The combination of a fine cigar and quality spirits is an experience that many enthusiasts cherish. This classic pairing allows individuals to sip, smoke, and unwind, creating a harmonious blend of rich flavors. The dark, sweet nuances of an aged spirit often perfectly complement the warm, spicy notes found in a quality cigar.
However, not just any spirit will suffice for this pairing to be a success. There are fundamental guidelines to consider.
Ultimately, it’s about achieving balance. You don’t want one to overwhelm the other. The intricacies of a light spirit can easily be masked by the bold smokiness of a cigar, while a too-strong spirit could overshadow even the most robust cigar. When in harmony, both the cigar and spirit can enhance each other, revealing new flavors and experiences that you might not notice separately.
Below, we have curated a selection of eight spirits that pair exceptionally well with various cigar styles, enhancing your overall enjoyment.
Ardbeg 8 Years Old: For Discussion
Scotch whisky pairs perfectly with cigars. While Ardbeg is known for its peaty and smoky profile, which can clash with milder cigars, it truly shines alongside a robust cigar. This particular Ardbeg, matured in ex-sherry casks, softens the intense smokiness and adds delightful richness and sweetness.
Please note that “For Discussion” is a limited edition available exclusively to Ardbeg Committee members—which is free to join and offers fantastic benefits for whisky lovers.
This remarkable spirit is one you won’t want to miss.
Del Maguey Vida
While mezcal might not be the first spirit that comes to mind for cigar pairings, its earthy tones can be incredibly complementary. Similar to tequila, mezcal is derived from agave; however, it can be produced across Mexico, with Del Maguey using 100% organic agave.
Having been on the market for more than a decade, Vida is a handcrafted masterpiece, distilled twice over traditional open fire. Its unique packaging only adds to its appeal.
This spirit is best enjoyed with a milder cigar.
El Dorado 21 Years Old
When looking for a spirit to complement any cigar, gold rum is an exceptional choice. The vibrant sweetness beautifully balances the savory, spicy warmth of the cigar. El Dorado remains somewhat of an underrated treasure in the realm of rum, boasting an impressive selection that is worth exploring.
Produced in Georgetown, Guyana, the brand draws its name from a legendary king said to cover himself in gold. Expect a luxurious blend of tropical fruit flavors with hints of spices, brown sugar, and honey, creating a full-bodied, rounded experience.
Which cigar will you pair with this delightful rum?
Havana Club Edición Profesional B
When thinking of cigars, many people automatically envision Cuba—the Caribbean island renowned for its exquisite hand-rolled cigars, featuring brands like Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, and Cohiba. As Cuba’s largest rum brand, Havana Club also aligns beautifully with this refreshing pairing.
This exceptional dark rum represents the second release in the Edición Profesional line, crafted to challenge the norms of rum. By blending three different rums—one finished in ex-Islay Scotch whisky barrels—this spirit delivers distinct peaty notes that compliment a wide variety of cigar types.
Hine Antique XO
Hine is one of France’s oldest Cognac houses, founded by Thomas Hine, an Englishman who inherited the luxury brand in 1817. Hine is known for its prestigious reputation, serving as the official Cognac supplier to the British Royal Family.
The rich, sweet, and fruity notes of Cognac beautifully complement cigars, enhancing the warm, spicy flavors of the tobacco. The Antique XO is crafted entirely from old eaux-de-vie sourced from the premier Grande Champagne cru, delivering a magnificent array of flavors.
Patron Añejo
The earthy and smoky flavors of a well-crafted tequila make it an exceptional option for pairing with a cigar. This balance works beautifully with nearly all cigars except for the most full-bodied.
Patron originates from the mountainous region of Jalisco, Mexico, where its slow three-day distillation process adds incredible complexity to the spirit.
The term añejo means ‘aged’ in Spanish; this particular Patron has matured for 12 months in American oak barrels, resulting in a combination of earthy smokiness with sweet notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel.
Redbreast Lustau Edition
Irish whiskey, especially the richer varieties aged in ex-sherry casks, pairs delightfully with cigars. And at the top of that list is Redbreast.
This award-winning brand exemplifies the single-pot-still style, unique to Ireland, created using both malted and unmalted barley. The Lustau Edition results from a collaboration with the renowned sherry bodega Emilio Lustau of Jerez, Spain.
The outcome is a fruity and nutty profile, heightened by warming woody spices—a combination that grows even more delightful when complemented by a cigar. Exquisite.
WhistlePig 10 Years Old
Straight rye whiskey is another excellent choice for pairing with cigars. The earthy spiciness from the rye grain beautifully complements the evolving flavors as you smoke.
Whistlepig, a small distillery in Vermont, has quickly gained acclaim for being one of the most awarded rye whiskeys globally. This 10-year-old expression exhibits depth, with notes of caramel and vanilla paired with toasted oak, allspice, and orange zest, finishing with a refreshing hint of mint.
