Pairing Review: Early Times Bottled in Bond & Rocky Patel Sun Grown

When it comes to classic, wallet-friendly bourbon and bold, flavorful cigars, some pairings simply click. Early Times Bottled in Bond and the Rocky Patel Sun Grown are a perfect example of two affordable but character-rich staples that elevate each other beautifully.

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The Bourbon: Early Times Bottled in Bond

Early Times has long been a quiet favorite among bourbon traditionalists, and its Bottled in Bond release shows why. Distilled at Brown-Forman’s Shively, KY distillery, it follows the strict BiB standards—100 proof, at least four years old, and from one distillation season.
• Mash Bill: 79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley

Nose: Warm caramel and vanilla greet you first, followed by sweet corn and honey. Notes of toasted oak and light baking spice emerge, along with a touch of orange zest that adds brightness. It’s sweet, balanced, and inviting without being overpowering.

Palate: Opens with classic caramel and vanilla, then moves into toasted oak, nutmeg, and light rye spice. The corn sweetness provides roundness, while the citrus and oak bring structure.

Finish: Long and slightly dry, with oak, caramel, and a lingering touch of citrus peel.

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The Cigar: Rocky Patel Sun Grown

The Rocky Patel Sun Grown is a long-standing favorite for those who like a cigar with kick and complexity. It’s a full-bodied smoke with a peppery opening that mellows into layers of sweetness and depth.
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown Sumatra
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan blend

Nose (pre-light): A rich mix of cedar and earth is most noticeable, backed by pepper and baking spice. Natural tobacco sweetness comes through with hints of molasses, along with roasted espresso, cocoa, and a faint leathery depth.

Flavor Profile: Starts with black pepper and spice, then settles into cedar, espresso, roasted nuts, and earthy sweetness. Midway, the cigar develops a natural cocoa-honey sweetness before finishing bold and woody with lingering spice.

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The Pairing Experience

From the first sip and draw, it’s clear why this pairing works. Early Times’ caramel and vanilla soften the cigar’s peppery opening, smoothing the entry. As the Sun Grown transitions into cedar and espresso, the bourbon’s toasted oak and citrus zest create a refreshing contrast, keeping the profile lively.

On the retrohale, the cigar’s nutty sweetness resonates with the bourbon’s corn-and-honey base. Meanwhile, ET BiB’s light rye spice mirrors the cigar’s pepper, tying the two together in rhythm without overwhelming the palate.

The finish is particularly enjoyable—Early Times’ oak and citrus peel linger side by side with the cigar’s woody-spicy tail, leaving you refreshed yet satisfied.

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Final Thoughts

This pairing proves that accessible doesn’t mean simple. Early Times Bottled in Bond is one of the best budget-friendly bourbons available, and the Rocky Patel Sun Grown punches above its price point with flavor and complexity. Together, they deliver a balanced, flavorful match that’s robust without being heavy.



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