S5 E25 Benchmark Full Proof with Brickhouse Classic

🥃 Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon & Brick House Classic Robusto Pairing Review

1. Visual Impression

Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon (125 Proof)
• Color: Deep amber with golden highlights—rich, oily appearance clinging to the glass.
• Legs: Thick and slow-moving, reflecting its full-proof weight and viscosity.

Brick House Classic Robusto
• Wrapper: Warm, rustic Colorado shade—slightly oily with a fine tooth.
• Construction: Firm pack with minimal veins and a well-applied double cap.
• Burn: Even, with a solid white-gray ash that holds an inch or more.

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2. Aromas

On the Bourbon
• Nose: Rich caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla lead the way.
• Hints of peanut brittle, dark cherry, and a touch of baking spice rise with the heat.
• A warm ethanol presence, but not harsh—inviting for high-proof lovers.

On the Cigar (Pre-Light & Cold Draw)
• Pre-light aroma: Cocoa husk, barnyard earthiness, sweet cedar, and a subtle natural tobacco sweetness.
• Cold draw: Raisin, hay, and a touch of nutty creaminess.

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3. Tasting Notes

🥃 Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon (Palate)
• Entry: Bold caramel and vanilla sweetness with an immediate warmth.
• Mid-palate:
• Toasted oak
• Roasted peanuts
• Molasses
• Dark fruit (cherry, plum)
• Finish: Long, warm, and spice-forward—peppercorn, cinnamon bark, and lingering brown sugar.

🚬 Brick House Classic Robusto (Smoking Experience)

First Third
• Creamy smoke with notes of toasted bread, earth, and sweet cedar.
• A subtle natural sweetness plays well with the bourbon’s caramel tones.

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4. The Pairing Experience

How They Interact
• The bourbon’s rich caramel and toasted oak immediately complement the Brick House’s cedar and bread notes.
• The cigar’s sweet, earthy creaminess softens the bourbon’s high proof, creating balance.

Second Third
• Strength and body increase.
• Cocoa, pepper, and nuts come forward.
• A slight mineral note adds depth without bitterness.

• As both evolve, the pairing hits its stride:
• Bourbon’s nuttiness ↔ Cigar’s cocoa & peanut notes

Final Third
• The profile deepens into oak, espresso, and dark chocolate.
• Pepper ramps up, matching the bourbon’s warm finish beautifully.

• Bourbon’s spice ↔ Cigar’s pepper in the second half
• Bourbon’s dark fruit ↔ Cigar’s espresso and chocolate finish

Overall Impression

This is a robust, full-flavored pairing perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate intensity without sharp edges. Benchmark Full Proof amplifies the cigar’s deeper flavors, while the Brick House Classic Robusto rounds off the bourbon’s heat with smooth, earthy sweetness.

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⭐ Final Verdict: 9.1 / 10

A muscular, satisfying pairing delivering warmth, richness, and classic bourbon-meets-Nicaraguan harmony. Ideal for cool evenings, slow contemplation, or sharing with friends who enjoy bold pairings.