In 2018, it seemed like everyone was getting into the “cigar leaf aged in liquor barrels” game’ including Diesel by AJ Fernandez, which released the original Whiskey Row, a collaboration with Rabbit Hole distillery. They followed up with a Maduro aged in a different barrel, then in 2023 their third collaboration hit shelves: Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection. This limited edition cigar shipped in only a Toronto format, and featured a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Nicaraguan fillers, and a Nicaraguan binder aged in barrels from Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection Boxgrail Rye Whiskey.
I had no Rabbit Hole product to pair this cigar with, so I chose one of my all-time favorite bourbons, Russell’s Reserve 10 year by Wild Turkey. The Whiskey Row Founder’s had cocoa powder and earth notes on the prelight, with the Broadleaf wrapper providing just a touch of sweetness and spice.
Fired up, it was intensely earthy with a full body and peppery punch in the nose. The finish revealed the subtle notes of oak and vanilla from the whiskey barrel, mixing with the natural sweetness of the Maduro wrapper leaf. I honestly think I like the original Whiskey Row release from Diesel the most still, but this limited Founder’s was a better Maduro offering for my palate. Definitely one to pick up while they are available.
