Weekend Trio: Knuckle Sandwich Cigar, Elijah Craig Bourbon, and Joe Bonamassa’s Breakthrough

I kicked off the weekend with a trio of new delights, combining three of my favorite pastimes — bourbon, cigars, and music.

First up was the Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Chef Special 2025. This cigar comes from chef Guy Fieri’s collaboration with Erik Espinosa and is released annually as a limited edition. The 2025 version features a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. After a month of resting in my humidor, I finally gave in and lit one up.

Cutting the cap on the 6 x 55 box-pressed Toro revealed an open draw, surprisingly effortless given the cigar’s heft. Once lit, the draw was spot-on, and the cigar burned evenly, producing generous amounts of flavorful smoke. Fieri reportedly aimed for a ramped-up robustness with the 2025 release, and I’d say he nailed it.

The first puffs delivered a powerful punch of earthy spice and espresso, enough to make my eyes squint from the intensity. As the cigar developed, it revealed layers of dark chocolate and dark fruit, balanced by a touch of sweetness. It quickly settled into a rich, well-balanced, and satisfying smoke.

Next came the liquid pairing — an Elijah Craig Single Barrel from Wegmans, labeled “Caramel Apple”. I picked this bottle up during a recent trip.

Wegmans, a grocery chain we occasionally visit locally, surprised me on a trip to New Jersey. Unlike in Virginia, their stores there sell spirits — and not just a few. They carry large selection including a wide range of store picks. I managed to restrain myself to just two: a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked store pick and this Elijah Craig.

The Elijah Craig Wegmans Caramel Apple Single Barrel sports a 10 year age statement and a 118.6 proof. The Caramel Apple pick carries a 10-year age statement and clocks in at 118.6 proof. Its sweet, fruity aroma is surprisingly mild, but the flavor really shines when sipping. A bold sweetness up front evolves into notes of candied fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak, with an overall impression of cinnamon-laced dessert pastry.

The pairing of the Knuckle Sandwich and Elijah Craig was superb. Both brought richness, depth, and a shared sweetness that made for a robust and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Rounding out the evening was the just-released album from blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Breakthrough. It’s packed with great music, though my only regret is that it’s a 45-minute studio album rather than one of his longer live performances. I’m looking forward to hearing some of these tracks in person the next time we catch him in concert. Still, the timing was perfect — the cigar lasted through two full plays of the album.

Cheers!