Food Pairings with Cigars

Pairing food with cigars can enhance the smoking experience, bringing out complex flavours and adding depth to both the cigar and the food. From the sweetness of dark chocolate to the savoury richness of aged cheese, the right food pairing can complement a cigar's profile, making each puff more enjoyable. Here are some excellent food pairings to consider:

Chocolate

• Best Pairings: Dark chocolate, with its rich and slightly bitter profile, pairs wonderfully with spicy and full-bodied cigars. The sweetness of the chocolate balances the cigar's spice and adds a smooth finish to the smoking experience.

  
  

• How It Works: The bitterness and complexity of dark chocolate help to bring out the cigar's natural sweetness and enhance the more subtle flavours that might be overshadowed by the cigar's spiciness.

  
  

• Helps with Strong Cigars: Dark chocolate can also be a helpful remedy when smoking particularly strong cigars that may cause light-headedness or a nicotine buzz. The sugar in chocolate helps to stabilise blood sugar levels, counteracting the effects of nicotine. The richness of the chocolate also provides a comforting sensation, making it easier to manage the strength of the cigar.

  
  

Suggestions:

• Pair a spicy cigar like a Partagas Serie D No. 4 with a square of 70% dark chocolate to balance the cigar's boldness.

  
  

• For a medium-bodied cigar like a Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill, try milk chocolate to enhance the cigar's subtle sweetness.

  
  

Nuts

• Best Pairings: Toasted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, make an excellent accompaniment to many cigars, particularly those with earthy or woody undertones. The natural oils and roasted flavours of nuts enhance the depth and richness of the cigar's profile.

  
  

• How It Works: The crunchiness and slight saltiness of toasted nuts provide a textural contrast to the smoothness of cigar smoke. Additionally, the earthy notes in nuts mirror the common flavour profiles found in many cigars, creating a harmonious pairing.

  
  

Suggestions:

• Pair a medium-bodied cigar like an H. Upmann Magnum 54 with toasted almonds to accentuate its earthy, nutty notes.

  
  

• A full-bodied cigar such as the Bolivar Royal Corona pairs wonderfully with pecans, which can bring out the cigar's deeper, more robust flavours.

  
  

Cheese

• Best Pairings: Aged cheeses with strong, bold flavours, such as blue cheese, aged cheddar, or gouda, pair beautifully with full-bodied cigars. The sharpness and complexity of the cheese can stand up to the intensity of stronger cigars, creating a balanced and rich flavour experience.

  
  

• How It Works: The creamy texture and strong flavours of aged cheese help to mellow out the cigar's strength, providing a contrast that highlights the cigar's complexity. The saltiness of the cheese also enhances the cigar's natural flavours.

  
  

Suggestions:

• Pair a full-bodied cigar like the Cohiba Behike 54 with a piece of aged blue cheese. The cheese's strong, tangy flavour complements the cigar's deep, earthy notes.

• For a medium to full-bodied cigar like a Montecristo No. 2, try aged gouda to bring out the cigar's woody and caramelised undertones.

  
  

Why Chocolate Helps with Strong Cigars

Smoking a strong cigar can sometimes lead to nicotine-related side effects like light-headedness or a queasy feeling, especially for those not accustomed to higher nicotine levels. Dark chocolate can serve as a remedy in these situations:

• Sugar Boost: The sugar in chocolate helps to raise blood sugar levels, which can drop when exposed to high doses of nicotine. This helps to alleviate symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.

• Balancing Flavours: The richness and slight bitterness of dark chocolate can counteract the intensity of a strong cigar, making it easier to continue enjoying the smoke without feeling overwhelmed.

  
  

Pairing cigars with the right foods can greatly enhance the overall experience, adding layers of flavour and creating a more balanced and enjoyable session. Whether you opt for dark chocolate, toasted nuts, or aged cheese, each can complement different aspects of a cigar's profile, making your smoke even more delightful.