A Blend of Perfection

Some things just go together. Peanut butter and jelly, for example, has become so ubiquitous it’s hard to think of one without the other.

Other pairings have become so infamous they’ve inspired their own cultures and communities. People have authored entire books, articles and blog posts exploring such complementing complexities. Think wine and cheese. Or, better yet, bourbon and cigars.

“Bourbon and cigars are a match made in heaven,” said Brian Higgins, owner, brewer and master distiller at Thomasville’s 1861 Distillery. “The rich, complex flavors of bourbon — which can include notes of caramel, vanilla, oak and spice — often complement the robust flavors of cigars. Also, the sweetness of bourbon can balance the bold and sometimes bitter notes in cigars, creating a harmonious combination.”

Aboud Jaber, co-owner of Cigars of Tally, agreed, adding: “They’re both luxury products. A lot of diligence, thought and methodology goes into the blend of a cigar or bourbon — how they’re aged, cured and cared for after production.”

“They’re luxury products,” Aboud Jaber, co-owner of Cigars of Tally, said of bourbon and cigars. “A lot of diligence, thought and methodology goes into the blend of a cigar or bourbon — how they’re aged, cured and cared for after production.” Model: Traylor Roberts. Photo by The Workmans

Higgins and Jaber love what they do. Higgins, an enthusiast turned distiller, said he appreciates the craftsmanship and historical significance of bourbon. Jaber, who developed his affection for cigars after joining the industry, said he loves the community surrounding cigars. 

“It’s phenomenal,” Jaber said of the cigar industry. “You always havesomething to talk about — cigars you smoked, places you visited, shops you love … we’ve built relationships with a lot of folks, and that’s kept me passionate.”

Not all bourbons and cigars pair well together, as not all bourbons and cigars are created equal.

For a whiskey to be considered a bourbon, it must be American-made, aged in new, charred oak barrels and contain at least 51% corn. However, factors including a bourbon’s mash bill and age affect the spirit’s flavor and strength. Some have notes of stone fruit, while others are citrusy. Some are sweet, others are smoky. Some are bold enough to hold their own in a cocktail, whereas others are best alone.

To find the best bourbon for you, “start by tasting bourbon neat to learn and appreciate its flavors,” Higgins advised. “Gradually explore different mash bills, ages and brands to develop a nuanced palate for bourbon.”

Cigars also vary in flavor and strength. Wrapper color, size and various other factors determine the overall smoking experience. Jaber advises newer smokers to opt for a cigar with a lighter wrapper — “the lighter the cigar, the lighter the smoke,” he says — or try something flavored.

Expert-Approved Pairing: Neat bourbon + PERDOMO Double Aged 12-Year Vintage Connecticut cigar: According to Jaber, because it’s aged in bourbon barrels, this PERDOMO cigar’s flavor profile contains the same notes commonly found in a bourbon’s aroma. Photo by The Workmans

“With cigars, if you go too strong too fast, you may get lightheaded or a sour stomach,” Jaber warned. “Nicotine cuts your blood sugar down. So, the best thing for beginners is to keep a packet of sugar or a soda nearby, and if they do feel queasy, just take that packet of sugar and put it underneath their tongue and let it sit, or have a soda.”

Given all the work that goes into creating bourbon and cigars, you don’t want to ruin their respective tastes — or your evening — by smoking the wrong cigar with the wrong bourbon. To find the perfect match, Higgins recommends pairing by strength. 

“A full-bodied cigar may overpower a delicate bourbon, while a strong bourbon can complement a robust cigar,” he explained. “Explore a balance between contrasting and complementary flavors. Some prefer flavors that complement each other, while others enjoy the contrast between a sweet bourbon and a spicy cigar.

“Everyone’s palate is unique,” Higgins continued. “Consider your taste preferences and adjust the pairing accordingly.”

Biscuits and gravy; bacon and eggs; a porch and the perfect sunset; you, a glass of bourbon in one hand, a cigar in the other — all just a few classic pairings that will never go out of style.

Better Together

Experience the community of bourbon and cigars firsthand. Stop by to ask questions, receive personalized recommendations and share stories with other enthusiasts.

1861 Distillery

Located at 314 Smith Ave. in Thomasville. For more information visit 1861distillery.com.

Cigars of Tally*

Located on North Monroe Street in Midtown and 1401 Market St., Ste. 1 in Market Square in Tallahassee. For more information, visit cigarsoftally.com.

*Editor’s note: On March 31, a fire destroyed Cigars of Tally’s Midtown location on N. Monroe Street; the store will remain closed until further notice. In the meantime, the Jabers encourage everyone to visit the Market Street location for all their cigar needs. For more information, visit facebook.com/Cigarsoftally.