BCA Announces “Samba” — Doc Swinson Amburana Rum Finished Rye (Cigar Batch)

Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by 5e2793

PUBLISH DATE: July 31, 2024

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) has unveiled a highly limited and unconventional barrel selection nicknamed “Samba,” a Doc Swinson Amburana Rum Finished Rye Whiskey (Cigar Batch) created exclusively for the club and released through Warehouse Liquor on Main.

This release represents a first-of-its-kind approach for BCA: first come, first served, with just over 100 bottles available, limited to one bottle per person. The selection was designed specifically to reward highly engaged club members and will not appear on retail shelves.

🥃 Bottle & Blend Details

Producer: Doc Swinson’s
Nickname: Samba
Style: Amburana Rum Finished Rye Whiskey (Cigar Batch)
Blend Components:
- 95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley
- 51% Rye / 45% Corn / 4% Malted Barley
Proof: 106.6
Price: ~$79.99
Packaging: Custom label with black wax
Availability: Exclusive BCA release via Warehouse Liquor on Main
Bottle Count: Just over 100 bottles total

Promotional cigar lounge scene for “Get To The Samba — Bourbon Club of Arkansas Cigar Batch.” A tuxedoed man sits centered in a deep brown leather armchair, holding a lit cigar as smoke rises. Behind him, shelves filled with cigar boxes and a framed portrait create a classic private cigar-room backdrop. In the foreground, a wooden table displays open cigar humidors packed with premium cigars, multiple cigar accessories (cutter and lighter), and several bottles and glasses of bourbon/whiskey, including a rocks glass with ice and a snifter. Large white headline text across the image reads “GET TO THE SAMBA,” with smaller text below reading “BOURBON CLUB OF ARKANSAS CIGAR BATCH,” emphasizing a bourbon-and-cigars collaboration in an upscale lounge setting. — Source: Dustin Howell – September 12 2024

🔥 Why “Samba” Matters

“Samba” is more than a finish experiment—it’s a carefully balanced whiskey that bridges cigar-friendly rye spice, amburana’s cinnamon sweetness, and rum-influenced softness without overwhelming the base spirit. Despite its proof, the whiskey drinks approachable and refined, making it equally suited for slow pours, cigar pairings, or elevated cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

This barrel was offered to BCA following ASCOT Awards recognition, where both the club and the distillery were honored—making this release a direct result of national-level acclaim.

📝 Tasting Notes (Quoted)

Jeremiah Cotner (BCA):
“A VERY nice cigar finish that wasn’t overwhelming and didn’t drink like the proof. Very light cinnamon flavor which was not overpowering. Nice moderate finish that wanted you to come back for more. A little sweet which made it that much better.”

Gary Penna (BCA):
“This is a beautifully done amburana rum finished whiskey, one with just very mild amburana notes and drinks beautifully soft and sweet. A sugary cinnamon delight. This is going to be an excellent lower proof whiskey to drink with just about any type of cigar.”

🏛️ About Doc Swinson’s

Doc Swinson’s is a boutique American whiskey brand known for its small-batch blending philosophy and innovative finishing techniques. Rather than focusing solely on distillation, the brand emphasizes barrel selection, maturation strategy, and finish integration, often working with unique wood types and secondary casks to enhance—rather than mask—the underlying whiskey.

Their portfolio frequently explores rum, wine, and specialty wood finishes, earning a reputation among enthusiasts for bold creativity balanced with restraint. The “Samba” release fits squarely within that ethos, showcasing amburana’s expressive character while maintaining structure, balance, and drinkability.