Cigars have a long history of being linked with many different spirits. The most common are port, cognac/brandy, and scotch whiskey. Does this mean that no other drink or cocktail can be served alongside a cigar? Actually, any adult beverage will serve one well during the time spent relaxing and smoking a cigar. Historically, the drinks mentioned above were often served after dinner. This was the time when gentlemen would retire to the study and smoke a cigar and polish off a snifter or two of brandy. Remember in Gone with the Wind when Rhett Butler unwillingly "ruined everyone's cigars and brandy" when he politely reminded them that the South lacked the factories of the North and that victory would not be so easy? Times have changed and cigars aren't just for the guys anymore. We also aren't limited in our beverage choice for cigar accompaniment.

So if there are no rules, what about beer? Can craft beer enhance the cigar experience? Craft beer works well with cigars. If we are in a golden age for cigar manufacturers then the same can certainly be said for the craft beer industry. Someone recently asked me what my favorite beer was and I quickly responded with, "a cold one." I could almost give the same answer for the question of, “What craft beers go best with cigars?” The beer you are drinking is better than the one that is still hanging out in the fridge. But there are beers that naturally pair better with cigars and, in my opinion, the darker the better. I for one like to pair my cigar with a beer that is going to enhance the flavor of what I am smoking. I look for beers that have many of the same flavor components that one finds in a well-blended, expertly crafted cigar which contain complex flavor profiles. If hints of spice, pepper, coffee , cocoa,  leather, a dark rich tobacco flavors are what I am getting from my cigar, then what better beer than a rich porter or stout to add to the experience.

This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a full-bodied Maduro smoke with lighter ale or even an American Adjunct Lager. No one says you can't have Chardonnay with steak, but the bold rich flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon is much more suited for this purpose. I recently enjoyed a very hoppy IPA with a mild cigar. Let me say that the pairing was absolutely perfect. The smoke and flavor from the Macanudo Gold blended perfectly with the heavy hops in the Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA. The cigar actually mellowed the beer and added a hint of sweetness. It was like I had put a little age on the bottle.

There are so many great beers out there and we are getting new ones in every week. With the availability of so many great brews, your cigar pairing possibilities are endless. At a recent cigar event we poured Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale, Anchor Steam Porter, and the Russian Imperial Big Eddy. All were a huge hit. You also couldn't go wrong with a chocolate stout. Cigar City lives up to its name and makes some great beers that match well with cigars. Their Maduro Brown Ale and their Espresso are great choices.

So next time you are looking for a quality libation to go along with your cigar, don't forget the beer. I love scotch and port as much as anyone, but it’s just hard to beat a nice cold beer, especially here in the Sunshine State.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits regional manager in Jacksonville. Follow him on Twitter @chrisgnole