S6 E4 Henry McKenna + CAO Italia Dry Meets Sweet

S6 E5 Forester 1920 + E.P. Carrillo Endure A Pairing You Don't Want to Miss

🎤 Opening Monologue Tonight’s pairing is all about strength meeting structure. We’re taking a bold, layered cigar in the Endure and putting it head-to-head with one of the most unapologetically rich bourbons on your shelf. This is a ride—dense, evolving, and built for those moments when you want intensity without losing control. ⸻ 🥃 The Spirit — Old Forester 1920 Proof: 115 Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon 🌾 Mash Bill * 72% Corn * 18% Rye * 10% Malted Barley Mash Bill Impact: The higher rye content brings spice and structure, while the corn delivers a deep caramel backbone—perfect for standing up to a full-bodied cigar like the Endure. ⸻ 👃 Nose Dark caramel, molasses, charred oak, baking spice, and a touch of cherry syrup. 👅 Palate Rich chocolate, burnt sugar, toasted oak, black pepper, and dark fruit. 🏁 Finish Long, warm, and slightly smoky with lingering spice and sweet oak. ⸻ 🚬 The Cigar — E.P. Carrillo Endure 🌿 Tobacco Breakdown * Wrapper: (Dark Maduro-style presentation) * Binder: Nicaraguan * Filler: Nicaraguan blend Wrapper Impact Note: The darker wrapper drives cocoa, earth, and subtle sweetness, forming the backbone of the cigar’s richness. ⸻ 🔥 Construction & Burn Excellent construction with a firm pack, slow burn, and dense smoke output. Ash holds well with minimal touch-ups. 👃 Cigar Nose Cocoa powder, earth, leather, and a faint molasses sweetness. ❄️ Cold Draw Dark chocolate, raisin, and a touch of spice. ⸻ 🌓 First Third Opens with cocoa, earth, and a soft sweetness—medium-full but controlled. 🤝 Pairing — Initial Impressions Old Forester 1920 immediately asserts dominance—heat and spice cut through the cigar’s richness, creating a bold contrast. The sweetness from the bourbon begins to pull forward hidden sugars in the tobacco. ⸻ 🌗 Second Third Body increases—espresso, darker chocolate, and building pepper. 🤝 Pairing — Mid-Session Evolution This is where the pairing locks in. The bourbon’s dark sugar and charred oak align with the cigar’s espresso and earth, creating a deep, layered fusion. The rye spice now mirrors the cigar’s pepper. ⸻ 🌘 Final Third Full-bodied intensity—char, bitter chocolate, heavy oak, and lingering spice. 🤝 Pairing — Final Impression A powerhouse finish. The bourbon’s proof holds strong, smoothing the cigar’s sharper edges while amplifying depth. No fade—just a long, commanding close. ⸻ 🧠 Wrapper Impact Note The Maduro-style wrapper anchors the experience in dark chocolate and earth, allowing the bourbon’s sweetness and spice to build contrast and complexity. ⸻ ⭐ Overall Pairing Experience A bold, high-proof pairing that thrives on intensity and evolution. Not for the faint of heart—but incredibly rewarding for those who enjoy a full-bodied experience. ⸻ 🔥 Final Verdict * Old Forester 1920: 9.2 / 10 * E.P. Carrillo Endure: 9.0 / 10 * Pairing Score: 9.1 / 10 Welcome to an impromptu edition of "Sticks and Stones" today, as a rainy ambience takes over. With the rain on window, it's the perfect cozy ambience for a pairing session. Enjoy the relaxing rain sounds in the background. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support

S6 E4 Henry McKenna + CAO Italia Dry Meets Sweet

🎤 Opening Monologue Welcome back to Sticks-n-Stonez—today we’re diving into a pairing that’s all about contrast and structure. We’ve got a bold, oak-forward Bottled-in-Bond bourbon matched with a uniquely earthy, spice-driven cigar. This is the kind of pairing that sharpens your palate and evolves with every third—let’s get into it. Before we do, smash that Like or Subscribe button, it really helps spread the show.  ⸻ 🥃 The Spirit — Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond) Style: Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 🌾 Mash Bill Heaven Hill traditional bourbon mash bill (estimated) * ~75% Corn * ~13% Rye * ~12% Malted Barley Mash Bill Impact: The moderate rye content delivers balanced spice, while the high corn percentage provides rich caramel sweetness—a perfect foundation for contrast pairing. ⸻ 👃 Nose Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and light baking spice with hints of apple and honey. 👅 Palate Rich caramel, toffee, vanilla, oak, and a growing wave of spice and tannin. 🏁 Finish Long and warming—oak-forward with lingering spice, light dryness, and classic Bottled-in-Bond structure. ⸻ 🚬 The Cigar — CAO Italia Wrapper: Honduran Habano Seed Binder/Filler: Italian-grown tobacco (unique regional leaf) ⸻ 🔥 Construction & Burn Firm pack with a slightly resistant draw, even burn, and medium smoke output. Ash holds well with a clean burn line. 👃 Cigar Nose Earth, dry cocoa, hay, and subtle spice. ❄️ Cold Draw Dry wood, light pepper, and a faint natural sweetness. ⸻ 🌓 First Third Dry earth, hay, and light pepper dominate with a restrained sweetness. 🤝 Pairing — Initial Impressions The bourbon immediately fills the gaps—adding caramel and body where the cigar is dry. The contrast creates a more complete and rounded opening experience. ⸻ 🌗 Second Third Spice builds—black pepper and dry cocoa emerge with a slightly nutty backbone. 🤝 Pairing — Mid-Session Evolution Now the pairing locks in—McKenna’s oak and spice mirror the cigar’s structure, while its sweetness keeps the experience from becoming too dry. 👉 This is where the pairing hits its stride—balanced tension between sweet and dry. ⸻ 🌘 Final Third The cigar leans more into earth, charred wood, and intensified spice with a slightly tannic edge. 🤝 Pairing — Final Impression The bourbon’s proof and sweetness soften the cigar’s sharper edges, preventing bitterness while maintaining complexity. 👉 The finish becomes oak-driven, structured, and refined rather than harsh. ⸻ 🧠 Wrapper / Leaf Impact Note The Italian-grown tobacco gives CAO Italia its distinct dry, earthy, and slightly herbal character, which contrasts beautifully with the bourbon’s sweetness—creating a pairing built on tension and balance rather than similarity. ⸻ ⭐ Overall Pairing Experience This is a contrast-driven pairing that evolves into harmony. The bourbon brings richness and sweetness, while the cigar provides dryness and structure—resulting in a dynamic, palate-engaging experience. ⸻ 🔥 Final Verdict 🥃 Spirit Score — Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond 8.9 / 10 Rich, oak-forward, and well-structured with classic caramel sweetness and balanced spice. A strong standalone bourbon that brings both depth and versatility. ⸻ 🚬 Cigar Score — CAO Italia 8.6 / 10 Unique and character-driven with dry earth, spice, and subtle herbal complexity. Not a crowd-pleaser, but highly engaging for a seasoned palate. ⸻ 🤝 Pairing Score (Total Experience) 9.0 / 10 Why It Works: This pairing thrives on contrast—the bourbon’s sweetness and body fill in the cigar’s dryness, while the cigar sharpens the bourbon’s oak and spice. The result is a structured, evolving experience that stays balanced from first light to final draw. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support

S6 E3 Penelope Crème Brûlée + Diamond Crown Julius Caeser

Welcome back to Sticks-n-Stonez—today we’re stepping into a more refined lane. This pairing is all about elegance over intensity, matching a luxuriously smooth cigar with a dessert-inspired bourbon that leans into vanilla, caramel, and toasted sugar. If you’re looking for a pairing that feels like a high-end lounge experience from start to finish—this is it. 🥃 The Spirit — Penelope Architect Crème Brûlée Proof: ~104 Style: Straight Bourbon (French oak stave finished) ⸻ 🌾 Mash Bill Blend of 3 bourbon mash bills (typical Penelope profile): * Corn (~75–80%) * Rye (~15–20%) * Malted Barley (~5%) Mash Bill Impact: High corn delivers sweetness and body, while rye adds light spice—enhanced by French oak finishing that amplifies vanilla custard and caramelized sugar notes. ⸻ 👃 Nose Vanilla bean, brûléed sugar, toasted oak, light cinnamon, and cream. 👅 Palate Rich custard, caramel, brown sugar, soft baking spice, and a silky mouthfeel. 🏁 Finish Medium-long with lingering vanilla, toasted sugar, and gentle oak spice. ⸻ 🚬 The Cigar — Diamond Crown Julius Caesar Wrapper: Ecuadorian Havana Binder/Filler: Caribbean / Central American blend ⸻ 🔥 Construction & Burn Impeccable construction—razor burn, effortless draw, and refined smoke output. 👃 Cigar Nose Cedar, nuts, cream, and subtle sweetness. ❄️ Cold Draw Almond, hay, light spice, and faint vanilla. ⸻ 🌓 First Third Cream, cedar, and toasted nuts take the lead with a smooth, mellow entry. 🤝 Pairing — Initial Impressions The bourbon immediately locks into the creaminess—vanilla custard notes amplify the cigar’s smooth profile, creating a seamless, almost dessert-like opening. ⸻ 🌗 Second Third Body builds slightly—more baking spice, roasted nuts, and light earth emerge. 🤝 Pairing — Mid-Session Evolution The French oak influence shows up strong—toasted sugar and spice now complement the cigar’s structure, forming a balanced interplay of sweet and savory. ⸻ 🌘 Final Third Cedar deepens, spice sharpens slightly, with a clean, elegant finish. 🤝 Pairing — Final Impression The bourbon smooths the edges, maintaining refinement without overpowering—this pairing never gets heavy, just richer and more cohesive. ⸻ 🧠 Wrapper Impact Note The Ecuadorian Havana wrapper drives a creamy, cedar-forward profile that allows the bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes to shine without competition. ⸻ ⭐ Overall Pairing Experience A masterclass in balance and elegance—this pairing leans into creaminess, subtle sweetness, and refinement rather than intensity. ⸻ 🔥 Final Verdict Pairing Rating: 9.25 / 10 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support

S6 E2 Woodford Reserve + Camacho Triple Maduro

Welcome back to Sticks-n-Stonez—today we’re stepping into bold territory. This pairing is all about depth, richness, and unapologetic intensity. A classic, balanced bourbon meets one of the darkest, most full-bodied cigars on the market. If you like heavy flavor and long finishes—this one’s for you. ⸻ 🥃 The Spirit — Woodford Reserve Proof: 90.4 Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon 🌾 Mash Bill * 72% Corn * 18% Rye * 10% Malted Barley   Mash Bill Impact: Corn delivers sweet body, while the elevated rye introduces peppery spice and structure, giving this bourbon enough backbone to stand up to a full Maduro cigar. ⸻ 👃 Nose Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, baking spice, and subtle cocoa.   👅 Palate Toffee, dried fruit, cocoa, cinnamon, and balanced oak spice. 🏁 Finish Medium-long with lingering sweetness, light pepper, and dry oak. ⸻ 🚬 The Cigar — Camacho Triple Maduro Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro Binder: Corojo Maduro Filler: Honduran, Dominican, Brazilian   ⸻ 🔥 Construction & Burn Thick smoke output, slow burn, dense ash, and a firm draw. 👃 Cigar Nose Dark cocoa, earth, espresso, and molasses sweetness. ❄️ Cold Draw Chocolate, raisin, black pepper, and rich tobacco. ⸻ 🌓 First Third Immediate intensity—dark chocolate, espresso, and earthy richness dominate with a slight natural sweetness. 🤝 Pairing — Initial Impressions Woodford softens the punch—caramel and vanilla round out the cigar’s aggression, making the opening more approachable without losing depth. ⸻ 🌗 Second Third Pepper builds, earth deepens, and the profile becomes more structured with coffee and spice driving forward. 🤝 Pairing — Mid-Session Evolution The rye in Woodford now shows up—locking in with the cigar’s pepper and spice, creating a bold, cohesive mid-palate with cocoa-spice synergy. ⸻ 🌘 Final Third Full-bodied and heavy—charred oak, bitter chocolate, espresso, and lingering spice. 🤝 Pairing — Final Impression The bourbon acts as a balancing agent, adding sweetness and preventing bitterness from overwhelming the palate—keeping the experience controlled and refined. ⸻ 🧠 Wrapper Impact Note The San Andrés Maduro wrapper drives deep chocolate, molasses sweetness, and earthy density—this is the core of the cigar’s power and what demands a structured bourbon to match. ⸻ ⭐ Overall Pairing Experience A bold, full-bodied pairing that leans into richness while maintaining balance. The bourbon doesn’t overpower—it manages and elevates the cigar’s intensity. ⸻ 🔥 Final Verdict Pairing Rating: 9.1 / 10 ⸻ 📸 Instagram Notecard (Clear Version) Woodford Reserve + Camacho Triple Maduro * 🥃 Caramel • Cocoa • Spice * 🚬 Dark Chocolate • Espresso • Earth * 🤝 Cocoa + Spice Power Pairing * ⭐ 9.1 / 10 OneStream Live is the all-in-one streaming solution that helps you - Live via https://onestream.live We're diving into a wonderful pairing today, featuring a delightful new drink and a meticulous alcohol taste test, and exploring some fine tobacco. This promises to be a very enjoyable experience, so stick around! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support

S6 E1 John J. Bowman Single Barrel + Ashton Symmetry #onestreamlive

🎙️ Welcome back to Sticks-n-Stonez. Today’s cigar and spirit pairing is all about balance and refinement—less heavy sweetness, more structure and elegance. We’re matching a Virginia single barrel bourbon with a beautifully composed, medium-bodied cigar that’s known for its harmony. Let’s get into it. ⸻ 🥃 The Spirit — John J. Bowman Single Barrel Proof: 100 Style: Single Barrel Bourbon 🌾 Mash Bill Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (low-rye bourbon mash bill) * Corn (majority) * Rye (lower percentage) * Malted Barley Mash Bill Impact: Lower rye allows sweetness and texture to lead, creating a softer, rounder profile that complements rather than cuts—ideal for balanced cigars. ⸻ 👃 Nose Honey, baked apple, light vanilla, and soft floral notes with a touch of toasted oak. 👅 Palate Toffee, caramel, stone fruit, and gentle baking spice with a creamy, medium-full mouthfeel. 🏁 Finish Medium-long with warming oak, light spice, and a lingering honeyed sweetness. 🚬 The Cigar — Ashton Symmetry Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican & Nicaraguan Strength: Medium ⸻ 🔥 Construction & Burn Excellent craftsmanship—clean draw, even burn, and consistent smoke output with a firm ash. 👃 Cigar Nose Cedar, toasted nuts, light spice, and subtle cream. ❄️ Cold Draw Cream, hay, and faint nuttiness with a touch of sweetness. ⸻ 🌓 First Third Cream, cedar, and toasted almond lead, with a soft spice building on the retrohale. 🤝 Pairing — Initial Experience The Bowman enhances the cigar’s creaminess with honey and toffee, while its 100 proof adds just enough structure to keep the pairing from feeling too soft. The interaction is smooth, balanced, and immediately cohesive. 🔄 Mid-Cigar to Final Third  As the cigar evolves into baking spice, light leather, and earth, the bourbon shifts toward more oak and a slightly drier finish. The pairing transitions from creamy and sweet into a more structured, spice-forward experience. The bourbon now acts as a frame—tightening the profile and highlighting the cigar’s subtle complexity without overpowering it. ⸻ 🧠 Wrapper Impact Note The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper provides a creamy, nutty base with restrained spice, allowing the bourbon’s sweetness and oak to shape the overall experience rather than compete with it. ⸻ ⭐ Overall Experience * Balance: 9/10 * Complexity: 8.5/10 * Enjoyment: 8.8/10 ⸻ 🔥 Final Verdict This is a refined, highly drinkable pairing that prioritizes balance over intensity. It’s consistent, elegant, and perfect for a relaxed session where nuance matters more than power. 👉 Final Score: 8.9 / 10 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support