With the forecast predicting warm weather for the weekend, I was looking forward to enjoying a relaxing cigar and whiskey on the screen porch Friday evening. I’m allowing myself only limited moments with these pleasures as I continue healing from surgery.
The anticipation built over the afternoon, marked by several visits to my humidor as I debated what to smoke. With so many tempting choices, it was a pleasant dilemma.
I decided to revisit something I’d smoked before rather than sampling one of the newer acquisitions from the past few months. Another priority was selecting one of the older cigars in the humidor. I generally prefer not to age cigars for more than a year or so — I find that full-bodied smokes can lose some of their boldness with extended aging. Of course, there are exceptions. Eventually, I chose a Southern Draw Firethorn Pome, presented in a Lancero vitola.
The Firethorn was part of a Southern Draw Lancero pack I picked up in September 2023, meaning it had aged about 18 months in my humidor. This 6.5 x 40 Lancero features a delicate pigtail cap and a closed foot. Its Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper encases a Mexican San Andrés binder and Nicaraguan filler. It’s an elegant, luxurious-looking cigar that feels just right in the hand.
Once the closed foot was burned, the draw offered ideal resistance. The initial flavors were a robust blend of pepper and cinnamon, softened by a creamy nuttiness. As the Firethorn progressed, notes of mixed nuts emerged, complemented by a creamy coffee essence. Throughout, the pepper and spice profile remained pleasantly present.
I typically enjoy Lanceros with an afternoon coffee. The format demands a certain level of attention to maintain an even burn without overheating. Since I wasn’t overly focused on the cigar this time, I did need to relight it twice over the 90-minute smoke, though it still delivered plenty of rich smoke.
Choosing a beverage for the evening was an easier decision. A few weeks ago, I picked up a bottle of Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon — the distillery’s first Bottled in Bond release, which hit shelves in February 2025. Distilled in the spring of 2017 and aged for seven years, I was pleasantly surprised to find it available so quickly at Virginia’s ABC stores. I had been eagerly waiting to crack it open and had a good feeling it would pair well with the Firethorn.
As per Bottled in Bond regulations, the bourbon is bottled at 100 proof. While the law only requires a minimum of four years of aging, Bulleit chose to age this release for seven years.
Upon pouring, rye spice, vanilla, and sweet chocolate greeted my nose. Using a Glencairn glass for my initial tasting helped concentrate the aromas, making the nosing a delight. On the palate, the first sip delivered a distinct dried fruit sweetness, with apple and date standing out. Layers of vanilla, brown sugar, and dry nuts soon followed, balanced by a vibrant rye spice. The finish was long, with the warmth of spice and lingering sweetness.
The Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon was thoroughly enjoyable. It took some discipline to resist pouring another glass. Given its limited release and the surprising seven-year age statement, I think I’ll be on the lookout for a backup bottle. At under $60, it’s well worth it and could easily become a regular sipper while it’s still available.
The pairing with the Southern Draw Firethorn was exceptional. The bourbon and cigar complemented each other remarkably well. Combined with the warmth of the sun on my neck, the evening on the screen porch was a delightful preview of spring. It was a welcome interlude amid the limitations of my ongoing recovery.
Cheers!
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