I’m going to do some more detailed posts and maybe videos discussing pairing up cigars with different things, below are a few that I’ve stumbled upon that have either gone very well or very badly.
Cigars with Rum:
Well this is the default partner to cigars I’m sure we’ve all tried. I’ve tried a few different rums but hands down my current favorite is Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Year. I take it neat or maybe one ice cube and it goes well with a medium to full bodied cigar. Maduros are typically what I prefer to pair with this particular rum.
Cigars with Chocolate:
This can be really hit or miss and depends on the cigar. But what if you add bacon? No seriously, this is like the man’s chocolate bar. Find a cigar that has a hint of chocolate and I might have a couple bites of chocolate while smoking. Darker chocolates tend to compliment cigars better.
Cigars with Coffee:
Another obvious one, I’m sure we’ve all tried. Cigars got me into searching out good coffees. Learn to use a French Press and pick up some Killer Beans or Black Dog Coffee and you’ll never stop in at one of those over priced coffee chains again. I tend to reach for cigars with a Connecticut Shade wrapper to pair with a coffee.
Cigars with Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Potato Chips:
These are two of my favorite things. They don’t go well together. Don’t ask why I tried, it was an accident. Those chips pretty much kill your taste buds, but it is a tasty death.
Cigars with Iced Tea:
Plain Iced Tea when paired with a cigar tends to leave my mouth dried out. I still do it. Since I drink the stuff all the time especially in the summer.
Cigars with Beer:
I’m not a huge beer drinker but I’ve really like Unibroue La Terrible and will often get glass while at the weekly cigar tasty to have with my cigar.
I’ve got a few more but this list would go on and on. Tell us in the comments or in Twitter what you’ve eaten or drank with your cigar that either enhanced or destroyed the experience.
Disclosure: The Party Source advertises on this site. I’ve reviewed samples from Killer Beans and Black Dog Coffee and also a customer.
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This was definitely insightful!
I really enjoy pairing a cigar with a drink, be it coffee to a good cognac. I will say I have not put that much effort in a rum. For me, rum has been troublesome in pairing. After your review, I will put forth more effort!
Thank you!
I find that with beer, it’s harder to find good pairings with really hoppy beers. More malty ones are easier, and a light lager seems to go with just about anything. (I’m a fan of Full Sail’s Session Lager.)
Wines, especially reds, can be difficult too. I find red wine will over power anything but the most full bodied cigar. A little bit of harshness and/or pepper in the cigar is often a good thing in these pairings.
You need to do some experimenting with port and brandy. Classic combinations.
I’m not a drinker so I usually go for a good root beer or ginger beer with a cigar, as well as coffee (iced or hot, depending on season). Water is the most common pairing for me though.
I’m not such a big rum drinker, but I’m trying to get into it. My guy at Binny’s recommended the Ron Zacapa, but since I don’t have much experience with run, I got the Ron Pampero Aniversario. Good stuff, actually. Changed my mind around rum.
Ron Zacapa 23 just cannot be beat for a pairing with ANY cigar. I also throw a few ice cubes in with mine. It has a great vanila and brown sugar flavor. Nice post with the pairings!
The Ron Zacapa 23 is a bit more expensive but well worth it. I also enjoy Zaya, but for a few bucks extra get the Ron Zacapa.
I haven’t had a Bourbon yet that doesn’t go well with a cigar.
I have always enjoyed a good cigar paired with an equally good tawny port…try Sandeman 20 year. Very nice balance between tastes.
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