Why do Scotch and cigars pair so perfectly together? There are plenty of ways to enjoy either of them, but many aficionados say that a good Scotch and cigar pairing is their idea of heaven. Both Scotch and cigars are known for their complex, intense flavors, plus they’re both best enjoyed when savored slowly. Even with a moderate budget, it’s possible to put together the perfect Scotch and cigar pairing for just about any taste.
Another thing that Scotch and cigars have in common: quality matters. This may sound like an obvious statement, but a pairing is only as good as its components. If you pair a budget Scotch with a cigar bought at a gas station, it’ll probably be an underwhelming experience. However, notice that it’s quality that matters, not necessarily price. It’s possible to find top-notch Scotch or cigars at fairly reasonable prices; you just have to know where to look. For example, a Total Wine store would have a much better selection of Scotch (at various price points) compared to the local liquor store. As for cigars, the smartest option is to go to a cigar shop, or browse online stores like Renegade Cigars. If you’re buying cigars at a place that isn’t dedicated to cigars, you could probably be doing a lot better.
There’s more to a good pairing than matching strength to strength
Whether you’re pairing Scotch with cigars, wine with cheese, or meat with sauce, you typically start out with one half of the pairing, and let it lead you to the other half. You could start out with either a Scotch or a cigar, but let’s say that you already have your favorite Scotch on hand, and you want to find a great cigar to go along with it. The first step would be analyzing the Scotch’s flavors and level of intensity. Is it smoky and peaty, or buttery and floral? Does the taste linger on the palate long after taking a sip, or does it dissipate quickly? Try to identify the characteristics that you want the cigar to enhance.
Once you’ve figured out what you’re working with, it’s time to find the right cigar. If you’re visiting a physical cigar store, ask the attendants about cigars that have some of the same characteristics as your Scotch. From buttery and mild to spiced and oaky, cigars can have a surprising amount of overlap with Scotch. If you’re shopping online, you’ll be able to read the tasting notes for each one.
Here’s the catch, though: it isn’t always as simple as matching flavors or other key characteristics. Some experts say that this strategy lacks nuance. Either you get strong flavors that compete with instead of complement each other, or you get mild flavors that are flat and uninspiring. This is why putting a pairing together is so subjective; you’re ultimately the only person who can decide what you like. It’s possible to outline the best ways to find a great Scotch and cigar pairing, but you might start experimenting and surprise yourself with an unlikely combination.
Suggestions for Scotch and cigar pairings
If you want to become a pro at pairing Scotch with cigars, you’ll have to do a fair amount of experimenting on your own. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t follow some expert recommendations in the meantime.
- Bowmore 15 Year x My Father Le Bijou 1922
Bowmore 15 hails from the Islay distillery. Thanks to the time it spent aging in Oloroso sherry casks, the Scotch has notes of apricot, honey, black licorice, and gingerbread spice. It’s a peaty and potent blend that goes well with the Le Bijou 1922. This cigar is one of My Father’s more intense releases, with aromas of coffee beans, spices, and black pepper. The spices in the Scotch blend well with the spices in the cigar, while the remaining flavors are similarly deep and complex.
- Dalmore 12 Year x Rocky Patel Decade
Dalmore 12 is aged for nine years in American white oak casks that were previously used for bourbon; then half of it is aged for three years in barrels that previously contained Oloroso sherry. It’s sweet without being malty, and has hints of sherry with citrus and marzipan. This flavor profile matches really well with the Rocky Patel Decade, which has notes of black cherries, almond, and spices. The silky Scotch pairs perfectly with the cigar’s peppery, medium- to full-bodied profile.
- High West Campfire x Oliva Serie V Melanio
The complexity of these two items is such that you’ll have a rollercoaster of an experience. This whiskey isn’t a true Scotch, but rather a combination of blended malt Scotch, bourbon, and rye whiskey. It starts out sweet, then spices move to the forefront; the finish is smoky and smooth. The evolving flavors perfectly complement the Oliva Serie V Melanio, which displays similar changes in aroma and taste. It begins with a kick from the Ecuador Habano tobacco, which is replaced by sweetness and leather from the Jalapa filler. The taste is rich and complex, but also smooth, just like the whiskey.
- Glenlivet 18 and Ashton Aged Maduro
As one of the most well-known single malts in the world, the Glenlivet 18 is the gold standard for single malt Scotch. The texture is silky and light, with notes of almond, chocolate, and leather that form the perfect balance of sweet and mellow flavors. The Ashton Aged Maduro has a similar balance of aromas, with notes of coffee, chocolate, molasses, and black pepper. Even with those dark and intense flavors, though, it still has a creamy sweetness that softens the medium-bodied cigar. Both the Scotch and the cigar offer complexity that’s still approachable, and an experience that can be enjoyed by aficionados and novices alike.
The takeaway
When the right Scotch is paired with the right cigar, you can practically see the sparks fly. Whether you prefer sticking to expert recommendations, or you’d rather try to find your own magical combinations, there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy yourself immensely along the way.
About the author
Cathy is one of blacktialnyc.com founders. As an owner of multiple bars in the last 17 years, Cathy brings her experience into her writings, to educate our tasty readers.
