Cigar and beverage pairings can increase the smoking experience by complimenting flavors
and creating a more enjoyable outcome. Choosing a cigar and a beverage is a personal
preference. It could depend on the time of day, temperature, type of activity and alcoholic or
non-alcoholic beverage.
I enjoy a morning cigar with a cup of coffee while reading a newspaper while on vacation. You
could add a liquor to the coffee if you want to spice it up. A bloody Mary is another option. My
choice of cigar is more on the mild side because it is the beginning of the day. Sometimes I
smoke a cigarillo (a shorter cigar).
A little later in the day on the golf course you can enjoy a cigar with a beer. The beer can be
refreshing with a mild or medium cigar. If you prefer a dark beer than you might want to pair it
with a Nicaraguan tobacco cigar which can be a fuller combination. A non-alcoholic choice of
beverage can be lemonade or ice tea.
During cocktail hour there are more beverage options. You could be complimenting your cigar
with a glass of wine. Depending on the type of wine (dry, sweat or fruiting) can determine the
type of cigar you smoke. A smooth Dominican tobacco robusto might fill the bill.
Should you be drinking scotch, bourbon or whiskey a maduro cigar will match each other’s
strengths. Rum and coke are another good option.
If you are drinking water, soda or another non-alcoholic beverage, your choice of a cigar is wide
open. Your beverage will not over power the taste and flavor of the cigar.
An after-dinner drink and cigar can get interesting. Of course, you have the option of coffee, a
dessert wine or after dinner drink such as Bailey’s. This can be the time for your favorite cigar.
A nice Connecticut wrapper cigar with your choice of filler(Honduras, Dominican or Nicaraguan).
This is a pairing that you would want to take your time smoking and drinking.
The pairing choices are very personal. Time of day, activities that a person is doing can matter.
Experiment with different options. These should be relaxing and enjoyable times.
Pour it. Light it. Say ah as you sit back.
