Cigars And Beers: Perfect Pairing Recommendations

There are many different types of beer that can be paired with cigars, and it's all down to personal preference. However, there are some general rules to follow when choosing a beer to go with your cigar. Firstly, the flavour intensity of the cigar and the beer should match. Secondly, the beer should complement the cigar, rather than overpower it. Thirdly, the colour of the wrapper and the beer should match. Lighter beers tend to go well with milder cigars, while darker, heavier beers are better suited to full-bodied cigars. Some examples of good beer and cigar pairings include a brown ale with a CAO OSA Sol cigar, a stout with a San Cristobal Ovation cigar, and a pilsner with a Montecristo cigar.

Pairing light beers with mild cigars

When it comes to pairing light beers with mild cigars, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to remember that the cigar shouldn't be an afterthought—it should complement your beer. The goal is to find a harmonious pairing where neither the cigar nor the beer overpowers the other.

Light beers, such as pilsners, blondes, and lagers, are best paired with mild cigars. These beers have a lighter flavour profile and a crisp, refreshing taste. When selecting a mild cigar, look for those with a smooth flavour profile and notes of citrus or vanilla. The cigar's wrapper will also influence the flavour—lighter wrappers indicate a "younger" cigar, which will taste fresher and more acidic, while darker wrappers suggest a cigar that has been aged longer and will have a fuller flavour.

For a well-rounded pairing, consider the origin and ingredients of both the beer and the cigar. Beer and cigar makers alike excel at managing the relationship between their ingredients and the natural conditions they are grown in, such as seed varietals, growing regions, and climate. This attention to detail results in an infinite number of craft beers and handcrafted cigars available for unique pairings.

When it comes to specific recommendations, a Montecristo cigar is an excellent choice to pair with a pilsner. Montecristo cigars have a mild, sweet, and grassy flavour profile that complements the hops in a pilsner. Another option is a Perdomo Champagne cigar, which has notes of white pepper, coffee beans, and dried fruit. This cigar pairs well with a hefeweizen or wheat beer, as the creamy, midrange qualities of these beers complement the spice of the cigar.

Finally, remember that personal preference is key. Take the time to experiment with different light beers and mild cigars to find the pairings that you enjoy the most. Treat these recommendations as a starting point and feel free to venture out and discover your own favourite combinations.

Matching medium-bodied beers with medium-strength cigars

When it comes to matching medium-bodied beers with medium-strength cigars, there are several options to consider. The key is to find a balance where neither the cigar nor the beer overpowers the other. Here are some recommendations:

Firstly, La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor is a medium to full-bodied cigar known for its complex blend of almonds, dark cocoa, spices, black pepper, and black cherries. This cigar pairs exceptionally well with a porter, a beer similar to stout but with a lighter flavour from malted barley. The rich, well-rounded texture and slightly less intense flavour of the porter complement the cigar's medium to full-bodied profile.

Secondly, for those who enjoy a pilsner, a spicier type of lager with a light colour and strong, hoppy flavour, the Montecristo cigar is an excellent choice. Montecristo cigars offer a mild, sweet, and grassy taste that pairs beautifully with the hops in a pilsner. The Connecticut Shade wrapper of the cigar adds a silky flavour that satisfies without being overwhelming, making it a perfect match for those who prefer a mellow cigar and an easy-drinking beer.

Additionally, the Arturo Fuente Anejo is a medium-bodied cigar that is hard to come by due to its limited production. This cigar is an ideal pairing for an India Pale Ale (IPA). Anejo offers a rich, buttery sweetness derived from finely aged Dominican tobaccos and a cognac barrel-fermented Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The crisp, malty edges of a quality IPA merge seamlessly with the cigar's richness.

Lastly, the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne, a silky, medium-bodied cigar with notes of white pepper, coffee beans, and dried fruit, pairs wonderfully with a hefeweizen or wheat beer. These beers, members of the ale family, use wheat as their main ingredient and have a low to moderate alcohol content. The creamy, midrange quality of hefeweizen or wheat beer complements the spice of the cigar, creating a harmonious combination.

Combining dark, heavy beers with full-bodied cigars

Dark beers, such as stouts, porters, barley wines and other high-ABV or barrel-aged beers, are an excellent match for full-bodied cigars. The robust and creamy flavours of a stout, for example, can be perfectly matched with a cigar that has similar characteristics, such as the San Cristobal Ovation. This cigar, with its notes of cocoa, wood and leather, pairs beautifully with the roasted barley flavours of a stout, creating a harmonious and indulgent experience.

For those who enjoy a porter, a full-bodied cigar like the award-winning La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor is a perfect choice. The medium to full-bodied profile of this cigar, with its mix of almonds, dark cocoa, spices, black pepper and black cherries, resonates magnificently with the earthy and coffee-like nuances of the porter. The slightly lighter flavour of the porter ensures that the cigar's complex flavours shine through.

When it comes to barley wines, a powerful beer with a high ABV, a cigar with an equally amplified profile is in order. The Fuente Fuente Opus X, with its notes of figs, cedar, oak and spices, stands up to the strong hops or fruit flavours of a barley wine. This pairing is for those who enjoy a substantial and bold combination.

Finally, for fans of dark, heavy beers like imperial stouts or Russian imperial stouts, a full-bodied cigar with a spicy kick is a perfect match. The Davidoff Escurio, with its complex, full-bodied notes, is an excellent choice to pair with these beers. The cigar's fat set of flavours, including spice, hit in perfect rhythm with the intense flavours of the beer.

Remember, while there are general guidelines for pairing cigars and beers, the ultimate decision is a personal one. Experimentation is key, and you may discover unique combinations that delight your taste buds!

Drinking refreshing beers in hot weather

When the sun is shining, and the weather is warm, there's nothing quite like a refreshing beer to cool you down. And if you're a cigar aficionado, you might be wondering what type of beer to pair with your favourite stogie. So, grab your sun hat and a deckchair, and let's explore some perfect pairings for hot weather.

Lighter Beers for Mild Cigars

The key to a successful pairing is harmony between the cigar and the drink. When the weather is hot, you might want a lighter, more refreshing beer. In that case, reach for a pilsner, blonde, or lager, and pair it with a mild cigar. The crisp, effervescent texture of these beers will complement a milder, smoother cigar, creating a delightful duo.

Medium-Bodied Beers for Medium Cigars

If you're looking for something with a little more depth, a medium-bodied beer could be your perfect match. Try an amber ale or a pale ale, with their malty notes and moderate bitterness. These beers will find their counterpart in a medium-bodied cigar, with its balanced flavours. The cigar's earthiness will be accentuated by the beer's maltiness, resulting in a harmonious combination.

Dark Beers for Full-Bodied Cigars

For those who enjoy a rich, dark beer, a stout, porter, or barley wine could be the ideal choice on a hot day. These beers have robust flavours that can stand up to a full-bodied cigar. The complex notes of cocoa, coffee, and spices in these beers will be enhanced by the depth of flavour in a full-flavoured cigar. Think of it as a liquid dessert, perfect for a warm evening.

Experiment and Find Your Favourite

Remember, the most important thing is to find a pairing that suits your taste buds. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of beers and cigars to discover your perfect match. Whether you're sipping a crisp lager or a robust stout, there's a cigar out there that will make your hot-weather drinking experience even more enjoyable. So, sit back, relax, and savour the moment with your favourite beer and cigar pairing.

Choosing a cigar to complement a special occasion

Cigars and beer are a classic combination, and with the infinite number of craft beers and handcrafted cigars available, there is a pairing to suit every taste and occasion. The key to pairing a cigar with a beer is finding a combination where the cigar's strength and flavour profile align with the beer's. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect cigar to complement your special occasion.

Firstly, consider the colour of the cigar wrapper. Lighter wrappers indicate a "younger" cigar that has been aged for a shorter period and will often taste "fresher" or more acidic. Darker wrappers suggest a cigar that has been aged longer and will have a fuller flavour. You can match the wrapper colour with the colour of the beer or vice versa. Lighter beers tend to pair better with milder cigars, while darker, heavier beers will complement a full-bodied cigar.

Secondly, think about the cigar's tobacco and its country of origin. Filler tobaccos vary significantly and directly influence the flavours you will experience while smoking. For example, Dominican tobaccos are more mild, while Havana is more intense and full-flavoured. Nicaraguan tobaccos tend to have classic Cuban flavour and aroma.

Thirdly, pay attention to the cigar's size. Cigars come in different lengths, usually around 4 to 7 inches, and various widths called ring gauges. The ring gauge affects the flavour, with skinnier cigars producing more intense smoke and larger ring gauges offering more flavour.

Finally, remember that personal preference is key. Like craft beer, how you pair your cigar and beer is a subjective experience, so feel free to experiment to find the combinations you enjoy most.

• A Laid-Back Wedding– Try a Perdomo Champagne cigar with a Hefeweizen or wheat beer. The mild-to-medium-bodied cigar with notes of white pepper, coffee beans and dried fruit will complement the creamy, midrange quality of the beer.
• A Bachelor Party – Go for something bolder like a San Cristobal Ovation with a stout. This full-bodied, creamy cigar with notes of cocoa, wood and leather is a powerful pair with the robust flavour and dark colouring of a stout.
• An Office Party – Opt for a classic combination like a Montecristo cigar with a pilsner. The mild, sweet and grassy taste of the Montecristo is the perfect match for the hops in a pilsner.
• A First Date – Impress your date with an Arturo Fuente Anejo cigar and an IPA. This medium-bodied, buttery-sweet cigar is a rare treat that will merge seamlessly with the crisp, malty edges of an IPA.
• Celebrating a Personal Best – Mark the occasion with an Oliva Serie V cigar and a lager. The full-bodied, intense spices of the Serie V will be balanced by the crisp, refreshing profile of a lager.

Frequently asked questions