S5 E8 The World's Best Rye Whiskey? Paired with a Made Man 870

Some pairings hit with an immediate spark—an almost electric harmony where each element elevates the other. The E.H. Taylor Straight Rye and the Made Man Model 870 cigar deliver exactly that kind of experience. This is a union of sharp, rye-driven complexity with deep, leathery richness—a pairing that commands your attention from the first sip and draw.
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The Rye: E.H. Taylor Straight Rye
Origin: Kentucky, USA
Mashbill: Undisclosed (believed to be high rye, no corn)
ABV: 50% (100 proof)
Bottled in bond and aged for a minimum of four years, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye is a bold, pepper-forward whiskey with a smooth, old-world charm. The nose offers green apple, baking spice, honey, and herbal mint. On the palate, waves of rye spice, caramelized sugar, toasted oak, and a hint of orange peel lead into a long, warming finish. Its balance of brightness and depth makes it a standout for pairing with cigars that can match its vigor.
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The Cigar: Made Man Model 870
Wrapper: Criolla ‘99 that is dark and oily
Binder/Filler: Premium Nicaraguan tobaccos
Body: Medium to Full
The Model 870 is crafted for smokers who crave boldness without sacrificing refinement. Made by AGANORSA, long synonymous with both luxury and value, and the Made Man cigar embodies this dual promise. The first draws reveal dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper, followed by hints of earth, molasses, and roasted nuts. The smoke is dense and velvety, with a slow, even burn that allows its complexity to unfold in deliberate layers. There’s a confident strength here, but also a disciplined elegance in how the flavors develop.
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The Pairing Experience
🌟 First Third:
• Cigar: Espresso and cocoa sweetness with a peppery edge.
• Rye: Crisp green apple and baking spice.
• Result: Bright fruit tones from the rye dance over the cigar’s bittersweet chocolate, creating a vibrant contrast.
🌟 Second Third:
• Cigar: Earth and roasted nuts deepen the profile.
• Rye: Caramelized sugar and toasted oak emerge.
• Result: Both round out, the rye’s sweetness softening the cigar’s intensity for a creamy mid-palate harmony.
🌟 Final Third:
• Cigar: Pepper, molasses, and dark roast coffee dominate.
• Rye: Herbal mint and lingering spice remain lively.
• Result: A bold, lingering finale—warm, spiced, and deeply satisfying.
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Final Thoughts
The E.H. Taylor Straight Rye and Made Man Model 870 pairing is an exercise in controlled power. Both are assertive, brimming with character, yet they never clash. The rye’s herbal brightness and sweet-spice finish cuts through the cigar’s rich, earthy core, while the smoke’s cocoa-leather depth tempers the whiskey’s sharp edges.
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Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Pairing Profile:
• Balance: 9/10
• Flavor Harmony: 9.5/10
• Complexity: 9/10

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