Drew Estate announced this past week that they would begin releasing Pappy Van Winkle to retailers. However they are releasing them sporadically as 2GuysCigars.com is slated to only get 5% of there IPCPR trade show order. As a result, the cigars will sell out fast until the company can fill all the orders it took in Las Vegas.
The Pappy Van Winkle is a representation for the Van Winkle family who produces some of the most highly sought after bourbon and rye. The Pappy Van Winkle Tradition features an oily Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper, Indonesian binder and aged fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The cigar is limited to Drew Diplomat accounts such as 2GuysCigars.com and is expected to sell out fast. The cigar be enjoyed as a stand alone smoke, but it pairs exceptionally well with Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon or Rye which is just as rare as the cigar itself.
Cigar Review: Petit Belicoso
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Oscuro
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Belicoso Fino
The Look: The Pappy Van Winkle comes packaged in 10 count boxes. The blend of the cigar was one of the first three blends that Willy Herrera blended when he joined Drew Estate in 2010. The cigar band features a picture of Pappy Van Winkle with his name under it, and a secondary band denoting Tradition underneath. Despite the cigar being labeled as an Oscuro it does not have the appearance of an Oscuro wrapper which is pristine and oily. Looking at the foot of the cigar there is some dark tobacco visible to the eye.
The Notes: Perhaps its my mind being pulled in the direction, but the cold draw of the cigar has some notes to it that are reminiscent of rye. There is also a subtle sweetness present that really shines on the nose from the foot. The sweet molasses takes hold of the sense and lingers just long enough to please. Once the cigar is lit the first flavor profile reminds me of graham crackers.
As we smoke our way into the first third the graham cracker notes slide into the background as the cigar develops notes of red pepper and an abundance of rye. So much so that this cigar should pair well with such a libation. As the first third comes to a close some subtle Cinnamon begins to emerge with molasses on the lingering finish after the retrohale.
At the half-way point rye remains with raisin, cinnamon and toast. Cue the raisin toast jingle from The Cigar Authority podcast because that sums up this cigar with continued red-pepper. The molasses remains on the finish after the retrohale but as the second third comes to a close there is some leather involved as well.
The last third of the cigar has an incredible aroma and some rich chocolate notes begin to emerge with hints of raisin, red pepper and just a hint of leather. This finish of the cigar is smooth and not as long as it was in first two. It was complex and enjoyable all the way through.
The Finish: How good is Pappy Van Winkle could be answered this way. It’s a very good cigar, that becomes even better if you are a fan of rye and bourbon as the cigar should pair incredibly well. It’s not a cheap date, but if you are a collector of all things rare, then this is definitely box purchase material. These should be very hard to find, and 2GuysCigars.com is scheduled to get their first shipment tomorrow. If you head over to https://www.2guyscigars.com/pappy-van-winkle-tradition/ you can sign up to be notified when the size of your choice is available. It will be first come first serve with no pre-orders taken.
Score: 92
Price: $24.99 / $221.99 (Box of 10)
Pappy Van Winkle Tradition
Pappy Van Winkle Tradition Foot
Pappy Van Winkle Tradition Burn
