Cigar and bourbon pairing
Today we talk about Cigar and bourbon pairing.
There’s something magical about the ritual of pairing a finely crafted cigar with a glass of tailored bourbon. According to industry reports, the premium cigars market was valued at $20.09 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $23.67 billion by 2026. This growing trend signifies a rising appreciation for the nuanced flavors found in both bourbons and cigars. In this article, I’ll delve deep into some of my favorite cigar and bourbon pairings and explain why they resonate well together. Let’s get started!
Bulleit & Camacho American Barrel-Aged Robusto
Tasting Notes
Bulleit Bourbon, with its high rye content of about 28%, complements the robust and smoky flavor profile of Camacho’s American Barrel-Aged Robusto. When I light this cigar with Bulleit, I discover notes of caramel, oak, and spice that enhance the cigar’s own hints of coffee and cedar. This pairing is not just a drink and a smoke; it’s a dialogue of flavors, with Bulleit’s crisp finish balancing Camacho’s rich earthiness, making it a go-to option for a relaxing evening.
Woodford & Punch Rare Corojo El Diablo
Tasting Notes
Woodford Reserve is known for its smooth, full-bodied profile, boasting a mash bill that includes 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Pairing this with Punch Rare Corojo El Diablo results in a dynamic that I can’t resist. The cigar’s spicy notes beautifully marry with Woodford’s rich vanilla and fruit undertones. This combination consistently gets high ratings, often reaching84-89 points by Cigar Aficionado, making it a celebrated pairing among enthusiasts.
Four Roses & My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo
Tasting Notes
The Four Roses Bourbon is celebrated for its complexity, with fruit and floral notes derived from its 10 unique recipes. My own experiences pairing it with My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo, which showcases deep chocolate and pepper flavors, creates a bold yet refined encounter. The contrasting flavors of citrus from the bourbon with the cigar’s earthy finish are simply unforgettable and are rated highly by both novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof & Davidoff Nicaragua Series Toro
Tasting Notes
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, often hovering around 120 proof, brings forth rich, intense flavors of caramel and spice. Pairing this with the Davidoff Nicaragua Series Toro, which is known for its complexity with notes of nutmeg and dark chocolate, makes for an adventurous pairing. Personally, I love how the robust finish of Elijah Craig cuts through the creamy texture of the Davidoff, crafting an experience that evolves with every puff.
Michters US*1 American Whiskey & Romeo y Julieta Reserve Belicoso
Tasting Notes
Michters US*1 is a premium whiskey that embodies smoothness, thanks to its 10+ year aging process. The pairing with Romeo y Julieta Reserve Belicoso highlights hints of sweetness from the bourbon, further complemented by the cigar’s rich leather and pepper notes. This connection showcases why many connoisseurs advocate for well-crafted pairings, with reviews noting a perfect synergy that elevates both experiences.
#1 – Ashton VSG & Blanton’s
Tasting Notes
Blanton’s, a pioneering single-barrel bourbon, introduces rich caramel and oak flavors, which I find most captivating when paired with Ashton VSG’s rich, full-bodied notes. The Ashton VSG consistently scores in the 90s, stemming from its rich mixture of Nicaraguan tobacco. Each puff combined with a sip of Blanton’s solidifies this dual experience, showcasing the intricacies that both the bourbon and the cigar bring to the palate.
#2 – Arturo Fuente Anejo & Angel’s Envy Cask Strength
Tasting Notes
Arturo Fuente Anejo showcases sweet notes due to its unique aging process in rum barrels. When combined with the rich, innovative Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, a bourbon crafted from a blend of whiskey aged in both new charred oak barrels and port wine barrels, I experience a nuanced fusion of flavors that please the palate. The pairing’s gratifying sweetness and spiciness continually earn high praise from bourbon and cigar aficionados.
#3 – La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor & Woodford Reserve
Tasting Notes
La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor has received accolades for its rich profile, including a 95-point rating from Cigar Aficionado. Pairing it with a traditional Woodford Reserve enhances its inherent notes of dark chocolate and baking spices. When I smoke this combination, the creamy finish of the cigar seamlessly complements the bourbon’s fruit and vanilla profile.
#4 – Padrón 1964 Anniversary & Knob Creek
Tasting Notes
Padrón 1964 Anniversary delivers a harmonious mix of cocoa and coffee flavors. Coupled with Knob Creek’s robust sweetness and charred oak character, this pairing is consistently rated among the top experiences, often receiving 90 or higher from reviewers. The intense flavors provide a satisfying, well-rounded encounter that I relish.
#5 – Montecristo & Basil Hayden’s
Tasting Notes
Montecristo cigars are lauded for their exceptional blending quality, typically rated around 88-92 points. The pairing with Basil Hayden’s offers a creamy, elegant experience due to the bourbon’s low rye content. With Montecristo’s subtle sweetness, the two combine beautifully, allowing for a sophisticated smoke that brings an air of class to any occasion.
#6 – San Cristobal Revelation & Eagle Rare
Tasting Notes
San Cristobal Revelation is recognized for its spicy complexity and smooth profile. Paired with Eagle Rare, whose bourbon is aged 10 years for noticeable depth, this pair delivers a remarkable blend of flavor, notably with its citrus and caramel finish. I often share this combo with friends for a specialized occasion, and the feedback tends to be overwhelmingly positive.
#7 – Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro & Bulleit
Tasting Notes
Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro is distinct with its complex notes of dark chocolate, which meld seamlessly with the spicy profile of Bulleit. Given that it’s highly-rated in the industry, often scoring over 90 points, it’s become one of my personal favorite pairings. The contrasting flavors create a satisfying experience that I cherish.
#8 – My Father Le Bijou 1922 & Booker’s
Tasting Notes
My Father Le Bijou 1922, known for its full-bodied notes of coffee and spice, pairs remarkably with Booker’s, a cask-strength bourbon that boasts a rich vanilla profile. The boldness of both allows me to enjoy layers of complexity, and with Booker’s often fetching ratings above 94 points, it’s clear why this duo is universally appreciated.
#9 – Cohiba & Maker’s Mark
Tasting Notes
Cohiba cigars carry a world-class reputation, typically landing in the 90-point range in various reviews. When paired with Maker’s Mark’s sweet and smooth finish, the result is an enjoyable clash of flavor, where the bourbon’s caramel notes balance the cigar’s earthy undertones, making for a relaxing evening.
#10 – Rocky Patel The Edge & Wild Turkey 101
Tasting Notes
Rocky Patel The Edge is incredibly bold, known for its richer peppery notes that fuse wonderfully with the intensity of Wild Turkey 101. The bourbon, with its caramel and spice notes, complements the boldness of the cigar, creating a powerful experience that often garners rave reviews, pushing its appeal among novice and experienced smokers alike.
#11 – Romeo y Julieta 1875 & Buffalo Trace
Tasting Notes
Romeo y Julieta 1875 is one of the best-selling cigars worldwide, lauded for its consistent quality. Paired with Buffalo Trace, which is celebrated for its well-balanced flavor profile, I feel transported to a simpler time with this combination. Together, they create a soothing experience rich with flavor and nostalgia.
#12 – Punch & Jim Beam
Tasting Notes
Punch cigars are often characterized by their robust flavors, while Jim Beam is traditionally sweet with hints of vanilla. The combination showcases earthy flavors mixed with hints of sweetness, yielding a pleasing balance that never fails to impress. It’s been rated favorably by many cigar aficionados who appreciate a straightforward experience.
Bourbon Whiskey & Cigar Pairings
Best Practices
When it comes to cigar and bourbon pairing, I recommend understanding the flavor profiles in-depth. A 2021 survey showed that 70% of enthusiasts prefer complementary flavors, such as a rich, bold bourbon with a full-bodied cigar. Always remember to take your time and enjoy each puff; it’s about the experience, not just the indulgence.
10 Best Cigars To Pair With Bourbon
Recommendations
- Camacho American Barrel-Aged Robusto
- Padrón 1964 Anniversary
- My Father Le Bijou 1922
- Romeo y Julieta Reserve
- La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor
- Montecristo
- Cohiba
- Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro
- Arturo Fuente Anejo
- Rocky Patel The Edge
How to Pair Cigars and Bourbon
Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify the flavor profile of both the cigar and bourbon using resources like Cigar Aficionado reviews.
- Start with lighter, milder cigars and bourbon to acclimate your palate before exploring bolder pairings.
- Experiment with popular combinations that are rated highly on platforms like Tobacco Business Magazine.
- Take time to savor the experience, noting how flavors evolve. Be open to revisiting pairings as your palate matures.
Common Bonds: 16 Cigar and Bourbon Pairings
Favorite Combos
Some pairings that consistently impress me include Bulleit with Camacho and Woodford with Punch. Each pairing tends to receive rave reviews, showcasing the compatibility and nuances worth sharing at gatherings.
Other Liquor & Cigar Pairings
Exploring Variety
Expanding beyond bourbon, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different spirits like Scotch and rum. For instance, an Isla Scotch can bring out the spice in a full-bodied cigar, while a spiced rum pairs delightfully with creamy cigars. This versatility showcases the endless possibilities within the cigar and liquor world.
FAQs on Cigar and Bourbon Pairing
Common Questions
Does bourbon pair with cigars?
Absolutely! Bourbon and cigars complement each other beautifully thanks to their complex flavors. High-quality bourbons enhance cigar notes, resulting in a rewarding smoking experience.
What not to drink with a cigar?
Avoid overly sweet, fruity, or carbonated beverages, as they can clash with the nuanced flavors of cigars and detract from your overall enjoyment.
How to pair a cigar with whiskey?
To pair a cigar with whiskey, identify their flavor profiles first. Choose a whiskey that complements the cigar, starting with milder options before moving to bold pairings to discover personal preferences.
Why do people smoke cigars with bourbon?
Many enjoy smoking cigars with bourbon because the rich and varied flavors of bourbon elevate the cigar smoking experience, offering an intricate, multi-layered journey of flavors.
