Matching cigars with drinks, such as cigar and scotch, cigar and beer, or any cigar and liquor pairing, can be challenging even for seasoned cigar smokers and liquor experts. It may seem like a puzzle, but the answer is as simple as using your taste buds.
How To Pair Cigars With Drinks
Some of the most popular drinks to pair with cigars include:
- Whiskey, particularly bourbon and scotch
- Brandy, particularly Cognac
- Rum, particularly dark rum
- Port wine
- Coffee
- Red wine, particularly full-bodied varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah
The key to pairing cigars and drinks is to look for complementary or contrasting flavors. Rich, bold cigars often pair well with more potent drinks, while lighter cigars may be paired with lighter drinks. Ultimately, the best pairing is one that appeals to your taste buds.
Why Do Cigars And Whiskey Pair Well Together?
Cigars and whiskey are often paired together because they both have complex and robust flavors that can complement each other. The smoky, woody notes in a whiskey can enhance the flavors in a cigar, while the sweetness, fruitiness, or spiciness of the whiskey can help balance the bitter or earthy notes in the cigar. Additionally, the richness and warmth of cigars and whiskey make them a natural pairing for relaxing and unwinding. The high alcohol content in whiskey can also help cut through the strong flavors of a cigar and cleanse the palate between puffs.
Ultimately, cigars and whiskey are paired together because they are both considered luxury items and are often enjoyed as a sign of sophistication and indulgence.
Pairing Cigars With Wine
Similar to pairing cigars with whiskey or other spirits, the key to pairing cigars and wine is to look for complementary or contrasting flavors. Bold, full-bodied cigars pair well with rich red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Milder cigars may pair well with lighter red wines, such as Pinot Noir, or with sweeter dessert wines, like Port. The tannins in red wine can help cut through the rich flavors of a cigar and refresh the palate between puffs, while the sweetness and fruitiness of a dessert wine can complement the sweetness and spice in a milder cigar.
Tips For Pairing Cigars And Drinks
Cigars and drinks have been paired together for centuries, with both items being enjoyed as symbols of luxury and indulgence. The right pairing can enhance the flavors and aromas of the cigar and the drink, creating an unforgettable experience. Whether you are an experienced smoker or just starting, these tips will help you find the perfect pairing that suits your taste buds. From considering the body and strength of the cigar and drink to experimenting with different combinations, these tips will ensure that you get the most out of your cigar and drink pairing experience.
- Consider the body: Pair full-bodied cigars with full-bodied drinks and milder cigars with lighter drinks.
- Look for complementary flavors: Try to find flavors that complement or contrast each other, such as pairing a smoky whiskey with a rich, earthy cigar.
- Balance the strength: Make sure the drink matches the cigar’s strength. For example, a strong, high-alcohol drink might overpower a mild cigar, while a light drink might be overwhelmed by a full-bodied cigar.
- Take your time: Enjoy the pairing slowly, savoring each sip and puff and allowing the flavors to interact and evolve.
- Experiment: Feel free to try new combinations to find what you like best.
- Trust your taste buds: Ultimately, the best pairing appeals to your taste buds, so trust your preferences and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect pairing.
Shop Cigars At Vitola
Pairings are a highly individual matter. For most people, especially those new to the world of cigars, try one of the pairings we’ve mentioned and see how it works for you.
Stock up on all your favorite cigars at Vitola in-store and online, and experiment with cigar and drink pairings!