Macanudo Emissary Espana with Garrison Bros Single Barrel

Cigar Reviewed: Macanudo Emissary España

Smoked at: Frisco, TX

Today I am pairing a bold Texas bourbon with a refined cigar the combination of Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon, a robust, high-proof spirit from Hye, Texas, with the Macanudo Emissary, a medium-bodied cigar known for its creamy and balanced profile. My goal is to harmonize the bourbon’s intense sweetness and spice with the cigar’s smooth, nutty, and subtly sweet notes, offering a dynamic yet cohesive experience.

Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon, crafted at Texas’ first legal distillery, is a cask-strength expression, bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). Each barrel yields a unique profile, but common notes include caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch, with bursts of cherry, cinnamon, and oak. The palate is bold, with toffee, dark fruit, and fiery spice, leading to a long, warm finish of leather and sweet corn. Its high proof and rich sweetness make it a commanding partner for cigar pairing.

Mash bill: 74% corn, 15% wheat, 11% Canadian malted barley

Age: NAS (Noted as 4+ years)

Macanudo Emissary Overview

The Macanudo Emissary, produced in the Dominican Republic, features a golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper(aged 5 years), Nicaraguan Condega binder (aged 6 years), and fillers from the Dominican Republic (Piloto 5 yrs, Nicaragua 6 yrs, and Colombia 5 yrs. This medium-bodied cigar, a robusto (5 x 52 \~$10), offers a creamy, smooth smoke.

Nose: hay, cedar, and citrus

Cold Draw: nuts, leather, cedar, and mild white pepper. The finish is clean, with lingering

Palate: sweet creamy cedar, roasted almonds, and a touch of white pepper.

Finish: nuttiness and subtle sweetness, making it an elegant, approachable choice.

The Emissary opens with sweet creamy cedar, roasted almonds, and a touch of white pepper. The Garrison Brothers’ bold caramel and cherry notes complement the cigar’s sweetness, while its cinnamon spice amplifies the pepper, creating a lively start. The bourbon’s butterscotch softens the cigar’s mild spice, and its high proof adds warmth that enhances the smoke’s creaminess. This phase is vibrant, with the bourbon’s intensity balanced by the cigar’s smoothness.

As the cigar develops, nutty and creamy notes dominate, with hints of vanilla and citrus. The bourbon’s toffee and dark fruit pair beautifully, evoking a caramel-nut dessert. Its oak and leather notes align with the cigar’s cedar, creating a seamless bridge. The bourbon’s heat is tempered by the cigar’s clean, sweet profile, making this the pairing’s peak, where both shine without clashing.

The Emissary’s nuttiness intensifies, with lingering cedar and subtle sweetness. The bourbon’s spicy finish and leather notes match the cigar’s woody end, though its high proof slightly overshadows the cigar’s delicacy. The cherry and corn sweetness provide balance, ensuring a warm, satisfying close. The pairing remains cohesive, with the cigar’s elegance softening the bourbon’s boldness.

The Garrison Brothers Single Barrel and Macanudo Emissary form a compelling pairing. The bourbon’s caramel, fruit, and spice enhance the cigar’s creamy, nutty profile, while the Emissary’s smoothness tempers the bourbon’s heat. The last half, with its dessert-like harmony, is particularly delightful. This pairing suits those who enjoy bold spirits with refined cigars.

Rating 8.7/10