Atlanta-based Shortbarrel announced the release of Cigar Batch #4, the fourth edition of its acclaimed annual limited-release American Whiskey. Beginning September 1, Cigar Batch #4 will be available through select retail markets followed by the rollout on Shortbarrel’s direct-to-consumer platform on Friday, September 4. 

With a suggested retail price of $89.99, Cigar Batch #4 is bottled at 53.5% ABV/107 proof and is non-chill filtered.

For Shortbarrel Master Blender Clinton Dugan, the Cigar Batch series has always been an exercise in patience, precision and balance. Rather than relying on a single finishing cask type to define the whiskey, the series is built by blending separately finished components, allowing different mash bills, maturation profiles and finishing casks to each contribute to the final whiskey.

This year’s release incorporates whiskey finished in more than 50 separate Armagnac, Cognac, rum, Tawny Port and Sherry casks, with Sherry casks appearing in Cigar Batch for the first time. Together, the finishing casks contribute layers of fruit, spice, oak and richness while allowing the underlying bourbon to remain at the center of the finished whiskey.

The foundation of Cigar Batch #4 is built from mature bourbon components mature bourbons and whiskeys with mash bills of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley; 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley; 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley; and 91% corn and 9% malted barley. Distilled in Kentucky and Indiana, these whiskeys were selected and blended to contribute different expressions of body, spice, fruit, oak and texture to the finished whiskey.

The individual whiskey components underwent extended secondary maturation in their respective finishing casks before the final blend was assembled. Rather than finishing one completed blend in multiple cask types, Shortbarrel matures components independently and evaluates them individually before determining their role in the final whiskey. While the whiskey begins its journey in Kentucky and Indiana, Cigar Batch #4 takes its final shape in Georgia. The process reflects the approach that has come to define the Cigar Batch series: mature American whiskey, extended secondary maturation, multiple finishing cask types and a final blend constructed to balance the characteristics of each component.

“Every barrel has a purpose,” Dugan said in a news release. “Our responsibility is understanding what each component contributes, giving the whiskey the time it needs to develop and then finding the blend where those individual characteristics work together. Cigar Batch has always been about building layers rather than allowing any single finish to dominate,” Dugan continued

Recommended Cigar Pairings: Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto, Padrón 1964 Anniversary Maduro Exclusivo and Liga Privada No. 9 Toro.

Shortbarrel and Old Fourth Distillery products are available through ecommerce at www.shortbarrelbourbon.com and www.o4d.com and select retail markets. Shortbarrel’s retail distribution includes Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Texas and Missouri.

Read more: Shortbarrel Releases Sapsquatch Sugar Maple Bourbon

ABOUT SHORTBARREL

Founded in 2020, Shortbarrel Bourbon is an Atlanta-based spirits company dedicated to blending, finishing, and bottling exceptional small-batch whiskeys. Known for its acclaimed Bees Knees, Double Oak, and Curator Series releases, Shortbarrel has quickly grown into one of the Southeast’s most respected craft whiskey brands. For more information, visit https://shortbarrelbourbon.com/.