Are you on the hunt for the best beer and cigar pairings? Then, you’ve come to the right place. While whiskey usually steals the spotlight when it comes to enjoying your favorite cigars, beer is the unseen hero that perfectly combines with your stogies.
Thanks to the variety of flavors, aromas, and nuances, beers make a famous smoke pairing. Additionally, the fact that they’re carbonated helps to soothe and hydrate the palate preparing it to savor the cigar flavors. The drink’s effervescent, crisp texture makes it a favorite among cigar aficionados who wish to indulge in a stellar smoking experience.
However, pairing beers with cigars might seem an intimidating task. What to choose when there are so many options? What one fancies, someone else despises. And the last thing you want is your cigars to be an afterthought. That’s why in this guide, we’ll attempt to share the best beer and cigar pairings so that your favorite brew will complement the sweetness of your sticks.
Ready? Let’s go!
How to Pair Beer With Cigars?
You probably know by now that as a carbonated beverage, the beer’s bubbles help clean and refresh your palate, which lets you experience the full tastes and aromas of your cigars. What you don’t know is how to pair beer with cigars, especially with the wealth of brew flavors available. Don’t fret; we’re here to help!
Cigars and beers are made with very similar characteristics and principles. Beer brewers and cigar makers work like artisans alongside nature, manipulating ingredients to craft their unique flavors. Likewise, the outcome of their products will be influenced by the types of plants used, the climate, and the region. So when the time comes to combine the two, it all comes down to finding the sweet spot where the one doesn’t overshadow the other.
This means that your cigar flavor and strength should align with the strength and flavor of your beer. For example, if you try to combine a full-bodied, spicy cigar with a hefeweizen, you’ll contrast and even eclipse the beer’s flavors. Of course, it all comes down to personal taste, but as a general rule of thumb, try to follow these tips:
- Pair strong, full-bodied cigars with darker beers and hoppy IPAs.
- Pair medium to full-bodied cigars with medium to deep amber beers.
- Pair mellow cigars with smoother, lighter beers.
5 Best Beer and Cigar Pairings
1. Light Beer With Mellow Cigar
Starting with a category of light, deliciously drinkable beers such as American Lagers, hefeweizens, and German Pilsners. They match with milder cigars like hand-in-glove, so we highly recommend pairing them with Room 101 x Caldwell Lost & Found – Superstroke. The cigar’s citrus, molasses, and honey profile match well with the beer’s hoppy flavors and will leave your palate asking for more.
2. IPA With Medium-bodied Cigar
IPAs can be challenging to pair with cigars since they come in various flavors. So there’s not really a “one size fits all”. In addition, they tend to overpower milder cigars, while stronger cigars mask the subtler flavors present in the beverage. As a result, a medium-bodied stogie like Gurkha – Hudson Bay is the perfect match. Most IPAs have notes of citrus. Therefore, the San Andres wrapper of the Hudson Bay will add hints of sweetness that’ll vividly dance on your palate.
3. Stout With a Full-bodied Cigar
When it comes to the darkest of beers like Stout or Porter, their solid and overpowering tastes could work wonders with a full-bodied cigar. An excellent choice of cigars that match perfectly with Stout is the Folds of Honor Collection, a Sigars.com exclusive. Its robust character with coffee, leather, and cedar flavors works well with dark beers and will make for a famous smoke pairing.
4. Saison With a Fruity Cigar
Wondering what beer goes with cigars that are more fruity? Try a light and sour brew like a Saison for a premium experience. And for the best cigar with light beer, try a medium and flavorful Drew Estate Subculture – My Uzi Weighs a Ton (MUWAT). The cocoa, dry fruit, cedar, and leather profile will unveil a rich smoke to your palate as a deep series of bold yet balanced flavors unfolds. Yammy!
5. Pilsner With a Sweet Cigar
Our list of the best beer and cigar pairings would not be complete without a Pilsner combo. Pilsner is one of the most popular beers, spicier than a lager and more robust with a hoppy flavor. Pair it with an Espinosa – Comfortably Numb Vol. 2 Toro for the grooviest vibe in the perfect blend of cedar, red pepper, and toasty savoriness. With a silky flavor that’s not overbearing, it’ll become your new favorite beer and cigar match that’s not overbearing.
Time to Try Famous Smoke Pairings!
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to pairing your favorite beer with your beloved sticks. Although the combinations of brands and blends are countless, we hope this list will help you narrow down your options. Explore more flavorful cigars to pair with your brew at Sigars.com, and get your stogies delivered right to your door!
