S5 E21 Perfect Synergy Buffalo Trace with a New World Puro Especial

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Sticks-n-Stonez

Brent Elrod

235 episodes

6 days ago

Sticks-n-Stonez is a weekly podcast that pairs fine cigars with premium spirits. Each week a premium hand rolled cigar is paired with just the right spirit to enhance the palate and profile of each offering. During the episode Brent, the host, will share details about each offering and then present his opinion on the visual aspects, nose, and palate of the cigar and spirit and detail his opinion and rating of the pairing. He will also sprinkle in some of his own offbrand humor. Between each episode you can catch Brent on Instagram at @sticksnstonez1. The show's Insta account is approaching 20,000 followers so you should really jump in now.

Brent is a retired combat veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He picked up cigars while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004 and has been developing his nose and palate ever since. With two decades of experience in cigars and 3 decades in fine spirits his senses are acutely tuned to provide the best possible advice.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support.

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S5 E21 Perfect Synergy Buffalo Trace with a New World Puro Especial

Sticks-n-Stonez

58 minutes

6 days ago

S5 E21 Perfect Synergy Buffalo Trace with a New World Puro Especial

The Pour: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
Mash Bill: Undisclosed (estimated high-corn, low-rye recipe)
Proof: 90
Appearance: Warm amber with golden highlights and slow, syrupy legs.
Aroma: Sweet caramel, vanilla, and honey layered with orange zest, dried fruit, and a hint of fresh oak. Beneath the surface lies soft spice — nutmeg, cinnamon, and a whisper of leather — all hallmarks of the Buffalo Trace signature.
Palate: Medium-bodied and rounded. Notes of toffee, brown sugar, and maple open the sip, followed by dried cherries, toasted nuts, and a subtle rye spice that balances the sweetness.
Finish: Long, smooth, and gently warming — flavors of caramelized sugar, vanilla, and oak fade into a lingering sweetness that invites another sip.

The Smoke: New World Puro Especial by A.J. Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua (Estelí)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan (Estelí-grown)
Construction: Impeccable. Firm roll with a triple cap and silky-smooth wrapper. Consistent burn and creamy draw, classic of A.J. Fernandez craftsmanship.
Appearance: Medium brown with slight oil sheen and minimal veining — elegant and understated.
Pre-light Aroma: Cocoa, sweet cedar, and a faint barnyard richness — earthy and inviting.

Flavor Profile: Medium to full-bodied. Starts with roasted nuts, espresso, and cocoa powder, then transitions into sweet cedar, earth, and a touch of black pepper. Midway through, hints of caramel and baking spice develop, echoing the bourbon’s sweetness. The final third adds a gentle mineral note and toasted oak.
Burn & Ash: Even burn, tight ash, and consistent smoke output throughout the session.

Pairing Notes
This pairing is a study in balance — Buffalo Trace’s approachable sweetness enhances the cigar’s earthy richness, while the cigar adds depth and structure to the bourbon’s mellow profile.

First Third: The cigar’s initial cocoa and espresso tones find harmony with the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla. The oak from both complements beautifully, with the bourbon’s sweetness taming the cigar’s earthy spice.

Middle Third: The New World opens up into nuttier, creamier territory, while Buffalo Trace shows more of its fruity side — cherry and orange zest come forward, brightening the smoke. Together, they create a warm, dessert-like character reminiscent of spiced chocolate and brown sugar.

Final Third: The cigar deepens with roasted coffee and a touch of black pepper. The bourbon’s gentle oak and toffee sweetness smooth the finish, leaving a lasting impression of cocoa, honey, and charred wood.

Pairing Summary
Balance: 9/10
Complexity: 8.5/10
Body Match: Excellent — both medium-bodied
Overall Experience: Exceptionally smooth and flavorful

Why It Works:
Buffalo Trace’s classic sweetness and mild spice perfectly align with the Puro Especial’s earthy, roasted core. The bourbon lifts the cigar’s darker tones, while the cigar adds complexity and character to the whiskey’s soft profile. Together, they create a seamless, indulgent pairing that highlights the strengths of both.

A timeless match that celebrates tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor harmony — a combination meant for slow sipping and steady reflection.

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