Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon (Fall 2024) Review

Distillery: Distilled in Owensboro—Kentucky (see below review for more)

Proof: 101.0 (50.5% ABV)

Age: Fou Years + Secondary Finishing

Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley

MSRP: $43

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A Powerhouse Expression with a Secret Stable

At just four years old and bottled at 101 proof, Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon is a striking reminder that age statements aren’t everything.  This limited release is produced by Wheel Horse Whiskey, a label under Boston-based Latitude Beverage, a company known for bringing wine to retail shelves through innovative sourcing and branding.  In recent years, Latitude has expanded into spirits by partnering with respected distilleries to bring whiskey to market under the Wheel Horse name.

While the distilling partner remains officially undisclosed, Wheel Horse Cigar Blend is distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky and with a prototypical Green River Distillery mash bill.

What sets this bottle apart is its layered finishing process: the straight bourbon is aged for four years before undergoing in Spanish brandy, American sherry, and port casks.  A trifecta of finishes that we can expect to impart a bourbon rich in fruit, and spice—in theory, engineered to stand up to the strong, smoky flavors of a premium cigar.  While the term “Cigar Blend” is often associated with rare, high-proof bottles designed for pairing with cigars, Wheel Horse aims to deliver the same experience at an extremely accessible price point.

While we, at Bourbon Inspector, rely on our own reviews and ratings, it is worth noting that Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition—one of the most respected and competitive judging panels in the spirits industry.

Let’s see how the expression stacks up in our review…..

Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon (Fall 2024) Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.6/5

Bold and fragrant, the Nose opens with deeply ripe cherries, navel orange, and a note of sweet tobacco– a hint at its supposedly cigar-friendly design.  There’s a subtleness of dark stone fruit and light spice beneath the sweetness.

Palate – 4.5/5

Rich and fruit-forward, the Palate leans into apple, cherry pie filling, and tobacco, framed by notes of dry oak.  

Finish – 4.3/5

A long and wet Finish extends the tasting experience, with carryover of residual fruit and wood tones.  A slight endearing tang at the very end lends character without going bitter.

Value – 4.7/5

With a $43 MSRP, Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon offers remarkable value.  The combination of multi-cask finishing, bold flavor, and a Double Gold medal from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition elevates it far beyond what its price might suggest.  Even for casual sippers, it’s a bottle that delivers performance without requiring high dollar investment.

Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon (Fall 2024) Review: The Verdict

While I cannot attest to the idea of bourbon-cigar pairings, I can affirm Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon is a standout among the growing field of Secondary Finishing whiskeys.  The likely Green River roots give it a dependable foundation, while the layered finishing adds complexity.  The Palate knows: this bottle is no gimmick—it’s a thoughtfully and richly rewarding pour that scores well above its price-point.

Verdict – 4.5/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3