What Makes It Special
When it comes to cigars, Alec Bradley is a name synonymous with craftsmanship, heritage, and quality. Their cigars are more than just smoke—they’re experiences, rooted in a legacy of blending perfection. The latest masterpiece from their vault, crafted from a rediscovered recipe, brings us this Alec Bradley founder’s blend.
This cigar is nothing short of extraordinary, boasting carefully-selected Nicaraguan leaves from Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa—the holy trinity of tobacco-growing regions. And, when paired with the bold Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem, Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, you have a duo that delivers a sensory experience unlike any other.
Safe Keepings
Brand: Alec Bradley
Vitola: 6×60 Gordo
Filler: Condega, Criollo 98, Esteli, Jalapa, Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano, Nicaragua
Binder: Habano, Nicaragua
Body: Medium to Full Boldness
Price: $14
Visual/Pre-light Draw
The moment you lay eyes on the Alec Bradley Safe Keepings, it’s evident that this cigar is a work of art. The wrapper is well-presented, smooth, and slightly oily; a testament to the expert care taken in its crafting. There are no visible flaws, no imperfections.
The pre-light draw is a window into what lies ahead; subtle, yet unmistakable, notes of leather, offering a glimpse of the complexity, that’s waiting to be unraveled.
If the pre-light draw is any indication, you’re in for a bold ride.
First Third
As the first third of the cigar ignites, the leather notes that teased in the pre-light draw come alive in full force. It’s a rich, medium-to-full-bodied affair right, from the get-go. With each draw, the robust leather flavors coat your palate, lingering just long enough to remind you of the craftsmanship behind every puff. The finish is slightly woody, adding a touch of earthiness that complements the cigar’s bolder undertones.
Second Third
As you transition into the second third, the leather remains the star of the show, but a new player steps into the spotlight—spice. The cigar evolves, revealing layers of complexity with each puff. Despite its strength, the burn line remains solid, allowing you to enjoy the cigar without the distraction of touch-ups.
Final Third
By the final third, the leather persists, but now the spice takes center stage, pushing the experience to its crescendo. There’s a fiery undertone that, while not overwhelming, brings a newfound intensity. And just when you think the cigar can’t get any better, the burn becomes even straighter, delivering a smooth, refined finish that leaves you wanting more.
The pairing really brings out a deep dark fruit note and elevates the body of the cigar.
The Pairing
Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem, a cask strength straight bourbon whiskey, packs a punch at 114 proof. This whiskey, aged in White American Oak Barrels, is robust enough to stand alongside this Alec Bradley founder’s blend, yet it has an elegance that balances out the cigar’s full-bodied nature.
The first sip of the Moonlight Mayhem greets you with a powerful kick, thanks to its high alcohol content. But that initial punch quickly mellows, making way for a delightful fruity finish. The sweetness of the whiskey is complemented by a rich, oaky flavor—a direct result of the aging process. Together, the fruity notes of the whiskey and the woody finish of the cigar create a harmonious marriage of flavors, where neither outshines the other, but instead work in perfect sync.
Cigar to the whiskey: Brings out the white American oak barrel A LOT in the whiskey.
Whiskey to the cigar: Brings out a deep dark fruit note and elevates the body of the cigar.
Cigar smoked whiskey: Surprisingly no noticeable change.
