S5 E5 Small Batch Perfection: Garrison Bros SB Bourbon & Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Cigar

Pairing a bold cigar with an equally expressive spirit can be a richly rewarding experience. The Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro is a full-bodied cigar known for its intense flavors and dark complexity, demanding a partner that can keep up without getting lost in the smoke. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, crafted under the Texas sun, delivers exactly that—a powerful, sweet, oak-forward bourbon with enough depth and intensity to match the Maduro’s character. Together, they create a robust and deeply satisfying pairing experience.

Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon

Distillery: Garrison Brothers Distillery, Hye, Texas
Mashbill: Predominantly corn with red winter wheat
Aging: Minimum 4 years in new American oak barrels, aged in the intense Texas climate

• Origin: Texas
• ABV: ~47% (94 proof)
• Mashbill: High corn content with some red winter wheat
• Tasting Notes:
• Nose: Buttery caramel, honey, vanilla bean, and baking spice rise from the glass, alongside oak char and a touch of dark fruit.
• Palate: Rich and oily mouthfeel delivers toffee, dark cherry, burnt sugar, and cinnamon, followed by waves of leather, toasted oak, and pepper.
• Finish: Long, warming, and wood-driven with lingering notes of sweet spice and charred sugar.
• Mouthfeel: Viscous and creamy, thanks to hot climate aging in Texas

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Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Full

Tasting Notes:
• First Third: Immediate notes of black pepper, espresso, and dark chocolate. A bold, spicy introduction with an earthy undertone.
• Second Third: Flavors deepen with hints of molasses, leather, and charred oak. Pepper recedes slightly, allowing the natural sweetness of the Broadleaf wrapper to shine.
• Final Third: Strength intensifies with more roasted coffee, earth, and a touch of anise. Rich, oily smoke continues to build without harshness.

Overall Impression: A cigar for experienced smokers who enjoy full flavor and complexity. It’s bold without being aggressive, offering depth through its transitions and balance between spice, sweetness, and earthiness.
Garrison Brothers and RP Sun Grown Maduro Match

Bold sweetness (caramel, vanilla)
Matches the cigar’s molasses and cocoa
Toasted oak & leather
Mirrors the cigar’s earthy, smoky depth
Full-bodied mouthfeel
Keeps pace with the cigar’s intensity
Long, warm finish
Complements the cigar’s peppery linger

Pairing Experience
• The bourbon’s toasted oak and vanilla enhance the cigar’s chocolate and molasses.
• The heat and structure from the high-proof bourbon hold their own against the Maduro’s bold spice.
• Both evolve over time, revealing layers of dark sweetness, oak, and leather, making for a very satisfying and cohesive pairing.

Final Verdict:

Garrison Brothers Small Batch is a top-tier companion for the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro, providing a robust, flavor-forward experience with complementary sweetness, spice, and depth. This is a pairing that feels intentional, indulgent, and bold—perfect for those who like their smokes and sips to come with serious character. 89/100

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