Whiskey and cigars go together like hand in glove. And although each one has its uniqueness, a balanced marriage aims to bring out the flavors of both worlds. I think we can all agree that when the two are combined, they make for a unique gastronomical experience.
There are many various types of whiskeys and cigar pairings, so it might be confusing at first where to start. Don’t worry! In this guide, we gathered our top suggestions for killer duos that every cigar aficionado would love. Let’s get started!
Why Do Cigars Go Well With Whiskeys?
You might have heard about better-known pairs like champagne and caviar or chardonnay and shellfish. Although whiskey and cigars are lesser-known marriages, they offer endless flavor combinations and are both meant to be savored slowly. Together they make for a premium experience of comfort and quality time with friends.
You see, whiskey and cigar pairings are all about richness, smokiness, and the essence of spice. The comfort of cigars combined with the fire of whiskey is an impeccable match. So if you’re hoping to get introduced to this exciting experience of both the tobacco and the drink, let us guide you to some all-time classic favorites!
Best Whiskey & Cigar Combos
1. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon & Mayans M.C. Gordo
Woodford Reserve has a sweet, woody scent with vanilla, tobacco, and cocoa flavors. It’s a dark-tasting liquor with enough sweetness that doesn’t become overwhelming. Its perfectly balanced vanilla flavors make for a marvelous whiskey that tantalizes the senses.
On the other hand, Mayans M.C. Gordo embodies an earthly profile of wood, chocolate, and pepper. With a mild sweet beginning, it lures you into more robust flavors, exciting your palate from start to finish.
This whiskey and cigar pairing is unlike any other. The refreshing mintiness of Woodford Reserve complements the spice and sweetness of Mayans M.C. Gordo. A divine match!
2. Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey & Black Ops Habano Churchill
This next whiskey and cigar pairing can’t be ignored for those who like their bourbon with a twist. The Bulleit Bourbon tastes dry and gives equal parts sweet and spicy. This is achieved with a balanced aroma of vanilla, oak, and honey with infused spices. At the finish line, it leaves a black cherry leather taste that’s sure to please.
The Black Ops Habano Churchill has an earthy coffee, nut, and pepper profile. Its Nicaraguan makeup makes for a bold recipe that starts with savory nuances and leads to a peppery sweetness that completes every puff. Wrapped around this masterpiece, you’ll find a dark and oily, reddish-hued Ecuador Habano wrapper.
Bulleit and Black Ops make an extraordinary match, delicious to the core. It starts with more subtle earthly flavors only to develop into a savory pairing that your tongue and nose won’t be able to ignore. The enchanting aroma of this whiskey and cigar pairing will have your senses singing before even putting it in your mouth.
3. Jura Seven Wood Single Malt Scotch & Room 101 x Pospiech – Who Shot Ya (Limited Edition)
Jura Seven Wood Single Malt Scotch is a mix of aromatic notes that lead to rich oats and chocolate-covered raisins. As you taste it, hints of menthol, strawberry, and raspberry jams start unveiling, leaving your palate with a creamy yet fresh impression. This miracle of a whiskey will surprise you with coffee flavors mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, slowly overtaken by apples, pears, and oranges. Need we say more?
On the other hand, Room 101 x Pospiech – Who Shot Ya leads you to a mysterious flavor path that flows like a lyrical masterpiece. This cigar displays leathery aromas in a bold profile with minimal veins and light texture. The noise contains oak as well as hints of spice.
Pairing the aromas and flavors of Room 101 x Pospiech – Who Shot Ya and the Jura Seven Wood Single Malt Scotch just makes sense. The bold and leathery profile of the cigar is perfectly enhanced by the floral and fruity aromatics of the whiskey. Utopia right here!
4. Midleton Very Rare 2020 Irish Whiskey & Irish Car Bomb Firecracker (Limited Edition)
The Midleton Very Rare 2020 Irish Whiskey is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy. The blend starts with an orange and pear sweetness before revealing its spice. With a touch of chilly oil for the extra heat and the flavor of charred oakiness, it makes for a premium beverage.
On the other hand, the Irish Car Bomb Firecracker is full of delicious flavors, including cream, coffee, citrus, and a hint of spice with white pepper. Starting full-bodied before transitioning into more spicy notes, you can taste its complexity on your palate.
The creamy flavor of the cigar enhances the whiskey’s flavor as you progress with each puff. This sublime match will leave you begging for more. It’s warm, it’s spicy, it’s delightful!
5. J.P. Wiser’s Rye & Folds of Honor Collection
If you’re looking for a classic whiskey to pair with your favorite cigar, J.P. Wiser’s Rye should be amongst your options. With notes of caramelized sugarcane syrup and the flavors of pear and green apple, it’s all about complexity and spice.
Then, the Folds of Honor cigar adds a smooth flavor profile of coffee, leather, and cedar. This Dominican & Nicaraguan blend is rooted in bold earthy tones allowing for a medium-bodied smoke that’ll make you feel like royalty.
Folds of Honor is an excellent way to enjoy your J.P. Wiser’s Rye Whiskey, bringing out its flavors without overwhelming it. The mildness of the medium-bodied cigar allows the whiskey to shine on your palate, making this an irresistible match.
Enjoy Your Whiskey and Cigar Pairings
Hopefully, you can start making your own whiskey and cigar pairings with this cigar pairing chart. But, at the end of the day, it’s all a matter of balance. There’s a reason why experts refuse to establish a bulleted list of the best whiskey cigar combos. It’s because everyone has a different palate, so a perfect match for one could be overwhelming for another.
Use our list of pairings for your next cigar and whiskey gift set for a loved one or yourself. At Sigars.com, you’ll find a wide selection of premium, small-batch cigars delivered right to your door. Explore our featured collections today!
