The Stogie Guys

StogieGuys.com is, first and foremost, a cigar publication. Every day for seven years, we’ve published an article written to interest the informed cigar smoking reader. Our only editorial bias is pro-cigar; we are opposed to tobacco taxes, smoking bans, and cigar regulations.

Despite our narrow focus on cigars, over the years we’ve written quite a bit about bourbons, given how well they tend to pair with a fine cigar. To that end, here’s a StogieGuys.com guide to bourbon. (This is part two; part one was published yesterday.) In addition to a link to the full write-up, I’ve included my take on the defining characteristics of each whiskey.

Obviously, this isn’t every bourbon available (and we’ll certainly be adding to our Spirits articles with more bourbon write-ups in the future), but it’s a pretty thorough overview of what’s out there. To that end, here is the Cliffs Notes version of our coverage of bourbon. And of course, each article has a few recommended cigar pairings:

Jefferson’s Presidential Select 18 Year – Phenomenal, though a pricey bourbon with spice, wood, and vanilla.

Jefferson’s Reserve – Elegant older bourbon with lots of vanilla and wood.

Jim Beam Distiller’s Series – Quality for the price ($21) and a versatile mixer or sipper.

Johnny Drum Private Stock – Approachable with plenty of spice.

Knob Creek Single Barrel – Barrel-strength bourbon that’s well-balanced with plenty of vanilla and wood.

Larceny – Sweet, rounded, and lively. Good value and an excellent alternative to Maker’s Mark.

Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel – Chared oak and woody. Nice but pricey.

Noah’s Mill – Old, balanced, woody, and spicy. And also quite delicious.

Pure Kentucky Small Batch – Overly woody. Lacks balance but well-priced if you like old-tasting bourbons.

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – More refined small batch variation of Wild Turkey. Still has plenty of spice along with roasted flavors.

St. George Breaking & Entering – Balanced blend of straight bourbons with cherry and caramel notes.

Van Winkle Family Reserve 12 Year  – Hard to find but worth it with thick butterscotch flavors.

Wathen’s Single Barrel – Honey and spice with a long finish.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed – Lively variation of classic Wild Turkey with plenty of spice and wood.

Willet Pot Still Reserve – Smooth sipping bourbon, but you pay extra for the fancy bottle.

Woodford Reserve – Bold yet approachable. A well-crafted classic.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked – Oaky, complex, and nuanced, though you pay for the privilege.

OK, technically our guide only goes to “W” because we’ve yet to find a bourbon that starts with Z. But keep an eye out for more additions (I see a  couple prospects on my shelf as I write this). And, in the meantime, check out our general guide to pairing spirits with a cigar.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

[This is part 1 of our A-Z Bourbon Guide. Read part 2 here.]

StogieGuys.com is, first and foremost, a cigar publication. Every day for seven years, we’ve published an article written to interest the informed cigar smoking reader. Our only editorial bias is pro-cigar; we are opposed to tobacco taxes, smoking bans, and cigar regulations.

Despite our narrow focus on cigars, over the years we’ve written quite a bit about bourbons, given how well they tend to pair with a fine cigar. To that end, here’s a StogieGuys.com guide to bourbon. (This is part one, with part two coming tomorrow.) In addition to a link to the full write-up, I’ve included my take on the defining characteristics of each whiskey.

Obviously, this isn’t every bourbon available (and we’ll certainly be adding to our Spirits articles with more bourbon write-ups in the future), but it’s a pretty thorough overview of what’s out there. To that end, here is the Cliffs Notes version of our coverage of bourbon. And of course, each article has a few recommended cigar pairings:

1792 Ridgemont Reserve – Dry and oaky, with spice and fruit flavors.

A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 – Basically impossible to find now (think $400+) but very refined and very special.

Angel’s Envy – Deliciously sweet and refined with fruit notes from the port barrel finish.

Basil Hayden’s – Mild, sweet, easy-drinking spirit, though you can get better for the price.

Booker’s – Thrilling and powerful, yet refined, barrel-strength bourbon from Beam.

Buffalo Trace – Balanced, easy-sipping, and an affordable ($22) standby.

Bulleit 10 Year Single Barrel – Spicy with lots of vanilla. Very lively.

Corner Creek Reserve – Dry and woody, with just enough vanilla.

Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel – Tremendous bourbon for the price (~$40) that sadly has been discontinued.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage – This edition (1998) is simultaneous clean, balanced, and complex. Also a great value ($25).

Four Roses Single Barrel – Classic balanced bourbon with equal parts sweet and spice.

Four Roses Small Batch – Great combination of richness and value. Very balanced.

Eagle Rare Single Barrel – Hard to beat for the price ($25). Well-rounded, sweet, and plenty tasty.

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrell – Not quite the richness of Blanton’s but similar and nearly half the price.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch – Phenomenal value at $15 with good balance.

George T Stagg – A rare (now very hard to acquire) bourbon with serious intensity and full flavors. Worth seeking out.

Hudson Baby Bourbon – Aged quickly in mini barrels, it’s fresh with sweet corn, wood, and lots of fire.

Hooker’s House Bourbon – Finished in pinot noir barrels, it has a soft, fruit edge.

Tomorrow you can see part two, which includes a wide range of offerings from large and small bourbon companies. And of course keep an eye out for more additions (I see a couple prospects on my shelf, pictured above, as I write this). And, in the meantime, check out our general guide to pairing spirits with a cigar.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Exclusively sold as part of the fourth CRA Sampler to support the defense of cigar rights, this is the La Flor Dominicana Colorado Oscuro blend (Ecuadorian ligero Sumatra wrapper, Dominican Sumatra binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler) in a Chisel (6 x 54) size. It features syrupy molasses flavors along with leather, coffee, and floral notes. Construction is flawless. I think I prefer the traditional sizes of this blend a little better, but it’s still a well-constructed, tasty smoke. Plus, the proceeds go to a good cause.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Although it isn’t widely broadcast, there are roughly 10 distilleries that make roughly 99% of all the bourbon made in the world. Many are names you know: Beam, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey.

One you’re less likely to know is the Barton Brands Distillery (formerly the Tom Moore distillery), home of the 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Barrel Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The distillery, which also makes Very Old Barton, Tom Moore, Kentucky Gentleman, and Ten High, is owned by the Sazerac Company (owners of the Buffalo Trace Distillery).

Known as “Ridgewood Reserve 1792” until a judge ruled it was too close to Woodford Reserve, “1792” is a reference to the year Kentucky became America’s 15th state. I picked up my bottle for $32 at a Virginia ABC, which explains the sticker that reads, “Bottled especially for customers of the Virginia ABC.” (Although I’ve seen no reason to think it changes anything.)

Aged at least eight years before being bottled at 46.85% alcohol by volume (93.7-proof), the orange-tinted bourbon features a nose of green apple, orange peel, vanilla, and baking spices.

The flavors, like the nose, are very distinctive with dry oak, apple peel, fig, and an all-around dry spiciness, likely from the rye part of the mash bill. The finish is more dry oak with hints of leather and fruit that tapers off quickly.

Oak, spice, and fruit are the dominant flavors in this unique bourbon, and so a savory but woody cigar is my pairing recommendation. Cigars that fit that profile include the Crowned Head Four Kicks, Berger & Argenti Entubar V32, Pinar del Rio Small Batch Reserve Maduro, and (if you can get it) the Casa Fuente 800 Series.

If you’re a bourbon drinker there is plenty to like about Ridgemont Reserve, most particularly a unique flavor profile. It’s neither overly sweet, nor does it demonstrate an old woody flavor profile (the dominant trends in bourbon). But at around $30 per bottle it’s well worth a try. Drink it neat or with a splash of water.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Summer officially starts this Friday, so now is the time to prepare for the hot season of cigar smoking. With that in mind, here’s a StogieGuys.com  guide to summer:

Summer-proofing your cigars

Heat and humidity put your cigar collection at risk and, depending where you live, you’re likely to face one or both this summer. If you don’t adequately address these threats, you might end up with a beetle infestation.

To avoid that, here are some tips for keeping your cigars cool during the hot months. If you want to take things further, check out these tips for prepping your cigars, including freezing cigars to prevent cigar beetles. You can also transform a wine fridge into a large humidor. But no matter what, you’d be well-advised to perform the simple salt calibration test to ensure your hygrometers are accurate.

Summer leisure activities

Now that your cigars are protected, let’s get out and have some fun. (It’s better than freezing in the cold, right?)

Thinking about some camping on the beach? Here are a few tips to make it a good trip if you want to enjoy a few cigars.

Here at StogieGuys.com we’re also big believers that baseball and cigars go together well. (If the Mets ever win another pennant they could even celebrate like this again.)

Another natural summer pairing is golf and cigars. Here are a few ideas for selecting a golf course smoke, including making sure you bring enough if you get stuck behind a particularly slow group. Finally, we’ve explored the surprisingly wide range of gadgets designed just to hold your cigar on the course, which can be fun but certainly aren’t necessary.

Summer beverages

Chilled beverages are good for summer and good for cigars. Here are five summer beers you can pair up with a cigar.

You can’t go wrong with a properly made margarita, but rum is one of the best spirits for summer. Here are five classic rum drinks, including the Dark n’ Stormy and Mount Gay Tonic. If you prefer something straight-up or on the rocks, we highly recommend El Dorado 15, Cruzan Single Barrel, Ron Zacapa 23, or Zaya 12.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Flickr

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This cigar (5 x 60) has been sitting in my humidor for a few years, probably since around the time my colleague wrote a full review. It features Nicaraguan viso and ligero, along with Dominican piloto cubano and olor, wrapped in a Brazilian arapiraca leaf. The cigar has a loose, easy draw. It’s slightly lumpy but still has excellent combustion. The flavors are leather, earth, coffee, and a hint of syrup-like sweetness. While I’ve never been a huge fan of this thick of a cigar, the Marco V Platinum is a well-made, pleasant smoke.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Every year, cigar companies create many new lines. (You could argue there are too many new cigars and not enough attention to older lines.) The plethora of new cigars means cigar makers register a lot of trademarks in order to protect their brand names once they are released.

Those same trademark registrations give us a hint of what new blends companies may be releasing, especially with the IPCPR Trade Show taking place next month. Of course, many will never turn into anything, but others will become flagship brands. Take a look at this 2010 article about trademark registrations and you’ll see Drew Estate’s Undercrown and Alec Bradley’s American Classic long before the cigars ever were released.

Some trademarks are pretty obvious as to who the owner is. For example, “Flor de Antillas Sun Grown” or “Prohibition by Rocky Patel.” Others are seemingly random.

So to have a little fun, here’s a quick eight-question quiz to see if you can guess who registered which trademark. You’ll find the answers on the last page.

In the comments, let us know which trademark names you are most excited about possibly becoming a new cigar.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys