Pictures of the wealthy and prestigious drawing on a respectable stogie while swirling a glassful of smooth brandy have been burned into people’s awareness through movies and television, making cigars a luxury. If you’re just getting interested in cigars and would like to unwind with a stogie and beverage after a hard day’s work, here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
Traditionally, the cigar has been paired with a strong drink with popular spirits that include: rum, brandy, or whiskey. Many connooisseurs argue that a fine cigar should always be coupled with a strong drink with a subtle hint of sweetness. The idea of pairing cigars with beer has been overlooked, in place of the popular tradition of pairing cigars with a strong, fine drink. However, beer should not be overlooked as a substitute for strong drink, and lately the trend has been to pair cigar with a variety of different brews. In fact, it seems that this democratization and popularization of cigars has entered the mainstream, and what better way to enjoy it then to pair if with a good fine beer?
Pairing a good cigar with a good beer is not an easy feat, but when accomplished, it is well worth the effort. Much of the pairing has to do with your experience level so if you are a novice, you will probably need help in pairing your specific cigar with an appropriate beer. If you have obtained a more experienced palate, however, then you can probably make the appropriate connections between specific types of cigars and beers.
Because cigars are so strong and flavorful, one of the challenges in pairing is to find a beer that complements the intensity of most cigars. Many cigars can be complemented with a good wine or a quality whiskey. Try coupling your cigar with a barley wine if the cigar is described as spicy, woody, and with a hint of cedar. The spicy flavor of your cigar should complement beautifully with the fruity hint of barley wine. The combination of a slightly fruity beer with a spicy cigar should created a tasty creaminess that enhances the flavors of each significantly.
If you have no clue as to what flavor combinations might work, then why not experiment but first find a cigar that you enjoy. Find out which characteristics and flavors you enjoy most about the cigar, and then attempt to ‘match’ it with a brew that fits the bill. Many incredible discoveries have been made in much this same way.