Learning how to pair cigars with drinks gives you a fantastic way to experience your favorite cigars in new ways. The same cigar will taste five different ways when you sip five different whiskeys by its side.
It's a fascinating science, but for many experienced smokers, it comes down to an instinctive understanding of the best whiskey for different types of cigars.
To assist you on your adventure exploring the best food and drink to pair with cigars, this cigar and whiskey pairing primer will help you dive into the world of whiskey, bourbon, and rye and learn how each can complement your cigar-smoking experience.
Why whiskey and cigars go hand-in-hand
Smoking a cigar is a sensory experience. The taste buds on your tongue, your soft palate and your nasal cavity all combine to process the complex information supplied by the smoke as you draw it into your body.
Whiskey is similar. Even though you don't breathe it in, the powerful aromas still bloom after each sip, giving a heady impact that, in many ways, is quite like taking a drag on a cigar.
By combining these in a well-chosen cigar and whiskey pairing, you multiply these effects against one another. The flavors and aromas of each enhance the other, intensifying certain characteristics and allowing others to emerge that you might not have noticed otherwise.
There's also a practical element. By sipping a liquid (e.g., whiskey), you moisten your palate, ensuring your taste buds continue to work at their best. This can keep the flavors alive over the course of a 60-70-minute smoke, especially with a strong cigar that could otherwise overwhelm some smokers.
Best whiskey types for pairing
There isn't really a single best whiskey for cigars. Like any pairing, it's about finding a good match. That can vary between different whiskeys and cigars. Some will be smoky, spicy, or sweet. Work with the personality of your favorite cigar, not against it. It's all about bringing through the flavors that are already in there.
Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky (usually spelled without an E) is some of the best in the world. With flavors of barley and hints of the peat of the Scottish hillsides, it's an untamed beverage from the Highlands wilderness with a lot to offer.
Hot and peppery, yet not harsh, a premium single malt Scotch can be an excellent companion for a hand-rolled cigar with a full body and strong flavor profile. It's not for the faint-hearted, but get your cigar and whisky pairing right, and you're in for a memorable ride.
Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey is generally sweeter than Scotch. If you're not a regular whiskey drinker, you might initially find it difficult to notice the difference, but it's there. That makes Irish whiskey a great sidekick for cigars with sweet flavors, which can make for a very pleasant smoking experience.
Bourbon
Good ol' bourbon can also be quite sweet, sometimes with a hint of chocolate, marzipan or maple. There are also a lot of options to choose from, so you could spend a lifetime exploring bourbon as a cigar pairing, without ever diving into Scotch or Irish whiskeys.
Just as cigars develop their flavors from the box or humidor they're stored in, bourbon's characteristics can be determined by the charred oak barrel in which it's aged. In both cases, you're getting a living, breathing product that will never be exactly the same again. Pairing the two together makes for an even more unique and memorable moment.
Rye
If you like spice in your cigars, try pairing them with rye, which is generally considered to be among the spicier whiskeys. It has a bold, sweet spice, with herbal flavors sometimes mixed in there, too.
Our top cigar and whiskey pairings
We've picked out three of our top cigar and whiskey pairings to get you started. We've also suggested the best whiskey for cigars on this list, from Scotch and Irish, to traditional American bourbon. But if you already have a favorite whiskey, you can stick with that, as the warmth and earthy flavors should still help to bring out the best in any top-quality cigar.
Davidoff Nicaragua Series Toro
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.5
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium-Full
Smoke Time: 55-65 minutes
The Davidoff Nicaragua Series Toro is a paradox, a Nicaraguan puro hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic. But there's nothing confusing about its flavor profile, a glorious recipe of espresso, nuts, and toasty tastes that ends on a lingering sweet note. The result feels indulgent and luxurious, like a single malt Scotch whisky. Pair the two together for even greater enjoyment.
Romeo y Julieta 1875 Exhibicion No.3
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Indonesia
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 6
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium
Smoke Time: 60-70 minutes
It will be a sad day for cigar smokers everywhere whenever Romeo y Julieta 1875 Exhibicion No. 3 goes out of production. Luckily, there's plenty of life left in this Dominican gem. With its delectable blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors, a smooth and creamy texture, and a delightfully leathery final note, it makes the perfect match for an all-American bourbon to sip by its side.
Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6.14
Ring: 52
Strength: Medium-Full
Smoke Time: 60-70 minutes
Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 is a celebration of more than 85 years of heritage and history. The expertise of AJ Fernandez, Rafael Nodal, and the Grupo de Maestros is poured into every stick. Expect a complex flavor profile containing wood, earth, cinnamon, and spice, all of which you'll find in a good whiskey, too. If you're yet to explore Irish whiskey, this is the perfect excuse to combine the unique taste of Nicaraguan tobacco with the distinctively sweeter liquor of the Emerald Isle.
Enhancing the experience
Choosing the best whiskey for cigars (or, if you prefer, the best cigars for whiskey) is only half the battle. Once you have the ingredients, you need the perfect recipe for an enjoyable cigar and whiskey pairing.
For the best results, make sure you know how to pair cigars with drinks.
Alternate between the two to moisten your palate, then let the cigar smoke roll smoothly over it. Your taste buds will come alive, and you should experience evolving flavors and aromas. Sip your whiskey slowly to avoid overwhelming the cigar.
Finally, remember the basics. Have a safe and stable surface to put your drink down on and a cigar ashtray in easy reach for when you need to knock some ash off the cherry.
It's a delicate dance but once you master the routine, you'll see what you've been missing. After that, you might never smoke a cigar without a drink in your hand again.