Events, Dining Travis Jones Events, Dining Travis Jones

Finding that Perfect Romance Between Cigar and Spirit!

The cigar culture is alive and thriving here at Bella Collina. Some would say no activity pairs better with a good smoke than a day out on the links. But when it comes to pairing your favorite cigar with a Wine, Beer or Spirit, some don’t know where to begin.

The cigar culture is alive and thriving here at Bella Collina. Some would say no activity pairs better with a good smoke than a day out on the links. But when it comes to pairing your favorite cigar with a Wine, Beer or Spirit, some don’t know where to begin.

I like to tell people who are pairing drinks with cigars to simply match the body of the beverage to the body of the cigar. For example, a light-bodied cigar will go well with some white wines, young reds like Pinot Noir or blended scotches. Medium-bodied smokes are great with Craft Beers like IPAs and Stouts, or Irish Whiskeys, Scotch, spiced Rums, American bourbons, Cognac and Ports. Full-bodied smokes are a perfect match with Peaty Islay and heavier Highland Single Malts, or a dense Bordeaux Blend.

Pairing cigars with wines and spirits is just one part of the equation. Cocktails can make for great pairings, too. Try a Mojito or Moscow Mule with a light cigar and see where it takes you. A Tequila Sunrise with a nice oaky Anejo Tequila might really surprise your taste buds when paired with a sweet wrapper like a Maduro.

In the end, your taste is the final judge as to what works. If the two complement each other and nothing is over-powered you have yourself a match! Have fun testing out different smoke and drink combinations and develop your own perfect pairings.

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