Olde Stogie: A Symphony of Bourbon, Port, and Cigar-Inspired Bliss

Whiskey blending is more than a job; it’s a passionate pursuit of flavor, texture, and the transformative power of combining spirits. “Olde Stogie” is a project born from this passion, a blend I’m incredibly excited to share, especially after its recent accolades.

This journey began with two distinct bourbons: a venerable 20-year-old, imbued with the depth of nearly two decades of aging, and a vibrant 6-year-old, brimming with youthful energy. These two, despite their age difference, shared the classic bourbon DNA, the perfect foundation for something extraordinary. The challenge, and the thrill, lay in harmonizing their unique characteristics.

My vision for “Olde Stogie” was a whiskey that evoked images of old-world craftsmanship, leather-bound books, and quiet contemplation, perhaps accompanied by a fine cigar. To achieve this, we embarked on a 10-month cask finishing journey, utilizing Tawny Port and Armagnac barrels.

Tawny Port casks, with their rich history and complex profile, were key to adding sweetness and luscious dried fruit notes. These fortified wines, aged extensively in oak, impart a velvety texture and subtle warmth, complementing the bourbon’s inherent qualities. Think sun-dried raisins, rich figs, and a whisper of caramelized sugar.

However, sweetness alone wasn’t the goal. Balance was crucial. Armagnac casks, with their rustic and earthy character, provided the perfect counterpoint. They contributed a subtle dryness, a touch of well-worn leather, and a hint of oak, preventing the sweetness from becoming overwhelming. This grounding element adds intrigue, inviting deeper exploration.

The marriage of Tawny Port and Armagnac finishes is what makes “Olde Stogie” so captivating. It’s a beautiful tension, a dance between sweet and dry, rich and earthy, old world and new. This dynamic interplay makes it truly compelling.

Bottled at 50.1% ABV, “Olde Stogie” allows its complex flavors to shine. It’s a whiskey to savor, to contemplate, to let unfold on the palate.

The nose offers a tantalizing preview: baked raisin, hints of vanilla cream cheese icing, caramel, and seasoned oak create a warm and inviting aroma, evoking cozy evenings and cherished rituals.

On the palate, sweet raisin bread and fig dance on the tongue, followed by flan’s creamy richness. Leather and oak then emerge, grounding the sweetness with a subtle dryness. The flavors unfold in layers, revealing new nuances with each sip. The finish is long and satisfying, a lingering warmth that leaves you wanting more.

“Olde Stogie” is more than just whiskey; it’s a culmination of a blending passion, a tribute to flavor interplay, and an ode to quiet enjoyment. It blends tradition and innovation, sweet and dry, old world and new. It invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and perhaps, light up your favorite cigar.

And, I’m thrilled to share that “Olde Stogie” has received incredible recognition. It brought Olde Raleigh international acclaim, earning multiple Gold Medals and being named the Best Micro Distillery in the US at the 2023 International Whiskey Competition! This recognition makes all the hard work worthwhile.

For those who have been waiting, we just released our 3rd Batch of Olde Stogie! This extremely limited annual release, only 1100 bottles, is a chance to experience this award-winning blend. It’s a testament to the art of blending, and I believe it will resonate with anyone who appreciates cask finished whiskey. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.