In 2019, Independent Bottlers Whiskey Cask Nation decided to get into the cigar game. They contracted Aganorsa Leaf to then make a cigar that was aged inside rye whisky barrel and sold exclusively via 2GuysCigars.com. Produced in 10 count boxes limited to a run of 200 the cigar sold out in hours.
In 2021, Single Cask Nation an independent bottler of fine Single Malts, Bourbons, Ryes, Rums and Mezcal, shipped a Bourbon cask to Aganorsa Leaf that once housed a 14-year-old Tennessee Bourbon Whisky. The cigars were then aged for a period in the cask imparting subtle notes from the bourbon into the famed Aganorsa Leaf tobaccos. Once again it’s limited in production to just 200 boxes.
Cigar Review: Single Cask Nation
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Toro
The Look: Packaged in 10 count boxes. this years version of the Single Cask Nation is box pressed. Featuring two bands with the first denoting the company logo and a secondary band denoting the cigar is made by Aganorsa Leaf. The Corojo wrapper has a fair amount of oils with minimal veins and a velvet like feel under the fingers. In the hand the cigar is firm with no voids of tobacco and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar sees heavy notes of infusion from the barrel with notes of cherry, oak and of course bourbon. The foot of the cigar has a more traditional feel with hints of oak, earth and a subtle pepper which is expected from Aganorsa Leaf.
Once the cigar is lit the cigar showcases the tobaccos that Aganorsa Leaf is known for. There are notes of pepper which are especially noticeable on the retrohale. As we move past the first couple of puffs the cigar really showcases the barrel aging with marzipan, maple and a refined vanilla component that lingers gently on the finish. The finish of the cigar showcases notes of earth, oak and continued spices.
As we move into the second third, the sweetness that the Single Cask Nation picked up from the bourbon barrel begins to fade and the Aganorsa tobacco’s become more dominant with notes of bread, cedar and nuts. The retrohale of the cigar serves up a smooth vanilla component on the front end with some black pepper on the finish.
The last third sees classic Aganorsa strength with notes of coffee, oak and nuts. There is a subtle sweetness in the background and on the finish that reminds me of a really good bourbon. The retrohale surprisingly doesn’t have a lot of pepper as notes of vanilla and caramel shine through. Though the spice does linger on the finish of the cigar.
The Finish: The 2019 was good in my opinion but a few people thought they had too many traits of the barrel they were aged in. This time around the cigar offers the best of both worlds. While it starts off with strong notes from the bourbon barrel it transitions into a really good cigar, albeit different. If your not a drinker that might be lost on you, but if you like spirits I believe you will enjoy what this has to offer. I know as a bourbon fan I did.
Score: 92
Price: $13.00 / $129.99 (Box of 10)
Single Cask Nation 2021
Single Cask Nation 2021 Foot
Single Cask Nation 2021 Burn
