Food Court Druids

Cigars have been viewed as a luxury item, due to pictures presented through TV and films of wealthy and prestigious males puffing on a stogie while swirling a glass of fine wine. If you would like to relax with a fine stogie and a fine beverage after work, and are doubtful of how to do it correctly, then he’re a few useful suggestions.

Traditionally, the cigar has been paired with a strong drink with popular spirits that include: rum, brandy, or whiskey. It is argued that a strong drink, with a subtle hint of sweetness, should always be paired with a fine cigar. The idea of pairing cigars with beer has been overlooked, in place of the popular tradition of pairing cigars with a strong, fine drink. But you should not overlook good old beer and of late the trend has been to pair cigars with various varieties of beer. It seems that as cigars have entered the mainstream, this has been democratized and popularized but what better way to enjoy a puff of this newly popularized treat than to pair it with beer?

Pairing a quality cigar with a quality beer has proven to be a difficult task, but when successful, it is well worth the effort. 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. However, if you have a more experienced palate, and you know what you like, you can probably make connections between certain 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 woody flavor of your cigar should complement deliciously with the fruity taste of barley wine. The combination of a slightly fruity beer with a spicy cigar should created a tasty 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. Find out which characteristics and flavors you enjoy most about the cigar, and then attempt to ‘match’ it with a brew that fits the bill. Many incredible discoveries have been made in much this same way.