On this episode of High Proof Ashes, we’re putting two heavy hitters head-to-head in a true side-by-side showdown: Shortbarrel Cigar Batch 2024 vs Shortbarrel Cigar Batch 2025.

Shortbarrel’s Cigar Batch releases are built specifically to stand up to bold, full-flavored cigars. These blends are crafted at higher proof and designed with deeper oak structure, richer caramelization, and amplified spice so they don’t disappear when paired with a robust smoke.

Shortbarrel Cigar Batch 2024 leans into intensity. Expect a nose packed with cinnamon stick, toasted oak, and dark caramel. On the palate, it brings forward baking spice, black pepper, roasted nuts, and dense vanilla sweetness. The finish carries a long, warming oak backbone that lingers — a classic “cigar batch” profile meant to punch through heavier ring gauges and Maduro wrappers.

Shortbarrel Cigar Batch 2025 shows evolution. Still bold, still proof-forward, but slightly more refined. The nose moves into deeper brown sugar, subtle dark fruit, and richer barrel char. The palate balances sweetness and spice more evenly, with layers of toffee, nutmeg, light leather, and a smoother oak integration. The finish feels rounder and more composed, suggesting either subtle blend adjustments or improved barrel selection.

We talk proof, structure, how each year handles spice vs sweetness, and most importantly — which batch actually performs better with a cigar in hand.

And speaking of cigars, we’re keeping it budget-friendly this week with the Oliva Serie G. Featuring an African Cameroon wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler, the Serie G is known for its approachable medium body and classic profile. Expect notes of cedar, coffee, light earth, and subtle pepper — a clean, dependable smoke that won’t wreck your wallet. It’s a great test case to see how premium, cigar-focused bourbons perform against a value-driven but well-made cigar.

Can the 2024’s bold spice dominate?

Does the 2025’s refinement give it the edge?

And how does a budget classic like the Serie G stack up in a premium pour pairing?

Pour one, light one, and let’s find out.

This episode is all about the thrill of the hunt. We’re cracking open another Kentucky Bourbon Fest pickup—Burton James Bourbon, a bottle that never leaves the state of Kentucky and caught our attention for being both solid and fairly priced while wandering the festival grounds. Sometimes the best pours aren’t the loudest names, and this one made the cut.

For the cigar, we’re going next-level exclusive with the Drew Estate Unico Series Savage Feast. This limited two-cigar coffin is only available at select Drew Estate events, making it one of those smokes you don’t just stumble into. We break down how we got our hands on it, what makes it special, and whether it lives up to the hype.

Pour a drink, light up something special, and join us as we talk festival scores, rare cigars, and why chasing experiences can be just as rewarding as chasing bottles.

This week on High Proof Ashes, we dive into a true boutique bourbon experience with a single barrel pick from River Roots Barrel Co. 10 yrs old Kentucky Bourbon sourced at Red Hot Liquors. River Roots Barrel Company is a Cleveland, OH - based spirits curator dedicated to hand-selecting top-tier single barrels and small-batch offerings with bold character and distinct profiles — perfect for whiskey lovers looking for something unique. Their program emphasizes meticulous selection and craftsmanship, bringing some of the best barrel-specific bourbon straight to your glass.

On the cigar side of the table, we continue our journey with the Rocky Patel 20th Anniversary Maduro — a medium-to-full bodied Honduran-made stick with a rich maduro wrapper and blend that delivers notes of coffee, leather, dark chocolate, and spice. It’s a thoughtful and sophisticated smoke that pairs beautifully with complex bourbons like today’s River Roots pick.

Join us as we unpack the tasting experience, the stories behind the bourbon and the cigar, and how these two come together for a memorable sip and draw. Cheers!