Been experimenting pairing cigars and beers. What I've found doesn't work at least for me are hoppy beers, saison, yeasty Belgians (Tripels, Strong Dark ales), and imperial stouts. What does work I've found are German styles pils, marzen, Doppelbock, etc. I think the German styles can accept the spice, pepper, and wood flavors of a cigar. Where the previously mentioned styles can clash. Thoughts?
I recently tried this: http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/53/114428/ And while I drank it, I craved a nice cigar.
I think it depends on what you're smoking. Think of it as any other pairing. You wouldn't necessarily pair a heavy stout with fish and lemon because the flavors would clash and the stout would overpower the delicate notes of the fish. Similarly, don't pair a stout with a Macanudo, R&J, Ashton Classic or the likes of mild, Connecticut wrapped cigars. For something like that, look to light ales, lagers, table beers, etc. If you're going Nicaraguan grown, any type of Habano or Oscuro wrapped - think full bodied (Tatuaje) cigar, you might want to think about that stout you set aside. The dark cocoa, coffee and earth notes of each will complement one another. And don't be afraid to pair it with a sweeter beer because the sweetness tends to contrast nicely with the pepper from some fuller-bodied, spicy cigars. I've also found bitterness in hoppy beers and tannin in red wine clash heavily with most cigars. I really haven't found a pairing for either just yet. If I'm pairing wine, I go sweet (Port, Sherry, Madeira or the likes for heavier bodied cigars - Ice Wine, Sauternes or the like for lighter bodied) and that tends to work much better. Experiment with it to see what you like. That's half the fun. Cheers!
I actually prefer stuff on the sour side, as it cuts the smoke on my palate. My favorite is a Westbrook Gose, but also like Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose, or even La Folie. I recently saw that somebody came out with a series of cigars made specifically for a style of beer, i.e. IPA, Stout, Hefe...etc. Might give those a try.
I am new to this but yesterday i had a Chimay triple with a Partagas D4 and the combination was amazing. The orange rind taste of the Chimay paired extremely well with the spice in the Partagas. I can't wait to try other combinations
I like to pair beers according to body with cigars. Big bodied cigars need big bodied beers. Personally, I think a RIS goes great with a big Maduro wrapper cigar. Another interesting thing: Quesada makes a cigar line called Octoberfest, which comes in a variety of sizes. These cigars were designed and blended to be paired with Octoberfest style beers.
