3 Bourbons and 3 Cigars that Over Deliver

 Watch the Full Video Here

I’ve been collecting aged spirits and cigars for over 20 years, and one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t always need the newest or most expensive releases to enjoy great drinks and smokes. Sometimes the best options are the ones that quietly deliver time after time.

In my latest video, I share three bourbons and three cigars that I actually reach for on a regular basis. These aren’t the rarest bottles or sticks in my collection — they’re the reliable, everyday choices that consistently punch above their weight.

Old Grand-Dad 114  

One of my go-to high-proof bourbon is Old Grand Dad 114 proof with a high-rye mashbill (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley). The recipe traces back to the old National Distillers days before Jim Beam acquired it in 1987.  They not only purchased the brand and recipe but a good supply of aged barrels.  The profile is bold spice and caramel sweetness which makes it a great all-rounder with cigars.

If the 114 proof is a little too punchy, you can scale down to the Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond at 100 proof or the 86 proof which cost slightly less than the 114.

Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 

Simple, honest, and one of the best values in bourbon and uses the Heaven Hill mashbill (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley). It’s straightforward, well-balanced, and always delivers more than you expect at this price point which is less than $20 in my area.

If you want to scale up, you can go with Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond which uses the same mashbill but is 10 years old and a single barrel.  Price point is higher at around $50-$60. 

Wild Turkey Rare Breed  

A blend of 6-, 8-, and 12-year barrels at barrel proof. Wild Turkey’s classic mashbill (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley) brings rich vanilla, oak, and that signature spicy kick. 

It’s one of the strongest everyday performers in the category.  The Rare Breed runs around $55-$65 but if you want to scale down you go with the standard Wild Turkey 101 which is a blend of 4, 6 and 8 year old barrels and comes in around $25-$30.

Now let's talk about some budget friendly cigars that punch above the price point

HVC Cerro 5x50 Robusto 

Excellent construction with balanced flavor. Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and filler. A solid, enjoyable everyday smoke.  This cigar is medium to full bodied with a profile of dark chocolate, espresso and moderate black pepper.

Warped Cloudhopper 5x46 Corona

Unique profile and great burn. Corojo ’99 wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler. I just picked up a 50 CAB for less than $5 a stick — outstanding value.  

This corona is a medium bodied cigar with a profile of burst of black pepper and chili zest that quickly mellows into smooth, creamy oak. Dominant notes of rich leather, dark chocolate, and toasted bread emerge, backed by a distinct graham cracker and marshmallow sweetness on the finish.

AJ Fernandez Enclave 6½ x 52 Toro 

A Nicaraguan puro with bold, rich flavors. The 6½ x 52 Toro size gives a solid 60–75 minute smoke that’s full but never harsh.  This cigar is medium to full bodied with a profile of white pepper, which quickly rounds out into cedar, toasted bread, coffee bean, baking spices, and a unique carob chip sweetness.  Fair warning, this cigar is a bit of a powerhouse, so eat before you enjoy.

I enjoy these kinds of bourbons and cigars because they’re dependable and genuinely enjoyable. In a world full of hype and new releases, sometimes the best choices are the ones that simply work.

Watch Full Video Here

If you watch it, I’d love to hear what you think. Drop a comment on the video or here on the blog — what’s one bourbon or cigar you think over delivers right now?

As always — pour thoughtfully, draw slowly, and savor the journey.

- Greg