5 Best Cigar and Wine Pairings

Normally, when people think of pairing cigars with beverages, spirits like brandy, rum, cognac, and whiskey often steal the spotlight. However, the world of cigar and wine pairings is something waiting to be explored. Because wines, like cigars, offer a wide range of styles, flavors, and textures, they make them great companions and offer a rich and flavorful smoking experience. While personal tastes may vary, having a starting point for these pairings can be helpful. Here, we present a roadmap of some of the finest cigar and wine pairings:

1. Syrah and Cohiba Esplendidos

Syrah wines are known for their richness, aromatics, and high alcohol content and can be perfectly paired with Cohiba Esplendidos cigars. Syrah has a bold, full-bodied flavor, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

And, Cohiba Esplendidos, with its strong notes of cherries, salted caramel, and baked apples, goes beautifully with the peppery black fruit jam common in Syrah wines. 

2. Malbec and La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse

Malbec wines are known for their smooth and chocolatey profiles and possess hints of pomegranate, plum, and raspberry, along with a delightful peppery finish. These complex flavors make them an ideal match for La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse cigars.

These Nicaraguan cigars are made from select tobaccos harvested across three different regions in Nicaragua, and offer a pleasant, earthy flavor with cocoa undertones, echoing the very essence of Malbec wines.

3. Chardonnay and Pilotico Pepe Mendez

Chardonnay wines, known for their light and crisp character, have flavors that remind one of lemon, apple, pineapple, or papaya, depending on the vintage. Besides, Oaked Chardonnays add a touch of vanilla too, making them a perfect companion for medium-bodied cigars like the Pilotico Pepe Mendez.

These cigars exhibit a woody flavor profile with hints of cedar and white pepper, aligning beautifully with both oaked and unoaked Chardonnays. The delicate chemistry of flavors creates an experience that is perfect for a relaxing evening of cigar and wine appreciation.

4. Cabernet Sauvignon and Romeo y Julieta Eternal

Sometimes, you can pair a complex cigar with an equally intricate wine without overwhelming your palate. Such is the case when you pair a Cabernet Sauvignon with a Romeo y Julieta Eternal cigar. Cabernet Sauvignon wines offer a full-bodied taste profile with notes of spice, vanilla, dark fruits, and tobacco.

Romeo y Julieta Eternal cigars, with their blend of rare and aged tobaccos, bring flavors of baking spices, honey, fruit, and pepper. The combination feels as though it was crafted specifically for each other, and makes it memorable.

5. Dry Riesling and Bolivar Belicosos Finos

The Bolivar Belicosos Finos, a classic Cuban cigar with intense and overpowering flavors, requires a thoughtful wine pairing. Rather than opting for a robust red wine, which might clash with its strength, a dry Riesling, especially from southern Germany, is a more fitting choice.

Dry Rieslings offer a fresh, acidic profile with strong notes of zesty lemon and pineapple. Their intensity superbly juxtaposes with the bold Bolivar Belicosos Finos.

For a Lighter Touch:

• Pair Arturo Fuente Hemingway a Pinot Noir or Grenache with their earthy, spicy, and brown sugar notes
• Ashton Cabinet’s toasty nut and buttery toast flavors go well with a smoky Sauvignon Blanc or creamy Chardonnay.

Medium to Full-Bodied Enjoyment:

• La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse perfectly complements Merlot, spicy Malbec, or fruity Tempranillo.
• Rocky Patel Decade’s earthy, cedar, and spice notes match with Merlot or Malbec, especially those with caramel undertones.
• Perdomo Champagne Noir’s rich spices and dark chocolate notes shine with Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, or silky Port.

For a Fuller Cigar Experience:

• San Cristobal, with its flavors of black cherries, dark chocolate, and spices can be paired with a bold Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, or peppery Syrah.
• Ashton VSG’s rich Ecuador Sumatra wrapper sings with Bordeaux, Cabernet, or Syrah, especially those boasting dark fruit flavors like black currant.
• Oliva Serie V aligns with spicy Cabernet or Bordeaux, enhancing their profiles.
• My Father has notes of cedar, cayenne, and tobacco which complement full-bodied Bordeaux, Cabernet, or spicy Malbec.

Now that we've explored five popular cigar and wine pairings, let's dive into some essential tips to enhance your cigar and wine-tasting experience:

1. Know Your Palate: Understanding your palate is crucial. Are you drawn to bold and robust flavors, or do you prefer milder flavors and more delicate sensations? Knowing your preferences will help you select the perfect combination.
2. Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different cigar and wine combinations. The world of cigar and wine pairings is vast, and there are no strict rules. Explore various combinations to discover your personal favorites.
3. Consider the Occasion: The setting and occasion can influence your pairing choices. A lively celebration may call for a bold combination, while a quiet evening of relaxation may be better suited to a milder pairing.
4. Balance is Key: Strive for balance in your pairings. A cigar should not overpower the wine and vice versa. The goal is to create an experience where both elements complement each other.
5. Take Your Time: Savor each sip and puff. Allow the flavors to linger on your palate, and take note of how they evolve throughout the tasting. 
6. Temperature Matters: Ensure your wine is served at the appropriate temperature. Reds are typically served slightly below room temperature, while whites and sparkling wines are best chilled.