The Art of Pairing Cigars with Drinks: How It Enhances the Smoking Experience

October 1, 2024

There’s something magical about pairing cigars with the right drink—each puff and sip enhancing the other. Whether you’re enjoying a morning smoke with coffee or relaxing with a bourbon after dinner, the right pairing takes the experience to a whole new level. This fall, let’s dive into some of the best pairings you can enjoy as the seasons change.

Coffee Pairing: A Morning Ritual

For many, cigars and coffee are the perfect start to the day. The rich, bold flavors of both complement each other in a way that elevates the experience. For lighter roasts or espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos, we suggest pairings with a medium-bodied cigar. The nuttiness and smoothness of a latte can harmonize beautifully with a creamy cigar like the Crowned Heads Luminosa or the Warped La Colmena, bringing out subtle flavors while keeping the experience mellow.

For those who prefer darker, more robust coffee, such as an americano or a bold espresso, a stronger cigar is in order. Something like the RoMa Craft CroMagnon Aquitaine can hold its own with the deep coffee flavors, providing a balanced, satisfying pairing.

Bourbon Pairing: A Classic Combo

Bourbon and cigars are a timeless pairing, with their rich flavors and complexities perfectly matching the depth of a good smoke. We’ve explored this pairing in-depth before, highlighting how different types of bourbon can bring out various notes in your cigar.

For those who enjoy straight bourbon, cigars like the Aladino Vintage Reserve or Caldwell Long Live the King provide a bold yet balanced profile that stands up to the caramel and oak of the bourbon. Wheated bourbons pair wonderfully with cigars like the Warped GR-88 or Emilio Grimalkin, as their smoother, softer flavor notes are complemented by the cigar’s sweetness and spice.

When it comes to rye bourbon, with its spicier kick, you want a cigar that can match its intensity. The Dapper La Madrina or Crowned Heads La Vereda are excellent choices, with rich and earthy tones that enhance the peppery finish of a rye bourbon. And for something really special, try pairing small-batch bourbon like Garrison Brothers with cigars such as the Apostate Deseret or Plasencia Cosecha 151. The nuanced flavors of both the bourbon and cigars will create a complex, indulgent experience.

Spiced Cider & Hot Chocolate: Seasonal Comfort

As fall sets in and temperatures drop, warm drinks like spiced cider and hot chocolate become irresistible companions for cigars. Spiced cider, with its cinnamon, clove, and apple notes, is an unexpected but delightful pairing with cigars that have a sweet or slightly spicy profile. A cigar like the Black Label Trading Co. Santa Muerte, which we’ll be pairing with Mexican Hot Chocolate at our upcoming event, works perfectly with both drinks. The balance of spices and creamy cocoa from the hot chocolate brings out the warmth and complexity in the cigar’s profile.

The comforting sweetness of hot chocolate can also bring out hidden flavors in a spicier, bolder cigar. Try pairing your hot chocolate with something like the Patina Cigars Sumatra for a cozy, indulgent experience that’s perfect for a cool fall evening.

Fall Beers: A Festive Pairing

Fall is the season of hearty, spiced beers that reflect the changing colors of the leaves. Think Oktoberfest-style brews, amber ales, and pumpkin beers—all with a warming, slightly sweet flavor profile that makes them great companions for a smoke.

For these beers, you’ll want a cigar with a bit of richness to it but not too overpowering. The
Foundation Charter Oak Broadleaf pairs beautifully with many fall beers, its earthiness and sweet undertones balancing out the malty, spicy flavors in the beer. For something bolder, the Oscar Valladares 2012 Corojo is another excellent choice, with its deep complexity standing up to the full-bodied flavor of many seasonal brews.

Whether you’re sipping a crisp amber or a spiced pumpkin ale, a well-paired cigar can elevate your fall drinking experience, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Finding Your Perfect Pairing

Pairing cigars with the right drink is an art that enhances both the smoking and sipping experience. Whether it’s coffee in the morning, bourbon in the evening, or a warm drink on a cool fall day, the key is finding a balance where both the cigar and the drink shine.

Next time you light up, take a moment to think about what you’re drinking and how it complements your cigar. Explore the rich possibilities that come from these thoughtful pairings. After all, cigars aren’t just about smoking—they’re about the experience, the atmosphere, and the moment you create with each puff and sip.

Ready to find your perfect pairing? Stop by for one of our upcoming events, or check out our carefully curated cigar selection that’s perfect for pairing with your favorite fall drinks.