Day 24

Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon

Style: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Armagnac, Sherry & Cognac Casks

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Aged: NAS. The website currently states they blend their Joseph Magnus Bourbon with 11 and 18-year-old whiskeys (not sure if that's what our batches have, but it's always been a blend with some old stuff).

Proof: 120 (for those receiving batch 171)
110.54 (for those receiving batch 404)

MRSP: $200

Why I chose it: I think it's nice to finish big, and I've been trying to incorporate this bottle into the calendar since 2023. It's a bottle that you may have seen behind the counter (pretty ugly and forgettable at that) and thought about all the other things you could do with $200. I was lucky enough to try one a couple of years ago and felt it lived up to expectations. I have to admit, the glass bottle itself felt like one of the cheaper bottles of the whole calendar, and the label leaves a lot to be desired. But they know how to pick barrels and blend, which, at the end of the day, is what matters. Because of the rarity of the bottle, I could not get 2 of the same batch, so you either have one or the other mentioned (I did not blend them). Can you guess which you got based on the distiller's notes below? Merry Christmas!!!

Notes from the distiller:
Old Delhi Bazaar Batches #162-173 [One of our bottles was 171]. The batches of this coupe mere pay homage to the spice-laden markets of historical Old Delhi, rich with warmth and a dash of intrigue. Evoking the Indian dessert gulab jamun with its syrup perfumed with cardamom, cumin, and star anise, the nose presents as equal parts sweet and aromatic. The palate transitions to the familiar comforts of apple fritters, while savory bay leaves and freshly cracked peppercorns add a sharp, unexpected edge. Notes of orange studded with cloves round out the palate, weaving brightness and spice into the finish. The result is layered and distinctive – sweet, savory, and citrusy, with a complexity that invites one to ponder the line between indulgence and restraint.

Alpine Meadows Batches #397-406 [One of our bottles was 404]. This series of batches has aromatic qualities that are evocative of the mountainous ecosystems of alpine meadows, defined by their high altitude with lush green grasses, wide open spices, fir trees, crystal lakes, and rarified air. The initial bouquet of these batches promises aromas of wintery pine cones and fir needles, closely followed by slight smoky notes of charcuterie and cured meats. The palate carries over all of these flavors, along with warming and comforting notes of cheese fondue with toasted bread, mountain butter, berry tarts, and wildflower honey. The finish is reminiscent of a Fernet style digestive or Amaro, with soothing herbal qualities. Perfect to bring along on a skiing trip or mountain excursion.

Distiller's page: https://josephmagnus.com/spirits/cigar-blend-bourbon/