Winter Reprieve: Fuente Maduro & Port-Finished Bourbon

Maybe we’re getting a small break from the deep freeze. Even if only temporary, an evening above freezing made for a relaxing stretch of time on the porch — aided by the propane heater of course. For this evening’s repast, I selected an Arturo Fuente Maduro Churchill that has been resting in the humidor since early August. At 7¼″ × 48, I figured the stick would deliver a couple of unhurried hours of relaxation.

The dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wraps binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic. The wrapper appears thick and dense, lending the cigar a somewhat rustic character. Deep, earthy notes of oak, coffee, and cocoa open the smoke. After a short while, dark chocolate and a sweet, toasted nuttiness round out the profile. A gentle sweetness gradually builds, eventually leaving a faintly syrupy coating on the palate.

To accompany the cigar, I brought out a bottle of Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon. There was just a plus-sized pour left — fortunately, enough to carry me well into the smoke.

The 92-proof bourbon spends 4½ to 5½ years in new charred oak before finishing three to six months in port barrels. The port influence contributes a sweet, fruity layer — dark cherry and raisin notes come forward — while the familiar brown sugar, vanilla, and spice of the base bourbon remain intact.

I’ve become a fan of port- and sherry-finished bourbons alongside a cigar. The medium-bodied Fuente Maduro offered just enough sweetness to align nicely with the Isaac Bowman. I set the cigar down after about 110 minutes. Though my glass was emptied before the final inch, the lingering bourbon notes seemed to extend their influence over the remaining smoke.

Winter may not yet be finished — and the stubborn layer of “snowcrete” still dominates the landscape — but even a modest reprieve is a welcome gift.

Cheers!