This week on High Proof Ashes, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about pours of the year — the Four Roses 2024 Limited Edition. Known for its annual small-batch craftsmanship, this release blends multiple aged recipes into a rich, layered bourbon that delivers deep fruit, oak, and spice… and in our case, a finish that just wouldn’t quit.

On the cigar side, we’re sticking with the Arturo Fuente Rare Pink — a rare and sought-after release from Fuente that’s been getting a lot of attention. We break down how it stacks up against other Fuente staples and whether it truly earns its reputation or just rides the name.

Along the way, we get into:

• Doran’s upcoming cigar band project and what he’s planning
• The ongoing struggle… he still doesn’t have a name for his lounge
• Our honest take on Fuente as a brand vs the Rare Pink and other offerings
• That surprisingly long finish on the Four Roses LE
• The world of bourbon lottery bottles and splitting pours with friends
• And the cigars we’re all still chasing down

It’s a mix of rare bottles, real opinions, and the usual rabbit holes — exactly how we like it.

This week on High Proof Ashes, we’re diving into a heavy hitter from Red Hot Liquors with a barrel pick of Southern Star Paragon — a barrel strength wheated bourbon that brings big proof, rich sweetness, and that soft wheated profile that always sparks debate at the table.

Paired with it is something truly special — the Arturo Fuente Rare Pink. Built on Fuente’s legendary Dominican craftsmanship, the Rare Pink line delivers a refined, complex smoke with notes of cream, cedar, subtle spice, and just enough sweetness to complement a bold pour like this Paragon pick.

As always, the pairing is just the start.

Doran gets into his ongoing love/hate relationship with wheated bourbons — are they smooth and balanced, or just missing the punch? We also break down some buzz around Drew Estateand their newest brand direction, plus a look ahead to the PCA 2025 and what it means for the industry.

We wrap things up with a conversation on which smaller brands are starting to step into the “big boy” space — and who might be next to make serious noise.

Grab a pour, light up something special, and enjoy the ride!

In this episode of High Proof Ashes, we’re putting the spotlight on the Copper & Cask Cigar Blend — a bold 7-year bourbon coming in just under 120 proof. This blend is specifically crafted to stand up to a cigar, bringing rich oak, deep caramel, and layered spice that doesn’t get lost when paired with a full-bodied smoke.

Copper & Cask is known for their small-batch, high-proof offerings, and this cigar blend is no exception — delivering a balance of sweetness, heat, and complexity that makes it a strong contender in the growing “cigar blend” whiskey category.

We continue smoking the Privada Cigar Club Purple People Eater, but if you want the full breakdown on that cigar, check out the previous episode where we dive into all the details.

Along the way, we get into:

• What actually makes a “cigar blend” whiskey different

• Other notable cigar blend bottles and how they compare

• Jason’s past experiments trying to build his own blends

• Doran talking Knicks basketball

• And of course, some March Madness discussion

If you’ve ever wondered whether cigar blend whiskey is legit or just marketing, this one’s for you.