S5 E2 Wild Turkey 101 & Arturo Fuente Sun Grown Cuban: A Bold, Balanced Pairing - #onestreamlive

When it comes to marrying spirits and cigars, synergy is everything. You want both the whiskey and the cigar to complement and enhance each other — neither overpowering, neither fading. In the case of Wild Turkey 101 and the Arturo Fuente Sun Grown Cuban Belicoso, you get exactly that: a robust, full-flavored pairing that delivers intensity, structure, and a layered experience for the seasoned palate.

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Wild Turkey 101: A Classic with Backbone

Wild Turkey 101 has earned its place as a go-to bourbon for those who appreciate flavor over flair. Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), it balances power and depth with surprising smoothness. Crafted primarily from a high-rye mash bill and aged longer than most bourbons in its price range, this Kentucky classic offers:
• Nose: Vanilla, brown sugar, baking spices, and oak.
• Palate: Caramel, cinnamon, charred oak, and a distinct rye-driven spiciness.
• Finish: Lingering warmth with a peppery kick and a hint of orange peel.

This is a whiskey with character — bold but not brash, spicy but not harsh. It thrives when paired with equally expressive cigars.

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Arturo Fuente Sun Grown Cuban Belicoso: A Spiced and Sophisticated Smoke

The Arturo Fuente Sun Grown Cuban Belicoso is a standout in the Fuente portfolio. Rolled in a tapered Belicoso format, this cigar features Dominican binder and filler tobaccos grown at the legendary Fuente farms and wrapped in a sun-grown Ecuadorian leaf. The result is a cigar that brings out:
• Appearance: Oily, reddish-brown wrapper with a slight tooth and seamless construction.
• Cold Draw: Cedar, spice, and a touch of sweetness.
• Flavor Profile:
• First Third: Pepper, earth, and cedar take the lead.
• Second Third: Toasted nuts, leather, and cinnamon begin to shine.
• Final Third: A crescendo of dark wood, espresso, and spice, with a touch of natural sweetness lingering.

Medium to full in body, this cigar is bold enough to stand with a high-proof bourbon but refined enough to reveal evolving complexity throughout the smoke.

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The Pairing: Spice, Sweetness, and Harmony

Pairing Wild Turkey 101 with the Arturo Fuente Sun Grown Cuban Belicoso brings out the best in both.
• First Impressions: The spice from the cigar’s sun-grown wrapper echoes the rye-forward warmth of the bourbon. Each puff is followed by a sip that heightens the flavor without overwhelming the palate.
• Midpoint Synergy: As the cigar evolves and reveals deeper nutty and leathery notes, Wild Turkey’s caramel and vanilla provide a softening contrast. Together, they create a balanced interplay of sweet and savory.
• Finale: Both the whiskey and the cigar finish strong. The cigar’s espresso and char pair beautifully with the bourbon’s oak and peppery finish, creating a satisfying close to a powerful pairing.

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At roughly $25–30 for the bourbon and $8–10 for the cigar, this is a pairing that punches well above its price tag.

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Final Verdict

The pairing of Wild Turkey 101 with the Arturo Fuente Sun Grown Cuban Belicoso is a celebration of American and Dominican craftsmanship. It’s a fusion of strength, spice, and sophistication that delivers big flavor without breaking the bank. Whether you’re winding down the day or enjoying a weekend ritual, this combination offers a memorable sensory experience that proves bold doesn’t have to mean unrefined.

Rating: 85/100

While this was a good pairing of two extremely well crafted offerings I think they did not fit together as well as I expected. They were good together but not great. The Wild Turkey 101's flavor profile was a little too spicy or strong and out shown the cigar a little. Live via OneStream Live #onestreamlive