Larrikin Cigar Lounge Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Larrikin Bourbon Company has quickly become one of the more interesting names in sourced whiskey. Their approach has been fairly straightforward so far: find quality barrels, bottle them at robust proof points, and create releases that stand out from the crowded bourbon landscape. Based in Kentucky, they've built a strong reputation among enthusiasts who enjoy unique finishes and bold flavor profiles. The Cigar Lounge Bourbon has been on my radar for well over a year, and when it finally landed in Indiana in 2026, it was an immediate purchase.
I've always enjoyed cigar-style releases. Even as someone who doesn't smoke cigars, I appreciate the richer, sweeter, and often more complex profiles these whiskeys aim to deliver. Looking at the specs on paper, this one certainly sounded ambitious. While Cognac and Amburana have become increasingly common in the whiskey world, Jackfruit Wood is something rarely encountered. Madeira can be somewhat divisive depending on how aggressively it's used, while maple syrup finishes have become popular for adding sweetness and earthy depth.
With a 9-year age statement and a healthy proof point, the foundation is certainly there. The question becomes whether all five finishing influences can work together without overwhelming the bourbon itself.
Age Statement: 9 years.
ABV: 55%.
Mash bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Kentucky.
Finishing: Cognac, Amburana, Jaka (Jackfruit wood), Madera, Maple Syrup.
Appearance: Deep red copper.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The Cognac influence jumps out immediately. Dark fruits dominate the experience with notes of fig, plum, blackberry, raspberry, and rich berry preserves. The aroma carries a thick, oily texture that feels almost syrupy before even taking a sip. Amburana is present but surprisingly restrained, offering gentle cinnamon sugar and subtle baking spice rather than overwhelming the profile.
The Madeira contributes ripe fruit characteristics and hints of grape sweetness, while the maple syrup adds darker earthy undertones beneath everything else. A touch of rye spice emerges with light herbal and floral notes, though the finishing casks are unquestionably leading the conversation. Traditional bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak remain present but largely play a supporting role.
Taste:
The mouthfeel is immediately rich and coating. Dark fruits dominate the experience with notes of fig jam, plum preserves, grilled fruit, and berry compote. The oily texture from the Amburana and Jackfruit Wood creates a dense, viscous sip that thoroughly coats the palate. The maple syrup finish shows itself through layers of sweetness balanced by earthy depth, while the Madeira contributes ripe berry notes without crossing into the overripe territory that can sometimes make those finishes feel cloying. As the whiskey develops, it begins to resemble breakfast in a glass.
Flavors of maple syrup-drizzled pancakes, blackberry preserves, fresh blueberries, raspberries, and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar emerge and build with each sip. Despite the substantial texture up front, the whiskey remains remarkably balanced. The Cognac brings additional dark fruit richness, while subtle notes of clove, baking spice, and sweet oak provide structure underneath the sweeter finishing influences. The result is a whiskey that feels layered and decadent without becoming overwhelming.
Finish:
The finish transitions into a lingering combination of maple sweetness, earthy undertones, cinnamon sugar, and light baking spices. As the sip develops, notes of clove, cinnamon stick, leather, and sweet oak emerge. The maple syrup influence becomes increasingly noticeable on the lingering aftertaste, creating a sweet yet balanced conclusion. What's most impressive is how well the five finishes work together. None completely dominate the whiskey, and the Amburana in particular remains far more restrained than expected.
Final Thoughts:
Multi-finished whiskeys can often become chaotic. With Cognac, Amburana, Jackfruit Wood, Madeira, and Maple Syrup all involved, there was every reason to believe this release might become a muddled mess. Instead, Larrikin somehow manages to keep everything surprisingly cohesive. This is not a bourbon for someone seeking traditional oak, caramel, and vanilla-forward flavors. The finishing barrels are unquestionably the stars of the show. However, if you're looking for a whiskey that delivers complexity, richness, and a cigar-style profile without requiring an actual cigar, this bottle succeeds remarkably well.
At $150, it's not inexpensive. However, considering the 9-year age statement, 110 proof bottling, and the complexity involved in coordinating five separate finishing casks, the price is understandable even if it feels slightly ambitious. Personally, this feels most comfortable around the $130 range, but the quality of the whiskey itself is difficult to argue against.
Rating: B+ (Great).
Cost: $149.99 for 750ml.
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