Coffee and Cigars Pairings: How To Pair Them Together

The combination of an aromatic cigar and fragrant coffee is prevalent worldwide. This combination likely is one of the most successful today. How to pair cigars with coffee? It is not a difficult question, and you will see how it works. Made with love, coffee, and cigar, they can bring double pleasure – put together in a single sound, their noble notes harmoniously complement and emphasize the elegance of each other, as well as, the non-trivial luxury of the moment. The main thing is to choose the right cigar and the type of refreshing drink.

Between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn

Cigar tobacco and coffee bushes grow at the same latitude – in the so-called “golden belt” between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This magical belt of the world spans several continents: South America, Africa, and South Asia.

Cuban coffee and Cuban cigars are known as the best in the world, but in fact cigars from other regions in the same climate zone – Dominica, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras – are now just as good as Cuban cigars. Similarly, many Kenyan, Brazilian and Mexican coffees are of high quality and taste great.

Coffee & Cigar Pairings – objects of study

Choosing a cigar for coffee and coffee for a cigar is a matter of taste. Individually both are complex products. Cigar flavor depends on tobacco varieties, the region where they grow, fermentation and aging methods (for instance, in the cigar cooler humidor), the quality of the twist, and other factors. In addition, the taste of a cigar is inconstant: it changes from the beginning to the end of smoking. The taste of coffee also depends on the country and the process of turning the berry into a bean. The taste of a cup of coffee most often varies from mild to strong, from nutty to fruity, and from sweet to sour. Coffee, just like a cigar, can have several flavors in the same cup, each sip revealing different notes with variations from the initial flavor to the aftertaste. Coffee, like a cigar, has notes of spice in its flavor, earth, and degree of sweetness, strength, and acidity.

How to Pair Cigars with Coffee? Simple tips

• The simplest principle for combining coffee and a cigar is likeness. A sweet and loose Connecticut-covered cigar pairs well with a mild, light, or medium roasted coffee.
• A medium strength cigar, with notes of pepper and nuts in the aroma, wrapped in Habano leaves, pairs well with medium roasted coffee with a nutty or chocolate aftertaste.
• Finally, a deep, dark Maduro wrapper, rich in leather and spice flavors, would pair well with a strong, dark-roasted, or higher-roasted coffee that has high acidity and bitterness.

Cigar and coffee combinations

Here are a few cigar and coffee combinations that connoisseurs recommend: Partagas 1845 Heritage Rewrapped Robusto – with dark roasted coffee. This is an excellent cigar, its Natural Maduro coloring finish speaks for itself. The aroma is dense and spiced – a mix of earthy, leathery, and spicy tones. The cigar effect is strong and invigorating, especially when combined with full-bodied dark coffee. And yet there is a hint of sweetness in this combination, perhaps coconut, depending on the preparation of the coffee. Romeo Y Julieta Wide Churchill – with a cup of medium roasted coffee. The rich flavor and aroma with earthy and nutty notes unfold in combination with medium roasted coffee, relatively light and delicious. AJ Fernandez San Lotano Habano is a lightly roasted coffee. The cover of Habano Ligero leaves, grown in Brazil, has a deep woody profile with subtle skin tones. This cigar pairs well with mild coffee brewed in a home coffeemaker. Interestingly, the rich woody flavor and leathery aromas of the vitola will accentuate the taste of any cup of coffee.

Cappuccinos, lattes, and others

Everything written above about coffee refers to the pure product, without added sugar or other ingredients like cream, milk, ice, chocolate, and whiskey. Nevertheless, many people like to pair a cigar with their favorite coffee – and it’s not always espresso. The sweetness of a cappuccino, the tenderness of a latte, the richness of a Flatwhite – all these properties of coffee drinks can be even more enjoyable when combined with a cigar. Here, for example, is one such option. Irish Coffee and Padrón 1964 TAA Exclusive Belicoso Maduro. Irish coffee contains alcohol, so it is better to enjoy it in the evening. It is important to prepare the drink properly – brew black coffee and pour it into a mug, and then add to it Irish whiskey, preferably Jameson, and one scoop of sugar. A thick layer of whipped cream is placed on top. The secret is not to mix the cream with the coffee, but to pull the coffee through it. The result is a bright flavor with notes of cream, dark coffee, and whiskey with a slight hint of sweetness. A cigar corresponding to this drink should have a dark cover. Padrón 1964 TAA Exclusive Belicoso Maduro is a great match: Nicaraguan filler and binder give it strength and tobacco flavor, while the cover enriches it with coffee and chocolate notes.

Pair Coffee and Cigars Recommendations

1. Guatemalan coffee has a medium acidity and a flavor of tobacco smoke combined with a woody aroma. Sweet and spicy Dominican Torano Signature Collection cigars are an excellent complement to it.
2. Kenyan coffee has a very pleasant sweet taste, combined with delicate herbal notes and a long fruity aftertaste. Its alliance with Nicaraguan cigars Kahlua Cigars Delicioso by Drew Estate, which have a nutty flavor will be especially beautiful in the morning.
3. Nicaraguan coffee has a distinct flavor with cacao notes and fruity hints. Both Nicaraguan and Honduran cigars will go perfectly with it. This Colombian coffee is perfectly balanced. It has medium acidity, a subtle flavor, and a hint of ripe plum. This coffee is slightly spicy, so it pairs well with Honduran Carlos Torano Reserva Selecta cigars, which have a sweet and creamy taste.
4. Puerto Rican coffee is very strong, but elegant – with a mild chocolate flavor. It is quite difficult to choose a cigar to go with it, but Carlos Torano Reserva Selecta goes well with it as with Colombian or Nicaraguan coffee.
5. Cuban coffee deserves a separate consideration! Cubita is the most popular coffee brand in Cuba. It has strong earthy notes and a flavor of smoke and caramel. Small, having the taste of caramel, earth, and wood, Cuban Cuaba Divinos cigars will make it a perfect match.
6. Santiago is an exotic coffee, sweet and spicy. The Cuban El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme, which has hints of plum, honey, and green pepper, will go well with it.
7. Serrano Selecto is the ultimate in elegance and grace – a well-balanced coffee with fruity notes. Serrano Selecto is the ultimate in elegance, a well-balanced, fruity coffee with bright citrus flavors and a medium strength Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No.1.
8. Turquino Montanes is a festive, aromatic coffee with hints of honey and a creamy, spicy flavor. Perfectly matches a great Habano Cohiba Siglo III.
9. Finally, it is impossible not to mention the two elite brands of Cuban coffee, Montecristo Deleggend, and Cohiba Atmosphere, proudly bearing the names of the most popular cigar brands. Montecristo Deleggend coffee is grown more than 1,000 meters above sea level in the heart of the legendary Sierra Maestra. It is an aromatic premium coffee, which, the best Cuban cigars will match. And you should start with the Montecristo No. 4, the most legendary in the Montecristo lineup and the best-selling cigar in the world.
10. Cohiba Atmosphere is a premium coffee grown in El Nicho, Cuba’s best coffee region. Beautiful black Cuban coffee, incredibly fragrant and slightly spicy, with which manufacturers recommend cigars Cohiba Esplendidos and Cohiba Lanceros, let’s boldly add to this line, and the 56th Cohiba Behike and enjoyment is guaranteed.

Why is the combination of a cigar and coffee so great? Perhaps because hand-grown and hand-picked coffee beans, just like a hand-rolled cigar, are not only the result of the work of many people but also a piece of the warmth of each of them.

FAQ Coffee and Cigar Pairing

What are some general guidelines for coffee pairing with cigars to ensure a harmonious balance of flavors?

When considering cigars to pair with coffee, it’s important to match the intensity of both. For instance, a mild cigar often goes well with a light roast coffee, whose subtle flavors won’t overpower the tobacco. Conversely, a full-bodied cigar, known for robust flavors, complements a dark roast coffee, which shares similar rich, strong qualities.

How do the tasting notes in a fine cigar influence the type of coffee selected for pairing?

The tasting notes of a fine cigar, such as earthy, spicy, or fruity undertones, should complement the coffee’s flavor profile. For instance, cigars with chocolatey or sweet nuances might pair perfectly with a mocha coffee or a coffee with natural sweetness, enhancing both the coffee and tobacco flavors.

What makes a Maduro cigar an excellent pairing with morning coffee, and how should one choose a coffee blend to accompany it?

A Maduro cigar, known for its sweeter and richer taste due to the longer fermentation of the wrapper, pairs excellently with morning coffee, especially those with rich, bold flavors. Choose a coffee with low acidity and chocolatey or nutty notes to complement the Maduro’s robust character.

Why do cigar aficionados often suggest a blonde roast coffee when enjoying a light-bodied cigar, and how do these two elements pair perfectly?

Blonde roast coffee, known for its milder, more nuanced flavors, doesn’t overwhelm the palate, making it an ideal match for a light-bodied cigar, which often contains delicate, nuanced flavors. This pairing allows enthusiasts to appreciate the subtle complexities in both the cigar and coffee.

Can a strong cigar overshadow the flavor of a creamy coffee, and if so, what type of coffee goes better with robust tobacco?

Yes, a strong cigar can dominate the taste profile when paired with a creamy, milder coffee due to its robust flavors. Instead, pair strong cigars with equally bold coffee, like an espresso or French press coffee, which can hold its own and complement the intensity of the cigar’s flavor.

Why might a 95-rated cigar not be the best choice to pair with your favorite milky coffee, and what cigars are better suited for such a pairing?

A 95-rated cigar, typically full-bodied and complex, may not suit a milky coffee because the coffee’s creaminess and sweetness might mask the cigar’s nuanced flavors. Instead, medium-bodied or even mild cigars, known for their subtler and more delicate flavors, often pair better with milkier coffees.

How do the inherent flavors in tobacco and coffee beans influence the pairing process, and why is it important for cigar smokers and coffee lovers alike?

The inherent flavors in tobacco and coffee beans, ranging from earthy and spicy to fruity and sweet, are critical in pairing, as harmonizing these flavors can enhance the overall experience. Successful pairing elevates both the cigar and coffee, creating a symphony of flavors that’s enjoyable for both cigar smokers and coffee lovers.

In what way do the natural coffee notes in many cigars indicate a natural compatibility with freshly brewed coffee, and how does this affect the pairing choice?

Cigars with natural coffee notes suggest an intrinsic flavor compatibility with freshly brewed coffee. This similarity allows for a broader range of successful pairing options, as these cigars can harmoniously blend with various coffee profiles, enhancing the tasting experience by mutually highlighting these complementary flavors.

What considerations should be taken into account when deciding on the perfect coffee to pair with a medium-bodied cigar?

When selecting the perfect coffee for a medium-bodied cigar, consider coffees that balance well with the cigar’s strength. Avoid extremes on either end of the spectrum — neither too mild nor too strong. A medium roast, known for its balanced flavor, acidity, and aroma, often complements a medium-bodied cigar well.

Why is it critical for cigar enthusiasts to avoid a mismatch in intensity, such as when a cigar is too mild for a strong coffee, and how does this impact the overall experience?

A mismatch in intensity, like a mild cigar with a strong coffee, can lead to an imbalanced experience — the robust coffee may overshadow the cigar’s subtle flavors. It’s important for the coffee and cigar to balance each other out so that the flavors of one don’t drown out the other, ensuring a mutually enhanced tasting experience.

What considerations should one keep in mind to successfully pair coffee and cigarettes for a satisfying experience?

To achieve the perfect pairing, it’s essential to consider the strength and flavor profile of both the coffee and cigarettes. Ideally, the coffee’s richness should match the intensity of the cigarettes, ensuring that neither overpowers the other, but rather, they complement each other’s taste and aroma.

How do experts determine the best cigars to enhance a particular coffee flavor during a tasting session?

Experts often rely on their knowledge of tobacco blends and coffee varieties. The key is balancing the flavor profiles. For instance, a coffee with fruity notes might pair well with a cigar that has a hint of citrus, while a darker roast coffee might complement a cigar with earthy tones.

In the opinion of a cigar aficionado, what constitutes the perfect cigar to accompany a traditional pot of coffee?

A cigar aficionado would likely suggest a medium to full-bodied cigar to accompany a traditional pot of coffee. The robust flavors of the coffee pot can stand up to a stronger cigar, allowing the complexities of both the coffee and tobacco to shine through without overshadowing one another.

Is there a recommended method for pairing cigars and coffee to ensure the flavors are complementary and provide an enhanced experience?

Yes, when pairing cigars and coffee, one should consider the strength and flavor profiles of each. A light, mild cigar might pair well with a light or medium roast coffee, while a stronger, full-bodied cigar could be better suited to a dark roast or espresso. Tasting them side by side allows for a direct comparison and a more informed pairing.

Why do some cigar enthusiasts insist that certain cigars go particularly well with coffee, and how do they determine this compatibility?

Cigar enthusiasts believe certain cigars pair well with coffee based on their flavor profiles. Cigars with notes of chocolate, nuts, or sweetness tend to complement the rich, robust flavors found in coffee. This compatibility is often determined through experience and experimentation with different combinations.

For someone who loves to enjoy coffee and is new to the world of cigars, what advice would you give for try pairing them together?

Start with a mild to medium-bodied cigar, as these are typically easier for beginners to appreciate and are less likely to overwhelm the coffee’s flavor. Then, choose a coffee that matches the cigar’s intensity. As you gain more experience, experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pair.

When planning an afternoon relaxation break with your favorite cigar, what type of coffee would pair well with coffee, and why?

A medium roast coffee is often a good choice for an afternoon break. These coffees typically have a balanced flavor, not too strong or too acidic, which can complement a wide variety of cigars. The key is choosing a coffee that matches the strength and flavor profile of your favorite cigar.

What are some characteristics of cigars available today that make them suitable for pairing with a good cup of coffee?

Many cigars available today feature complex flavor profiles with notes of chocolate, spice, or fruit, among other nuances. These flavors can greatly complement and enhance the rich and varied tastes found in a good cup of coffee, making for a satisfying pairing experience.

Can the taste of the cigar influence the choice of coffee? If so, how does this dynamic work when trying to achieve the perfect cigar and coffee pairing?

Absolutely, the taste of the cigar can significantly influence the choice of coffee. For a harmonious pairing, the coffee should complement the cigar’s flavor profile. For instance, a cigar with sweet or chocolatey notes might pair well with a similarly sweet coffee, possibly a latte or a sweetened cappuccino.

For a gathering of friends who all share a love for freshly brewed coffee, what type of cigar would typically be best paired for an enjoyable group experience?

For a group of friends enjoying freshly brewed coffee, a Dominican cigar, known for its versatile and often mild to medium-bodied profile, could be a great choice. These cigars tend to have a balanced flavor that can appeal to a variety of palates, making them suitable for both novice and experienced smokers while complementing the coffee flavors.