Cañero Rum

The Art of Pairing Rum and Cigars

When it comes to indulging in life’s finer pleasures, rum and cigars often go hand in hand. While it may seem like a straightforward pairing, achieving the perfect harmony between these two luxuries is an art form. In this blog, we’ll explore the nuances of pairing rum and cigars, offering tips and ideas to elevate your tasting experience.

— The Basics of Pairing

Rule of Thumb: Pairing rum and cigars is not as simple as it appears. While some combinations, like a Cuban cigar with a mojito, may evoke fond memories, they don’t necessarily offer a balanced taste experience.

— Two Approaches to Pairing

Complementary Flavors:

One approach is to pair rum and cigars that share similar aromatic notes, such as cocoa, coffee, or even vegetal elements like dry grass. For instance, Eminente Reserva 7-year-old rum pairs wonderfully with a Cuban cigar from Partagas, like the renowned D4. Both products offer notes of roasted coffee, cocoa, and a hint of spice.

Contrasting Flavors:

Alternatively, you can enhance both the rum and the cigar by focusing on contrasting flavors. A full-bodied cigar pairs well with a milder, sweeter rum. However, the reverse—pairing a heavy rum with a light cigar—can overpower the cigar’s flavor. A good example would be pairing Liga Privada No. 9 cigar from Drew Estate with a light and sweet rum like Carùpano 18 from Venezuela.

— Geographic Pairing: Terroir Matters

Another interesting concept is to pair products from the same country or even the same terroir. A Nicaraguan rum often pairs excellently with a Nicaraguan cigar. For example, a cigar from the “Encore” series by E.P. Carrillo, like the Majestic Robusto, goes well with a 12-year-old Flor de Cana rum.

— Advanced Pairing: The Three-Thirds Method

For those looking to take their pairing to the next level, consider pairing each third of the cigar with a different spirit. This adds complexity and richness to the tasting experience.

— Cocktail Pairing: The El Presidente

To push the boundaries even further, you can deconstruct a cocktail to pair with different thirds of the cigar. For instance, you could start with pure rum for the first third, enjoy the cocktail itself for the second third, and finish with a splash of vermouth for the final, more robust third of the cigar.

— Conclusion

The ultimate goal of pairing is to create a harmonious and enjoyable tasting experience. This often requires multiple trials and a dash of creativity, but the possibilities are endless for those willing to explore.