S4 E31 Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon & La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro No. 5. #onestreamlive

Pairing a fine bourbon with a rich cigar is an art, and few duos hit the mark like Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and the La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro No. 5. This combination offers a deep, flavorful journey rooted in bold character and harmonious contrast.

Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch is a classic Kentucky bourbon, known for its smooth depth and warm spice. Bottled at 94 proof, it strikes a refined balance between approachability and complexity. Distilled by Heaven Hill

Age: NAS (believed 8-12 yrs)
Proof: 94 46% ABV
Mash: 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% rye
Visual: deep copper with good legs

Nose: Warm vanilla, toasted oak, baking spices, and a hint of caramelized sugar.
Palate: Rich butterscotch, ripe dark fruits, and a gentle smokiness wrapped in cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: Long, smooth, and slightly drying with lingering charred oak and subtle heat.

Its layered profile offers both sweetness and spice, making it an ideal partner for a full-bodied cigar.

La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro No. 5

Size: 5.5x54 Robusto
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan long fillers
Binder: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Visual: molty med to dark brown, moderate veining, and tight but visible seams
Nose: fresh earth, leather, barnyard, grassy, baking spice, and an espresso-laced sweetness.

Cold Draw: Cocoa, barnyard, and raisin-like sweetness.
First Third: Black pepper, dark chocolate, and espresso dominate. The smoke is chewy and voluminous. The Pairing: Harmony Through Contrast
When paired, these two indulgences elevate one another beautifully. The cigar’s dark, bittersweet chocolate and pepper play nicely with the bourbon’s soft caramel and baking spice. The first sips of Elijah Craig tame the cigar’s spice, while the cigar enriches the bourbon’s vanilla and oak notes

Second Third: Notes of leather, sweet molasses, and toasted nuts emerge, with the pepper softening slightly. Midway Match: As the cigar develops into more complex territory—leather, molasses, roasted coffee—the bourbon keeps up effortlessly. Its subtle fruitiness (fig, dried cherry) shines against the Maduro’s richness.

Final Third: A return to spice with a deeper, earthier core. Still smooth, never acrid.
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The Finish: Near the end, both evolve. The cigar’s intensity deepens, but the bourbon’s warm, oaky finish holds it in check. Together, they linger on the palate with hints of cocoa, wood, and spice, leaving a satisfying, contemplative aftertaste.

Final Thoughts
This is a pairing for those who appreciate bold flavors handled with finesse. Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a steady, flavorful base, while the La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro offers complexity and power without overwhelming the senses.

Pairing Score: 9/10

Balanced, bold, and beautifully matched. A true classic pairing for seasoned bourbon and cigar lovers alike.

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