Starlight Bourbon: Cigar Batch
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Starlight Distillery
Classification: Bourbon Finished in Amburana Rum Barrels
Company: Starlight Distillery
Release Date: Fall 2025
Proof: 117.4
Age: 5 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Amber
MSRP: $80 (2026)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on this Starlight Bourbon (Cigar Batch) is like holidays in a glass. Cinnamon takes the lead here, paired with a rich sweetness that reminds me of ginger snaps, dark chocolate, and a sugared pie crust. There is a light, pleasant tang to it, along with subtle hints of rum that round out the nose nicely.
The mouthfeel on the palate is warm and oily. It leans heavily into dessert flavors, with tastes of buttered pie crust, honey graham, and cinnamon salt water taffy. It has a real custard-like quality, almost like a sweet potato pie. The proof is handled well, adding a nice kick that complements the sweet notes without overpowering them. It’s clear this is a younger whiskey, but it brings plenty of flavor to the glass.
The finish is long and keeps those cinnamon and caramel notes going. It leaves a slightly drying sensation on the palate, but it’s easy to overlook because the flavors are so consistent with the rest of the pour. It’s the kind of finish that makes you reach for the bottle to pour another one.
If you are a fan of warm cinnamon and dessert-forward profiles, this is a fun bottle to have on hand. It feels like a whiskey with a lot of potential, and it leaves you curious to see what an older version might be like.
Since this is a Single Barrel release, every bottle might vary slightly, but if you can find one at MSRP, it’s a solid addition to the bar. Don't expect to find this on sale very often given the popularity of the cigar batch finish, but it’s a good pour for a quiet evening.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
The nose is sweet with primarily a cinnamon profile.
It also reminded me of the sweet aspects of bug spray without the alcohol bite.
I get very small hints of rum on the nose as well.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is warm and oily. The cinnamon from the nose continues and tastes almost like a cinnamon salt water taffy.
It has a very warming overall experience. Perhaps a bit of grain present as well like a honey graham.
THE FINISH:
The finish really just continues the flavor from the palate which is honestly great.
Just more warm cinnamon. It does have a bit of a drying effect on the finish, but otherwise very enjoyable.
BUY OR PASS?
If you enjoy a warm cinnamon profile, this has it start to finish. If that’s not what you enjoy then there probably isn’t much for you here.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
The cinnamon comes through, and then I get dark chocolate.
It smells just like Christmas.
Ginger snaps. Sugared pie crust.
THE TASTE:
Buttered pie crust - almost like a custard or sweet potato pie. Very dessert like.
The proof only adds to the flavors.
I wish it felt darker in the mouth, but it’s pretty good for a 5-year bourbon.
THE FINISH:
Cinnamon and Caramel on the long finish, in a way that you wish for more.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a great bottle - I just wish the whiskey was older, as I think it would make this very, very good. Overall I’m pleased, but think it almost makes the drinker think about its future potential.
