Review: Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Blend Bourbon
Toasted-cask finished bourbons have soared in popularity over the past several years, often treated as experimental offshoots of a distillery’s core range. But for Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey, toasted barrels aren’t a side project — they’re the brand’s entire perch. If you’re not hunting for a toasted finish, then you’re probably not circling around Buzzard’s Roost.
In August 2025, the brand released its latest limited-edition bottling: Double Oak Cigar Blend Bourbon. Designed with cigar pairings in mind, cigar blends aim to showcase bold, complementary profiles that can stand alongside a good smoke. And while the label clearly states that this bourbon contains no tobacco or nicotine, longtime fans of Buzzard’s Roost might recall that the brand once took “cigar” a bit more literally.
In 2023, Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Rye made waves by finishing Indiana rye whiskey in cold-smoked barrels with aged Kentucky tobacco leaves — a daring move that won high praise across the whiskey world. This time around, however, Buzzard’s Roost keeps things clean, using the “cigar blend” name in the more traditional sense, without any contact with tobacco or possible traces of nicotine. The explicit disclaimer on the front label makes that perfectly clear.
The 2025 Cigar Blend Bourbon starts with a high-rye mashbill (60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley) distilled by MGP in Indiana, aged for a minimum of six years. The 17-barrel blend is then finished in custom-toasted barrels coopered by Independent Stave Company — lightly charred but heavily toasted using a proprietary technique developed exclusively for Buzzard’s Roost. Bourbon enters and exits these finishing barrels at a range of 110–115 proof and is bottled at 105 proof.
The 2023 Cigar Rye is still circling high in whiskey circles, considered by many to be one of the best cigar-style whiskeys ever bottled. So how does the 2025 Cigar Blend Bourbon fare? Has Buzzard’s Roost once again found its prey — or is this release just another feather in the kettle?
Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Blend Bourbon Review
The nose opens with blackstrap molasses joined by a sharp thread of wintergreen, offering a scent that pulls you in right away. Not far behind, burnt marshmallows bring toasted sugar and char, adding a smoky presence that sets the tone. After a moment, a touch of espresso settles in, adding dryness and balancing out the sweetness. Throughout it all, that wintergreen note continues to wind through the experience, tying everything together.
On the palate, burnt brown sugar leads the way, followed closely by a strong hit of allspice that gives the sip plenty of life. As the spice fades, it gives room for cedarwood and a snap of red apple peel, bringing a woodsy sharpness and a bit of fruit skin bitterness. The texture is thick and substantial, carrying each note across the palate.
The finish brings a punch of spiced gingerbread, which pushes up against campfire smoke and roasted espresso beans. It’s a steady, flavorful close that stays with you without overstaying its welcome.
Buzzard’s Roost has delivered a focused and satisfying release with this Double Oak Cigar Blend. It’s especially well-suited for fans of toasted finishes and spicier profiles. While good whiskey can be enjoyed any time of year, this one feels particularly right for cooler evenings, especially those spent outside.
As someone who camps regularly with family, this bottle instantly calls to mind the crackle of firewood and the quiet calm of a chilly night. You can imagine a few buzzards circling high above, keeping watch, while this bourbon keeps you grounded by the fire. Double Oak Cigar Blend doesn’t try to do too much — it knows exactly what it is and delivers that experience with confidence.
105 proof.
A- / $85
The post Review: Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Blend Bourbon appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.