Pairing cigars with drinks
Bourbon, Scotch, rum, coffee and beer: simple rules for matching a drink to your cigar.
A good pairing makes both the cigar and the drink taste better. There’s no wrong answer, but two simple rules will get you most of the way.
Rule one: match the weight
Pair a mild cigar with a lighter drink and a full cigar with a bigger one. A delicate Connecticut gets lost next to a cask-strength bourbon; a dark, oily Oscuro will flatten a light lager.
Rule two: complement or contrast
- Complement: match shared flavors. A Maduro’s cocoa and coffee notes with an espresso or a port.
- Contrast: set up a counterpoint. A spicy Habano with something sweet, like an aged rum.
Spirits
Bourbon. Caramel and vanilla flatter most medium cigars, especially Colorado and Habano wrappers. A big, high-proof bourbon can stand up to a Maduro.
Scotch. Light Speyside malts suit Connecticut and other mild cigars. Smoky Islay malts are bold enough for full-bodied cigars but can overpower a mild one.
Rum. Aged rum’s sweetness is one of the easiest pairings there is, especially with a spicy or earthy cigar.
Cognac and brandy. Fruity and smooth. A classic after-dinner match for a medium to full cigar.
Port. Rich and sweet. Made for Maduro and Oscuro.
Non-alcoholic
Coffee may be the most popular pairing of all. Mild cigars with a latte or cappuccino; darker cigars with black coffee or espresso.
Sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus cleans the palate between puffs and lets you taste the cigar itself.
Root beer, cola and dark soda bring sweetness that works with a Maduro.
Beer
Stouts and porters echo a Maduro’s chocolate and coffee. Brown ales and amber lagers suit medium cigars. Very hoppy IPAs can clash; try one and see.
Make it your own
Taste the drink first, then the cigar, then the two together. Take notes. And if you’re not sure where to start, tell us what you’re drinking and we’ll suggest a cigar to go with it. For the fundamentals, see New to cigars? Start here.