507. Smoke Signals: Four Cigar Blend Whiskeys with Scott Page

Welcome back, Roadies, to another episode of The Bourbon Road! Tonight hosts Jim Shannon and Todd are joined by a very special returning guest — Scott Page of My Bourbon Journey — for a deep dive into the world of cigar blend whiskeys. Scott brings nearly a decade of YouTube whiskey content and a genuine passion for the cigar and whiskey pairing lifestyle, making him the perfect companion for tonight's theme. The guys explore what "cigar blend" actually means in the modern whiskey landscape, from price-friendly everyday pours to high-proof cask-strength Canadian whiskeys, all while trading notes on what sticks, wrappers, and ring gauges might best complement each glass.

On the Tasting Mat:

- Wheel Horse Cigar Blend: A five-year Green River-sourced bourbon at 101 proof built on a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% barley, finished for six to eight months in Port, Cognac, Sherry, and Armagnac casks. MSRP $45. The nose opens with dark jammy fruit, rich nuttiness, and a hint of Pedro Ximénez-style dried cherry sweetness. The palate matches the nose closely with a velvety texture, rye spice, and a satisfying oak backbone — all at a remarkably approachable price point. *(00:04:55)*

- Barrel Cigar Blend: A blend of 7.5- to 18-year bourbons sourced from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, bottled at 111.2 proof and finished in Madeira, Rum, Armagnac, and Hungarian Oak casks. MSRP $85. The nose carries an intriguing minerality with pencil shavings and a bright citrus-and-dark-fruit combination. On the palate it is notably velvety and sticky with a Dr Pepper-like interplay of baking spice, cola, and dark fruit, closing on a long vanilla custard finish. *(00:16:39)*

- Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Batch 79: A blend of 11- to 18-year MGP Indiana bourbon finished in Armagnac, Sherry, and Cognac casks, bottled at 127 proof. Blended by master blender Nancy Fraley and dubbed "The Sweet One 2" in her signature poetic tasting notes. MSRP approximately $199. The nose is immediately rich with earthy Armagnac character, baking spice, and Christmas cookie sweetness. The palate delivers a seamless rush of fruit, oak, spice, orange icing, and nutmeg on a long, layered finish that rewards slow sipping. *(00:34:07)*

- Copper & Cask Small Batch Series No. 15 Cigar Blend: A 21-year blended Canadian whiskey originally distilled and matured in Alberta, composed of 17 barrels and finished for approximately six months in Armagnac and Tawny Port casks before being bottled at cask strength — a towering 157.8 proof. MSRP approximately $80. The nose requires careful approach given the proof, but reveals cotton candy, strawberry, and a distinctive funky earthiness. The palate opens with spicy apple juice character, tropical fruit, ripe cheese-rind funkiness, and hints of cocoa powder and raisin on the extraordinarily long finish. *(00:43:43)*

Whether you are a seasoned cigar lounge regular or simply curious about how wine and brandy finishes intersect with good bourbon, tonight's lineup offers something for every palate and wallet. Scott Page is a thoughtful and entertaining guest whose perspective on pairing tobacco and whiskey adds real depth to the conversation. Be sure to seek out his channel, My Bourbon Journey, on YouTube and Instagram, and tune in every Tuesday evening at 8 PM Eastern for his live streams. As always, thanks for riding with us — we will see you down the Bourbon Road.