Disclosure: the sample for this review was provided at no cost. Our tasting notes and score are our own.
A little background
First West Cigar Blend from 15 Stars is a limited release blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 11 and 15 years, then finished in Cognac, Sherry, and Tawny Port casks. It is flavor proofed to 106 proof (53% ABV) and sells for $80. Crafted by 15 Stars in Bardstown, Kentucky, Cigar Blend was designed as a rich pour for pairing with a medium to full-bodied cigar, though the brand says it is just as suited to being savored on its own. The mash bill has not been disclosed.
The First West name draws on the craft, courage, and character that shaped the American Frontier, and the brand describes it as a bourbon “made for those who don’t follow the map, but chart their own course.” Flavor proofing and the use of select finishing casks are meant to add complexity to the blend. 15 Stars is a father and son company whose bourbons are inspired by historic moments in the American story, from the founding era when America, Kentucky, and bourbon took shape together, with each release crafted to be a unique pour worth sharing.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Burnished
Nose
Cherry taffy, Dr. Pepper, coffee grounds, artificial pancake syrup, peanut butter fudge, lemonhead, grape, and oak.
Palate
Molasses, cherry, bitter black tea, lime, canned peaches, cinnamon, caramel, pepper, and oak.
Finish
Cherry, molasses, cherry cola, caramel, red fruits, pepper and oak.
In closing
15 Stars First West Cigar Blend opens with a dense, rich nose of cherry taffy, Dr. Pepper, coffee grounds, artificial pancake syrup, and peanut butter fudge, with lemonhead, grape, and oak adding lift. On the palate it coats and envelopes the mouth, layering molasses, cherry, bitter black tea, lime, canned peaches, cinnamon, caramel, pepper, and oak. The finish carries cherry, molasses, and cherry cola into caramel, red fruits, pepper, and oak. At 106 proof the alcohol is very well integrated, and the whole pour stays balanced without ever becoming overly sweet, which keeps the Cognac, Sherry, and Tawny Port cask influence in check.
Is First West Cigar Blend worth $80? We think so. You get a blend of 11 and 15-year-old straight bourbons, a three-cask finish, and a rich, mouth-coating profile that delivers well above its price point. It was built to pair with a medium to full-bodied cigar, and it would be fantastic enjoyed with or without one. We really enjoyed this one, and we think most bourbon drinkers would agree that it is quite delicious.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of 15 Stars. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
First West Cigar Blend Batch 001
106 Proof
Please enjoy responsibly. Never drink and drive.
