Having a hand-rolled cigar with a stiff drink is one of the best ways to relax after a huge holiday feast—and an excuse to step outside for a few precious moments of silence. To help enhance your experience, we've paired up popular spirits with the perfect smoke.
Glenlivet 18 + Ashton Virgin Sun Grown
Glenlivet is a favorite among scotch drinkers and a natural pairing for a vibrant cigar like Ashton Virgin Sun Grown. The spirit’s complex palate with hints of honey and walnut are balanced by Ashton VSG’s bold espresso notes layered with dark chocolate—a match for the full, yet sweet single malt.
Martell XO + Arturo Fuente Anejo
There are few better pairings for a cigar than an aged cognac like Martell XO. Its initial spice is mellowed by the rich fruit flavors of fig, speckled with almond and walnut. The spirit’s intensity begs for a maduro like the Arturo Fuente Anejo, a rare cigar aged in a cognac barrel, giving it a rich, spicy flavor balanced by a delicate sweetness.
Maker's Mark + Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro
Due to its subtlety, Maker's Mark is one of the most popular whiskeys to chase a stogie. The medium-bodied spirit boasts layers of vanilla, warm spices, and ginger, with a slight touch of smoke. It pairs well with a wide range of cigars, but taking it in with the powerful Oliva Seria V Melanio Maduro shows why opposites attract; a glass of Maker's elevates the big leather notes and caramel nuances of the smoke without overpowering it.
Pyrat Cask 1623 + Don Diego Corona c.1970
A medium-bodied cigar with creamy undertones lays out a flawless foundation to enjoy a high-end dark rum like Pyrat Cask 1623. Full of bright citrus with a honeyed and smooth finish, the spirit is a great partner for the Don Diego Corona c.1970, rolled in the Canary Islands and known for its mellow, creamy character with a subtle finish.
Stoli Vanilla + Montecristo White
While most will tell you that vodka is not the right drink to enjoy with a stogie, Stoli Vanilla can be an exception to this rule. The creamy notes in the vodka complement a cigar that has a bit of sweetness to it, like a Montecristo White Label—smooth, flavorful, and mild.
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