Is Barrell Cigar Blend really bourbon made for cigars? B and Heather crack open this 111.2-proof blend of 7.5- to 18-year-old bourbons finished in Madeira, Armagnac, rum, and Hungarian oak casks. With serious age, wild finishes, and plenty of awards behind it, we find out whether Cigar Blend delivers in the glass—or if somebody just invented a great excuse to light a cigar.

Is sweet mash bourbon just marketing hype — or does it actually change the flavor? We review Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon, break down sweet mash vs sour mash, and decide whether this under-$50 grain-to-glass bourbon hunts… or heads to clearance.