Rocky Patel Disciple and Smoke Wagon Bourbon

After an early dinner this week I escaped to the screened porch for a relaxing smoke and bourbon. I've been looking forward to enjoying the Rocky Patel Disciple from the five pack I grabbed a couple months ago. I remember from smoking the cigar a couple years ago that it was a strongly flavored, robust smoke. Therefore I selected the Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Bourbon as the accompamiment. 

This bottling of Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered comes in at a hefty115.9 proof. The proof provides a smack of heat that should go well with a potent cigar, and provide a nice foil to the cool evening air. The bourbon is rich in oak and maple notes. A heat dose of cinnamon also joins a candy sweetness for a bold drink.

The 6 x 50 Toro Disciple has a dark maduro San Andrés wrapper and binder and fillers tobaccos from Nicaragua. I got notes mainly of espresso, black pepper, and cocoa. Throughout the 90 minute smoke the cigar wasn't coming across as strongly flavored as I recall. All the expected flavors were there, but in a muted ensemble. Was it the cigar, or simply the strongly flavored bourbon? I wasn't sure. Admittedly, I did acquire the cigars from an online discounter, something I rarely do. Could they be old? Or poorly stored? The cigar was still enjoyable, but I am very interested in smoking the next one on it's own.

Cheers!