Front and center, a disclaimer- these samples were provided to me by Joseph Magnus at no cost, no obligation to review and with no strings attached. It in no way influences my review, but I thank them for their generosity in doing so.

Background

Joseph Magnus, it’s been a while! Last time I reviewed offerings from them was about a year and a half ago, and it covered Cigar Blend Batches 32 and 80. One of the things I continue to admire about Joseph Magnus, particularly Cigar Blend, is Master Blender Nancy Fraley’s willingness to provide exceptional amounts of insight into her process. In fact, she was kind enough to weigh in on my last review!

We’re going to start this review with Joseph Magnus’ flagship offering, which is a bourbon finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and cognac casks. We’ll then move into Cigar Blend batch #204, which is one of the newer batches available. With each round of Cigar Blend batches, Nancy and team release key details and notes on the corresponding run. Today’s review is covering batch #204, ‘Figgy Pudding’, which is derived from a “coupe mere” or mother blend of 18 bourbon barrels. Those barrels which went into six, 300-liter Armagnac casks. This mother blend is composed of 9-year-old MGP Bourbon from both 36% and 21% Rye Bourbon mashbills, 16-year-old Barton’s Bourbon, and 20-year-old MGP 36% Rye Bourbon.

Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon finished in Sherry and Cognac Casks (NAS, 100 Proof)

Nose: Cherry cordial, orange zest and floral honey. Interestingly enough I’m getting the occasional hint of peanut brittle. It’s on the sweeter smelling end of the spectrum, but that’s OK.

Palate: Tart berries, a bit of fruity dryness I imagine coming from the sherry. Plums and leather. Orange zest and toasted oak. It’s a bit of a fun little fruit rollercoaster, and I think it improves on the nose with a lot more depth than I expected coming in.

Finish: Tart cherries, leather and hints of cinnamon. A bit of dried herbaceousness persists as well. Some dried mint for instance. It’s a nice, warm embrace.

Good to Very Good (5.5/10)

Overall: This is a pretty entertaining bottle to just have around. At 100 proof, it’s approachable and has abundant flavor. The blend of the casks trends a touch dry, but there’s a lot of fun fruit flavors to enjoy from nose to finish.

Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend #204: Figgy Pudding (9 Years, 114.78 Proof)

Nose: Bit-o-honey candies, caramel corn… it’s a bit like walking into a delicious confectionary store and just watching them drizzle toffee, honey, and caramel onto some pretzels or nuts.

Palate: Yeah, I get the toffee and figs I’ll be honest. Maybe I’m incepted a bit by the name but it has a lovely syrupy texture like biting into a honeyed date. I ate honey soaked Baklava recently and it’s reminding me a bit of that.

Finish: Prunes, honey and cinnamon sugar. Black pepper and cloves. It’s a real harmonious blend of spice and sweet notes, indeed coming together like a well executed dessert!

Great to Excellent (7.5/10)

Overall: Ah wow, Nancy Fraley you really can cook ‘em up huh? What a delicious pour, it’s rich, approachable, and expertly blended absolutely living up to its Figgy Pudding billing. I found myself having a hard time not pouring another glass… just to round out the notes you know?!