In this Diesel Whiskey Row cigar review, we'll take a look at the back story behind this intriguing collaboration, as well as some tasting notes so you know what to look out for throughout the smoking journey.

It's a bourbon barrel-aged cigar with a difference, which we'll come on to below. Expertly selected tobacco combines with masterful rolling to produce a smooth, oily cigar with a flavor profile that evolves from the first third to the last — a great boutique cigar for beginners and experienced cigar enthusiasts alike.

A look at Diesel Cigars

Diesel Cigars is a line produced by General Cigar Company in partnership with tobacco master AJ Fernandez. The brand is known for being catalog and online-only for many years, although more recently General have started supplying bricks-and-mortar outlets too.

Many Diesel creations are limited edition boutique cigars, and usually have something to offer that you won't have seen before, such as the unique barrel aging process created for the binding leaves on Whiskey Row.

What other cigars is Diesel known for?

Diesel Cigars are known for producing premium handmade smokes under the expert guiding hand of AJ Fernandez. Some are limited edition, so don't delay if you see a cigar you'd like to try, as demand can be high for the most popular creations.

Diesel Esteli Puro

Diesel Esteli Puro is made using 100% Nicaraguan tobacco grown in Esteli, on AJ Fernandez's San Lotano farm. Fernandez then carefully selects and ages the tobacco to ensure every stick delivers the perfect blend of pepper and spice.

Available in three vitolas, including the fat 6 x 60 Gigante, and in boxes of 20 which offer some great savings on price compared with buying singles.

What is the Diesel Whiskey Row cigar?

Diesel Whiskey Row is a collaboration between Diesel Cigars and Rabbit Hole Distillery, an artisan whiskey producer.

The distillery's barrels are used to age the San Andres tobacco used in the binder, which leads to a slightly different smoking experience than most barrel-aged cigars.

This also means the bourbon flavors are more subtle, so don't expect them to be too apparent throughout the cigar.

What can I expect from the cold draw?

The cold draw is sweet and consistent, a satisfying blend of creamy caramel with a spicy top note of black pepper. There's also a hint of cedar or oakwood, which fleshes out the draw nicely.

What flavors should I expect?

The wood moves to the foreground early on in Diesel Whiskey Row cigars, and it's worth savoring the retrohales too if you're a fan of cedar smoke.

First third

From the beginning, the woody notes are strong and spiced further by black pepper, especially on the retrohales. But the cigar is not overpowering and there's plenty of nuances provided by baking spices such as cinnamon.

Second third

Look out for bourbon flavors as Diesel Whiskey Row develops, including oak, vanilla, and caramel.

Remember to remove the band if you want to avoid adding burning paper to your smoke — it's placed quite far down the stick, especially on the back, so don't be caught out by letting it catch light during the middle third.

Final third

Diesel Whiskey Row ends on a peppery high, as much of the remaining sweetness fades away.

The wood becomes something a little more earthy. It's a stronger flavor overall but a pleasant way to end an enjoyable smoking experience.

What is the strength profile like?

Diesel Whiskey Row is a medium-strength cigar throughout, with a mellow body.

The bourbon aromas in the middle third and the emerging pepper toward the end give variation to the flavor profile, but it's neither unpleasant nor overpowering at any point.

What is the construction of the cigar like?

Whiskey Row is wrapped in a smooth Ecuador Habano wrapper with few visible seams or veins, and is slightly oily to the touch. The stick has two bands, and reminds you that the cigar was bourbon barrel-aged.

Remove the irregular upper band before it's too late, as it will start to burn sooner than expected on the rear.

Final thoughts

Bourbon barrel aging is one of the big trends of recent years, but smaller boutique cigar producers don't always get the best out of the process.

On Whiskey Row, the leaves were arranged carefully inside each barrel and the air carefully controlled throughout, and it shows - the flavors, while subtle, are satisfying and perfectly pitched.

For more great premium cigars for first-timers to try, read our guide, Top Boutique Cigars for Beginners.