What’s a better combination of a cigar and your favorite scotch or whiskey on a Friday afternoon? Particularly on a relaxing summer day before the weekend, it’s hard to beat!
However, it can’t just be any cigar with any scotch or whiskey. Creating the right pairing is critical to maximum enjoyment!
Scotch Pairings
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve
Cigar Pairing: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
Tasting Notes:
- Scotch: Rich with notes of honey, vanilla, and dark fruit, with a touch of spice.
- Cigar: Medium-bodied with hints of cedar, leather, and a sweet finish.
Why It Works: The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve’s rich and complex flavors complement the medium-bodied, slightly sweet profile of the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Cigar Pairing: La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel
Tasting Notes:
- Scotch: Bold and smoky with notes of peat, iodine, and rich, dark fruit.
- Cigar: Full-bodied with flavors of earth, pepper, and espresso.
Why It Works: The intense smokiness of Lagavulin 16 Year Old pairs beautifully with the robust and earthy flavors of the La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel, making for a powerful and satisfying combination.
Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak
Cigar Pairing: Romeo y Julieta 1875 Churchill
Tasting Notes:
- Scotch: Smooth and rich with notes of dried fruit, sherry, and vanilla.
- Cigar: Medium-bodied with flavors of cedar, nuts, and a hint of spice.
Why It Works: The sherry-influenced richness of Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak enhances the nutty and spicy notes of the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Churchill, creating a well-rounded and sophisticated pairing.
2. Whiskey Pairings
Maker’s Mark
Cigar Pairing: Montecristo White Series Robusto
Tasting Notes:
- Whiskey: Sweet and smooth with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak.
- Cigar: Mild to medium-bodied with flavors of cream, nuts, and a touch of spice.
Why It Works: The sweet and smooth profile of Maker’s Mark complements the creamy and nutty flavors of the Montecristo White Series Robusto, offering a pleasant and mellow pairing experience.
Woodford Reserve
Cigar Pairing: Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro
Tasting Notes:
- Whiskey: Rich and full-bodied with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
- Cigar: Full-bodied with flavors of cocoa, coffee, and a hint of sweetness.
Why It Works: The rich and complex flavors of Woodford Reserve match perfectly with the full-bodied, chocolatey notes of the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro, making for an indulgent and luxurious pairing.
Bulleit Bourbon
Cigar Pairing: Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado
Tasting Notes:
- Whiskey: Spicy and bold with notes of toffee, oak, and a hint of pepper.
- Cigar: Full-bodied with flavors of coffee, leather, and a touch of sweetness.
Why It Works: The bold and spicy profile of Bulleit Bourbon pairs excellently with the robust and slightly sweet flavors of the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado, creating a dynamic and enjoyable pairing.
Tips for Pairing Scotch and Whiskey with Cigars
- Balance: Look for balance in strength and flavor intensity between the cigar and the scotch or whiskey. A strong cigar can overpower a light whiskey, and vice versa.
- Complementary Flavors: Match complementary flavors to enhance the tasting experience. For example, a smoky scotch can pair well with a cigar that has earthy or peppery notes.
- Experiment: Personal preferences play a significant role in pairing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your palate.
Of course, these are just general recommendations. Mix and match yourself until you find a combination that works for YOU! After all, it’s the start of your weekend, isn’t it?