Recommended Whiskey and Cigar Pairings of 2023

The work of a connoisseur is never done – there are always new heights to achieve and new tastes to experience. And when it comes to whiskey and cigar pairings, there’s definitely plenty to explore. Whether you’re pairing the whiskey to the cigar, or the cigar to the whiskey, it’s obviously important that one doesn’t overpower the other. Instead, they should bring out each other’s best qualities for an unforgettable experience.

Let’s start by talking about whiskey. You may already have a favorite, or you may have been saving a special bottle for the right occasion. If you’re still figuring out which whiskey to get, see if a gourmand friend has any recommendations, or look at expert reviews online for suggestions. When in doubt, stick with whiskey that comes from a reputable brand. The same goes for the cigar: if you aren’t sure what you’ll be smoking, choose from a brand like Davidoff that has a proven track record of quality. Online cigar shops like Renegade Cigars will have plenty of options to choose from, and their detailed flavor profiles should help you make your decision.

Glencadam White Port Cask Finish x Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour

Distilled in 2006, Glencadam’s Reserva de Porto Branco was initially matured in American oak casks that had previously contained bourbon. After that, it was finished in barrels that had been used for Portuguese White Port. You can expect the classic fruity sweetness of port, and the richness of American oak from this whiskey.

The Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour is a favorite among aficionados. It’s made with tobacco from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, and an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that was aged in a single-malt scotch cask. This is a medium-strength cigar with amazingly complex flavors, including dark coffee, pepper, and wood.

Tomintoul Cigar Malt x Davidoff Dominicana

Here’s a malt that’s made from a combination of multiple Tomintoul single malts; some of them are exclusive peated malts that were finished in sherry butts, or matured fully. It engages the entire palate with notes of pepper, earthy tones, and sweetness.

The Davidoff Dominica cigar is a medium-strength smoke that was aged for six years, ensuring a full-bodied flavor. You’ll get notes of coffee, mild baking spices, and cocoa.

Four Roses Bourbon x Davidoff Nicaragua

Four Roses Bourbon works well in an old-fashioned Manhattan or as part of a Highball; either one will pair beautifully with the Davidoff Nicaragua cigar. This “gateway bourbon” is mellow and smooth, with flavors of brown sugar, gentle spice, peach, and honey.

The Davidoff Nicaragua cigar is intense without being overpowering. The Nicaraguan tobaccos bring their characteristic bittersweet, full-bodied flavors, with notes of dark chocolate, white pepper, and roasted coffee beans.

Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch x Davidoff Escurio

Anyone who likes a combination of intense cigars and spirits will love the Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch. It’s about as full-bodied as a single malt scotch can get, and the noticeable campfire aromas pair well with a strong cigar.

The Davidoff Escurio uses tobaccos from Brazil, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic for a unique, rich flavor profile. You’ll taste a bit of saltiness and sweetness, as well as espresso and licorice. It matches the strength of the Scotch, while complementing its smoky and spicy aromas.

Macallan 60-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch x Davidoff Oro Blanco

Connoisseurs of fine whiskey and cigars can enjoy themselves at almost any price point, but this particular pairing is for those with a truly hefty budget. The Macallan 60-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch is one of the rarest (and priciest) Scotches currently available, with a rich cherry color and smoldering flavor profile. On the nose you’ll get polished oak, blackcurrant leaf, lemon, toasted apple, and cinnamon, rounded out by a peaty aroma. As you sip you’ll notice a continued peaty flavor, as well as dark chocolate, citrus, and a balanced sweetness.

A top-shelf Scotch deserves a top-shelf cigar, and that’s what you’ll find in the Davidoff Oro Blanco. One of the most exclusive cigars in the world, it’s made from rare tobaccos harvested in 2000 and 2001, and hand-rolled by Davidoff’s eight most skillful rollers. After an additional year of aging, each cigar will only be approved for sale after an individual inspection. This cigar offers notes of cream, cedar, citrus, mushroom, and black pepper.

Tips for choosing your own cigar and whiskey pairing

If you’re a true expert on the topic of whiskey and cigars, you’ll be able to get pretty technical with the pairings you dream up. Just like a sommelier with wine, you’ll know exactly how to highlight the best qualities of a whiskey with the perfect cigar. What if you aren’t an expert, though? Even if you just casually enjoy whiskey and cigars, following these tips will help you come up with your own delightful pairings.

• Focus on finding a balance

If you have a full-bodied whiskey, you’ll need a similarly robust cigar. The same goes for flavor profiles: a bourbon, which typically comes with notes of caramel and vanilla, works best with sweeter cigars like Maduro aged cigars. One should never overpower the other.

• Cater to your own tastes

If you read the tasting notes on any whisky or cigar, it will almost certainly sound appealing. Taste those same products, though, and you may not care for it at all. No matter how highly they may be recommended, you should always prioritize your own tastes over expert recommendations. Do you absolutely love pairing a $50 cigar with a $12 bottle of whiskey? If that’s your sweet spot, don’t let anyone tell you differently.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment

It’s difficult to find comprehensive pairing lists for whiskey and cigars, since it’s such a subjective process. However, this is a big plus if you aren’t afraid to experiment. You can create your own combinations, and discover new flavor profiles that are perfect for your unique tastes.

The takeaway

Whether you’re taking recommendations from experienced aficionados, or you’re coming up with your own pairings, there’s no doubt that whiskey and cigars were meant to be together.