Enjoying a good cigar and a great beer is one of the best tasting experiences one can have. Lighting up a stogie and cracking open a cold beer is the perfect start of a great evening. The pairing process is not difficult but you have to remember that it is quite a subjective experience. The main traits of the cigar are the strength, the smoking time and the aromas. The majority of the strength is stored in the wrapper and this is why the color is the best way to appreciate the strength.
Beer is usually a combination of water, malt, hops, and yeast. The art of crafting a beer is in making a delicious combination between these four major elements. There are major differences in taste based on the amount of alcohol, the malt/hops balance and the undertones like oak, banana, bear and so on.
The best way to match these two delicacies is to assess the strength and aroma of both of them and then find a perfect balance. The following will give you a head-start for your delicious journey based on the nuances of the wrapper:
Double Claro wrapper
This type of wrapper shows the young age of the cigar. This means that the cigar will have a rather acid start and the aroma will be rather delicate. Some examples of cigar brands like this are Quai D’Orsay and Hoyo de Monterrey. The strength of these cigars is light and the smoking experience will be very pleasant and mild. The best combination for this cigar is a blond beer or a light pilsner because it will not overlap the already subtle tones. Some of the best beers from this category are Leffe, Amsterdam Blonde Lager, and True North Polar Lager.
Claro wrapper
These sand colored cigars are also on the light side but the aroma is quite stronger compared to the Double Claro. The best types of cigars from this category are El Rey del Mundo. These cigars are suitable for beginners and they have a subtle and yet very delicious aroma. The best beers for these cigars are Griffon Pale Ale and James Ready Original Ale because they have a higher amount of hops.
Colorado Claro wrapper
These light reddish-brown wrappers show the perfect transition of strength between the light and medium cigars. Some of the best cigars in this category are H.Upmann Half Corona and Montecristo Open Regata. They are very aromatic and pleasant but they don’t overwhelm the smoker. The ultimate beer match can be an amber beer or even one with aromatic undertones. Some examples are Brouczech Premium Lager and Bohemian Pilsner thanks to the richer aroma and higher amount of malt.
Colorado wrapper
These reddish-brown cigars are the perfect balance between smoke and aroma. The most representatives brand for this category is Romeo y Julieta. The cigars are very tasty and the strength/aroma balance is perfect for any smoker. The best beers are ambers or even some lighter lagers like Captain’s Log Lager and Cracked Canoe.
Colorado Maduro wrapper
This dark reddish color shows a longer aging time and therefore a fuller taste and a richer aroma. Some of the proudest representatives of this category are Double Claro in particular and H.Upmann Magnum 50. The ultimate taste matches for these delicacies are lagers or even lighter stouts like Walkerville Easy Stout and Black Label.
Maduro wrapper
Maduro cigars are in the medium to full category in terms of strength and aroma. They are suitable for smokers that enjoy a heavier smoke and bursts of aroma. Some brands that have these traits are Partagas and Punch. The best beer buddies for these big boys are Dragon Stout and Sleeman Fine Porter.
Oscuro wrapper
This is the darkest of them all and they represent the full bodied cigars that are a true flavor and aroma bomb. Bolivar cigars are aged a long time in order to gain the full taste and they are truly amazing. Such a strong cigar needs a strong companion like Guinness or Ohara’s Irish Stout in order to match the power of the taste.
Special thanks to Maria at Swiss Cuban Cigars for this Great Beer Now guest post!
nice review