Bourbon & Cheap Cigars...

[bayouredd]

When I have time and am socializing, I don't mind spending a few bucks on a good Cuban or the like. I have only done this with beer; goto or craft. However, when I just need a smoke, I just go with a mini Swisher Sweet. Heck, I even smoke those "It's A Boys" that new Dad's pass out & most people throw away.

What I have noticed though, is that those cheap cigars, absolutely kill the taste of bourbon for me. This has happened every time but one & I wish I could remember which taste pulled through. I think it was either the ER10 or the ECSB. I don't smoke in the house so, I was grilling at the time, which let's some of my choices off of the hook. I do know that it has killed Mich10, Blanton's & OFBB.

 

I am looking for the gallery opinions on why. Do you think that it is the cheap smoke, my personal palate or certain bourbons?

[Vosgar]

STAY AWAY FROM THE CHEAP CIGARS!!! They're cheap for a reason, and if you expect to have an enjoyable experience pairing one with bourbon (or with anything for that matter) it's probably not going to happen.......especially with flavored cigars.

 

Personally, when having a new-to-me cigar, I'll usually stick with FRYL or BT since they won't over power the cigar and I can find out what I really think about it. If I like it, then the next time it'll be with whatever whisk(e)y sounds good at the moment. About the only thing I try not to do is have a high powered cigar with a high powered bourbon. Too much fighting between them for superiority!

 

As always, when it comes to personal preferences.....YMMV. 

[GaryT]

If you're going for "value", you need to look for solid, wood-tipped quality smokes (not that cheap plastic crap)  

 

For me - a smoke doesn't enhance bourbon.  It masks some of the finer points for sure and seems to tamp the sweetness - to the point where I could be drinking EWBL or something much nicer and not really enjoy the difference.  I do find that a smokey Scotch pairs better for my liking, as the cigar tends to act like a filter of sorts (already having the "smoke" all over my palate, it helps bring out other flavors that might be subtly hiding beneath the smoke otherwise). 

 

As Gary wisely stated - YMMV.  Try different things and see what works for you (and what works might work differently from one night to the next, so I know it sounds like a lot of work - but you'll need to try multiple times . . . it's tough but someone's gotta do it!)

[bayouredd]

Both great answers & in the ballpark of what I was looking for. I don't mind the science of figuring out pairing and what works. It's what pulls me into whatever hobby I pick in my old age.