In spite of its somewhat intense and volatile history, the art of drinking whiskey and pairing it with a cigar is a time honored male tradition (which is now shared by many females). You already use your natural tasting abilities when you select the dressing to put on a salad, or decide which wine to drink with dinner. Your palate tells you what is right for you. And the more you use your sense of taste, the more refined it becomes. That’s how professional cigar makers and whiskey distillers develop their expertise. In this article, I plan to give you some advice on how to drink your whiskey and pair your cigar.
HOW TO DRINK YOUR WHISKEY
The easiest way to distinguish whiskies is by nationality, and then broken down into subcategories from there that give a little further detail. Each whiskey will give you a different taste based on the region it comes from. For example, American Whiskies tend to be sweeter, Irish whiskies are usually light-bodied and robust, Scotch's tend to be smoky and earthy and lastly, Canadian whiskies preferably are light and fruity in taste. The best way I believe to find what you like best is to just go out and try these different kinds of whiskies. As you drink more whiskey, your taste buds will become more refined and allow you to differentiate in the different notes and tones. If nothing else, you'll have a good time trying.
Next, we shall discuss serving it. For me personally, I do not care what you serve it in as long as you enjoy the taste of the whiskey itself. Having said that, there are a few glasses that are superior to others to truly expand the flavor profiles. Also, let's be realistic, some glasses just simply look better suited than others. Presentation can make a difference. When you add water or ice, what you’re doing is lowering the ABV of the beverage in your hand. For one serving (1.5oz), a teaspoon of water will lower a 40% ABV beverage to 30%. Unless it's an exceptionally smooth, top of the line whiskey, you'll likely need only a touch of something to simmer the kick down. The purists say that making the whiskey chilled can numb the flavors a tad bit, but it's truly your preference.
Now you're ready to take your first sip. Before you get any taste of whiskey, you need to truly get your nose in the glass and take a generous whiff. This will allow your smell sensors to help your taste palate. Next, take just a small sip, and sort of roll the liquid around in your mouth. Instead of just swallowing right away, try to pick out different flavors. Congrats on taking your first sip, now go and try all the different kinds you can.
PAIRING THE CIGAR
Few things are more satisfying, from a palate pleasing point of view, than pairing your favorite cigar with a suitable libation. Some classic pairings with cigars are cognac, single malt whisky, bourbon, rum, rye, and port. Personally, I tell people who are pairing drinks with cigars to simply match the body of the drink to the type of body for the cigar. For example, a light-bodied cigar will go well with some white wines, young reds or blended scotches. Medium-bodied smokes are great with Speyside and some Lowland whiskies, most Irish whiskeys, rums,bourbons, ryes and ports. Full-bodied smokes are a perfect match with peaty Islay and heavier Highland single malts. Matching your stogies with your whiskey is only one piece of the larger puzzle aka relaxing.
In any case, as I have said for both the cigar and the whiskey, your taste is the last and ultimate judge in the matter of what will work and what won't with what your taste is and your enjoyment. Have a great time trying out various smoke and drink mixes and build up your own ideal pairings.
