The Over Exciting Cigars and Alcohol

Cigars have been viewed as a luxury item, because of pictures represented through TV and movies of wealthy and powerful males puffing on a stogie while swirling a glass of fine wine. If you are just growing interested in cigars and wish to unwind with a stogie and beverage after a long day’s work, here are a few hints to get you started up.

Traditionally, strong drinks such as brandy, whiskey, and rum have been associated with cigars. It is argued that a strong drink, with a subtle hint of sweetness, should always be paired with a fine cigar. Although these pairings of drink and cigar have been popular for many years, the idea of pairing cigars with beer has been overlooked. 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?

However, let it be known that pairing a fine cigar with a fine beer is not easily accomplished, but is well worth the effort when done. 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. For those of the more experienced palate, you probably know what you’re doing and can make the appropriate fusion of fine cigar with quality beer.

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. If your favorite cigar is described as spicy, woody, with a hint of cedar, try complementing it with a barley wine. The woody flavor of your cigar should complement deliciously with the fruity taste of barley wine. The combination of a spicy cigar with a slightly fruity beer can create an overall 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. Attempt to identify the traits that you enjoy most about the cigar, and then find a nice brew whose flavors you believe may ‘match’ or complement the cigar. In this same way, some of the best complements of beer and cigar have been discovered.