Random questions frequently asked by novice smokers and aspiring cigar connoisseurs
What's the best thing to drink while smoking my cigar?
Whatever you want - it's completely up to you...
There are a variety of beverages that pair extraordinarily well with cigars, and you'll find that many cigar enthusiasts enjoy scotch, bourbon, rum, cognac, coffee, cappuccino, and espresso. Some enjoy different types of craft beer, cocktails like martinis, daiquiris, and other mixed alcoholic beverages. Even soda - colas and Dr. Pepper-like flavors actually pair well with cigars too!
My preference of beverages to pair with my smokes (in no particular order) include coffee, single malt scotch, bourbon, Irish whiskey, and port. I almost always drink coffee or cappuccino in the mornings while smoking - and since I commute about 45 minutes to an hour every morning, there's no better pairing! My favorite coffee flavors are French vanilla, hazelnut, and cinnamon. Oh, and the holiday lattes from Starbuck's (gingerbread latte and egg nog latte) are friggin' phenomenal with a cigar! During my commute in the evening, I'll drink a Pepsi with my smoke; but once I get home (or if I go to a bar/lounge), it's single malt scotch, Irish whiskey or bourbon all the way.
I have a fraternity brother who visits Brazil quite frequently. He told me a story that he was smoking at some outdoor cafe sipping on some scotch when an elder aficionado questioned his pairing choice. The older gentleman informed him that a good glass of wine is the only thing he should pair with his smoke (well, that was pretty damn bold and close-minded). Many years ago, I would only sip a good vintage port with my smoke; however, after hearing this story, I recently tried a great Chilean cabernet sauvignon (I only do reds) with a fantastic full-bodied Nicaraguan puro and the pairing was incredible!
When reviewing cigars, I only drink water or seltzer which are unflavored and keep my palate clean, allowing me to focus on identification of the flavors of my smoke.
Now I am no sommelier, nor can I suggest cigar pairings based on flavor profiles; however, I WILL suggest that you stay open to try various beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) with your cigars and have a ton of fun with it - you never know what you'll discover!
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Questions? Hit me up via e-mail at malik@smokeasy.net, on Twitter (@smokeasyblog), or on my Facebook page (Smokeasy).