15 STARS First West Cigar Blend: 11-Year Bourbon, 106 Proof

15 STARS has added First West Cigar Blend to its First West collection. The limited release was made for both cigar and bourbon fans. It blends 11- and 15-year-old straight bourbons finished in cognac, Pedro Ximénez sherry and tawny port casks, then brings the whiskey to 106 proof with 15 STARS’ Flavor Proofing™ process.

“Some of our previous expressions have resonated with cigar enthusiasts who enjoy the blends of finishing casks we have used, so we wanted to build on that interest with a release that puts the pairing front and center,” said Rick Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. “The result is a bourbon with plenty of character to explore, whether you’re enjoying it with a cigar or just pouring a glass.”

Johnson recommends pairing it with a medium- to full-bodied cigar. “The expression was blended with plenty of character and boldness to stand up to the smoke of a full-bodied cigar,” he says. “That’s why we chose rich cask finishes that bring out dark fruit and confectionery notes, alongside well-aged bourbons with ample time to develop in oak.”

First West Cigar Blend – Aged 11 Years ($79.99 MSRP / 106 proof)

Nose: Deep plum, fresh pastry, warm brown sugar, baking spice and old leather, moving to lighter citrus and banana
Palate: Jammy dark fruit, crisp pear and caramel, balanced by cracked pepper, cigar box and seasoned oak
Finish: Molasses, stewed plum and black cherry, with an earthy finish of tobacco and charred oak