🥃 Whiskey & Cigar Pairing Review
Howdy, welcome back to the channel! Today we're diving into another session of "Sticks-n-Stonez," where we're going to explore the nuances of a good cigar. I'll be demonstrating the proper technique for cigar smoking while live streaming on YouTube. We're also featuring the Southern Draw Rose of Sharon cigar, which pairs excellently with a fine whiskey. Stick around for a detailed cigar review and some real-time interaction!

Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon + Southern Draw Jacob’s Ladder Cigar
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The Whiskey
Distillery: Redwood Empire Whiskey
Expression: Pipe Dream Bourbon
Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Mash Bill: ~75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Aging: A blend of bourbons aged 4–12 years

Background
Named after one of the tallest known redwood trees in California, Pipe Dream Bourbon represents Redwood Empire’s effort to balance approachability with complexity. The distillery is known for blending sourced and house-distilled whiskey to produce flavorful yet affordable expressions that highlight classic American bourbon character.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet caramel and honey lead the way, followed by toasted oak, cinnamon spice, and a hint of orange peel.
Palate: Soft and balanced with flavors of vanilla bean, caramel corn, baking spices, and roasted peanuts. The rye in the mash bill adds a pleasant peppery lift.
Finish: Medium length with lingering notes of toasted oak, brown sugar, and a touch of spice.
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The Cigar
Manufacturer: Southern Draw Cigars
Vitola: Jacob’s Ladder (various sizes available)
Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Full

Background

The Jacob’s Ladder is one of Southern Draw’s boldest and most revered cigars. Built around a dark and oily Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper, it delivers deep, earthy flavors and a strong nicotine presence. The cigar is named after the biblical story in Genesis and reflects the brand’s tradition of weaving faith-based symbolism into their blends.

Flavor Profile
First Third: Dense earth, dark cocoa, and black pepper dominate early, supported by espresso and charred oak.
Second Third: The cigar deepens with flavors of baker’s chocolate, leather, molasses, and roasted coffee beans. Strength builds steadily.
Final Third: A powerful finish of dark espresso, black pepper, charred wood, and bittersweet chocolate with a long lingering earthiness.
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The Pairing
At first glance this pairing looks like a mismatch—Pipe Dream is approachable and moderately proofed, while Jacob’s Ladder is a powerhouse. Surprisingly, the combination works well by allowing each component to highlight different aspects of the other.

The bourbon’s caramel, honey, and vanilla sweetness softens the cigar’s aggressive pepper and earthy intensity, while the cigar’s dark cocoa and espresso notes pull forward deeper flavors in the whiskey that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The rye spice in the bourbon plays nicely with the cigar’s black pepper character, creating a pleasant warming sensation on the palate without overwhelming the drink.

Pairing Highlights
• Caramel bourbon sweetness + dark cocoa from the Broadleaf wrapper
• Rye spice complementing the cigar’s black pepper
• Vanilla and honey balancing the cigar’s earth and espresso

Overall Experience
This is a pairing that rewards slow pacing. Taking small sips between draws allows the whiskey’s sweetness to continually reset the palate against the cigar’s bold intensity. Pipe Dream may not have the proof to dominate Jacob’s Ladder, but its balance and sweetness make it a surprisingly effective companion.

Pair Verdict:
A bold cigar moderated by a smooth, sweet bourbon—resulting in a satisfying and balanced experience for those who enjoy full-bodied smokes.

Final Score: 9/10
#CigarAndBourbon #PairingReview #SticksNStonez

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