The mid-winter series of Jos. Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon – Batches #72-77 and #78-83 – is comprised of two larger “coupe meres,” or mother blends, of 32 bourbon barrels ranging in age from 14.8 to 20 years old, which then go into twelve 300-liter Armagnac barrels. While both coupes are overall well-balanced, batches #72-77 feature rye spice, while batches #78-83 are a bit on the sweeter side. The Michigan only batch, #84, is a separate coupe made up of 3 bourbon barrels of the same age range.
For enhanced enjoyment of each batch, Master Blender Nancy Fraley recommends opening the bottle and taking a small pour off the neck. Allow the bottle to aerate for an hour or more to fully appreciate the intensity and complexity of the dram.
Cigar Blend Batch #75: “One Mint Julep”
126.76 Proof
Taking its cue from the lyrics of the 1952 song “One Mint Julep” recorded by The Clovers, Batch #75 boldly declares that one mint julep is the cause of it all! The nose on this batch quickly exposes aromas of grilled peaches muddled with spicy, earthy spearmint, dark pumpernickel rye bread smothered with melted butter, pumpkin pie with brown baking spices, hot buttery croissants, and that infamous but delicious cocktail which hails from Kentucky, the mint julep! Rye fans will observe the savory dill and brown baking spice notes on the nose and palate that delicately dance on top of the sweet toffee and vanilla crème flavors from the corn. For those that like higher rye spice in their bourbon and also enjoy having a mint julep or two, this one’s for you!
