Howdy folks thanks for stopping by. I have a great pairing today, Penelope Wheated Bourbon a with a Brickhouse Classic.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: MGP
Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
Release Date: February 2025
Proof: 95
Age: NAS (Company website states 4-6 years)
Mashbill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
Color: Yellow Gold
NOSE: Delicate aromas greet you before you lift the glass. Gentle notes of fresh baked rolls or croissants, vanilla, sweet corn, and a touch brown sugar. A light nutmeg scent, along with touches of oak and honeyed pear, appear after further exploration. An overall pleasing aroma to start things off.
Palate: The palate leans forward into the four grain mashbill with both sweet and spicy notes. There’s gentle oak, white peppercorn, rye spice, vanilla, and touches of honey. Finish: Soft rye spice blended with oak along with frosted vanilla cake. It’s all rounded out in a medium to medium long finish with some white and black pepper.

Brickhouse Classic Robusto
Manufacturer: JC Newman
Size: Robusto (5 x 54)
Wrapper: Nicaragua Havana Subido
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
VISUAL: The stick’s cloak is a dark looking Subido wrapper with tight seams, almost no veining, a hint of tooth, and a triple cap.
NOSE: cedar, earth, and hints of hay.
CUT COLD DRAW: nuttiness, dried fruit like figs, dates, or plums with a slight sweetness.
LIGHT: Spiciness forward with nuts, more dried fruit, and som licorice with some background woodiness.

TOGETHER: The sweet and spicy of these two go well together. The stick has a light, dried fruity sweetness and the bourbon vanilla and honey sweetness. I am really impressed by the Penelope Wheated, it may be my favorite Penelope but Rose is hard to beat. Live with OneStream Live. - Live via OneStream Live #onestreamlive

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When you are ready to experience something pretty magical you can consider this combination. EH Taylor known for a deep flavour with rich nougat and dates along with a surrounding caramel sweetness married to a Davidoff Nicaragua, a full-bodied' cigar, that should go well with offering up its spicy, full essence the brand is known for.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed (Buffalo Trace's Mashbill #1, believed to be 10% rye or less)
Visual: Copper with great legs
Nose: butterscotch, caramel, baking bread, light notes of licorice and raisins, and a fairly strong dose of alcohol
Palate: Vanilla comes through first with a complex blend of raisins, charred oak, and black pepper. Finish: more vanilla, tobacco, leather, and pepper.
Overall, this an easy to drink bourbon that offers rich flavors that are enjoyable but not overly complex. I would say this a well balanced flavor small batch that is hard to find fault in but it doesn’t really WOW me.

Now the stick.
Herrera Esteli Norteño Robusto Grande
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli & Jalapa)
Size: 5 1/2 Inches
Ring Gauge: 54
Vitola: Robustro Grande
Visual: dark chocolate brown, oily, tight visible seams, somewhat rough, and a quadruple cap. Nose: a pungent, strong earthy stable or manure aroma mixed with a slight sweetness. The foot had a more “earthy” and a bit of cedar.
Cold Draw: notes of semi-sweet chocolate, dried fruit, earth and wood.
Light: earthiness, coffee, chocolate, with a sweetness on the palate of raisin, anise and red pepper. The retrohale displayed some good pepper spice.
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Pairing a Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon with a Rocky Patel Fifty-Five cigar is a match that brings out the best in both, creating a refined and memorable experience for enthusiasts.

Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review
Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond (100 proof) is a robust, value-driven bourbon with a warm, inviting profile. On the nose, it offers caramel, vanilla, and oak, with hints of baking spices and a touch of fruitiness. The palate delivers a rich mix of toffee, cinnamon, and roasted nuts, balanced by a subtle sweetness and a peppery kick. The finish is long, warm, and slightly dry, with lingering oak and spice notes. Its bold yet approachable character makes it an excellent sipping bourbon for pairing.
Rocky Patel Fifty-Five Cigar Review

The Rocky Patel Fifty-Five, crafted to celebrate Rocky Patel’s 55th birthday, is a medium-to-full-bodied cigar with a unique 55-ring gauge and tapered ends. It features a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, Costa Rican binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. The cigar opens with aromas of cedar and leather, with a velvety, oily wrapper. On the cold draw, expect cocoa, earth, and tobacco notes. When lit, it delivers a complex profile of creamy cocoa, cinnamon, cedar, and a touch of pepper, evolving into a creamy, spicy-sweet middle and a leathery, earthy finish. The burn is even, with a smooth draw and excellent construction, lasting about 1.5 hours for a Toro (6½ x 55).

Pairing Experience
This pairing is a harmonious dance of flavors. The bourbon’s caramel and vanilla sweetness enhances the cigar’s creamy cocoa and cinnamon notes, creating a dessert-like richness. The bourbon’s peppery spice aligns with the cigar’s subtle pepper, adding depth without overpowering. As the cigar transitions to its earthier, leathery finish, the bourbon’s oak and nutty undertones provide a grounding balance, extending the complexity of both. The 100-proof bourbon holds its own against the cigar’s medium-to-full body, ensuring neither dominates. Sipping the bourbon slowly between puffs allows the flavors to meld, with the bourbon cleansing the palate for the cigar’s next draw. The cigar’s medium-to-full strength suits seasoned smokers but may be intense for beginners, so pair thoughtfully.

Final Thoughts
The Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond and Rocky Patel Fifty-Five pairing is a stellar combination for those seeking a rich, balanced experience. The bourbon’s bold sweetness and spice elevate the cigar’s creamy, earthy complexity, making each puff and sip a celebration. Whether marking a special occasion or unwinding, this duo delivers sophistication and satisfaction.
















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Tip Top Espresso Martini is a ready-to-drink, 100ml can offering convenience and portability for outdoor events or quick refreshments. This espresso martini contains a robust blend of espresso, vodka, and vanilla with 22% ABV (44 Proof) and no equipment is needed. The flavor profile features a rich, bold taste with medium dark roast notes and a smooth texture, thanks to a collaboration with Counter Culture Coffee.CAO ItaliaThe filler of this stick contains long leaves from the Benevento region between Rome and Naples, and you’ll find a new world flavor flourishing in the old world. CAO Italia’s Habano seed was brought to Italy from Cuba nearly fifty years ago.Size: 5 x 56 (robusto)Wrapper: Honduras HabanoBinder: HondurasFiller: Italian Cuban Seed Habano, Nicaragua, PeruVisual: beautiful construction rough and rustic. A dark chocolate wrapper with tight visible seams. Veiny and oily, the feel of paper sacks to the touch, and a single.Cold Draw: dark chocolate, sweetness, fruit, earth, cedar, leather, and wood.Palate: coffee, creamy sweetness, cocoa and a fragrant herbal flavor. Halfway: At the half chocolate, sweet cocoa and caramel dominate.

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Jameson Triple Triple Irish Whiskey and Macanudo Orange Label cigars offer a delightful pairing for enthusiasts seeking a harmonious blend of smooth whiskey and flavorful tobacco. This review explores their individual profiles and how they complement each other.Jameson Triple Triple, a special edition Irish whiskey, is triple-distilled and matured in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and chestnut casks, delivering a rich and smooth experience at 40% ABV. Its golden hue hints at the complexity within.

• Nose: Opens with inviting aromas of toffee, vanilla, and hazelnut chocolate, accented by subtle orchard fruits like sweet pear and green apple. The chestnut cask influence adds indulgent dark chocolate and toasted almond notes.
• Palate: Velvety and balanced, it offers creamy fudge, vanilla, and sweet orange zest, with hints of dried fruit and spice from the sherry and chestnut casks. The triple distillation ensures a signature smoothness.
• Finish: Long and gentle, with lingering sweet fruit, oak warmth, and a touch of spice.

Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Triple Triple’s fruity and creamy profile makes it versatile for sipping or cocktails like the Triple Triple Mint Sour. Its layered flavors elevate it beyond standard Jameson, making it a standout for whiskey lovers.Macanudo Orange Label, part of the renowned Macanudo line, is a premium cigar known for its smooth, approachable character and vibrant flavor. Wrapped in a Connecticut Shade leaf, it features a Dominican and Mexican filler blend.

• Appearance: The golden wrapper is silky, with an orange band signaling its lively profile.
• Aroma: Pre-light, it offers creamy cedar, mild spice, and a hint of citrus zest.
• Flavor: On lighting, expect a creamy base with notes of cedar, toasted nuts, and a prominent orange peel zest. Mid-smoke, subtle sweetness and spice emerge, maintaining a mild-to-medium body.
• Finish: Clean and crisp, with lingering citrus and a touch of pepper.

The Orange Label’s smooth draw and consistent burn make it ideal for pairing, enhancing the experience without overpowering the palate.Pairing Jameson Triple Triple with Macanudo Orange Label creates a symphony of flavors. The whiskey’s sweet citrus and vanilla notes amplify the cigar’s orange zest and creamy cedar, while the chestnut cask’s nutty undertones echo the cigar’s toasted nut profile. The whiskey’s smooth finish cleanses the palate, balancing the cigar’s mild spice and ensuring each puff and sip feels fresh.Sipping the whiskey neat allows its fruitiness to shine alongside the cigar’s citrus, while a splash of water softens the whiskey, letting the cigar’s subtler sweetness stand out. The pairing is approachable yet refined, perfect for a relaxed evening.Jameson Triple Triple and Macanudo Orange Label deliver a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The whiskey’s complex, smooth character and the cigar’s citrusy, creamy profile make them a natural duo. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious novice, this pairing offers a delightful journey of flavor.Rating: 8.5/10 – A well-balanced, flavorful combination worth savor

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E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon with the Fuente Fuente Opus X cigar stands out as a match made in connoisseur heaven. This article explores the rich profiles of these two exceptional products, their histories, and why they complement each other so exquisitely, offering a sensory experience that elevates both the bourbon and the cigar to new heights.E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon: E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon, produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, is a tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a pioneer in the American whiskey industry. Known as the "father of the modern bourbon industry," Taylor introduced innovations like climate-controlled warehousing and the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which ensured quality and authenticity in whiskey production. The Small Batch expression, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) under the Bottled-in-Bond designation, reflects his commitment to excellence.This bourbon is crafted from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, it's non-age statement but estimated at 6–8 years. Its flavor profile is robust yet approachable, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch on the nose, followed by a palate of oak, spice, and dried fruit. The finish is long and warm, with hints of cinnamon, leather, and a touch of sweetness. The bourbon’s balanced complexity makes it an ideal companion for a full-bodied cigar, without overwhelming it.Fuente Fuente Opus X: The Fuente Fuente Opus X, crafted by Arturo Fuente, is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest cigars. Born in 1995, it was the first Dominican puro—meaning all its tobacco components (wrapper, binder, and filler) are sourced from the Dominican Republic. This was a groundbreaking achievement, as the Dominican Republic was previously thought incapable of producing high-quality wrapper tobacco. Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr.’s vision and perseverance led to the cultivation of a Cuban-seed, shade-grown Corojo wrapper at the Chateau de la Fuente estate, resulting in a cigar that redefined the industry.The Opus X is a full-bodied cigar with a complex flavor profile. Its reddish-brown, oily wrapper delivers notes of red pepper, leather, and cedar, while the Dominican binder and filler tobaccos add layers of coffee, caramel, and wood. The smoke is smooth yet powerful, with a creamy texture and a sweet, lingering finish. Opus X is celebrated for its impeccable construction and rarity, often commanding premium prices due to limited production.Flavor SynergyThe bourbon’s sweet notes of caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch align beautifully with the Opus X’s creamy, caramel-hued undertones. The cigar’s spicy red pepper and leather notes find a counterpoint in the bourbon’s oak and cinnamon spice, creating a dynamic interplay. The bourbon’s dried fruit and subtle sweetness temper the cigar’s bold, earthy character, while the Opus X’s coffee and wood accents deepen the whiskey’s complexity. This synergy allows both to shine without clashing.Intensity BalanceBoth the E.H. Taylor Small Batch (100 proof) and the Opus X (full-bodied) are robust, ensuring neither dominates. The bourbon’s moderate alcohol content provides warmth without burning the palate, allowing the cigar’s flavors to develop fully. Conversely, the Opus X’s strength stands up to the whiskey’s intensity, preventing the bourbon from overwhelming the smoke. This equilibrium is key to a successful pairing.Texture and FinishThe creamy texture of the Opus X smoke pairs seamlessly with the bourbon’s smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The cigar’s long, sweet finish complements the whiskey’s warm, lingering aftertaste, creating a cohesive sensory experience that evolves with each sip and puff.ConclusionPairing E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon and Fuente Fuente Opus X is a luxurious experience marrying the best of American whiskey and Dominican cigar craftsmanship. Their complementary flavors—sweet and spicy, creamy and robust—create a harmonious balance that delights the senses.

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Today's review explores Maker's Mark No. 46 French Oaked Bourbon, a wheated bourbon with a bold, layered profile, alongside the Plasencia Alma Fuerte, a full-bodied Nicaraguan cigar known for its complexity. Together, they promise a sophisticated sensory journey.
Maker's Mark No. 46, introduced in 2010, enhances the classic Maker's Mark recipe (70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, 14% barley). After aging 5-7 years, ten seared French oak staves are added to the barrel for 2-3 months of additional aging in a limestone cellar. Bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof), it’s bolder and more complex than the original.

• Appearance: Ruddy amber with a maple glow.
  
• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, cinnamon, and hints of cherry and apple.
  
• Palate: Creamy with caramel, butterscotch, roasted oak, and baking spices. Subtle dark chocolate and apricot add depth.
  
• Finish: Medium-long, velvety, with charred oak, caramel, and a touch of citrus.
  

No. 46 is refined yet approachable, with French oak adding robust depth. Priced at <$50, it’s a great value for sipping neat or in cocktails.
The Plasencia Alma Fuerte, from the renowned Plasencia family, uses Nicaraguan Criollo and Corojo tobaccos with a dark Jalapa wrapper. This full-bodied cigar, available in sizes like Sixto II (6 x 60), offers a 60-90 minute smoke.

• Appearance: Dark, oily wrapper with a firm build.
  
• Cold Draw: Earthy with cocoa and leather hints.
  
• First Third: Dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper with a creamy texture.
  
• Second Third: Cedar, roasted nuts, and molasses; pepper softens.
  
• Final Third: Earthy with cocoa and charred wood; lingering spice.
  

Bold yet balanced, the Alma Fuerte delivers complexity and smooth construction. At $20-30 per stick, it’s a premium cigar but worth the price.
No. 46 and Alma Fuerte create a harmonious pairing. The bourbon’s caramel and oak complement the cigar’s chocolate and cedar, while its fruitiness cuts through the cigar’s intensity.

• Complementary Notes: Bourbon’s sweetness aligns with the cigar’s molasses; oak matches cedar.
  
• Contrasting Elements: Bourbon’s citrus refreshes the palate; cigar’s tobacco deepens the bourbon’s spice.
  
• Experience: Sip the bourbon, then puff the cigar to blend creamy and spicy notes. The 94-proof bourbon holds up to the cigar’s strength.
  

• Start with a sip, then light the cigar; alternate slowly.
  
• Enjoy in a relaxed, ventilated setting with water nearby.
  
• Savor over 60-90 minutes.
  

Maker's Mark No. 46 and Plasencia Alma Fuerte form a superb pairing, balancing sweetness, spice, and depth. At $30-40 for the bourbon and $18-22 per cigar, it’s a luxurious yet accessible duo. Perfect for enthusiasts, this combination shines in relaxed settings.
Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect pairing with engaging complexity.
Recommendation: Keep both on hand for special evenings. Try different Alma Fuerte vitolas for variety.


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Today I am pairing a bold Texas bourbon with a refined cigar can create a memorable sensory experience. This review explores the combination of Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon, a robust, high-proof spirit from Hye, Texas, with the Macanudo Emissary, a medium-bodied cigar known for its creamy and balanced profile. My goal is to harmonize the bourbon’s intense sweetness and spice with the cigar’s smooth, nutty, and subtly sweet notes, offering a dynamic yet cohesive experience.
Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon, crafted at Texas’ first legal distillery, is a cask-strength expression, bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). Each barrel yields a unique profile, but common notes include caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch, with bursts of cherry, cinnamon, and oak. The palate is bold, with toffee, dark fruit, and fiery spice, leading to a long, warm finish of leather and sweet corn. Its high proof and rich sweetness make it a commanding partner for cigar pairing.
Mashbill: 74% corn, 15% wheat, 11% Canadian malted barley
Age: NAS (Noted as 4+ years)
Macanudo Emissary Overview
The Macanudo Emissary, produced in the Dominican Republic, features a golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper(aged 5 years), Nicaraguan Condega binder (aged 6 years), and fillers from the Dominican Republic (Piloto 5 yrs, Nicaragua 6 yrs, and Colombia 5 yrs. This medium-bodied cigar, a robusto (5 x 52 ~$10), offers a creamy, smooth smoke.
Nose: hay, cedar, and citrus
Cold Draw: nuts, leather, cedar, and mild white pepper. The finish is clean, with lingering
Palate: sweet creamy cedar, roasted almonds, and a touch of white pepper.
Finish: nuttiness and subtle sweetness, making it an elegant, approachable choice.
The Emissary opens with sweet creamy cedar, roasted almonds, and a touch of white pepper. The Garrison Brothers’ bold caramel and cherry notes complement the cigar’s sweetness, while its cinnamon spice amplifies the pepper, creating a lively start. The bourbon’s butterscotch softens the cigar’s mild spice, and its high proof adds warmth that enhances the smoke’s creaminess. This phase is vibrant, with the bourbon’s intensity balanced by the cigar’s smoothness.
As the cigar develops, nutty and creamy notes dominate, with hints of vanilla and citrus. The bourbon’s toffee and dark fruit pair beautifully, evoking a caramel-nut dessert. Its oak and leather notes align with the cigar’s cedar, creating a seamless bridge. The bourbon’s heat is tempered by the cigar’s clean, sweet profile, making this the pairing’s peak, where both shine without clashing.
The Emissary’s nuttiness intensifies, with lingering cedar and subtle sweetness. The bourbon’s spicy finish and leather notes match the cigar’s woody end, though its high proof slightly overshadows the cigar’s delicacy. The cherry and corn sweetness provide balance, ensuring a warm, satisfying close. The pairing remains cohesive, with the cigar’s elegance softening the bourbon’s boldness.
The Garrison Brothers Single Barrel and Macanudo Emissary form a compelling pairing. The bourbon’s caramel, fruit, and spice enhance the cigar’s creamy, nutty profile, while the Emissary’s smoothness tempers the bourbon’s heat. The last half, with its dessert-like harmony, is particularly delightful. This pairing suits those who enjoy bold spirits with refined cigars.

• Flavor Harmony: The bourbon’s sweetness and spice complement the cigar’s nuts and cream.
  
• Balance: The cigar’s smoothness offsets the bourbon’s intensity.
  
• Evolution: Both evolve together, creating a dynamic experience.
  

• Proof Intensity: The bourbon’s higher proof may overwhelm the cigar’s subtler notes.
  
• Spice Sensitivity: The amplified spice may be bold for some.
  

This pairing delivers a robust yet balanced experience, with the Garrison Brothers’ intensity meeting the Macanudo Emissary’s elegance. It’s a rewarding choice for adventurous palates.
Rating: 8.7/10

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The art of pairing a single malt Scotch whisky with a premium cigar elevates both experiences, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This review examines the pairing of Tullibardine 12 Year Old, a Highland single malt with a smooth and approachable profile, with the E.P. Carrillo Essence Series Maduro cigar, a medium-bodied smoke known for its rich, earthy, and chocolatey notes. This combination aims to balance the whisky’s fruity sweetness and malty depth with the cigar’s bold, spicy, and sweet character, offering a refined sensory journey.Tullibardine 12 Year Old is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky, typically matured in ex-bourbon casks, though some bottlings (e.g., Cadenhead’s) may include sherry influence. Bottled at 43% ABV, it presents a balanced profile with aromas of sweet malt, green apple, citrus, and vanilla. The palate offers honey, creamy toffee, nutty oak, and subtle spices like cinnamon and tobacco, leading to a medium-length finish of syrupy sweetness, oak, and tart fruit. Its approachable sweetness and light complexity make it a versatile pairing partner.The E.P. Carrillo Essence Series Maduro, produced at Casa Carrillo in the Dominican Republic, features a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper, Honduran binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. This medium-bodied cigar, available in sizes like Robusto (5 x 50) and retails for $9–$11. It delivers pre-light aromas of chocolate, raisin, and earthy sweetness, with flavors of bitter baker’s chocolate, gritty earth, sweet anise, and black pepper on the retrohale. As it progresses, the spice mellows, revealing a campfire-like finish with creosote and lingering sweetness, offering a robust yet balanced smoke.The Essence Series Maduro opens with a bold hit of black pepper, followed by sweet anise, bitter chocolate, and earthy undertones. The Tullibardine 12’s honeyed sweetness and citrus notes counter the cigar’s spicy kick, softening the retrohale and highlighting the anise’s licorice-like quality. The whisky’s green apple and vanilla add a refreshing lift, balancing the cigar’s intensity. This initial phase is harmonious, with the whisky’s creamy texture smoothing the cigar’s peppery edge.As the cigar evolves, the pepper subsides, giving way to richer baker’s chocolate, earthy grit, and a hint of raisin sweetness. The Tullibardine 12’s toffee and nutty oak pair seamlessly with the cigar’s chocolatey core, evoking a dark chocolate and hazelnut dessert. The whisky’s subtle cinnamon and tobacco spices align with the cigar’s woodsy notes, creating a smooth, cohesive experience. This phase is the pairing’s highlight, with the whisky’s sweetness amplifying the cigar’s milder, sweeter profile.The Tullibardine 12 Year Old and E.P. Carrillo Essence Series Maduro create a compelling and well-balanced pairing. The whisky’s sweet malt, honey, and citrus notes enhance the cigar’s chocolate, anise, and earthy flavors, while its creamy texture tempers the cigar’s spice. The cigar’s evolving profile, from peppery to rich and smoky, complements the whisky’s approachable complexity, making this an ideal pairing for relaxed, thoughtful evenings. This pairing suits enthusiasts who enjoy medium-bodied cigars and whiskies with balanced sweetness and spice. The Tullibardine 12 Year Old and E.P. Carrillo Essence Series Maduro deliver a highly enjoyable pairing, with the whisky’s sweet malt, honey, and citrus enhancing the cigar’s rich chocolate, earthy, and spicy notes. The combo excels in the second half, where toffee and chocolate create a harmonious blend, though the cigar’s robust finish slightly outpaces the whisky’s lighter body. Perfect for casual evenings or as an introduction to whisky-cigar pairings, this combination offers balance, affordability, and a rewarding experience.Rating: 8.5/10
A very good pairing with strong flavor synergy and balance, slightly limited by the whisky’s lighter profile in the final half.


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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.

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