumnal kitchen: clove, caramel, espresso, and toasted pecans.

2. Flavor Interplay
As the bourbon coats the palate with silky caramel and vanilla, the Melanio introduces leather and cocoa, creating a rich duet of sweet and savory. The cigar’s spiced cedar complements the bourbon’s charred oak, while its nutty tones echo the bourbon’s hazelnut and brown sugar.

3. Mouthfeel & Body
Woodford’s viscosity enhances the smooth, oily character of the Melanio’s smoke. Neither dominates; instead, they layer over each other harmoniously. The bourbon softens the cigar’s peppery edge, while the cigar adds structure and gravitas to the bourbon’s sweetness.

4. Finish & Aftertaste
A sip after a draw leaves a lingering impression of chocolate-covered almonds and burnt caramel. The Melanio’s final third intensifies the bourbon’s darker notes, making for a resonant, luxurious finish that rewards slow, mindful sipping and puffing.

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Summary

The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and Oliva Serie V Melanio pairing is a celebration of richness, refinement, and resonance. Both are award-winning, thoughtfully constructed products that showcase the art of aging and blending.
• For the bourbon enthusiast, the cigar highlights and elevates Woodford’s toasted sweetness.
• For the cigar aficionado, the bourbon tempers and enriches the Melanio’s complex body and spice.

This is not a pairing of contrast, but of complement—where each element amplifies the other’s virtues. It’s an indulgence best reserved for when time is your own and you’re free to appreciate craftsmanship at its finest.

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Final Verdict:
(100/100)
A connoisseur’s delight. Ideal for savoring slow, luxurious moments.

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