The Pleasure of a Good Cigar, and a Fine Drink

Mention the enjoyment of a fine hand-rolled cigar these days, and many if not most, will take a disdainful look at the person suggesting the enjoyment of something so unhealthy, smelly and unsightly. After all, the stereotype of the middle-aged, overweight, sweaty male, chomping on a stogie, will no doubt fulfill the image most non-smokers may have of your basic cigar smoker.
 
About 5% of American adults currently smoke cigars. 8% of those cigar smokers are male; about 2% are female – and that number is growing annually. For example, about 7.6% of all U.S. high school students smoke cigars; but 6.2% of all female high school students smoke cigars on a regular basis – more than three times as many adult females. These figures come directly from the CDC.

Regarding the adverse health effects of cigar smoking – did you know that many insurance carriers will classify you as a non-smoker if you smoke less than one cigar per day? This doesn’t apply if you smoke a pipe; vape; or obviously smoke cigarettes – only cigars. So despite what the CDC may say – insurance companies still see a significant, actuarial difference between cigar smokers and people who smoke everything else,

But so what? Why do it anyway?

What I believe most cigar aficionados will tell you, is that to smoke a fine hand-rolled, well-blended cigar – paired with an equally fine spirit or cocktail, along with some complimentary, well-prepared hors d'oeuvres – can easily provide for the most relaxing, profoundly contemplative and enjoyable experience of the day.

We do it because we enjoy the uniqueness of the experience, and the conviviality of the cigar culture – particularly in Club settings. It's probably one of those things where you have to try it firsthand to fully understand.

Cigars aren't just for old men anymore. Over 30% of cigar smokers in the United States are now women.

Take it for what it’s worth. From this point onward, this article is for those who remain open to new sensory, life experiences that have proven themselves for hundreds of years – and how to make the most of them.

What to Smoke

The selection today of quality, hand-rolled cigars is enormous. If you’re new to cigar smoking, my advice would be to try as many as you can so that you can ultimately settle down on what you truly like. And you won’t know until you come across it. Cigars come in all shapes, sizes, strengths, characteristics and flavors. Everyone’s tastes are unique – and cigars will be no exception.

My own personal favorites include:

• Davidoff Churchill The Late Hour
• Padron 1926 Series Nos. 1 or 2 Natural
• Partagas Serie D Nos. 4 or 5   (Cuban)
• Cohiba Siglo VI   (Cuban)
• Oliva Serie V
• Macanudo Inspirado, both Orange and Gold Labels
• H. Upmann Media Noche (with a Pennsylvania broadleaf wrapper)
• Ferio Tego Metropolitan Host (normally the Robusto, known as the Hobart)

 
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of these. Each one has its own unique characteristics, aroma and flavors.

Any Padron, and to a somewhat lesser extent, Davidoff's The Late Hour for example, always have an easy draw, good even burn, and they put out plenty of smoke. The Partagas D5 is currently my favorite Cuban cigar. The Macanudo Gold Label is an exceptionally mild smoke with a velvety texture on the tongue and in the mouth.

The Cohiba Siglo VI isn't a bad smoke, but thanks to the recent extortionist pricing policy of Habanos S.A., the state-run tobacco company in Cuba, the Siglo VI is now going for about $130 a stick - and it is positively not worth the money. You're better off going with any of the other favorites I identified above. If you must smoke a Cuban, I would definitely recommend any Partagas Serie D.

If there is a particular cigar you think you’d like to try, but are unsure if you will like it – look-up the cigar online and read some reviews to get an idea of the flavor and aroma notes of it. But also don’t be afraid to try something completely unknown.

Pairing With Spirits and Other Beverages

My normal cigar configuration (if I'm drinking straight distilled spirits and not a cocktail). The only difference is, I need to drink my spirits ice cold - so you'll always see mine on the rocks.

Once you’ve determined some of your favorite smokes, you’ll next want figure out what drinks pair the best with them. Again, there is no hard and fast rule here – and there’s plenty of varying advice online. But despite the inconsistencies, some patterns do emerge.
 
Clearly, many people think of pairing scotch, bourbon or rye with a fine cigar – and with good reason – they compliment each other exceptionally well. A rye Manhattan straight-up is my default cocktail to accompany a cigar, but during the hot summer months I’ll also pair with ice cold Aviation, Side Car or Mai Tai (the original 1944 version) cocktails with cooling, relaxing results.

For a straight spirits accompaniment, try a McCallum 12 or 18, Dalmore Cigar Malt, Knob Creek bourbon, Weller's 12-Year bourbon, Martel Blue Swift or cognac, or maybe even some 15 or 21-year Appleton Estate Jamaican rum (if you can find it), all on the rocks. Every different combination will be a rewarding experience.
 
Interestingly, one beverage that gets mentioned consistently as being excellent to pair with cigars is coffee - especially expresso. I have also often paired with craft soft drinks such as artisanal root beer, vanilla cream or black cherry soda, or cola – all with excellent results on a hot day. And yes, Coke works just fine - at least for me.

Pairing with Food

I have found that sweet and savory pairings often work the best. Certainly barbecued foods, steak, anything with bacon, grilled vegetables like asparagus, artisanal cheeses and breads, and even a good thin crust pizza provide for an excellent accompaniment to a good cigar.

On the sweeter side, try some quality, solid chocolates, cordials or truffles with your cigar for a great combination, or some summer fruits when in season – such as berries or melon for a refreshing counterbalance. I actually find white chocolate to be a nice contrast with the cigar and spirits.

You will be amazed at how some flavors completely change with different pairings.

A fine pairing indeed. For me though, just throw in a couple of ice cubes. Oh, and please make sure the ice cubes are crystal clear. There are plenty of kits available out there with which to do it. Your drinks will taste better, too.

No Hard and Fast Rules

The main thing to keep in mind however is not to be reluctant to try as many different cigar-drink-food pairings as you can. They are as infinite and complex as wine and food pairing – and arguably more versatile. Don't forget, cigar tobacco - like wine - varies by climate, soil conditions, the aging and seasoning processes used, and the techniques used by the torcedors in a given location or country.
 
So give this a try. Sitting outside on a cool summer evening with a fine cigar, quality whiskey, and some cool jazz playing in the background..... it's quite hard to beat. I've had some of my most profound thoughts about life during these sessions. Cheers!

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