For years Cuban cigars have set the standard of what makes a great cigar, offering complex, fully developed character and taste that has captivated cigar lovers for generations. With today’s wide-spectrum of choices available to Cuban cigar connoisseurs and with the hopes that soon Cuban cigars will once again legally find their way to the US market, the shear variety of quality choices is as tantalizing as ever. And to further propel the senses into a new realm of ecstasy, one has only to pair these savory smokes with that most gratifying of libations, Scotch Whisky.
As with the best Cuban cigars, the current offerings of Scotch Whisky also have stunning characters and tastes from which to choose that will beautifully match the finest of Cuban cigars. The question is: Which whisky to pair with which cigar? It is all subjective to be sure, but the idea here is to be prepared before the next time you plug “Cigar shop near me” or “Cigar lounge near me” into your iPhone or Google search. So surveying just a few aficionado favorites will help to navigate through the experience and allow you to create that perfect pairing.
Scotland is divided into several distinct distilling regions: Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Campletown, Islands and Islay with each delivering experiences unique to that region. Whether Single Malt or blended, whether Highland or Low, there are a great many options which allow cigar enthusiasts to find just the right combination of smoke and drink.
Offering the most diverse cigar-friendly selections, Speyside stretches from the Highlands to the North Sea and is home to some of the more famous distillers, including Glennfiddich, Dalwhinnie, Aberlour and, of course, Glenlivet. The Macallan is another illustrious distillery that has been an enduring favorite for cigar lovers, with the Macallan 18 Year Single Malt a proven match to Cuba’s legendary Montecristo No. 2. For a velvety and wildly satisfying under-the-radar pairing, the Vegas Robaina Unicos is a wondrous partner to Longmorn’s 16 Year Single Malt, with each offering wood and citrus notes that merge into a harmonious festival of goodness. The Knockando 18 Year Single Malt is another long-time favorite amongst aficionados that makes for a dazzling companion to the rich, yet balanced Cuaba Exclusivos. Speyside whiskies are simply great all-around options that will serve as tremendous pairing partners no matter the cigar sizes or blends, Cuban, Dominican, Nicaraguan or otherwise.
Speysides may have the broadest spectrum of cigar-friendly whiskies, yet it is the Highland distilleries that are the true rock stars of Scotland. From the everyday favorite Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt to the extravagant Glengoyne 35 Year, Highland whiskies make for outstanding complements to the best Cuban cigars. Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, Ramon Allones and Montecristo cigars will all find happy homes with a great variety of Highland whiskies. First and foremost amongst cigar connoisseurs is Dalmore’s Cigar Malt Reserve. Created with cigar enthusiasts in mind, this deeply textured whisky makes for a fantastic escape when paired with a Partagas Serie D No. 4, with hints of marzipan, orange peel and nuts blooming out of the glorious mixture of whisky and cigar. Another of Dalmore’s cigar-worthy creations is King Alexander III, an absolutely stunning match for the deeply complex Cohiba Behike Series BHK 54. The Highland region is Scotland’s largest and simply offers a mesmerizing array of cigar pairing treasures that are just waiting to be discovered.
Lurking in the giant shadows of the Highlands is Islay, an island jewel that is often overlooked in the world of cigar pairings. The Bowmore 15 Year Old Single Malt “Darkest” forms a great duo with Cuban Cohibas, while the smoky Laphroaig 10 Year is a classic choice that continues to garner a loyal legion of cigar-smoking fans. Lagavulin is another favorite amongst connoisseurs, offering a wide range of unique expressions. The Lagavulin 16 Year Single Malt serves as an excellent complement to a Punch Double Corona.
The remaining regions of Scotland also have tasty choices to draw upon. Campbeltown’s Bourbon barreled Glen Scotia 15 Year is a crowd pleaser, especial when combined with a San Cristobal de La Habana La Fuerza. The Isle of Skye’s lone whisky distiller, Talisker offers a beautifully structured 30 Year Single Malt that will make for a lavish entertainment when paired with Cuban Cohiba Esplendidos.
A discussion of Scotch whisky would be incomplete without the mention of blended whiskies. The most famous, of course, Johnnie Walker has been a cigar smoker’s staple for generations. From the storied Blue Label to the supreme luxury of the Johnnie Walker Odyssey, Johnnie Walker will always be a fine choice for cigar lovers. Dewar’s also has many whiskies with cigar-pairing appeal, including the always-steady performer 12 Year “The Ancestor”. Chivas Regal is another accessible blend that will pair with almost any cigar thrown its way.
There are many other options of both blended and Single Malts that will prove worthy cigar partners, yet like all sensory delights, it is up to the individual to explore, to experiment and discover what works best. There is no right or wrong, only that which brings the most joy and that is the beauty of Scotch whisky and a good cigar. The adventure is truly unique to each and every enthusiast who embarks on such a grand exercise. Scotch whiskey and cigars are indeed one of life’s great pleasures that can be enjoyed by all, no matter the budget or level of experience.
So once you have decided where to by Cuban cigars, made your choice and have selected your libation, all that is needed is to settle into your favorite cigar place after a fine meal and coffee. Have bitter chocolate standing by to keep the palate prepped throughout the process and spark up the cigar of choice. Savor the flavors that trickle out of the draw and once you are familiar with its character, introduce yourself to the fine glass of Scotch, taking time to admire the nose, the aromatic nuances wafting out of the glass. Add a splash of water if necessary, take a sip and soak up each note that falls upon the palate. And finally allow the interplay of flavors from the cigar and the whisky to carry you away on a blissful adventure unlike any other. Slàinte!