The pairing I have for you today, Calumet Farm 8 Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon and a Nica Libre Sungrown, form a pairing that’s as approachable as it is satisfying, offering a balance of bold and smooth for both novice and seasoned enthusiasts. I strongly believe this combination will deliver a cohesive experience that elevates both the cigar and the spirit without breaking the bank.
The Cigar: Nica Libre is crafted by AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua, the Nica Libre is a budget-friendly standout, often likened to a Padron Anniversary Maduro for its rich, full-bodied profile. At $5-$7 per stick, it’s a steal for its complexity and consistent construction, burning evenly with a solid draw over roughly an hour.
Vitola: 5.5x50 Robusto
Filler: Nicaraguan long filler
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Wrapper: Sun soaked Nicaraguan
Visual: beautiful reddish brown box press with tight seams and minimal veining
Nose: Earthy; musty barnyard, chocolate
Cold Draw: simple mocha/coffee profile with hints of leather and wood
Light: Heavy pepper blast initially then sweet and rich notes of cashews, cedar, and leather.
Finish: medium with a nice black pepper note
Medium strength
The Bourbon: Calumet Farm 8 Year-Old Calumet Farm’s 8 Year-Old Bourbon, a small-batch offering from Barton Distillery, is bottled at 90 proof with a corn-heavy mash bill. Priced at $40-$50, it’s an accessible sipper.
Distillery: Western Spirits Beverage Company
Bottled by: Three Springs Bottling Company
Region: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Aging: Each small batch (50 barrels) is crafted from 8 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45%
Proof: 90
Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
Non-Chill Filtered: No
Appearance: Dark Golden Honey
Nose: Sweet Caramel, oak, vanilla, rye spice, black pepper, cinnamon brown sugar
Palate: Brown sugar, Rye spice, dried apricots, rich caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, black pepper
Finish: Medium finish with a bit of heat full of heavy oak, rye spice, and pepper spice
While not the most intricate bourbon, its smoothness and balanced sweetness make it a versatile pairing partner.
The Pairing Experience Sipped neat alongside the Nica Libre, the Calumet 8 proves an ideal companion. The cigar’s bold opening of chocolate and espresso finds harmony with the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla, creating a dessert-like richness. The bourbon’s subtle spice tempers the cigar’s peppery kick, while the cigar’s earthy depth anchors the bourbon’s lighter, fruitier notes. In the second third, as the cigar shifts to leather and cocoa, the bourbon’s oak spice steps forward, maintaining balance. By the final third, the Nica Libre’s sweeter finish dances with the Calumet’s apricot and brown sugar, leaving a clean, satisfying aftertaste.
Adding a single ice cube to the bourbon opens up its grassy and fruit-forward notes, which pair especially well with the cigar’s later sweetness. For a twist, a Calumet 8 Old Fashioned—light on sugar, with a dash of bitters—introduces citrus and spice that complement the cigar’s pepper and cocoa, adding another layer of enjoyment.
Verdict The Nica Libre and Calumet Farm 8 Year-Old Bourbon is a pairing that punches above its price point. It’s approachable for beginners, with enough depth to intrigue aficionados. The cigar’s robust, earthy character is softened by the bourbon’s sweet, smooth profile, creating a dynamic yet balanced experience. Perfect for a relaxed evening on the porch or a lively lounge session, this combo is a go-to for value-driven flavor. If you’re looking to impress without overspending, stock your humidor and bar cart with these two.
Rating: 8.5/10
The pairing is near-perfect for its synergy and accessibility, though the bourbon’s relative simplicity keeps it from a higher score. Still, a fantastic everyday duo.
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