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Cigars: Pairing With Alcohol

Author: Daniel B. Honigman

Categories: Men Shopping Cigars



Explore the perfect pairings for various types of cigars when it comes to wine, cognac, and more.


Picking the right cigar is like choosing a lover: Your tastes may change occasionally, but there’s always a time and place to enjoy the experience.

Well, maybe that’s a stretch.

Depending on the time of day—and your drink of the moment—certain stogies may tickle your fancy in a way others just can’t. But if you pair that Bud Light with a full-bodied maduro cigar, you may turn a few shades of purple if you have an empty stomach. And that green-colored, mild candela wrapper won’t stand a chance against many single malt scotches.

There’s good news: Everyone’s palate works differently, so it really doesn’t matter what you like.  Good booze can turn an ordinary cigar into an extraordinary one, bringing out flavors nobody ever knew existed. But if you find the best pairing for that Macanudo Gold is a tumbler of your finest Mountain Dew on the rocks, go right ahead.

To help point you in the right direction, however, here are some pairings that you may enjoy:

With hints of espresso, chocolate—and a bit of spice later on—the Camacho Triple Maduro is a stogie that will sprout some hairs on your chest. It’s a very complex full-bodied smoke, so we wouldn’t recommend smoking it on an empty stomach. You may want to pair this one with a pint of Guinness Stout, but if that’s too much, go with an Anchor Porter.

The El Centurion Emperadores by Don Pepin Garcia is a medium-bodied cigar with a ton of flavor. It’s a bit hard to get a hold of—Don Pepin's Tabacalera Cubana factory only made 50,000 of these babies—but if you can lay your hands on one, we guarantee you’ll enjoy it. Aged for three years, the Centurion is slightly leathery (sounds strange, but it’s a good thing), earthy and a touch spicy. It’s a nice treat with a glass of Mount Gay Extra Old Rum.

Once in a while, you really need to indulge. So why not go all out? The Martell Cordon Bleu (XO) is one of the finest cognacs commercially available, and the Ashton V.S.G. is one of the finest full-bodied cigars available. With hints of dark mocha, the Ashton is exceptionally smooth, but has the backbone to stand up to the aged cognac.

For the inner Chicagoan in all of us, there’s no greater honor than to have a drink with Da’ Coach. Or, in this case, have his drink. The Mike Ditka Cabernet Sauvignon (2004) is a surprisingly good, fairly inexpensive red. Pair it with the Los Blancos Criollo Selection for a true Windy City experience. (The Los Blancos office is based on Chicago’s North Side.) Morning smokers may enjoy the buttery Connecticut wrapper on the Rocky Patel Vintage 1999, paired with a mug of hot coffee from local chain Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea.

nearby places of interest

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.  

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.  

Sam's Wine & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey St., Chicago, IL 60614

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor.

Sam's Wine & Spirits
2010 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor. 

Sam's Wine & Spirits
1909 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor. 

Sam's Wine & Spirits
50 E Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60605

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor. 

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.  

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.  

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