This week the Doc is back on the Bourbon trail as he matches Bulleit Kentucky Bourbon with the Ashton Estate Sun Grown 20-year Salute Churchill.

 

The ESG was introduced to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Ashton cigars and a new size will be released every year for five consecutive years. Then, on the 25th anniversary, all five sizes will be available and will continue henceforth to make up their part in the regular production lines of Ashton cigars.

 

Below: Progression of a tunneling cigar

 

Now to the bourbon. Tom E. Bulleit Jr. fulfilled a lifelong dream by reviving his family’s bourbon business. His great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit was an immigrant from France who found some success in Louisville, Kentucky during the 1800’s by opening up a tavern and developing a bourbon recipe. Augustus died in 1860 while making a routine bourbon delivery to New Orleans.

 

As a product of Four Roses Distillery, Bulleit bears the hallmarks of that quality bourbon-making company. The bourbon is also quite unique in that it bears the distinction of having high rye content. Fully 30 percent of the mash content is rye, which makes it one of the highest of any bourbon currently made.