Pairing cigars with alcohol

Aland84 · 2014 08

I've been out of the loop for a few months and haven't had time to smoke. Plus, here in the South it's been too humid for me to enjoy myself outdoors. Usually when I smoke I like to have a glass or two of bourbon, scotch or maybe an Irish whiskey (preferably Two Gingers). I've had beers at times, but I prefer the hootch. I'm going on a camping trip in a month and you bet your sweet ass I'm taking some smokes. We got some Peppermint Moonshine by bird dog that is really good, but I don't want to ruin either by the combo if it doesn't work out. Anyone tried anything peppermint with cigars? I'm not going to be sipping just shots.

KingoftheCove · 2014 08

Peppermint? I'd pass on that, unless you're smoking Acid's or something.
Have a snifter or two, or three, of hootch before you light up.............then relax and have a cigar with some water, or a dark beer, or a real CocaCola...............................then repeat.
Have fun camping.

Bob Luken · 2014 09

The only thing I can recommend is bourbon. And in my opinion, you need to cut it with water or use ice. If you don't you'll be numbing your tastebuds and lessening the flavors you'll get from your cigar. Just my 2 cents on it. Usually I drink water but plenty of times it's bourbon. And if you want to spend a few extra dollars get some Woodfords Reserve. I swear they use butter in that stuff.

rsherman24 · 2014 09

I rarely worry about what I am drinking when smoking. Whatever I am in the mood for. Personally if I was drinking shots of Bird Dog, I would probably not be smoking an Opus or a CC. Not for taste reasons, but because I probably wouldn't remember it.

Rain · 2014 09

I get 99% of my flavor on the retro, so I can drink whatever I want.

Amos Umwhat · 2014 09

Aland84:
I've been out of the loop for a few months and haven't had time to smoke. Plus, here in the South it's been too humid for me to enjoy myself outdoors. Usually when I smoke I like to have a glass or two of bourbon, scotch or maybe an Irish whiskey (preferably Two Gingers). I've had beers at times, but I prefer the hootch. I'm going on a camping trip in a month and you bet your sweet ass I'm taking some smokes. We got some Peppermint Moonshine by bird dog that is really good, but I don't want to ruin either by the combo if it doesn't work out. Anyone tried anything peppermint with cigars? I'm not going to be sipping just shots.

Peppermint? Surely there is enough room for a nice bottle of rum in your backpack. I don't see things ending well with the peppermint, but that's me. Good luck.

90+ Irishman · 2014 09

Amos Umwhat:
Aland84:
I've been out of the loop for a few months and haven't had time to smoke. Plus, here in the South it's been too humid for me to enjoy myself outdoors. Usually when I smoke I like to have a glass or two of bourbon, scotch or maybe an Irish whiskey (preferably Two Gingers). I've had beers at times, but I prefer the hootch. I'm going on a camping trip in a month and you bet your sweet ass I'm taking some smokes. We got some Peppermint Moonshine by bird dog that is really good, but I don't want to ruin either by the combo if it doesn't work out. Anyone tried anything peppermint with cigars? I'm not going to be sipping just shots.
Peppermint? Surely there is enough room for a nice bottle of rum in your backpack. I don't see things ending well with the peppermint, but that's me. Good luck.

I tend to agree simply based on how strong that peppermint flavor is in the mouth. Only a few sticks I can think of May pair with that. It's be a long shot but only one that kinda comes to mind is the MF FdLA due to that aromatic black tea flavor I get but even then I'd be worried about the peppermint overpowering it. Maybe a cigar that has a profile like a chocolate bar since chocolate + peppermint is a good flavor but I dunno.

Aland84 · 2014 09

I usually take a bottle of Evan Williams black label I have woodford at home but if I'm going to share a lot I get my trusty black label. I was pretty sure the peppermint wouldn't do too well. Thanks for your input guys.

Edna20 · 2014 09

90+ Irishman:
Amos Umwhat:
Aland84:
I've been out of the loop for a few months and haven't had time to smoke. Plus, here in the South it's been too humid for me to enjoy myself outdoors. Usually when I smoke I like to have a glass or two of bourbon, scotch or maybe an Irish whiskey (preferably Two Gingers). I've had beers at times, but I prefer the hootch. I'm going on a camping trip in a month and you bet your sweet ass I'm taking some smokes. We got some Peppermint Moonshine by bird dog that is really good, but I don't want to ruin either by the combo if it doesn't work out. Anyone tried anything peppermint with cigars? I'm not going to be sipping just shots.
Peppermint? Surely there is enough room for a nice bottle of rum in your backpack. I don't see things ending well with the peppermint, but that's me. Good luck.
I tend to agree simply based on how strong that peppermint flavor is in the mouth. Only a few sticks I can think of May pair with that. It's be a long shot but only one that kinda comes to mind is the MF FdLA due to that aromatic black tea flavor I get but even then I'd be worried about the peppermint overpowering it. Maybe a cigar that has a profile like a chocolate bar since chocolate + peppermint is a good flavor but I dunno.

Java Mint?

Gray4lines · 2014 09

Bob Luken:
The only thing I can recommend is bourbon. And in my opinion, you need to cut it with water or use ice. If you don't you'll be numbing your tastebuds and lessening the flavors you'll get from your cigar. Just my 2 cents on it. Usually I drink water but plenty of times it's bourbon. And if you want to spend a few extra dollars get some Woodfords Reserve. I swear they use butter in that stuff.

Woodford....

that was my first bourbon. Ive tried plenty, but it's my favorite by far.

Retircs1 · 2014 09

you know it has always been bourbon for me. But as time has gone Coffee is good to and so is beer nice IPA or stout . Brandy and Yak too is good

jadelt · 2014 09

Woodford Reserve or similar but for something less expensive try Buffalo Trace. Sippin bourbon for me

perkinke · 2014 10

I like a variety of scotches and beer, but don't have any rationale beyond "hey, that sounds good right now."

First Warrior · 2014 10

I don't drink any hard liquor except the "white lighting" that a friend makes in the next county. Mostly I like apple or peach once or twice a year in a mason jar. Don't want to have any lighters on while drinking that stuff, it can explode. For cigars I seem to lean towards a dark beer. Newcastle Brown Ale or Negra Modelo.

MVW67 · 2014 10

Zaya or Ron Zacapa 23 !!!!

allsmokedup · 2014 10

MVW67:
Zaya or Ron Zacapa 23 !!!!

I bought Ron Zacapa on some thread's recommendation in the non-cigar related forum and all I have to say is wow!

Aland84 · 2014 11

If you can find it or get it special ordered try the Ron Zacapa XO

W1REB1TER · 2014 12

My first choice is usually a scotch, with ice. I even invested in the silicone ball molds for it. Ballantine has quickly became my favorite, or Walker gold label. And I sometime lightly dip the end in the scotch. There is a cigar lounge in Ginza, Japan I go to. I'll usually get a cuban Romeo Y Julliete Churchill and they have scotch still in barrels that they age themselves.

Lee.mcglynn · 2014 12

I think it depends on the smoke...take for instance I think macallan 12 pairs well with the psd4 just because of the vanilla nip at the end. I find laphroid pairs well with rass since the peat goes nice with the charred cherry taste and makers goes well with la paulina because of the nice wood compliments. But if I had just one thing to drink I'd pick makers 46...it's smooth oaky packs a punch and not over priced for what you get

benhanks · 2014 13

I prefer bourbon as well. For me, strong cigar = strong bourbon. If I'm having a Fuente Anejo I will likely choose my Stage Jr. If it is something more mild it might be Basil Hayden or Woodford. I can't think that anything peppermint would complement a cigar that well.

W1REB1TER · 2014 13

I was gonna start a new thread asking this but i figured it would suit here. Does anyone age their's with alcohol? I've heard that some people will put a shot glass of whiskey in their humi. I'm just wondering if it's worth it, and if it is how best to do it.

Amos Umwhat · 2014 14

W1REB1TER:
I was gonna start a new thread asking this but i figured it would suit here. Does anyone age their's with alcohol? I've heard that some people will put a shot glass of whiskey in their humi. I'm just wondering if it's worth it, and if it is how best to do it.

Clearly Suspect did that a couple years back, a couple others have tried it as well. Do some necro-searching, you'll find it.

Pairing cigars with alcohol

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