LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2026) — Buzzard’s Roost Distillery is bringing back a fan favorite with the release of Cigar Rye #3, a limited-edition Kentucky whiskey crafted to complement a fine cigar and deliver bold, complex flavors for the holiday season.
The newest expression in the distillery’s Cigar Whiskey Series showcases Buzzard’s Roost’s signature double-oaking process, using heavily toasted Char #1 barrels to develop a distinctive flavor profile. The result combines earthy, smoky and herbal characteristics with notes of dark cherry, orange peel, dried herbs and brown sugar.
“We think Cigar Rye #3 is the best yet,” said Jason Brauner, co-founder of Buzzard’s Roost. “Rye fans will love it and it also appeals to rye newcomers. I like it neat with my favorite cigar and even better if it’s with friends around a fire pit on a fall night.”
Production is extremely limited, with just seven barrels selected for the release. The four-year-old rye features a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley and is bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV). The suggested retail price is $84.99 for a 750-milliliter bottle.
Buzzard’s Roost introduced its first Cigar Rye in 2022, followed by a second expression in 2023. Both releases quickly sold out, establishing the series as a popular offering among whiskey enthusiasts.
The Louisville distillery has since expanded the collection to include Cigar Bourbon, with its latest release arriving in October. Strong demand prompted additional bottling after the initial batch sold out within a week.
“Cigar Rye has always been about delivering a whiskey with a complex flavor profile derived from our proprietary toast profiles,” said Judy Hollis Jones, CEO and co-founder of Buzzard’s Roost Distillery. “We’re excited to offer this to our friends and fans in time for the holiday season.”
Cigar Rye #3 is available in limited quantities at the distillery’s Whiskey Row location in Louisville, online and through select retailers nationwide.
About Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey
Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey is an independent distiller, blender and bottler of exceptional double oak whiskies. Buzzard’s Roost’s exclusive double oak process is centered around 17 proprietary toast profiles. Each toast profile coaxes out specific flavors from the oak. Buzzard’s Roost combines time-honored whiskey-making traditions with modern techniques to produce distinctive spirits that deliver remarkable flavor and character. Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskeys are available across the U.S, online and at the Buzzard’s Roost Distillery and Tasting Room at 624 W. Main Street in downtown Louisville. Buzzard’s Roost is proud to be a woman-led company.
