Pairing Cigars with Beverages

Pairing cigars with the right beverage can elevate your smoking experience, enhancing and complementing the flavours of both the cigar and the drink. The right pairing can bring out subtle notes in the cigar and add depth to the drink. Here’s a guide to help you create perfect pairings with various beverages, whether you're enjoying a mild cigar or a full-bodied masterpiece.

Whiskey

• Best Pairings: Rich, full-bodied cigars often pair exceptionally well with whiskey, particularly peaty Scotch or bourbon. The complex flavours of whiskey, including notes of caramel, oak, smoke, and spice, can complement and enhance the depth of a full-bodied cigar.

• Suggestions:

  • Peaty Scotch: A peaty Scotch, like Lagavulin 16, pairs beautifully with a strong, earthy cigar such as a Partagas Serie D No. 4. The smoky, complex nature of the Scotch aligns well with the deep flavours of the cigar.

  • Bourbon: A smooth, caramel-rich bourbon like Buffalo Trace pairs wonderfully with medium to full-bodied cigars like the Cohiba Robusto, offering a balance of sweetness and spice.

    
    

Coffee

• Best Pairings: Coffee, with its rich and roasted flavours, can enhance both mild and full-bodied cigars. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino, coffee provides a versatile and enjoyable pairing option.

• Suggestions:

  • Espresso: A strong espresso brings out the robust notes of a full-bodied cigar, such as a Bolivar Belicoso Fino. The bitterness and intensity of the espresso balance the cigar's deep, earthy flavours.

  • Cappuccino: For a creamier experience, a cappuccino pairs excellently with a mild to medium-bodied cigar like the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. The creamy texture of the cappuccino accentuates the cigar's sweet and nutty undertones.

    
    

Guinness Stout

• Best Pairings: The rich, creamy texture and roasted malt flavours of a Guinness stout make it an excellent companion for cigars. Its subtle bitterness and hints of coffee and chocolate complement the flavours in medium to full-bodied cigars.

• Suggestions:

  • El Rey Del Mundo Grand Marshal Edicion Regional Balcani pairs exceptionally well with Guinness, as the dark, robust flavours of the cigar mirror the stout's deep, roasted notes.

  • Medium-Bodied Cigar: A Punch Punch cigar pairs well with Guinness, as the cigar's spicy and woody notes contrast nicely with the stout’s creaminess.

Rum

• Best Pairings: Rum, with its sweet, caramel, and spice notes, pairs beautifully with cigars. Dark rums or spiced rums work especially well with medium to full-bodied cigars, enhancing their rich flavours.

• Suggestions:

  • Aged Rum: An aged rum like Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva pairs splendidly with a cigar like the Partagas Serie E No. 2. The rum's caramel and vanilla notes complement the cigar's spice and earthiness.

  • Spiced Rum: A spiced rum like Sailor Jerry goes well with a medium-bodied cigar such as the H. Upmann Magnum 54, adding warmth and complexity to the overall experience.

    
    

Cocktails

• Best Pairings: Classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or a Negroni provide a delightful balance to a variety of cigars. The complexity of these cocktails, with their blend of bitter, sweet, and aromatic elements, complements the layered flavours of many cigars.

• Suggestions:

  • Old Fashioned: The Old Fashioned's mix of bourbon, bitters, and sugar pairs well with a wide range of cigars, particularly those with a rich and spicy profile. Try it with a Trinidad La Trova La Casa Del Habano for a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice.

  • Negroni: With its combination of gin, vermouth, and Campari, the Negroni offers a bitter and botanical flavour profile. Pair it with a medium-bodied cigar like the H. Upmann Magnum 56 Edicion Limitada 2015 to balance the cocktail's complexity with the cigar's smoothness.

Cognac

• Best Pairings: Cognac, known for its rich, fruity, and oaky notes, is a classic pairing for cigars. Its warm, complex character can enhance the flavours of both mild and full-bodied cigars.

  
  

• Suggestions:

  • La Flor De Cana 18 pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied cigar like the Hoyo De Monterrey Monterreyes No.4 Edicion Limitada 2021. The cognac’s notes of spice, vanilla, and dried fruit bring out the cigar’s balanced flavours.

  • XO Cognac: For a more luxurious experience, an XO Cognac like Rémy Martin XO pairs excellently with a rich, full-bodied cigar such as the Cohiba Behike 54. The complex aromas of oak, fig, and spice in the cognac complement the cigar’s deep, earthy profile.

    
    

Pairing cigars with the right beverage enhances the experience by complementing and contrasting the flavours. Whether you prefer the rich depth of whiskey, the boldness of red wine, the intensity of coffee, or the complexity of cocktails, there's a perfect pairing for every cigar.