A little background

The Joseph A. Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon was artfully blended to be enjoyed with a fine cigar. The blend is a combines Joseph Magnus Bourbon with 11 and 18-year-old whiskeys to create bold, rich aromas. Once perfectly blended, this bourbon is finished in Armagnac, Sherry, and Cognac casks. A unique aspect of Batch 22 is that this bourbon was placed in a freshly dumped Armagnac cask. Nancy Fraley, Master Blender, stated, “There is a long tradition in France of Cognac blending ‘Cigare’ Blend Cognacs that are meant to pair well with cigars, and since my training is in the French brandy tradition, I created it [Magnus Cigar Blend] as a nod to it [French Cigare Blend Cognac]” (IG, 2020). The Batch 22 Magnus Cigar Blend is bottled at 124 proof and has an MSRP of approximately $200.

(Tasted neat from a Denver & Liely Bourbon Glass)

Color

Deep Amber

Nose

The nose is sweet and complex. Candied prunes are accompanied by spiced cake icing, and cherry pipe tobacco.

Palate

The first sip coated the entire mouth with an oily rich sweetness. Notes of seasoned leather, prune, and peppered oak were accompanied by a slight drying of the mouth that quickly faded. The second sip concentrated in the mid-palate and elicited a Pavlovian response. Sweet pipe tobacco, dried prunes, and oak spice notes were most prominent. The third sip had notes of black cherry, chalk candy (Necco Wafers), and cigars that had been aged in Spanish Cedar.

Finish

The finish was long and pleasant. A distinct dark fruit sweetness was accompanied by allspice, toasted caramel toffee, and faint notes of cinnamon.

In closing

Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon, batch 22, has a sweet and complex nose with notes of dark fruit and pipe tobacco. The palate was coated with an oily viscosity that was rich and sweet. Dried prune, black cherry, and tobacco were the most prominent notes. The long and pleasant finished was accompanied by notes of allspice, toasted caramel toffee, and faint cinnamon. This bourbon is interesting and unique. Cigar and bourbon connoisseurs who enjoy a rich, dark fruit sweetness combined with 124 proof heat will enjoy this bourbon. However, if you prefer a caramel vanilla sweetness, you may want to consider another option. Either way, this bottle would make a great addition to any bourbon lover’s bar.