The idea of enjoying a fine cigar with a glass of Champagne may not be the most obvious pairing, but for those who have tried it, the experience can be nothing short of sublime. While some aficionados prefer the boldness of whisky or rum alongside their smoke, Champagne offers an elegant and refreshing alternative—perfect for celebrations or simply elevating an evening.
The Secret to Cigar and Champagne Pairing
Pairing cigars with Champagne primarily comes down to balance and personal preference. Cigars carry smoky, earthy, and often spicy flavours, while Champagne brings crisp acidity, delicate fruit notes, and lively bubbles. The right match allows both to shine:
- Dry, crisp Champagne works well with a smoky or woody cigar.
- Sweeter or fruit-forward Champagne is best enjoyed with a milder cigar.
The effervescence of Champagne has another hidden advantage: it cleanses the palate between draws, refreshing your taste buds and letting you appreciate the evolving flavours of your cigar. And, with Champagne’s lower alcohol content compared to whisky, your senses remain sharper—allowing you to detect subtle aromas more easily.
Why Champagne and Cigars Feel Luxurious
Both Champagne and cigars carry an air of sophistication. Pairing them together feels celebratory, indulgent, and timeless. It’s no wonder Winston Churchill, perhaps history’s most famous cigar smoker, was also known for his devotion to Pol Roger Champagne. In fact, Pol Roger honoured him with their prestige cuvée, Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill—while Romeo y Julieta immortalised him in the iconic Churchill cigar size that remains a classic today.
Churchill himself is said to have consumed around 42,000 bottles of Pol Roger and 200,000 cigars in his lifetime—a pairing few could rival!
Sparkling Alternatives Worth Trying
While Champagne is the gold standard, excellent sparkling wines can deliver equally memorable pairings:
- Gratien & Meyer Cuvée Flamme NV – Dry, lively, and versatile with a range of mild cigars.
- Midas Prosecco Extra Dry – Crafted from carefully selected Glera grapes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, this wine is aged 120 days on the lees (far longer than the standard 12 months for Prosecco), resulting in finer bubbles, greater complexity, and a crisp, fruity finish. Recently, we found it paired beautifully with a Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto—a cigar known for its mild and refined flavour.
Best Cigars to Pair with Champagne
When enjoying Champagne, it’s best to choose a cigar that won’t overwhelm its delicacy. Opt for milder, smoother cigars, ideally well-aged in a humidor:
- Montecristo Media Corona – A short smoke with creamy, nutty notes.
- Davidoff Grand Cru No.5 – Elegant, subtle, and beautifully balanced.
- Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Toro – A mild Nicaraguan with creamy sweetness.
These choices ensure harmony and refinement, where neither cigar nor Champagne dominates.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate in Style
Pairing cigars with Champagne is not just about taste—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re marking Christmas, New Year, a wedding, or simply toasting to life’s small victories, the effervescence of Champagne and the slow burn of a fine cigar create moments worth savouring.
Don’t reserve this pairing only for special occasions. Sometimes, the perfect evening is simply opening a good bottle, lighting a well-aged cigar, and enjoying the luxury of time well spent.
At Simply Cigars London, we share your passion for cigars and everything that enhances the smoking journey. Explore our Cuban cigars, discover cigar samplers, or browse our cigar accessories to find the perfect match for your next Champagne pairing.
Your good health—salud!