Finest Whiskey And Cigar Pairings
Whiskey and cigars have a long and amusing history altogether. Both liquor and smoke can help us unwind and satiate our appetites, but when combined, they’re a match made in heaven.
Whatever the cruel world throws at us – Pandemics, social turbulences, inflation, we can always unwind and find sanctuary in a swath of smoke and whiskeys. In pursuit of finding the perfect combo of finest whiskey and cigars to relish next to a campfire in holidays, we have gone to extreme lengths. We found the options for smoke and liquor pairings to be boundless. Varying from chocolate and peanuts to vanilla, maple, toffee, a variety of herbs and spices, leather, fruits, and the list continues on.
This article will explore some of the best cigar and whiskey pairings that you can enjoy. But first, let’s shed some light on why cigars and whiskeys get along perfectly and how you can make the experience even better.
Why Cigars & Whiskeys Fit Together Perfectly?
Cigars and whiskey pair well for various reasons. Perhaps the most notable thing about the pairing is the similarity between their flavors. Both cigars and whiskeys have rich, smoky flavors with an essence of spice and sweetness. The warm, flavored glow of the pairing heals the wounded hearts and calms the chaos.
The warmth of a cigar gives comfort to your soul, while the whiskey brings your fire to keep away the cold! The combo gives you endless flavor blends that you can enjoy according to your mood and likings.
Moreover, both whiskey and cigar impact slowly and keep you delighted for a long time. That’s one of the main reasons people prefer cigar and whiskey pairing over everything in parties and friend reunions. However, knowing where to start with so many choices can be confusing. The good news is that you can get started right away by following a few basic guidelines. The great news is that you can never get through all the possible pairings. You will develop undying love and affection for a particular pair with time.
The most important rule is to begin by matching the body of the smoke to the drink. Rich, flavorful cigars pair best with the full-bodied whiskeys. Lighter whiskies generally go nicely with milder cigars. That’s because the tastes of one element in a pair complement the taste of the others. Bitter and sour tones require sweet and creamy notes to balance them out. The “Snickers bar effect,” as I call it, is one of my preferred sensations. It’s filled with delightful flavors of chocolate, caramel, cashews, and salt to tease out the subtle tasting notes.
4 Finest Whiskey & Cigar Pairings to Quench Your Thirst
The inviting nature of both the drink and smoke makes any pairing an enticing experience. Here are some of my personal favorite cigar and whiskey pairings. This list contains pairing for all sorts of moods and cravings. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Woodford Reserve & La Aroma De Cuba
Woodford Reserve is a pitch-black liquor with a pleasant woody fragrance that captivates your senses. It’s also remarkably smooth from the inside due to honeyed vanilla notes that fade into refreshing mintiness with just the right amount of sweetness to avoid being overpowering.
In the meanwhile, the first thing you’ll notice about La Aroma is its lovely color. The cigar’s foot is slightly earthlier, with chocolate and other flavors.
A pleasantly sweet start gives way to a powerful palate that includes dark chocolate notes blended with spices like black pepper and spicy chili flakes.
2. True Blue 100 Whiskey & Fuente Fuente Opus X – Lost City
Balcones True Blue 100’s aroma is a study in creamy, rich flavors varying from apricots to maize and smooth, creamy notes blended with vanilla essence. There’s a toastiness of vintages finely aged in sherry barrels. Tonka beans are mixed with caramel, nectar, fruitcake and then delicately spiced over time to add depth.
The first third of Fuente Fuente Opus X – Lost City has notes of cedar and honey, while the second third is more like warm summer afternoon tea with just enough smoothness to make everything appear pretty delightful.
This cigar is full-bodied and hefty, with a rich taste composition from start to end. It gives an appealing aroma that helps you relax your time, which is incredibly useful for people who suffer from anxiety.
3. Jim Beam & Punch
Jim Beam whiskey’s powerful and spicy flavors are suited for folks who enjoy strong drinks. You can taste the vanilla notes in this whiskey, which give it its particular sweetness, along with traces of lavender and oak. Many ingredients are present on your nose simultaneously, yet none of them conceal or hide any other flavors.
If you’re considering pairing a Punch cigar with your favorite drinks, we’ve got the ideal pairing for you. Hold the medium-bodied of Punch Maduro rolled between two fingers for an even more exquisite taste and indulge in its gleeful flavors from start to end while savoring Jim Beam whiskey!
4. Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve Single Malt & Partagas Serie D No 4
The creamy, rich, and soothing aroma of espresso and chocolates greet you immediately when you take a sip of Dalmore Malt Reserve. Something else happens as it clings around your senses.
The Partagas Serie D No.4 has traditionally been recognized as one of the greatest Cuban Cohiba Robustos in the world, with an irresistible sweet flavor that will leave you craving for more.
Partagas’ No. 4 Serie D is a perfect illustration of why they’re so popular: rich, earthy tastes with fragrant cedar scents that permeate your mouth just by smoking the wrappers.
Endnote
If you are trying to find the pairing that suits your taste, it is better to start with the pairings other people find savory and enticing. As you try different cigars and whiskeys over time, you will get to know more about your taste and likings for the pairings. However, you should experiment more often with different whiskeys and cigars. Maybe you will discover some pairing that might taste better than what others usually prefer and recommend!
