Ironroot Republic Saints Alley – The Herald Cigar Blend
Aged 10 Years
Style: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, finished in Armagnac and Sherry casks
Origin: Texas, Kentucky, and Indiana
Proof: 114
Price: About $125
Availability: Distillery and select retailers (limited release)
The Story (from the inside cover)
Cigars slow you down. They force you to pause life and focus on a moment, right here.
Blending a whiskey meant to pair with a cigar is part science and part alchemy. It is the work of artists and connoisseurs, something that cannot be rushed.
For five years, Jonathan and Chris searched, tasted, and refined what would eventually become The Herald. That journey led to a blend of 10 to 13 year old whiskeys sourced from Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas.
The blend includes whiskey finished in PX and Oloroso sherry casks for five years, alongside whiskey finished in Armagnac for eight months.
This is a whiskey meant to be shared with people you truly love, while telling stories that are mostly true.
Slow down.
Light up.
Pour a dram.
Share with friends.
The Nose
Toasty oak leads the way, followed by dark berries, ripe plum, and fig jam. There is a rich sweetness that reminds me of vanilla icing, layered with soft leather and a bright, effervescent citrus note. It brings to mind San Pellegrino lemon.
Despite the proof, the ethanol is well integrated. The nose is calm, inviting, and surprisingly elegant.
The Palate
Sweet, toasty oak arrives first, quickly joined by lush plum and fig. There is a dessert-like quality here, almost as if the fruit is topped with a bit of whipped cream.
As it develops, rye spice begins to show itself, along with herbal citrus notes that keep the sweetness balanced. The mouthfeel is oily and viscous, coating the palate nicely. The finish is long, warming, and gently spiced, encouraging slow, deliberate sips.
Conclusion
This is a superb pour.
It reminds me of Ironroot’s recent Cellar Reserve release, but taken a step further. This feels more refined, more deliberate, and more contemplative. It is not a casual weeknight whiskey. This is a bottle you choose your moment for.
I will be very particular about when this one gets poured and who it is shared with. Part of that is respect for the whiskey itself, and part of it is because I did not secure a backup bottle, which is a rookie mistake.
This blend was created specifically to pair with a cigar, and I plan to see how it performs alongside a Liga Privada T52 Maduro. Ideally that happens in good company, with unhurried conversation and stories that drift a little further from the truth as the night goes on.
What would you pair this pour with?
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