The Best Cigars to Pair With Your Scotch Whiskey
Crafting the Ideal Pairing of Scotch and Cigars
Few pleasures in life can match the serene joy of unwinding with a fine Scotch and a well-chosen cigar at day's end. With a wide array of Scotch varieties to explore, the satisfaction you derive hinges on your palate's preferences. Yet, when it comes to finding the perfect whisky to complement your cigar, there are some unique insights worth considering. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur of cigar and whisky pairings, there's always something new to uncover. Scotch can be profound, authoritative, and rich, making it a splendid companion for the finest robust cigars.
If you're new to this endeavor, a fundamental rule is that strong cigars harmonize best with robust whiskies, while milder cigars are ideally coupled with lighter whiskies, and so on. This serves as a helpful starting point when you're confronted with the choice of which cigar to accompany your whisky. Delving into the distinctions between various whisky types and familiarizing yourself with the diverse range of cigars available can be highly advantageous when making your selections.
For those embarking on their initial foray into the world of cigar and whisky pairings, we've compiled a few suggestions to kickstart your journey. Here are a few scotch and cigar pairing recommendations to help set you on your path:
Pairing Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskies with Cigars
Johnnie Walker Black (most popular scotch of 2023*) and Double Black: These blends are renowned for their rich, peaty character. To complement their smoky essence, opt for a cigar with a robust smokiness, such as the Kentucky Fire Cured by Drew Estate.
Johnnie Walker Gold: Johnnie Walker Gold exudes sweetness and smoothness akin to single malts from Speyside. Pair it with a cigar featuring a smooth, sweet maduro wrapper, like an Ashton or an Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva.
Johnnie Walker Platinum: The Platinum label presents a unique challenge with its combination of sweet Speyside and peaty, smoky Islay Scotch characteristics. For this intricate whisky, consider a full-bodied Nicaraguan maduro cigar like the Padron 1926.
Johnnie Walker Blue: Johnnie Walker Blue is a world-renowned blended Scotch, celebrated for its remarkable complexity and balance. It encapsulates the essence of all three single malt flavor profiles—sweet, smooth, and peaty. To accompany this masterpiece, opt for a Griffin's cigar. It's medium to full-bodied, smooth, and exceptionally well-balanced, making it an ideal companion to Johnnie Walker Blue's harmonious blend.
Johnnie Walker Blue stands as a distinct entity, often regarded as one of the finest blended Scotch whiskies globally. Whether you consider it a masterpiece or not, its smooth complexity and balanced flavor profile make it a unique experience. Give yourself a neat pour and then savor it alongside the Griffin's Robusto. Mild-medium in body and strength, this pairing lets the zest and flavor of the scotch shine through while allowing the soft notes of the cigar to complement the rich spirit.
Pairing Liga Privada Cigars with Monkey Shoulder Scotch (3rd most popular scotch in 2023*)
Complementary Pairing
If you're seeking a complementary pairing, consider a beverage that boasts oaky and caramel-rich qualities, aligning well with the chocolate and coffee notes of the Liga Privada. This makes Kentucky bourbons, known for their oaky and caramel characteristics, an excellent choice to harmonize with the cigar's profile.
Contrasting Pairing
On the other hand, if you prefer to contrast Liga Privada's flavor profile, opt for a beverage with bright and citrusy or creamy attributes. One intriguing choice would be Monkey Shoulder Scotch, known for its creamy texture and versatile flavor profile. Its creamy nature can provide a delightful contrast to the cigar's rich chocolate and coffee notes, creating a unique and balanced tasting experience.
In the world of cigar and spirit pairings, experimenting with both complementary and contrasting choices can unveil exciting flavor combinations and elevate your overall enjoyment. With Liga Privada cigars and Monkey Shoulder Scotch, you have the opportunity to explore the intriguing interplay between creamy Scotch and the chocolatey, coffee-rich delights of the cigar.
Glenfiddich 18 Years & Romeo and Julieta cigars
For those who prefer a sweeter, less smoky whisky, Glenfiddich's honey-like character with hints of pear and other fruits is a delightful choice. This Speyside malt complements lighter cigars such as the Romeo and Julietas, known for being Winston Churchill's favorite. The creamy, aromatic smoke complements the whisky's sweeter profile seamlessly.
Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Ashton VSG Cigars: A Perfect Pairing
Every year, aficionados eagerly await the release of the Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a product meticulously crafted through a blend of time-honored techniques overseen by the Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell. In the 2020 edition, this whisky unfolds with notes reminiscent of medicinal qualities, dark cocoa, peppercorn, and the briny essence of ocean salt. It culminates in a finish that introduces a gentle touch of honey and a hint of roasted fruit. What sets this whisky apart is its maturation process, which involves aging in charred bourbon barrels and ruby Port barriques separately, followed by a harmonious union in red wine casks for a final period of rest.
The Ashton VSG cigar, in turn, presents itself with an oily Ecuador Sumatra wrapper leaf enveloping a selection of premium aged Dominican long-fillers, carefully blended by the renowned cigar-maker, Carlito Fuente. This cigar boasts a full-bodied character that evokes flavors of cedar, leather, and espresso, all harmoniously intermingled with a just-right touch of sweetness and a rich tapestry of Dominican spices.
Indulge in a sensory journey that sets a new benchmark for the art of pairing scotch and cigars. As the lush texture and enticing aroma of the Ashton VSG take center stage, they flawlessly complement the exquisite Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, resulting in a pairing that transcends expectations and delivers a symphony of flavors and aromas that will delight your palate.
Cigars and whisky are a natural partnership, elevating each other's nuances and revealing hidden flavors. With an abundance of whiskies and cigars to choose from, your journey into this delightful realm might ignite a lifelong passion. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned aficionado, this experience will introduce you to the enduring delight of savoring a smoke while reclined in your chair, enjoying fine whisky, and sharing tales.
Cigar Strength Pairing Guide
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* https://wikiliq.org/best-scotch/
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