Pairing Beer & Cigars

[Sgt_Banter]

I know the classic drink to pair with cigars is whisky and naturally there is a lot of discussion about but I was wondering if there is any sort of method people of pairing beer with cigars? I'm a big ale drinker and most likely to be having a good pint if I decide to have a cigar. I haven't really thought about it til now but do you guys think that you might pair lighter ales like IPA with light cigars for example? If you paired a full cigar and a nice heavy stout would that be way too much? Or do you stick with a standard 'session beer' that isn't going to intervere with the taste of the cigar? And seen as ales also have lots of subtle flavours like cigars would you try and pair them to get a taste explosion?

I realise there are a lot of questions but that's just my thought process as I was sat on the loo thinking about this

[SteveGriff]

I think there are loads of threads available on the forum regarding matching Beer and Cigars, so I'll let you find those yourself... however, I'll give you my own experiences on the subject :-)

I prefer pairing dark ales against Cigars, as I find the characteristics of these beverages match the flavour profiles of some of the Cigars I like smoking. For example, Bolivar, Partagas, Montecristo etc. I enjoy matching Porters and Stouts to. However, during summer months, I do enjoy pairing an El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme with a light 3.8 beer as I find they possess similar characteristics. It gets a little bit more muddled tbh when pairing some of the mega hopped ales with Cigars. I struggle sometimes to find a Cigar that will happily pair up with Brew Dog Punk IPA for example, it's a fine line there. A lot of hops can be 'difficult' for Cigars. But it can be done, it's all down to your own preference. Never take anyone else's opinions as the law, that includes my experiences that I've written. Find your own sweet spot

[big bopper]

I prefer pairing dark ales against Cigars, as I find the characteristics of these beverages match the flavour profiles of some of the Cigars I like smoking. For example, Bolivar, Partagas, Montecristo etc. I enjoy matching Porters and Stouts to.

As a real ale fan myself I'd definitely second this. As a general rule for me it's dark/stout/porters with full flavoured cigars, blondes/summer ales for lighter flavours.

[Sgt_Banter]

Thanks for the replies. I guess it's along the lines of what I was thinking. The only thing to do is test these theories and find out

[ValeTudoGuy]

I'm totally the opposite, while smoking a cigar is the one (and only) time I prefer a lightly flavoured fizzy beer... Something along the lines of a Czech Pilsner or (Shudders) an American light lager.
Normally I'm a strong dark ale or porter man.

[Sean]

Good man to ask is simon bolivar he loves a good belgian beer.

Myself i like to drink beers and real ale with a cigar and like anything really like a corona to refresh my palate during a long smoke or maybe something like a nice blonde ale i enjoy with a smoke

[ValeTudoGuy]

I agree that Corona is a good choice with cigars.

[butternutsquashpie]

I agree that Corona is a good choice with cigars.

Hmmmm.. Where's TJandtheCoros when you need them?
He can give us some slighty better mexicant beers

Sent from my BlackBerry 9100 using Tapatalk

[ValeTudoGuy]

now, I'm no sayin that Corona is a great example of a Cerveza.... Not at all it's just that its bubbly and refreshing enough to pair with a cigar IMHO.

[butternutsquashpie]

it's just that its bubbly and refreshing enough to pair with a cigar IMHO.

oi! i'll drink to that!

[Simon Bolivar]

Yep, I find Belgian beers match many fine Havanas, just important not to have a beer too strong in flavour or strength for the chosen smoke. Just like with whiskys, e.g. I find any peaty whisky masks any flavours of my cigars; know plently of others do enjoy it though. Just have to find your own fav's, have fun figuring it out.

[tippexx]

I'm not really keen on anything other than Nescafe (honest) with cigars. But during the Summer I will occasionally pair with a beer .... 'hoppy' or sweet I avoid .... Asahi Dry or Black and Peroni Gran Reserva seem to go OK for me.

[monkey66]

I sometimes like a cold Guinness with a cigar when it is warm.

[snooky]

I think best keep to session Ales. Adnams best, Fullers London Pride, Doom bar etc Once you get onto Adnams Broadside and the like its hard to feel the cigar in your mouth let alone taste it ! I Have to say I prefer a long drink with a Stogie based on the time spent smoking.