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Sticks-n-Stonez is a weekly podcast that pairs fine cigars with premium spirits. Each week a premium hand rolled cigar is paired with just the right spirit to enhance the palate...
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Sticks-n-Stonez is a weekly podcast that pairs fine cigars with premium spirits. Each week a premium hand rolled cigar is paired with just the right spirit to enhance the palate and profile of each offering. During the episode Brent, the host, will share details about each offering and then present his opinion on the visual aspects, nose, and palate of the cigar and spirit and detail his opinion and rating of the pairing. He will also sprinkle in some of his own offbrand humor. Between each episode you can catch Brent on Instagram at @sticksnstonez1. The show's Insta account is approaching 20,000 followers so you should really jump in now.
Brent is a retired combat veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He picked up cigars while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004 and has been developing his nose and palate ever since. With two decades of experience in cigars and 3 decades in fine spirits his senses are acutely tuned to provide the best possible advice.
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Brent is a retired combat veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He picked up cigars while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004 and has been developing his nose and palate ever since. With two decades of experience in cigars and 3 decades in fine spirits his senses are acutely tuned to provide the best possible advice.
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10 JUN. 2025 · Few pairings walk the line between spice and smoothness with the grace found in this one: the bold character of Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye whiskey finds a worthy companion in the richly nuanced Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro cigar. Together, they form a symphony of contrast and complement—a dialogue between sweet rye spice and earthy Nicaraguan complexity.
Whiskey Overview: E.H. Taylor Straight Rye
Bottled-in-bond and crafted from a mash bill that omits corn entirely, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye is a standout in the Buffalo Trace portfolio. With a composition of rye and malted barley, it opens with a bright, peppery nose interlaced with spearmint, caramel, and faint dill. On the palate, there’s a clean expression of baking spice, cinnamon, and dried orchard fruit, followed by grassy rye grain and honeyed oak. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, dry, and pepper-laced, with a long, warm finish that lingers with clove and subtle citrus.
Key Notes:
• Nose: Spearmint, baking spice, fresh grain, caramel
• Palate: Rye spice, apple peel, black pepper, honey, oak
• Finish: Long, herbal, slightly dry with citrus peel
Cigar Overview: Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro
Crafted entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco and box-pressed to perfection, the Quattro Nicaragua Maestro (a 6”x52 Torpedo) earned Cigar Aficionado’s #1 cigar of the year in 2019. It’s a medium-to-full-bodied smoke that balances robust earthiness with refined sweetness.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6 x 52
• First third: Espresso, dark chocolate, black pepper
• Second third: Leather, cedar, baking spice
• Final third: Dried fruit, cocoa, earth, subtle molasses
The Pairing: Interplay and Balance
From the first draw and sip, the synergy is evident. The cigar’s espresso and chocolate tones coax out deeper sweetness in the rye, muting the more dominant pepper elements and enhancing the whiskey’s caramel and oak complexity. Conversely, the whiskey’s spicy brightness lifts the heavier earth and leather from the cigar, creating contrast and freshness.
In the second third of the cigar, the profile mellows and deepens, just as the rye’s spicier edges give way to a more honeyed mid-palate. A well-timed sip brings out a warming clove and cinnamon note that pairs beautifully with the cigar’s evolving dried fruit and cedar tones. The retrohale of the cigar and the whiskey’s finish both deliver a dry, peppery quality that rounds out the pairing with a satisfying grip.
Final Thoughts
E.H. Taylor Straight Rye and the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro form a pairing of elegance and depth. The rye’s lean, herbal sharpness complements the cigar’s rich and earthy tones without overpowering it. Both are confident, characterful expressions of their respective crafts, and together they invite a patient appreciation of their layered personalities.
Overall Rating: 9.2/10 – A high-caliber pairing for those who appreciate dry spice, depth, and balance without overwhelming sweetness.
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3 JUN. 2025 · When it comes to indulgence, few pleasures rival the harmony of a well-aged rum paired with a masterfully crafted cigar. Among the standout pairings for the discerning palate is El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum alongside the San Cristobal Revelation cigar. Each offers depth, nuance, and complexity on its own, but together, they create an experience that is richly rewarding and greater than the sum of its parts.
The Spirit: El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum
Hailing from Guyana, El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum is a hallmark of Demerara distillation. Crafted by Demerara Distillers Limited, this rum is a blend of rums aged for at least 12 years in ex-bourbon oak barrels. It is renowned for its smoothness, full body, and a profile that is simultaneously sweet, spicy, and woody.
Tasting Notes:
• Nose: Rich aromas of toffee, vanilla, dark fruit (like raisins and figs), and warm spice.
• Palate: A silky texture carries notes of caramel, molasses, oak, nutmeg, and a hint of dark chocolate.
• Finish: Long, warming, and slightly dry with lingering spice and brown sugar.
The aging process gives this rum an exquisite balance between sweetness and depth, making it an ideal pairing candidate for medium to medium-full bodied cigars.
The Cigar: San Cristobal Revelation
The Revelation is part of the San Cristobal line, crafted by the famed Garcia family at the My Father Cigars factory in Nicaragua. It features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler. The Revelation is celebrated for its balance, medium body, and intricate flavor transitions throughout the smoke.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 5 x 54 “Prophet- Robusto”
Body: Medium/Full
Flavor Profile:
• Pre-light: Notes of cedar, hay, and a subtle sweetness.
• Initial third: Earthy and woody tones with hints of cocoa and leather.
• Middle third: A shift towards roasted nuts, baking spices, and a touch of sweetness reminiscent of dried fruit.
• Final third: Pepper emerges more prominently, balanced by creamy coffee and dark chocolate.
This cigar is flavorful without being overpowering, with a complexity that complements aged spirits.
Why They Work Together
The pairing of El Dorado 12 and San Cristobal Revelation excels because of their shared richness and complementary contrasts.
1. Flavor Harmony: The caramel and spice notes of the rum mirror the earthy sweetness and cocoa elements in the Revelation. Both feature dark, toasted flavors that enhance each other’s complexity.
2. Balance of Strength: El Dorado 12 is robust but smooth, while the Revelation is medium-bodied and layered. Neither dominates the other, allowing a balance where both are equally appreciated.
3. Texture & Mouthfeel: The silky texture of the rum softens the cigar’s peppery edges in the final third, while the cigar’s oils bring out more vanilla and toffee in the rum.
4. Evolving Experience: As the cigar progresses in strength and spice, the rum acts as a mellowing agent, allowing you to appreciate the evolution of the smoke without fatigue.
Conclusion
Pairing El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum with a San Cristobal Revelation cigar is not just a sensory delight — it’s a journey. The rum’s refined sweetness and depth align beautifully with the cigar’s evolving, nuanced flavors. For enthusiasts looking to explore how spirits and cigars can elevate one another, this duo offers a masterclass in balance, complexity, and satisfaction.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring a quiet night, this pairing delivers an indulgent experience worth repeating.
Score: 8.7/10
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27 MAY. 2025 · Pairing Review: Old Grand-Dad 114 & Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series (Maduro)
This is a bold, full-bodied pairing for seasoned palates that enjoy deep complexity, spice, and a bit of fire. Here’s a breakdown of how they complement each other:
Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
Distiller: Beam Suntory/Jim Beam
Mashbill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Proof: 114 (57% ABV)
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations)
Visual: deep mahogany
Nose: caramel and cinnamon upfront with a good corn sweetness, seasoned oak, a touch of black pepper for spice, and a hint of crispy yellow apples.
Profile: High-rye mash bill, has a bold spice, cinnamon heat, caramel, orange zest, and a touch of char.
Texture: Oily and warm with a sharp but manageable burn.
Finish: Long, peppery, with lingering vanilla and toasted oak.
Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro
Cigar Reviewed: Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Hermoso Maduro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 Inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Robusto/Belocoso
Nose: chocolate, fresh fruits like cherries or blackberries, and some light buttery and spicy notes
Flavor Notes: Rich cocoa, espresso, dried fruit, earth, and a deep natural sweetness balanced by pepper and aged tobacco.
Body: Full
Construction: Top-tier—razor-sharp burn, firm draw, and consistent flavor throughout.
Pairing Synergy
• Initial Impact: The bourbon’s rye spice and high proof bring immediate heat, which is softened by the Maduro wrapper’s natural sweetness and creamy texture. First puff meets first sip with boldness, but they quickly find harmony.
• Mid-Palate: As the cigar develops more earthy coffee and cocoa notes, the bourbon’s citrus and vanilla open up. The heat from OGD 114 draws out some darker molasses tones from the cigar, creating a beautiful bitter-sweet interplay.
• Retrohale + Finish: The cigar’s pepper and dark fruit elevate the bourbon’s oak and spice, particularly on the finish. Retrohaling the Padrón after a sip of OGD 114 amplifies the chocolate and dried cherry tones, giving an almost cherry cordial profile.
Pairing Strengths
• Complexity: Both offer layers of flavors that evolve during the session.
• Balance: The cigar’s sweetness and richness tame the bourbon’s heat.
• Intensity Match: Neither overwhelms the other; they spar and dance instead of dominate.
Score (out of 10)
• Flavor Harmony: 9
• Balance: 8.5
• Complexity: 9.5
• Enjoyment: 9
• Overall: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
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23 MAY. 2025 · I have a great pairing today. I am pairing the silky smooth and approachable Gentleman Jack from Jack Daniels with an equally smooth and approachable Macanudo Inspirado White Label.
Gentleman Jack
Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
Company: Brown-Forman
Distillery: Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 80
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
Color: Light Copper
Nose: Soft vanilla and caramel mingle with summer fruit, light oak, and a touch of banana.
Palate: banana is followed by a soft wash of sweet flavors - caramel, vanilla custard, honey, brown sugar, and oak
Finish: notes of caramel, brown sugar, and honey
Macanudo Insprirado White Label
The Macanudo Inspirado White is a four-country multi-national blend highlighted by a proprietary Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper that is aged six years. The blend also features an Indonesian binder. The fillers consist of Mexican San Andres and Nicaraguan Condega leaves aged four years as well as a Nicaraguan Jalapa leaf aged two years.
The one interesting footnote about this cigar is that it does not contain Dominican tobacco. While there have been other Macanudo releases without Dominican tobacco, it still was a bit surprising to me.
Unlike Macanudo Inspirado Orange which is produced in Honduras, the Macanudo Inspirado White comes out of the General Cigar Dominicana factory in the Dominican Republic.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Mexican, Nicaraguan (Condega and Jalapa)
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (General Cigar Dominicana)
Nose: stables, hay, rich wood
Cold Draw: creamy citrus and wood
Palate: cream, oak, cedar, and black pepper.
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23 MAY. 2025 · Pairing a fine bourbon with a rich cigar is an art, and few duos hit the mark like Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and the La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro No. 5. This combination offers a deep, flavorful journey rooted in bold character and harmonious contrast.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a classic Kentucky bourbon, known for its smooth depth and warm spice. Bottled at 94 proof, it strikes a refined balance between approachability and complexity. Distilled by Heaven Hill
Age: NAS (believed 8-12 yrs)
Proof: 94 46% ABV
Mash: 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% rye
Visual: deep copper with good legs
Nose: Warm vanilla, toasted oak, baking spices, and a hint of caramelized sugar.
Palate: Rich butterscotch, ripe dark fruits, and a gentle smokiness wrapped in cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: Long, smooth, and slightly drying with lingering charred oak and subtle heat.
Its layered profile offers both sweetness and spice, making it an ideal partner for a full-bodied cigar.
La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro No. 5
Size: 5.5x54 Robusto
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan long fillers
Binder: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Visual: molty med to dark brown, moderate veining, and tight but visible seams
Nose: fresh earth, leather, barnyard, grassy, baking spice, and an espresso-laced sweetness.
Cold Draw: Cocoa, barnyard, and raisin-like sweetness.
First Third: Black pepper, dark chocolate, and espresso dominate. The smoke is chewy and voluminous. The Pairing: Harmony Through Contrast
When paired, these two indulgences elevate one another beautifully. The cigar’s dark, bittersweet chocolate and pepper play nicely with the bourbon’s soft caramel and baking spice. The first sips of Elijah Craig tame the cigar’s spice, while the cigar enriches the bourbon’s vanilla and oak notes
Second Third: Notes of leather, sweet molasses, and toasted nuts emerge, with the pepper softening slightly. Midway Match: As the cigar develops into more complex territory—leather, molasses, roasted coffee—the bourbon keeps up effortlessly. Its subtle fruitiness (fig, dried cherry) shines against the Maduro’s richness.
Final Third: A return to spice with a deeper, earthier core. Still smooth, never acrid.
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The Finish: Near the end, both evolve. The cigar’s intensity deepens, but the bourbon’s warm, oaky finish holds it in check. Together, they linger on the palate with hints of cocoa, wood, and spice, leaving a satisfying, contemplative aftertaste.
Final Thoughts
This is a pairing for those who appreciate bold flavors handled with finesse. Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a steady, flavorful base, while the La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro offers complexity and power without overwhelming the senses.
Pairing Score: 9/10
Balanced, bold, and beautifully matched. A true classic pairing for seasoned bourbon and cigar lovers alike.
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23 MAY. 2025 · For those who relish the art of pairing a fine scotch with a premium cigar, the Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch and the Macanudo Inspirado Green Label cigar offer a delightful and approachable combination. This pairing balances the whisky’s bright, citrusy elegance with the cigar’s creamy, earthy complexity, creating a refined yet accessible experience perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers.
Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old: A Highland Gem
Glenmorangie, a Highland distillery founded in 1843, is celebrated for its tall stills and meticulous cask selection. The Original 10-Year-Old, bottled at 40% ABV, is aged in ex-bourbon casks, delivering a light, vibrant profile. Its flavor notes include:
• Nose: Fresh and floral, with orange peel, vanilla, peach, and a hint of honey.
• Palate: Silky and bright, offering citrus zest, creamy vanilla, green apple, and a touch of almond.
• Finish: Clean and lingering, with soft oak, sweet malt, and a whisper of spice.
The scotch’s crisp, fruity character makes it a versatile partner for a medium-bodied cigar like the Macanudo Inspirado Green Label.
Macanudo Inspirado Green Label: A Brazilian Twist
The Macanudo Inspirado Green Label, crafted in the Dominican Republic, stands out with its rare Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, paired with Dominican Piloto Cubano and ColombianCarmen Cubita fillers and an Indonesian binder. Robusto 5x52 on the ring gauge. This medium-bodied cigar offers a smooth yet distinctive smoking experience. Key flavor notes include:
• Cold Draw: Earthy with hints of cocoa and cedar.
• Flavor Profile: Creamy coffee, roasted nuts, and sweet wood, with subtle spice and a grassy undertone from the Arapiraca wrapper.
• Finish: Smooth and slightly sweet, with lingering creaminess and a touch of pepper.
The cigar’s balanced earthiness and creamy texture pair seamlessly with the scotch’s lively fruit notes. The scotch’s citrus and vanilla notes enhance the cigar’s creamy coffee and nutty flavors, while the cigar’s earthy spice complements the whisky’s subtle oak and malt. The pairing feels light yet flavorful, with the scotch’s brightness cutting through the cigar’s richer undertones for a cohesive experience.
Why It Works
The Glenmorangie 10’s crisp, fruit-forward profile complements the Macanudo Inspirado Green Label’s medium-bodied creaminess without overwhelming it. Both share a smoothness and subtle sweetness that tie them together, while their contrasting notes—citrus versus earth, vanilla versus coffee—add intrigue. This pairing is ideal for those seeking elegance with just enough complexity.
Final Thoughts
The Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old Scotch and Macanudo Inspirado Green Label cigar form a sophisticated yet easygoing pairing that celebrates craftsmanship and balance. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or sharing with friends, this duo delivers a memorable sensory journey. Pour a dram, light up, and enjoy the harmony.
Final Score: 89/100
This pairing shines for its accessibility and balance, with the scotch’s bright fruitiness and the cigar’s creamy earthiness creating a delightful contrast. A touch more intensity could push it higher, but it’s a fantastic choice for a refined, approachable experience.
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23 MAY. 2025 · For enthusiasts of fine scotch and cigars, the art of pairing can elevate both experiences to new heights. The GlenDronach 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch and the La Aroma de Cuba Reserva cigar create a harmonious duo, blending rich flavors that complement and enhance each other. This pairing is a journey of taste, perfect for a reflective evening or a special occasion.
GlenDronach 12-Year-Old Scotch: A Sherry-Soaked Delight
GlenDronach, a Highland distillery with a storied history since 1826, is renowned for its sherry cask maturation. The 12-Year-Old expression is a non-chill filtered, 43% ABV single malt aged in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. This imparts a deep, complex profile with notes of:
• Nose: Warm spices, dried fruits (raisins, figs), and toffee, with hints of orange zest and oak.
• Palate: Velvety and rich, with dark chocolate, stewed plums, cinnamon, and a touch of ginger.
• Finish: Long and warming, with sweet sherry, toasted nuts, and a whisper of oak.
The scotch’s bold yet balanced sweetness and spice make it an ideal companion for a robust cigar.
La Aroma de Cuba Reserva: A Full-Bodied Classic
The La Aroma de Cuba Reserva, handcrafted in Nicaragua, is a full-bodied cigar known for its depth and refinement. This is a Maximo 5 1/2 x 54 Featuring a dark, oily Mexican San Andrés wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, it delivers a complex smoking experience. Key flavor notes include:
• Cold Draw: Cocoa, leather, and a hint of black pepper.
• Flavor Profile: Rich earthiness, dark chocolate, espresso, and roasted nuts, with bursts of spice and a creamy texture.
• Finish: Smooth and lingering, with sweet cedar and subtle pepper.
The cigar’s intensity and nuanced sweetness pair beautifully with the scotch’s sherry-driven character.
The Pairing: A Symphony of Flavors
When sipped and smoked together, the GlenDronach 12 and La Aroma de Cuba Reserva create a dynamic interplay. The scotch’s dried fruit and toffee notes amplify the cigar’s chocolate and nutty undertones, while the cigar’s earthy spice enhances the whisky’s cinnamon and ginger warmth. The sherry cask sweetness cuts through the cigar’s peppery kick, ensuring a balanced experience.
Why It Works
The GlenDronach 12’s sherry richness complements the La Aroma de Cuba Reserva’s bold, earthy profile without overpowering it. Both share a depth of flavor—sweet, spicy, and slightly nutty—that creates a cohesive and luxurious pairing. This duo is ideal for those who appreciate intensity with elegance.
Final Thoughts
Pairing the GlenDronach 12-Year-Old Scotch with the La Aroma de Cuba Reserva is a celebration of craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious novice, this combination promises a memorable sensory experience. Light up, pour a dram, and let the flavors dance.
92/100
The GlenDronach 12-Year-Old Scotch and La Aroma de Cuba Reserva cigar deliver a near-perfect pairing, with complementary sherry sweetness, spice, and nutty notes creating a rich, balanced experience. A slight edge in complexity could elevate it further, but this duo is exceptional for aficionados and novices alike.
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22 MAY. 2025 · Green Spot Irish Whiskey & Macanudo Inspirado Red Robusto: A Balanced Indulgence
Pairing Review by a Casual Connoisseur
There are moments when a dram and a cigar don’t just complement each other—they tell a story. That’s the case with Green Spot Irish Whiskey, a vibrant, fruity single pot still expression from Midleton Distillery, and the Macanudo Inspirado Red Label Robusto, a bold Nicaraguan-forward smoke that punches a little above Macanudo’s typically mellow reputation. This is a pairing that works because of contrast—light meets dark, fruit meets spice, silk meets grit.
Green Spot Irish Whiskey: A Review
Origin: Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Ireland
ABV: 40%
Style: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Maturation: Ex-bourbon and sherry casks
Appearance
Pale gold with a soft, sunny hue. It looks clean, bright, and easygoing in the glass. No legs of note—this isn’t a syrupy dram—but it’s inviting.
Nose
Green Spot is known for its fresh, orchard-fruit profile. On first sniff: green apple, pear skin, and a soft vanilla cream note. There’s a faint nuttiness too—almond or maybe even macadamia. Dig a little deeper, and you get gentle honey, a touch of clove, and citrus zest. It’s vibrant and youthful.
Palate
Smooth entry with immediate notes of fresh green apple and barley sugar. The pot still spice is gentle—more pepper than fire. Mid-palate, there’s a lovely creaminess, with hints of vanilla custard and toasted oak. A slight grassy character adds depth, never veering into bitter. It’s well-balanced, lively, and unpretentious.
Finish
Moderate in length. You get that cereal grain, soft oak tannin, and a lingering kiss of honey and dried apricot. It fades with finesse, not flash.
Verdict: Green Spot is a fantastic representation of Irish whiskey’s elegance and complexity without being overbearing. It’s refined without being too delicate.
Macanudo Inspirado Red Robusto: A Review
Size: Robusto (5” x 50)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran
Body: Medium-to-full
Appearance & Construction
This cigar wears a dark, reddish-brown wrapper with a smooth yet toothy feel. The triple cap is expertly applied, and the roll is firm with just the right give. Pre-light aroma is rich with earth, cedar, and a touch of cocoa.
Cold Draw
Notes of dry cherry, black pepper, and a hint of graham cracker. Draw resistance is perfect—just enough pull to let you know it’s well packed.
First Third
It opens with a punch of pepper and wood—clearly Nicaraguan in spirit. But it’s not brash. A cherry sweetness follows, backed by leather and roasted coffee. Retrohale delivers pepper spice and charred oak.
Second Third
The strength levels out slightly. Dark chocolate and cedar dominate now, with a lingering sweetness that hints at molasses. Burn line is steady, ash holds tight.
Final Third
It ramps up in body. Spice returns with intensity, but the balance remains. Earth, charred oak, black coffee, and a faint fruit note—dried fig, maybe. It finishes with complexity and depth.
Verdict: The Red Label is a bolder Macanudo, but it maintains the brand’s smooth character. It’s like a dark roast with a splash of cream—not too heavy, but undeniably rich.
The Pairing: Green Spot & Macanudo Red
This pairing works because it thrives on contrast. Green Spot’s orchard fruits and honeyed finesse play beautifully against the Macanudo’s deeper, earthier core. The whiskey cools the cigar’s spice, while the cigar brings out some of the whiskey’s latent richness.
Why It Works
• The fruitiness of Green Spot cuts through the earth and pepper of the cigar, preventing palate fatigue.
• The creamy mouthfeel of the whiskey plays well with the chocolate and cedar tones in the cigar’s midsection.
• As the cigar builds in strength, the light-bodied nature of the whiskey offers a refreshing counterpoint.
• The sherry cask influence in the whiskey echoes the dried fruit notes of the cigar’s retrohale.
This isn’t a pairing of equals—it’s a balance of opposites. The whiskey offers light, the cigar offers shadow, and together they meet in a harmonious middle.
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22 MAY. 2025 · 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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20 MAY. 2025 · Name: Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
Designation: Venezuelan Rum
Age: Non-age stated (there are claims of up to 12 years)
ABV: 40% 80 proof
Relevant Info: Venezuelan; distilled from sugar cane juice and molasses; column, kettle, and copper pot stills; aged in bourbon and malt whisky barrels Nose: heavy vanilla notes, rich milk chocolate, raisins, and maybe some light floral notes and baking spice in the background. Taste: heavy vanilla, rich and sweet, coats your tongue, with hints of light baking spice and floral. Finish: Medium finish, with more sweetness and vanilla.
Deadwood Tobacco Fat-bottom Betty
Made by Drew Estate the Fat Bottom Betty is an ideal option for beginners seeking a medium-bodied cigar with a warm, creamy, perfectly balanced flavor profile. The Connecticut Maduro wrapper on the Fat Bottom Betty cigar is beautiful. The stunning, dark brown leaf is sleek, smooth, giving it a gorgeous sheen. This type wrapper is an incredibly versatile type of tobacco, darker than standard Connecticut wrappers. It is made from aged leaves that undergo a natural fermentation process, resulting in a smooth taste and mildly rustic texture.
COUNTRY: Nicaragua
WRAPPER: Brazil
BINDER: Indonesia
FILLER: Nicaragua
STRENGTH: Medium to Full
VISUAL: Dark, oily, chocolate brown, rough rolled, tight seams, minimal to moderate veining
NOSE: chocolate, cherries, a sweetness, pipe tobacco, and an earthiness.
LIGHT: Baking spices, pepper, cedar, fresh earth, leather
TOGETHER: Rum: vanilla, rich and sweet, coats your tongue, with hints of light baking spice Cigar: Baking spices, pepper, cedar, fresh earth, leather.
At The Half: maple, cinnamon, and dark roast coffee
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Sticks-n-Stonez is a weekly podcast that pairs fine cigars with premium spirits. Each week a premium hand rolled cigar is paired with just the right spirit to enhance the palate...
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Sticks-n-Stonez is a weekly podcast that pairs fine cigars with premium spirits. Each week a premium hand rolled cigar is paired with just the right spirit to enhance the palate and profile of each offering. During the episode Brent, the host, will share details about each offering and then present his opinion on the visual aspects, nose, and palate of the cigar and spirit and detail his opinion and rating of the pairing. He will also sprinkle in some of his own offbrand humor. Between each episode you can catch Brent on Instagram at @sticksnstonez1. The show's Insta account is approaching 20,000 followers so you should really jump in now.
Brent is a retired combat veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He picked up cigars while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004 and has been developing his nose and palate ever since. With two decades of experience in cigars and 3 decades in fine spirits his senses are acutely tuned to provide the best possible advice.
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Brent is a retired combat veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He picked up cigars while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004 and has been developing his nose and palate ever since. With two decades of experience in cigars and 3 decades in fine spirits his senses are acutely tuned to provide the best possible advice.
Información
| Autor | Brent Elrod |
| Organización | Sticks-n-Stonez |
| Categorías | Pasatiempos |
| Página web | www.spreaker.com |
| brentelrod@sticksnstonez.com |
Copyright 2025 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
