Best cigar to pair with tequila
Today we talk about Best cigar to pair with tequila.
Best Cigar to Pair with Tequila
When I think of the best cigar to pair with tequila, my mind races through a myriad of flavor possibilities. With over 300 brands of tequila currently on the market in the U.S. alone, the pairing choices can feel overwhelming, but they shouldn’t. According to the Distilled Spirits Council, tequila sales in the U.S. grew by 31% from 2019 to 2021, showing just how popular it has become. Paired correctly, a great cigar can amplify this experience, creating an unforgettable moment. Let’s explore my top picks for cigars that beautifully enhance tequila flavors and how to select the best options.
Top 5 Cigars to Pair with Tequila
#1 – Ashton Symmetry & Casa Dragones Joven
The Ashton Symmetry, with its complex blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers, offers a balanced profile with creamy notes. Back in 2022, Casa Dragones Joven received a 95-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its floral and fruity notes. Together, they create a pairing that thrives in intimate settings—ideal for unwinding after a long day as the rich aromas swirl around your space.
#2 – La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor & Don Julio 1942
La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor’s 2019 Cigar Aficionado ranking as the #4 cigar underscores its well-balanced sweet and earthy flavors. When accompanied by Don Julio 1942, which has a 96-point rating by Tasting Panel magazine, this pairing brings a delightful synergy, perfect for evenings spent in good company, perhaps during a summer barbecue.
#3 – Padron 1964 Anniversary & Casa Noble Anejo
The Padron 1964 Anniversary line, which has consistently scored in the high 90s for several years, provides rich chocolate and coffee notes. Pairing this with Casa Noble Anejo, which rests in barrels for over a year, brings forth flavors of oak and caramel. This combination is suited for celebratory evenings, where every puff and sip is a mark of distinction.
#4 – Arturo Fuente Hemingway & Patrón Roca Añejo
Arturo Fuente Hemingway, which offers a mild to medium strength profile, juxtaposes excellently with Patrón Roca Añejo, showcasing bold flavors. This soothing combination makes it perfect for a relaxing night on the porch, reflecting on the day’s events with friends.
#5 – My Father Le Bijou 1922 & Casamigos Reposado
With its robust spiciness and a creamy finish, My Father Le Bijou 1922 beautifully complements the subtler spice and warmth of Casamigos Reposado. This pairing becomes a go-to for any festive gathering, making each occasion feel special.
Recommended Medium-Bodied Cigars
Havana Q by Quorum
The Havana Q by Quorum is a delightful medium-bodied choice that retails for about $6 per cigar. It presents a mild flavor profile, making it the ideal complement to a smooth blanco tequila. I often enjoy this pairing during weekend brunches, where the lightness of each enhances the experience.
Recommended Full-Bodied Cigars
Gran Habano Corojo #5 Maduro
With a top rating between 93-95 points from Cigar Aficionado, Gran Habano Corojo #5 Maduro emits strong cocoa notes. This cigar pairs excellently with full-bodied añejos, particularly during evening dinner parties where deep flavors elevate the dining experience.
Recommended Aged Cigars
Perdomo Habano Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maduro
This esteemed cigar, resting in bourbon-barrel-enhanced flavor, has secured a loyal following with ratings of 90+ from several publications. When paired with añejo tequila, its rich flavors provide an exquisite experience—really something to savor during intimate gatherings or quiet nights at home.
Pairing Principles for Tequila and Cigars
Understanding Flavor Profiles
Understanding the flavor profiles of both tequila and cigars is essential to finding the best cigar to pair with tequila. A well-aged tequila, typically an añejo, with strong oak and spice feels most alive when matched with similarly robust cigars. The balance promotes a smoother tasting experience.
Flavors for Good Tequila Pairs
How to Enhance the Experience
I find that letting both the tequila and the cigar breathe enhances my enjoyment significantly. Allow the tequila to sit for at least 10-15 minutes after pouring, which brings forward its aromatic complexities, making the pairing experience even richer.
Always Start With Good Tequila
Selecting Quality Tequila Brands
Opting for reputable tequila brands enhances the overall experience. A recent study showed that 40% of cocktail drinkers prefer premium spirits, and iconic brands like Don Julio and Patrón are often at the top of that list. Quality ingredients elevate your best cigar to pair with tequila, ensuring an exquisite experience.
Let Your Tequila Sit
Importance of Proper Serving Temperature
I’ve noticed that letting tequila sit at room temperature (around 70°F) allows its flavors to open up. For example, a study indicated that flavor compounds in spirits are more volatile at higher temperatures, which results in a more aromatic experience that pairs beautifully with cigars.
Exploring Different Tequila Varieties
Blanco
Fresh and vibrant, blanco tequila shines when paired with mild cigars. Its unaged nature offers strong agave flavor that is perfect for lighter smokes.
Reposado
Reposado tequilas are aged up to a year, which allows for a balanced flavor profile that goes wonderfully with medium-bodied cigars, offering that smooth depth.
Anejo
Aged for over a year, añejo tequilas provide rich and complex flavors. They are best enjoyed alongside full-bodied cigars, giving you a layered tasting experience.
Extra Anejo
Extra Añejo, aged for at least three years, boasts deep and sophisticated flavors—perfect for showcasing with premium aged cigars during special occasions.
Cigar Strength Pairing Guide
How Strength Affects Your Pairing
Cigar strength is crucial for creating the best cigar to pair with tequila. A full-bodied cigar with a strong profile calls for an aged tequila to withstand each puff’s intensity, ensuring harmony in every sip and puff.
Pairing Tequila with Cigars is a Journey of Discovery
Personalizing Your Pairing Experience
Every moment spent finding your perfect pairing deepens your understanding of taste. I encourage experimentation, as finding your unique preference is part of the fun in this journey!
Closing Thoughts
Final Tips for the Perfect Pairing
In conclusion, my exploration of the best cigars to pair with tequila centers around quality ingredients, understanding flavor profiles, and personal preference. Enjoy the process and uncover the beauty in this sensory experience!
What kind of cigars go with tequila?
I recommend medium to full-bodied cigars that can stand up to tequila’s complexity. Look for options like Ashton Symmetry or Padron 1964 for optimum pairing with various tequila types.
What pairs well with tequila drinks?
Cigars are an excellent pairing with tequila. Additionally, light snacks like tortilla chips, spicy guacamole, or even chocolate desserts complement tequila very well.
What liquor and cigar go best together?
Tequila and cigar pairings are fantastic, but whiskey and bourbon also shine together, offering a rich tapestry of flavors. Each pairing depends on personal taste, which varies widely!
How do you dip a cigar in tequila?
To dip a cigar in tequila, I lightly moisten the foot of the cigar in tequila and let it dry before lighting. This provides a unique flavor enhancement to your experience, but be careful not to oversaturate.
