At the risk of sounding like the cowboy who orders milk at the saloon, I must admit that I love smoking cigars while drinking sweet beverages. And there’s nothing sweeter than Hawaiian Punch. It washes away any dryness or bitterness that might be associated with the cigar and makes a smooth cigar even smoother. The downside is it’ll make you pack on the pounds!
RJoe
Ahh, my preference is a nice cold, “lighter” type beer (e.g. Corona). That said, I do think some sort of palate clensing is a must. Hence the crackers at wine tastings….Yours in smoke,
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, in a glass, straight, no ice.
If I’m out, then Crown Royal, same way.
Haven’t found a cigar yet that doesn’t pair perfectly with either one.
With my everyday cigar ice tea is my favorite side kick. With more complex cigars i drink old single malt whiskey,
remembering the three things you need in life:
a good woman
a good cigar
a good whiskey.
al
I think “pairing” for cigars is actually under estimated. Before I choose the cigar for the evening I always consider a pairing as a drink. As a rule of thumb, if i choose a strong cigar then i drink something strong like a Whiskey. If i choose a medium cigar then I go with a good Brandy. Then if the cigar is a mild cigar I normally go with a Rum. Same principle if I decide to go with a wine. If the cigar is strong and I’m going with a wine then I would choose a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. With a medium cigar i would go with a Sangiovese if choosing a red or a Chardonnay if choosing a white wine. If I go with a mild cigar I would choose Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling. Depending on a dry cigar or not i would balance it with a sweeter wine.
I also keep a journal with the cigars that I smoke. I have a leather journal and simply tape the cigar label to the top. Under the label I give my own ratings. One thing I journal about is if the cigar is “dry” or “wet”. The more the cigar makes me want to spit the higher that “spit” rating I give to it. The only reason I bring that up is that I try and balance a “dry” cigar with a “wet” pairing drink.
So, maybe the cowboy who ordered the milk knew something we over looked.
I would agree with Al, but where are you going to find a good woman? One who doesn’t mind you enjoying a cigar? They are so jealous you know.