Cigar Review: Powstanie San Andrés with Still Austin Single Barrel

I’ve long been a fan of Powstanie cigars. Both the Habano and Broadleaf lines, in multiple vitolas, make frequent appearances in these Musings. I often joke that Powstanie is my vacation cigar — I always seem to bring a few along on my travels. So when I read that the company was adding a San Andrés blend as a new core line, I was eager to give it a try. There is also a Powstanie Connecticut line that has not yet tempted me.

The Powstanie San Andrés hit shelves in January of this year. I finally picked up a few in April but let them rest in the humidor for a bit before lighting one up — though I did sneak a preview by smoking one at the cigar lounge a few weeks ago. That little tease only whetted my appetite for the ones waiting patiently at home.

This cigar features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over an Ecuadorian Habano binder, with a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. The line currently comes in four vitolas, with a fifth coming later. For this evening’s repast, I selected the 5 x 50 Robusto.

The smoke opens with notes of semi-sweet cocoa and nuttiness. As it develops, flavors of espresso and dark chocolate come forward, underpinned by a steady hum of pepper spice that broadens the profile. The burn was even requiring no touchups, and the smoke remained cool down to the nub. The Powstanie San Andrés delivers a rich, medium-bodied, and flavorful experience.

I paired it with Still Austin Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon. At 116 proof, this bourbon has a surprising smoothness for its minimal two-year age. The strength is apparent on the nose — especially when concentrated in a Glencairn glass — but the palate opens with cinnamon spice that quickly mellows into brown sugar sweetness. Notes of raisin, plum, caramel, and molasses soon follow, creating a layered and satisfying pour.

The cigar’s bold profile complemented the bourbon’s sweetness and lingering spice beautifully. While strongly spiced bourbons can sometimes overpower medium-bodied cigars, the Powstanie San Andrés held its own — robust without being overpowering.

Cheers!