The timeless ritual of enjoying spirits and cigars in tandem has witnessed a resurgence in popularity in the UK over the past few years. An array of events now grace the British social calendar, focusing on harmonising specific whiskies with particular cigars, all while delving into the delightful world of flavour combinations. If you’ve ever contemplated the idea of pairing spirits and cigars, we’re here to guide you towards the perfect matches you can savour with colleagues or friends.

Whether you’re considering the coupling of cigars with whisky, beer, champagne, or any spirit, even seasoned cigar aficionados and spirits connoisseurs can sometimes find themselves baffled when it comes to selecting the ideal libation to complement their cherished cigar. Indeed, the art of pairing cigars and spirits often appears as an enigma. Yet, like most mysteries, it can be deciphered, and the solution is right on the tip of your tongue. It’s simply a matter of mastering the art of tasting.

Your innate tasting abilities are routinely employed when you select the dressing for your salad or decide which wine will accompany your dinner. Your palate communicates what is right for you. The more you rely on your sense of taste, the more refined it becomes. This is precisely how professional cigar makers and whiskey distillers develop their expertise.

Consider this: a master cigar blender can pluck a single tobacco leaf and, through a combination of smelling and smoking it, can discern the type of tobacco, pinpoint its place of origin, and gauge how far it has progressed in the fermentation or ageing process. Similarly, a master distiller can “nose” a sample of whiskey drawn from a barrel and disentangle the aromas into a myriad of flavours. They can even ascertain its proof. Cigar masters and master distillers earn their “master” title for a reason—they dedicate years to honing their skills, and tasting is unequivocally one of those skills. Fortunately, like learning to smoke a cigar like a pro, mastering the art of tasting can be acquired through learning.

Few experiences are as gratifying, from a palate-pleasing perspective, as pairing your favourite cigar with a well-suited libation. Some quintessential pairings with cigars include cognac, single-malt whisky, bourbon, rum, and port. Except for tequila, most white spirits like vodka and gin fall short, as the cigar often overpowers their delicate nuances.

However, there are exceptions to every rule. Some red wines, champagne, and certain beers can also form delightful companions for cigars. The key criterion is to avoid one overpowering the other. Picture this – a leisurely pint of London Pride and a cigar by the tranquil Thames; sometimes, unexpected pairings can yield remarkable results.

Indulge in some of the finest pairings you’ll ever experience. First, we have the delightful Dalmore Cigar Malt Whisky and Partagas Serie D No.4. This combination is a testament to balance. The whisky’s silky notes of honey and ripe autumn fruits complement the creamy, chocolatey essence of the cigar. As you savour this duo, you’ll discover a delightful interplay where the whisky’s summer spice gracefully dances with the herbal, earthy undertones of the cigar, especially evident in the final two-thirds of your smoke.

Now, let’s delve into the world of fine spirits with the captivating Glenfiddich 15-year-old Solera Reserve and the exquisite Romeo y Julieta Exhibition No.4. This remarkable pairing comes highly endorsed by the connoisseurs at Glenfiddich.

The Glenfiddich 15-year-old Solera Reserve greets you with an enticingly complex aroma, a symphony of sweet heather honey and velvety vanilla fudge intertwined with the richness of dark fruits. Its texture is like silk, unveiling layers of sherry oak, marzipan, and a delightful blend of cinnamon and ginger. It’s full-bodied and brimming with flavours, leaving you with a rich, lingering sweetness that satisfies the palate.

On the other hand, the Romeo y Julieta Exhibition No.4 boasts pronounced and delightful notes of chocolate, honey, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a harmonious and sensational fusion. Its consistently smooth and top-quality profile makes it a truly enchanting smoking experience

A valuable tip for those embarking on the journey of pairing cigars with drinks is to match the body of the beverage with the body of the cigar. Light-bodied cigars harmonise well with white wines, youthful reds, or blended scotches. Medium-bodied cigars find perfect companions in Speyside and some Lowland whiskies, most Irish whiskeys, rums, bourbons, ryes, and ports. As for full-bodied cigars, they are impeccably matched with peaty Islay and robust Highland single malts. The world of pairing cigars with wines and spirits is but a fraction of the equation; beer and even select cocktails can also create memorable pairings. Ultimately, your palate is the ultimate judge when it comes to determining what works best in the realm of pairing cigars and spirits. Enjoy the journey of experimenting with different cigar and drink combinations, and cultivate your perfect pairings.

For those seeking an insightful tutorial on the art of tasting whiskey, I recommend watching a short film produced by Dalmore featuring Richard Paterson, their Master Distiller. It’s a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into the nuances of this time-honoured tradition.

An Invitation from England’s Youngest Whisky Distillery

Witchmark Distillery intends to be a leader in the English whisky movement. At this exciting stage in their journey, they are delighted to announce the launch of The Witchmark Club!

As a member, you’ll get access to exclusive member-only events, tastings, free tours, and limited edition runs. You’ll receive seven limited edition bottles of single-cask Witchmark whisky released annually and bottles of Witchmark gin, vodka and botanical spirit. Plus lifetime discounts, prize draws, Witchmark branded merchandise and more.

So, if you love whisky and like the idea of becoming a vital part of an exciting new distillery’s venture to produce the finest English malts, find out more and download the Witchmark Club brochure here.