Bourbon/Cigar Pairings

[DrinkyBanjo]

Never heard of these before, I'll check it out.

[gr8erdane]

I seem to recall that the Diamond Crowns were created by Fuente as well for western states that didn't usually get included in the distribution of Opus X. I'm not sure that is still the case as I found Opus Xs in Colorado Springs a couple of years ago, but the DCs are all large ring guage if that's what you prefer. I've tried their newer offering the Diamond Crown Maxximus and find the original more enjoyable. BTW, both are pretty pricey for non-puros but they epitomize (sp?) the narrowing gap between puros and the rest of the market.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

I don't really recognize the brands that you guys talk about since I don't see them on the shelf here. What do you pay for a good mid shelf cigar? Top shelf? I like coronas or larger for the most part. I am going to be in the States in a week or so. I am not going to be bringing anything with me so I want to know what I will be spending.

[DrinkyBanjo]

What I would consider a 'good' cigar will be about $5-$7. I would say anythign over $10 top shelf.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

What I would consider a 'good' cigar will be about $5-$7. I would say anythign over $10 top shelf.

Thanks.

Ed

[TimmyBoston]

Recently I've gotten into pipes and I find that a pipe makes a much better companion to a snifter of bourbon over a cigar, IMO. Particularly Virginia tobacco. Latakia blends will be too smoky, but go very well with peaty Scotches. Cigars are wonderful, but for me with the exception of Tribute, Stagg and Pappy 15 none of my bourbons can hold up to a cigar without being overpowered and being given an astringent taste. Now, once in a while I enjoy quality European cigarettes like Dunhill, now I don't recommend that with any bourbon at all. The smoke is too strong and it deadens the tongue.

Recently I acquired some Rattray Marlin Flake (a virginia tobacco tinned by a Danish tobaccoist)at my local tobacco shop, It's also available online, it pairs better with bourbon than any tobacco product (pipe or cigar), I've ever tried, by a huge amount.

[TimmyBoston]

it's almost a sensory overload as the two outstanding choices seperately are enough to eliminate "whiskey dick" but together are like turbo-Viagra.....

Is an that Opus X in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

[mythrenegade]

I really like Eagle Rare 10yo with a cigar. I can drink it neat with a cigar, but without a cigar I tend to drop in ice, which is my preferred method of consumption for bourbon. I also really like the complexity of Elijah Craig 18yo with a cigar. They blend very, very nicely.

Wild Turkey can be harsh with a cigar in my experience. Didn't stop me from finishing the bottle though in a few weeks of roasting coffee (I usually pair cigars and bourbon while sitting in front of a coffee roaster roasting coffee for our church coffee shop. Really.)

Woodford Reserve was completely overpowered by a cigar, NOT recommended. Oddly, I really like ETL but don't find it to be a good cigar companion. I don't think I ever tried the EC12 with a cigar, so I can't comment on that. Ditto Knob Creek & Pappy Van Winkel 20yo.

Lastly Maker's Mark seems to do better than the WR with a cigar, but it is not my preferred pour when smoking. It is probably my "standard pour" when I am not smoking, however.

As for cigars, I really like H.Upmann cigars, although I also enjoy Montecristos and a few powerful smokes (I usually smoke a robusta or a big double corona, no matter what the brand). I do not have the money to buy things like Fuente Opus X, so I don't. My favorite cigars, unfortunately, are cuban montecristos. I have had cuban cohibas and another brand I don't remember, and the montecristos are my favorite. I really wish my favorite cigars were not cubans, because they are expensive and unobtainium in the US...

Joel

[boss302]

I've been experimenting recently. I like my bourbon, but I'm new to cigars. That doesn't keep me from picking a few pairings that I thought worked really well, however...

My favorite cigars, currently, are the Ashton cabinet series. I've had cabinets 6, 7, and 8. All have been aged 4-5 years, and all have that older, more mature flavor. These are lighter, smoother cigars, IMHO, and pair particularly well with Blanton's. I've tried them with Knob Creek and Baker's, but found both too sweet. Booker's was simply overpowering. Russells' Reserve 10-year (the more recent one-- I never had a taste of the previous release) also paired rather well. Generally, I'm looking for bourbons that have a mature taste, with a balance of wood, spice, and a touch of sweetness. I might even try my Eagle Rare 17-year with an Ashton Cabinet Series at some point.

I'm not specifying cabinets, as I can't really tell the difference between them yet, but they all have a similar general flavor.

I also like Ashton's Maduros, which are dark and sweet. Therefore, I found they pair very well with Baker's and Knob Creek, which are both strong, dark, and sweet. Both have more than enough body to not be overpowered by the cigar. I have been thinking about trying a maduro with my new bottle of Ezra B. 12-year...

I diverge from the cigar mainstream when I pick a Carlos Torano (can't remember the exact series, the tobaccanist helped select it), which is a spicier, more peppery cigar. Basil Hayden's was my first guess, and it worked out rather well, though the bourbon seemed a little light in body. I'm guessing Old Grand-Dad 114 might pair a little more closely.

[Russellc]

I second the Opus X and Pappy 20 yr old. I recently smoked my last 2 Opus X.....Next best thing to me is the Fuente Don Carlos....Then something in the Hemmingway line, either the short story, or the signature.

Russellc