Overview: Joseph Magnus & Co. introduced a distinct bourbon in 2016, crafted by Master Blender Nancy Fraley to complement cigar smoking. Despite the name, the production process excludes tobacco entirely. The release bridges French cognac blending traditions with the concept of pairing perfectly with smoking a cigar.
The Full Story
Nancy Fraley developed the concept after spending her early years learning how to blend cognac and brandy. She explained that there is a very long tradition in France of ‘cigare blend’ cognacs, which are essentially cognacs blended in such a way as to pair especially well with a cigar. Later in her career, she began working almost exclusively with bourbon and became inspired to bring that same essence to whiskey.
When the idea initially struck, Fraley was so enthused she confidently dialed up her employers, the owners of whiskey distillery Joseph Magnus & Co., even though it was well after hours. Magnus agreed to give it a try, and in 2016 Fraley created Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon. She retired as Magnus’ master blender in May 2026, but remains master blender emeritus.
Production & Profile
The product is designated cigar-blend whiskey, though not an official type of whiskey like rye or bourbon. Nor is any tobacco involved in this whiskey-making process. While not an official type of whiskey, a designated cigar-blend whiskey takes some calibrating to pair perfectly with smoking a cigar.
Brand & Industry History
The brand draws inspiration from the French tradition of ‘cigare blend’ cognacs, which Fraley encountered during her early years learning how to blend cognac and brandy. This historical context influenced her decision to bring that same essence to whiskey using bourbon as the base spirit.
What This Means
The release clarifies that smoking a cigar beside whiskey glasses does not mean smoked cocktail, even if the cocktail in question contains whiskey. Appreciating a cigar and whiskey together is an unhurried activity meant for tasting and completely enjoying the layering of the two strong flavors. The technique involves allowing smoke to gently move around your mouth and taste buds after an initial puff of the cigar, followed by a small sip of whiskey that mingles with the smoke inside your mouth.
Consumer Takeaway
This bottle offers pairing suggestions including Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and Manhattan cocktails. The sweet and sour notes of these two cocktails complement the cigar’s complexity, while the bolder flavors of a Manhattan hold their own against the intense flavors of a full-bodied cigar.
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