For most cigar enthusiasts, the pleasure of smoking a premium cigar is significantly enhanced when paired with a favorite meal or beverage.

This could include choices like coffee, craft beer, tea, and, naturally, whiskey, which can complement the cigar experience beautifully.

From our birth into the pastime of enjoying cigar smoking, we are often given cigar and whiskey pairing advice or asked by other aficionados, "What is your favorite whiskey and cigar pairing?"

Having your go-to pairing is a prerequisite to being identified as a true cigar connoisseur. Yet, there are still so many hidden lessons to finding the right pairing that often remain unexplored.

There is conflicting information about which types of cigars pair best with which kinds of whiskey, and it can all get very confusing for even the most experienced cigar smoker.

In this guide, we will identify some simple advice for pairing your cigars with different types of whiskey so that you always have the perfect pour to accompany your puff.

Key Takeaways

• Pairing cigars with whiskey enriches the experience by revealing deep, nuanced flavors through slow savoring
• Understanding the impact of cigar sizes, or vitolas, on flavor and burn rate is crucial for selecting whiskey pairings that enhance the smoking experience
• The cigar wrapper has a significant impact on flavor intensity and is essential for choosing a whiskey that creates a balanced pairing
• Matching a cigar's strength with the proper whiskey ensures a balanced and enjoyable flavor experience

Why Do Cigars and Whiskey Pair Well Together?

Cigars and whiskey are often considered classic pairings because their flavors can complement and enhance each other, providing a rich and enjoyable sensory experience.

Several factors contribute to why cigars and whiskey pair well together:

• Flavor Harmony: The diverse flavor profiles of cigars and whiskey, including sweet, smoky, and spicy notes, can harmonize, creating a more enjoyable overall taste.
• Contrast and Balance: The contrasting qualities of a cigar's robustness with the sweet or oaky notes in whiskey provide a balanced and dynamic flavor experience, preventing one element from overpowering the other.
• Tradition and Ritual: The tradition and ritual associated with pairing cigars and whiskey contribute to a relaxed and contemplative atmosphere, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the experience.

When is the Best Time to Pair Cigars with Whiskey?

The best times to pair cigars with whiskey include:

• Relaxing evenings
• Celebratory events
• Social gatherings
• After a gourmet meal
• Tasting events

The art of pairing cigars with whiskey dates back to 18th century. Cigars and whiskey were often used in combination to celebrate victory in wartime or to commemorate momentous events in history.

These festive occasions became synonymous with a lively atmosphere, often featuring alcohol and cigars, a tradition that has continued to the present day.

Many cigar aficionados wind down a long, stressful day with a modest pour and a premium cigar.

Other times, these pairings are used to toast life's small triumphs and grander celebrations.

The Secret in Savoring Whiskey and Cigars

It's safe to say that the initial pairing of cigars with various spirits originated from the shared need to savor both slowly and thoughtfully.

Savoring a cigar or a drink is far more enjoyable and rewarding than rushing through them. Most people prefer to take their time, allowing maximum flavor and relaxation.

When enjoyed slowly, a cigar and a fine whiskey reveal hidden, subtle flavors that are only noticeable through leisurely savoring.

Taking your time allows you to experience all the nuanced tastes and hints that gradually emerge as you delve deeper into the cigar and whiskey.

This approach unveils the full depth and complexity of their flavors. You’ll often find hidden flavor notes buried deep in a cigar’s final third or a subtle note you didn’t know was stashed away in your favorite whiskey as you take smaller, more focused sips.

That is why it is so important to pay close attention to the experience that cigars and whiskey offer you.

How Does a Cigar Size Impact Whiskey Pairings?

Before we venture into finding the right pairing for you, it is important to be able to identify popular sizes of cigars (each size being called a ‘vitola’) and the

effect they can have on your whiskey choices.

While a cigar might come in various vitolas, it is important to note that a cigar will be an entirely new experience for each one.

For example, you may love the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Robusto, but it will be a completely different experience smoked as a Churchill.

The vitola affects its burn rate, draw, and how quickly the flavors are delivered. Larger cigars tend to have a cooler, slower burn, potentially offering a more nuanced and complex flavor profile. This can complement the depth and subtleties of a whiskey, allowing for a more balanced and enjoyable pairing experience.

On the other hand, smaller cigars burn hotter and faster, delivering more intense flavors that could pair well with stronger, more robust whiskeys.

The intensity and richness of the cigar's smoke can complement or overpower the whiskey's flavors, depending on the pairing.

What are the Most Popular Cigar Vitolas (Sizes)?

Most cigars on the market are available in the following sizes:

• Robusto: Typically 5 inches long with a 48-54 ring gauge
• Corona: Typically 5 1/2 inches long with a 42-44 ring gauge
• Toro: Typically 6 inches long with a 50-54 ring gauge
• Churchill: Typically 7 inches long with a 47-50 ring gauge

Additionally, each cigar will produce a different flavor profile depending on the outer wrapper of the cigar and the binder, blend, and filler tobacco inside.

How Does a Cigar Strength Impact Whiskey Pairings?

Cigar strength refers to the intensity of the tobacco's effect on the smoker, often associated with nicotine content. A cigar's strength can range from mild to full-bodied.

The strength of a cigar helps decide which whiskey pairs well with it, aiming for a balanced and enjoyable mix of flavors. Remember, the goal is to match the intensity and flavor profiles of the cigar and the whiskey to create a balanced experience.

Here is a guide to perfectly pairing cigar strength with the ideal whiskey:

• Mild Cigars: Best paired with lighter whiskeys, such as Irish whiskey or Speyside Scotch whiskey.

• Medium Cigars: Offer flexibility in pairings and can complement a wide range of whiskeys, from complex single malts to rye whiskeys.

• Full-bodied Cigars: Demand robust, flavorful whiskeys that can withstand the cigar's intensity. Full-bodied cigars pair well with heavily peated (the use of peat in the malting process of barley, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to the final spirit) Scotch, high-proof bourbon, or full-flavored rye whiskey, where both the cigar and whiskey can hold their own without overshadowing each other.

How Does a Cigar Wrapper Impact Whiskey Pairings?

A cigar wrapper significantly impacts whiskey pairings due to its influence on the cigar's overall flavor profile. The wrapper, which is the outermost leaf of a cigar, contributes to most of the cigar's taste.

While not cigar-gospel, a helpful rule of thumb is that a light, blonde-colored cigar will have a less intense flavor profile than a dark brown, almost blackish cigar.

If a cigar is very dark, this means that it will often have a Maduro or San Andreas

wrapper, which typically has spicy, earthy flavors, making the cigar more

intense.

Selecting the perfect wrapper to complement the proper whiskey is critical to a harmonious pairing.

Which Whiskey Goes Best with Each Cigar Wrapper?

Let us look at some popular cigar wrappers and their traditional flavor notes so you can see which flavors may compliment your favorite whiskey.

• Corojo: Pair with a bourbon that has a slight sweetness and notes of vanilla or caramel to match the nutty and baking spice notes. A medium-bodied American rye whiskey could also enhance the Corojo's flavors without overwhelming them.
• Habano: Choose a full-bodied, robust whiskey with depth, such as a spicy rye or a peated Scotch. The whiskey's peppery-spice, espresso, and dark coffee notes will harmonize with the Habano wrapper's peppery and espresso notes.
• Maduro: Opt for a rich, complex bourbon or a Scotch with pronounced flavors of dark fruit, smoke, or oak. The whiskey should stand up to the Maduro's intense dark chocolate, earth, leather, and sweet tones.
• San Andreas: This intense wrapper pairs well with an equally bold whiskey. A heavily peated Scotch or a high-proof, barrel-proof bourbon will match the wrapper's potent dark pepper, sweetness, and spicy jalapeño notes.
• Sumatra: A whiskey that can match the Sumatra wrapper's spiciness without overpowering it is ideal. A spiced rye whiskey or a Scotch with citrus and floral notes could complement the Sumatra wrapper's white pepper, spice, and punchiness.

Understanding the Common Types of Whiskey

Let's explore the five most common types of whiskey so you can use your new knowledge of cigar characteristics to help you with your pairings.

Note that in Scotland, Canada, India, and Japan, they spell Whiskey without the "e"; in America and Ireland, the "e" is included, with some exceptions.

1. Scotch Whisky

Single Malt Scotch: Made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery in Scotland. It often has flavors of peat, smoke, heather, honey, and malt.

Blended Scotch: A mix of single malt and grain whiskies. Can feature a wide range of flavors, from light and floral to rich and smoky.

2. Irish Whiskey

Single Malt Irish: Made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery in Ireland. Typically smooth with notes of honey, fruit, and a hint of spice.

Blended Irish: A blend of malt and grain whiskeys. Known for its approachable and light character, with flavors like vanilla, caramel, and floral notes.

3. Bourbon Whiskey

Straight Bourbon: Must be made from at least 51% corn. It often features sweet, full-bodied flavors like caramel, vanilla, and oak. May have a slightly spicy or fruity character.

Rye Bourbon: Contains a higher percentage of rye in the mash bill, contributing to a spicier profile.

4. Rye Whiskey

American Rye: Must be made from at least 51% rye. Known for its spiciness, with flavors of pepper, cinnamon, and sometimes fruity or floral notes.

Canadian Rye: Historically, Canadian "rye" may not necessarily contain a high percentage of rye grain. It tends to be smoother and lighter, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and fruit.

5. Tennessee Whiskey

Similar to bourbon but undergoes an additional charcoal filtering process known as the Lincoln County Process. This can impart a smoother character with flavors of caramel, maple, and sometimes a hint of charcoal.

Getting Started with Your First Cigar and Whiskey Pairing

Now that you have all the knowledge on the diverse flavors and nuances of cigars and whiskey, diving into your first pairing might seem like a lot to absorb.

However, rest assured that this understanding will be the compass guiding you through a more enriching and enjoyable experience.

Our best advice would be to sample a wide variety of whiskeys and cigars to identify

your favorite type and your preferred cigar vitola, wrapper, and strength.

Here's a good rule of thumb: If you like what you taste, it's a good pairing.

How to Start as a Beginner

As you've learned, it is generally best to find a whiskey that matches the intensity of the cigar you have chosen to smoke.

A classic combination for a beginner is a mild single-barrel bourbon with a Connecticut-wrapped cigar. This provides a smooth introduction to the pairing experience.

Since Connecticut cigars are generally mild with less punch and body than other

cigars, they are a natural partner with a smooth, single-barrel bourbon.

We chose single-barrel because it is the most consistent in flavor and body.

It is easy to know what to expect from a Connecticut cigar like the Macanudo Café Hyde Park and a single-barrel bourbon like Angel’s Envy or Maker's Mark.

Advanced Pairing Advice

For advanced whiskey and cigar pairings, consider exploring regional nuances and aligning the geographical origins of your whiskey and cigar for a more harmonious experience.

Experiment with single-malt Scotch whiskies, tasting the distinct flavor profiles from different regions and how they interact with the characteristics of your chosen cigar.

You can also focus on the aging process—both in whiskey and cigars—to unlock the mature, nuanced flavors that come with time.

Advanced pairing is about artful exploration, blending contrasting elements for balance, and seeking out artisanal whiskeys and boutique cigars for exceptional combinations that reflect your refined palate.

4 Delicious Cigar & Whiskey Pairings

The world of pairing cigars and whiskey is yours to discover.

If you'd like a little help, the following combinations of whiskey and cigars are timeless and will help you understand what a perfect pairing looks like.

1. Montecristo White Series Vintage Connecticut with GlenDronach Allardice 18 Year

The butter and cream of the Montecristo combined with the toasty walnut and

chocolate doled out by the GlenDronach create a parfait-like combination with a

tremendous mouthfeel.

You can shop the Montecristo White Series Vintage Connecticut here: Montecristo White Series Vintage Connecticut

2. Cohiba Weller with Weller Bourbon

Robust, rich, and bursting with flavor, this bourbon was hand-crafted to pair specifically

with the cigar built for the blenders themselves.

You can shop the Cohiba Weller here: Cohiba Weller

3. Liga Undercrown Connecticut Shade with Jameson Irish Whiskey:

Plenty of cream, vanilla, and hay burst from these two, setting the ultimate stage for a light, wheaty, and crisp after-dinner treat.

You can shop the Undercrown Connecticut Shde here: Liga Undercrown Connecticut Shade

4. Espinosa Laranja Reserva and Bulleit Rye Whiskey:

This full-body treat is the ultimate intense pairing. Both will need to be savored slowly since they pack a spicy punch.

You can shop the Espinosa Laranja Reserva here: Espinosa Laranja Reserva

Cheers to your Perfect Pairing Journey

As you raise your glass and cigar in celebration of your newfound knowledge of cigar and whiskey pairings, take a moment to reflect on the flavorful journey you've embarked upon.

Remember, the beauty of pairing lies not only in the perfect matches but also in the experimentation. Try different cigars with various whiskey styles, explore regional nuances, and, most importantly, savor each moment.

So, here's to your perfect pairing journey—a journey that transcends the simple act of enjoying a cigar and whiskey but becomes an art form, a personal expression of taste and preference.

As you continue your exploration, may your pairings be as unique and extraordinary as the memories they create!