Distillery: Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana – Presumably MGP
Proof: 118.2 (59.1% ABV)
Age: Eight Years + Eight Months Secondary Finish
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley, 70% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
MSRP: $80
Big Spice. Big Finish.
Copper & Cask’s Cigar Blend Series continues with an 8-year release. Batch #013, combines both high-rye and low-rye MGP bourbons before being re-barreled into PX and Oloroso Sherry, Armagnac, Cognac, and Tawny Port casks for a minimum six-month secondary finish. Bottled at 118.2 proof and limited to 6,000 bottles, this is a barrel-strength pour definitively designed to hold up the rigors required of a cigar enthusiast who enjoys depth, spice, and structure.
Copper & Cask Small Batch Series #013 Cigar Blend Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.1/5
Lemon zest. Toasted oak. Dry walnuts.
Strengths: The citrus notes are refreshing for such a dark, oak-driven whiskey. Just enough Sherry and Armagnac induced notes to give it some aroma layers.
Why It’s Not Higher: A bit of alcohol prickle rises early. Time in the glass tones it.
Rating Justification: Vibrant and full.
Palate – 3.9/5
Black pepper, black pepper and more black pepper. Dark cherry.
Strengths: Immediate and intense rye spice—bold and commanding. Mid-Palate sweetness.
Why It’s Not Higher: The black pepper notes dominate when sipped neat. Softer notes that might exist beneath are bowled over by the intensity.
Rating Justification: Strong character and depth of flavor. Not an easy neat pour.
Finish – 4.0/5
Citrus tart. Toasted oak. Lingering pepper warmth.
Strengths: The citrus keeps the Finish from turning too dry or tannic and adds a good contrast up against the peppery fade.
Why It’s Not Higher: The proof heat holds long and outpaces any subtle fruit tones that might be lingering underneath.
Rating Justification: Long. Assertive. Patience in the glass is rewarded.
Value – 3.9/5
Copper & Cask Small Batch Series #013 is a bold, pepper-forward bourbon that lives up to its Cigar Blend identity. For non-cigar enthusiasts, a heavy splash of water to let the fruit and citrus notes emerge is key. The black pepper and citrus interplay defines the experience. A confident, high-proof pour that hangs around a long-time.
Copper & Cask Small Batch Series #013 Cigar Blend Bourbon Review: The Verdict
Copper & Cask Small Batch Series #013 is a bold, pepper-forward bourbon that lives up to its Cigar Blend identity. For non-cigar enthusiasts, a heavy splash of water to let the fruit and citrus notes emerge is key. The black pepper and citrus interplay defines the experience. A confident, high-proof pour that hangs around a long-time.
Verdict – 4.0/5
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
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.
