Pairing drinks and cigars can offer you an extra enjoyable smoking session. Matching the right ones enhances the flavors of the cigar’s tobacco blend and may uncover the hidden characteristics of the stogie. However, incorrectly pairing drinks and cigars is likely to result in a non-tasty experience. So, if you want to match spirits and cigars, choose wisely. Here’s a short guide for optimal pairings.

Cognac, Rum, Brandy, or Bourbon

Rum, cognac, and bourbon are surefire winners to enjoy with cigars. Full-bodied sticks match well with vintage cognac and dark rum. Cognac’s aroma unfolds in waves without any heaviness. The wood notes and aroma of a cigar and the sweetness of brandy are sheer perfection. Rum pairs nicely with stronger labels.

Tequila and Mezcal

Tequila is a bit more unusual, but it pairs up nicely with milder cigars. Leave out limes, lemons and other ingredients, according to mixologists and cigar aficionados. Mezcal complements nicely with most smokes.

Wine and Prosecco

Strong cigars like those from Nicaragua meld wonderfully with full bodies heavy wines like Amarone, Bordeaux, or Sweet Port. Milder, light-bodied such as Dominican cigars work well with white wine like Riesling or Chardonnay. Prosecco is another nectar that blends well with mild stogies, while robust dark wines like Cabernet pair better with strong smokes. Merlot is optimal to pair with sweet smoke.

Whiskey

Several types of whisky can be enjoyed with certain cigars. Single malts are prime to drink with full-bodied cigars. Scotch and cigars ideally pair with strong whiskey, while Irish whisky is great to enjoy with medium-bodied cigars. Strong whiskeys complement stronger cigars.

Beer and Cigar Pairings

Beer and tobacco pairings have rules similar to wine. Mild cigars go well with light beer. Pilsner or light ale blend well with medium and light-bodied cigars. If you prefer dark beers with a high malt content, drink it with stronger sticks with a spicy aroma. While it’s a bit unusual, many aficionados swear by these two together.

Coffee and Hot Chocolate

Some non-alcoholic beverages can be bought into the cigar smoking scene, and coffee and cocoa are two favorites that bring out the richness of tobacco. A lighter cigar typically goes better with light morning coffee roasts. Darker roast coffee tends to find a superb balance with stronger cigars. You can add Irish cream or whiskey and other spirits into your coffee for a more robust taste. Hot chocolate and mocha drinks typically hit bittersweet notes, so they are a great combo with spicier smokes.

Experiment With Your Preferences

Ultimately, what you like reigns, and it’s fun and insightful to try different cigar and drink pairings to find just the right one for your palate. Everyone has different tastes that may go beyond the typical matches. Good quality drinks and spirits tend to enhance your enjoyment of cigars significantly. When it comes to cigar pairings, many actually claim that high-quality cigars can only really be superb when enjoyed with a good beverage, as that is the only way stogies can develop their full aroma.

Published by: Martin De Juan