What Is Cigar-Blend Whiskey?

When you see the words "cigar-blend whiskey," the image of smoke wafting around a freshly mixed cocktail may enter your head. But quash that thought because a smoked cocktail is totally different from a cigar-blend whiskey, even if the cocktail in question does contain whiskey. Nor is any tobacco involved in this whiskey-making process. While not an official type of whiskey, like rye or bourbon, a designated cigar-blend whiskey — that is, one that pairs perfectly with smoking a cigar — takes some calibrating.

The person who hit upon and developed the idea of cigar-blended bourbon is Master Blender Nancy Fraley, who spent her early years learning how to blend cognac and brandy. As she explained on Reddit, "There is a very long tradition in France of 'cigare blend' cognacs, which are essentially cognacs that are 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 A. 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.

When pairing a cigar with bourbon, there is a technique to blend the flavors on your tongue. After an initial puff of the cigar, allow it to gently move around your mouth and taste buds. Follow with a small sip of whiskey. Let it delicately mingle with the smoke inside your mouth. Appreciating a cigar and whiskey together is an unhurried activity meant for tasting and completely enjoying the layering of the two strong flavors, so slow down to explore how the sweet and smoky notes of each contrast and complement one another. Take note of the mild, medium, and full-bodied flavors and match accordingly.

Of course, you can sip the whiskey straight while puffing your cigar, but cocktails can also pair well with cigars. Try a classic Old Fashioned cocktail or whiskey sour with a medium-bodied cigar. The sweet and sour notes of these two cocktails complement the cigar's complexity. The bolder flavors of a Manhattan hold their own against the intense flavors of a full-bodied cigar. These are only the starting points of countless possibilities to explore.