Since its inception in 2013, Barrell Craft Spirits has gained recognition for its innovative blends and rich finishes. Notably known for pushing boundaries, their whiskeys like Barrell Seagrass have garnered a substantial following among whiskey enthusiasts. However, it wasn’t until now that Barrell ventured into the realm of "Cigar Blend" bourbons, a category renowned for its ability to complement cigars through added flavors from finishes such as sherry, cognac, and Armagnac.

The concept of Cigar Blends was largely popularized by Nancy Fraley, a master blender and cigar aficionado, who created initial offerings that inspired many brands thereafter. Barrell’s hesitation in this domain was apparent until their recent release of the Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend, an expression that combines straight bourbon whiskeys aged between 7.5 and 18 years from various undisclosed distilleries, particularly noted to source from areas such as Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.

This new blend underwent a meticulous finishing process in casks of Madeira, Armagnac, rum, and Hungarian oak, resulting in a robust cask strength of 111.2 proof. Barrell’s founder, Joe Beatrice, shared insight into the blend’s creation, emphasizing the challenge of harmonizing the bold flavors from different finishes without creating an overwhelming experience. The objective was to maintain balance while enhancing the whiskey’s inherent characteristics.

When tasting the Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend, reviewers noted an initial nose filled with rich and spiced aromas of brandy-soaked dark fruits, holiday cake, and a touch of nuttiness. The first sip was described as creamy, with a unique viscosity that allows flavors to linger beautifully. Tasting notes included elements of cherry cobbler, black pepper, and a hint of earthy bitterness reminiscent of a fine amaro.

Reflecting on the role of finishing casks, Beatrice remarked on their ability to introduce complexity rather than masking the base whiskey flavors. The entire process aims to enrich the whiskey’s layer of flavor while ensuring the overall blend maintains its appeal.

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend is currently available with a suggested retail price of $84.99, offering a sophisticated option for both cigar aficionados and whiskey drinkers alike.