Pictures of the wealthy and prestigious drawing on a excellent stogie while swirling a glassful of smooth cognac have been burned into people’s awareness through movies and TV, making cigars a luxury. If you would like to loosen up with a fine stogie and a fine beverage after work, and are unsure of how to do it properly, then he’re a few helpful suggestions.
Rum, brandy, whisky, and other strong drinks have traditionally been associated with cigar smoking. It is argued that a strong drink, with a subtle hint of sweetness, should always be paired with a fine cigar. Indeed, cigar smokers have long enjoyed these popular pairings but for years, the idea of pairing cigars with beer has gone overlooked. However, beer should not be overlooked as a substitute for strong drink, and lately the trend has been to pair cigar with a variety of different brews. In fact, it seems that this democratization and popularization of cigars has entered the mainstream, and what better way to enjoy it then to pair if with a good fine beer?
However, let it be known that pairing a fine cigar with a fine beer is not easily accomplished, but is well worth the effort when done. Much of the pairing has to do with your experience level so if you are a novice, you will probably need help in pairing your specific cigar with an appropriate beer. If you have obtained a more experienced palate, however, then you can probably make the appropriate connections between specific types of cigars and beers.
Due to the fact that cigars are very strong and flavorful, it is often a challenge to find a beer that complements the intensity of most cigars. Most cigars will pair nicely with a good barley wine or a single malt scotch. If your favorite cigar is described as spicy, woody, with a hint of cedar, try complementing it with a barley wine. The spicy flavor of your cigar should complement beautifully with the fruity hint of barley wine. The combination of a spicy cigar with a slightly fruity beer can create an overall creaminess that enhances the flavors of each significantly.
If you are clueless as to which flavor combos could work, then go and experiment, but first find a cigar that you enjoy. Attempt to identify the traits that you enjoy most about the cigar, and then find a nice brew whose flavors you believe may ‘match’ or complement the cigar. A great deal of fantastic combinations have been discovered in this very same way.