There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S... vs Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon: Head-to-Head Bourbon Comparison carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S... and Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S... | Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | ) Tasting Notes: Monks Road Small Batch Bourbon Vital Stats: 47% ABV |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | 3 years | N/A |
| ABV | 52.5% ABV), 750 ml bottle MSRP $75 | 47% ABV, No age statement listed, MSRP: $48 |
| Price | $46.96 | $48.99 |
| Rating | 4/10 | 6/10 |
Nose
Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S...: s and flavor profiles to the final blend. Brauner also contends that they are the first whiskey brand to use Char #1 barrels for the second barrel maturation, namely because of what it brings to the whiskey in terms of flavor and color. The 15-second burn of the level #1 char used in the barrels lends a light smokiness that works well, especially since this is only a three year aged whiskey. Theres a delicate dry rawness of flavor that balances the sweet and spiciness nicely. Due to overwhelming sales upon its initial release in April of 2022, more will be released in the fall. Vital Stats: Aged 3 years, mash bill 95% rye, 5% malted barley,.105 proof, 750 ml bottle MSRP $46. Appearance: Rich gold. Nose: Medicinal, nutty, vanilla, dried fruit, dried roses, caramel. The initial ethanol-f
Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon: Vanilla, caramel, and strong cinnamon spice greet you first. Orange citrus and light earthy notes unfurl on the second and third passes.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S...: Peaty smokiness, black pepper, freshly peeled pecans, hints of caramel red apple peel and pine. Final thoughts: This whisky has a subtle texture that makes it very approachable, with a smooth medium-length finish that has a light but rich quality. The dry and smoky undertones work well with the sweet and spicy quality. Score: 4/5 Buzzards Roost Cigar Rye (image via Buzzards Roost) Tasting Notes: Buzzards Roost Cigar Rye Straight Rye Whiskey Buzzards Roost Cigar Straight Rye Whiskey is a new limited edition rye that launched in Spring of 2022. It is aged in new American Oak barrels that were cold-smoked with aged cigar tobacco leaves from Kentucky. It incorporates a four-year-old Indiana rye thats finished in level #1 Char barrels, similar to the process used with their Char #1 Rye Str
Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon: and provides that smooth finish so many wheated mash bills are known for. This is going to be a great sipper for the colder months. After trying it myself, I dont know if I would classify it as smooth as Mr. Dant asserts, but it certainly does have those vanilla, spice, and citrus notes bourbon lovers are seeking. Monks Road Small Batch Bourbon (image via Log Still Distillery) Tasting Notes: Monks Road Small Batch Bourbon Vital Stats: 47% ABV, No age statement listed, MSRP: $48.99. Appearance: The liquid is a clear, light brown that appears golden in the light. Nose: Vanilla, caramel, and strong cinnamon spice greet you first. Orange citrus and light earthy notes unfurl on the second and third passes. Palate: The vanilla and spice follow into the palate, however, the spice here is more
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S...: Comments: Aged 3 years, mash bill 95% rye, 5% malted barley,.105 proof, 750 ml bottle MSRP $46
Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon: Comments: 47% ABV, No age statement listed, MSRP: $48.99
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
From a pure value standpoint, Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon edges ahead, delivering strong quality at $48.99 versus Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S...'s $46.96.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
Monk’s Road Small Batch Bourbon edges ahead in this comparison with a rating of 6/10 versus Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S...'s 4/10. It offers a more refined experience overall.
However, Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye, Barrel S... still has plenty to offer, and depending on your taste preferences, it might be the one you reach for more often.
