The joint venture of whisky and cigars

[rmill3r]

Following my introduction, I wanted to post about something more cigar-related rather than just about cigars. I'm a huge whisky nerd. I might even say whisky is my first love before cigars even

There are just a few general guidelines that I've (personally) found with pairing cigars and whisky that may not always be true:

1. Complexity of spirits tends to get lost when you pair it with a cigar. Something about cigar smoke seems to dull the aromas and flavors of most whiskies and other spirits.

2. Spirits with bold and pronounced flavors/aromas (think sherried casks and lots of peat and/or smoke) tend to work well with cigars.

3. Bourbons in general tend to work well with cigars due to their naturally heavy body and sweet flavors.

4. Light-bodied whiskies--regardless of origin--tend to become watery when paired with a cigar.

There's of course a lot more to it than that, but those are the few quick things I've come to find in my own personal experience. And also, there are always pairings that break these molds.

Some favorites of mine that I find go well with cigars are Old Weller Antique 107, W.L. Weller 12, Willett Single Barrel Rye, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Aberlour A'bunadh, Talisker Distiller's Edition, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban and Zaya 12 Year Blended Trinidad Rum.

What about you all? Whether or not it's your first choice of spirit, what would you reach for whisky-wise to pair with a cigar and why? Also, I randomly threw a rum in there at the end, so what rums go particularly well with your sticks? I am looking to try more than just whisky and rum might be the ticket!

[sengjc]

I agree on the points that you have outlined.

While a cigar can over power a whisky, I find the reverse can be true too with lighter bodied smokes.

Try ***** Whisky from the Barrel and Ron Zacapa 23 with some full bodied smokes and see what you think.

[Marker]

A'bunadh is a wonder with Bolivars. Really enjoy how they interact with each other.

[Duxnutz]

Nice post. I love wheaters like Weller too but it's annoyingly thin on the ground right now. High West Rendezvous Rye is a favourite with pretty much everything but the lightest bodied cigars.

[rmill3r]

I agree on the points that you have outlined.

While a cigar can over power a whisky, I find the reverse can be true too with lighter bodied smokes.

Try ***** Whisky from the Barrel and Ron Zacapa 23 with some full bodied smokes and see what you think.

The ***** and Zacapa are both I've been looking to try. Thanks for reinforcing that in me! haha

[rmill3r]

A'bunadh is a wonder with Bolivars. Really enjoy how they interact with each other.

This sounds great. I'll have to pair a BBF with my abunadh soon. I have Batch No. 30, but I'm not sure I like it quite as much as other batches I've had before.

[Louich]

Well I did not like the Talisker distiller ed with a Boli PC last summer. The cigar hid the profile. Last sunday I tried Jura 10yrs and a PL Encantos and I have to say it was a perfect match.

[StingMeadery]

BenRiach 25,

Ardbeg Galilleo,

Bruichladdich Golder Still...for a delicate cigar

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[Louich]

Never heard of that Bruichladdich. Some type of limited edition ? (I am a laddie ***** for those who dont know.)

[Lotusguy]

Never heard of that Bruichladdich. Some type of limited edition ? (I am a laddie ***** for those who dont know.)

It's on their website

http://www.bruichladdich.com/the-whisky/whisky-archive

[ptrthgr8]

I've recently (last 2 months or so?) become acquainted with the Lagavulin 16 and I thought it's paired nicely with any of the cigars I've smoke while enjoying a dram.

Cheers,

~ Greg ~

[StingMeadery]

Never heard of that Bruichladdich. Some type of limited edition ? (I am a laddie ***** for those who dont know.)

It's stunningly good ...and even better than the Bruichladdie Dark Arts release. Managed to snag the last two bottles in NZ. Come by for a dram

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[Louich]

I might be tempted ! Better than the black art.... Awman! Now I have to find and try some. (u fortunately our lovely state monopoly in my province probably wont get aome or triple the price...)

Thanks for the infos guys !

[winelover]

I might be tempted ! Better than the black art.... Awman! Now I have to find and try some. (u fortunately our lovely state monopoly in my province probably wont get aome or triple the price...)

Thanks for the infos guys !

Sadly i expect it will be near impossible to find outside of an auction, and then ££££££

[zepp69]

Thanks for the information.

[stargazer14]

I had my first REAL cigar/whisky experience last year

with a Monti 520 and a bottle of CAOL ILA, 21 yr (1975).

I'm not a regular whiskey drinker but I can't wait to do it again.

Now I know what everyone's been talking about.