Smoking a handcrafted cigar while drinking high-quality spirits is an out-of-world experience that can only be described by those who have engaged in it. By combining the aroma of a natural aged tobacco with good liquor, you get to improve the taste and flavor of both.

Below, you’ll get to explore how you can pair handcrafted cigars with fine spirits.

Comprehending How to Pair Cigars and Spirits

Before you begin to pair cigars and spirits, you need to check out the strength and flavor of both. The best pairings have to balance and complement the other’s features.

First, the strength of the cigar has to match that of the spirit. If you’re taking a full-bodied cigar, you need to go with a vigorous spirit. If the cigar is mild, you’ll need a lighter spirit.

Second, you have to consider flavors that complement each other in both. Scotch goes best with cigars that possess earthy flavors while creamy cigars go well with top-notch bourbons.

Workable Pairings

Cigars and Whiskey

Whiskey is one of the best spirits that go well with cigars since it comes with a wide range of flavors. An Islay Scotch which has peaty flavors can go with a full-bodied cigar.  On the other hand, a medium-bodied cigar goes best with a Speyside Scotch with a fruit and honey flavor.

The best choice of spirit for a spicy cigar is a bourbon since it comes with touches of vanilla and caramel.

Cigars and Rum

The best pairing for an aged rum with touches of tropical fruit is a well-aged cigar. If the rum is dark and rich, it’ll flow perfectly with a medium-bodied cigar. If you’re taking spiced rum, it’d be best to smoke a robusto cigar.

How to Create the Ideal Pairing Experience

The fact remains that there are no laid-down rules for pairing cigars with spirits. If you enjoy experimenting, you can try out different combinations to find out what you like best. Nevertheless, you need to ensure that you savor the experience to get the most out of your combos.

Another factor that can influence the experience is the setting you’re in. Taking the same combination in different settings could have different effects. You need to test different combinations depending on whether you’re trying to relax or celebrate.

Also, you have to be sure about what you intend to get from your pairing. Are you trying to highlight the cigar’s flavor sweetness or draw the spice from the spirit? You have to go with your pairing to get the best out of the experience.