Serving Guests- Pairing Cigars & Drinks

[John in Covina]

Hi All,

It's funny that when I am having a big party with a bunch of people over, I get a little unsure about how to offer cigars to the group.

In an informal small group at a friends house I'll simply pull out my cigar sleeve thing or bring out a zip lock bag and offer around, but a party at my place I get so I not sure how to handle it.


First question is the offer:

do I grab a box of cigars and offer everyone the same cigar

or do I grab my small humidor and offer a variety to the group?


Second is what to suggest to go with it?

I like to make a pot of coffee for those that would like to have a cup and a cigar.

Should I break out a selection of whiskies: Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, and/or some dark rum?

I do know that brandy is a perennial favorite with cigars so should I set those out too?

How about Port?

 

[rumblefish]

I don't smoke any more, but,,,
You are quite a host!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap, Just had to say...

 

[Fletch]

Yeah!

But wouldn't "drinks and a cigar" be more appropriate than "cigars and a drink"? Most of us want more than one drink, but few expect more than one cigar (or even one).

 

[John in Covina]

Since I am offering more to more than one person the plural is totally acceptable.

 

[Fletch]

Ah I see...Cigars and drinks all around! :eusa_clap

 

[John in Covina]

Anyone have some of the specialty brandies or whiskies that the distiller has made especially for having with a cigar?

 

[Selentino]

John,
If it is a group of people I invite them to choose from my humidor and offer a nice port or something else from the bar if they like. I keep some nice scotch, bourbon, coffe and a nice smooth ale around. With me cigars are about the sharing and the whole experience so I would never pass around a ziplock bag of cigars but I've always been into the whole cigar culture thing. For me a nice port or cream ale go really well with cigars.

 

[rmrdaddy]

John,
The Dalmore did make a Cigar Malt, but it's been discontinued. I believe that James Powers still laments this fact.
I'm a bourbon drinker overall, and I do find that it pairs well with cigars, but many do enjoy Scotch, or Rum, Or Rye...
I wish I was in the neighborhood to partake with you sir!

 

[John in Covina]

I do like the idea of getting everyone the same cigar from a box so we can sit and compare "tasting notes" and share the experience also.

 

[John in Covina]

Some of the US alembic brandy makers did special cigar blends at one time.

 

[Bibendum]

Greetings all

Hi everone, a newcomer to the Lounge. Been watching you guys for a while but never got around to registering....

If I may be so bold as to offer an opinion on my first posting, perhaps consider an Oloroso, preferably VORS. Enjoy!

Kind regards,

B

 

[rkwilker]

I personally find that a good whisky (scotch or single barrell, small batch bourbon) is an excellent compliment to a fine cigar.

 

[Adcurium]

John... I'm searching old posts... So... How was the party?

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Dalmore Gran Reserva (siimilar to the cigar malt)

We had Romeo & Juliets last night with Martell VSOP

 

[Adcurium]

Ethan, R&J is my brand. I wish I got an invite!

 

[John in Covina]

At the last cigar outing in my friends back yard I brought out some Cuba Aliados Diademas. We paired them with ale but the cigars were too strong of regular Sierra Nevada so we moved to Germain Robin brandy.