Rum N Cigars

[Hank Koestner]

Where are the cigar lovers? I posted some new pairings the other day, but posted it under an old thread and it was buried quickly. You can find it under the Rum and Cigar thread under rum questions/discussions, if you are interested.

[carnellm]

I am here! Just signed on to the board so I am still reading the old posts. But, just so you know, there is a cigar lover here. :D

[cigar-aficionado]

So am I...as a newly registered user to this forum I am an avid cigar smoker and am part owner of the largest UK cigar forum as well. We often discuss rums on our forum but I will now recommend our members to join this one as well

[cigar-aficionado]

I absolutely love pairing cigars and rum and the forum I co-own in the UK for cigar smokers often looks at spirits and Havanas:)

[Texas TikiGod]

Howdy, I've only had cubans while diving in the Caribbean. I don't know anything about "legal" cigars. Please post reports so I might learn something. Rum & Cigars, don't get muck better.:D

[Grouchowan]

I would like to know more, too, about the pairing two of my favorite things. I would also welcome any and all cigar recommendations. I've been smoking for quite a while and have my favorites, but I'm still pretty much a neophyte. On top of that, I'd like to try as many different cigars (and rums for that matter) as I am able to find.
My best friend is returning from Iraq in about a month. Any suggestions on what rum and cigar pairing best says "Welcome home"?

[Hank Koestner]

Hello gentlemen,
If you search through the entries in rum questions and discussions, you will find some info on cigars and rum pairings that I have posted in the past. These of course are my opinions, and they are subjective as to my tastes.
In that aspect, like rum, everyone has their own preferences as to what type of cigar they like. I post mine to get opinions and other ideas from other rum and cigar lovers so can try their pairings. As far as non cubans go, let me know what type of cigar you like and I can give you some ideas about what cigars you might like to try. They vary according to the region, i.e., the DR, Honduras, Nicaragua, etc., as do the blends and the wrappers. I love cubans also, but I am not able to smoke as many as I would like for obvious reasons. I will continue to post pairings as I go along. It is much trial and error, as either the rum and the cigar can complement each other, or one can overwhelm the other. Sometimes the rum enhances the cigar, but the rum loses flavor, or vice versa. That is what makes this so enjoyable, is the search for a great pairing!!

[cigar-aficionado]

Only too happy to offer help and suggestions on the pairing of Cuban cigars with rums if it helps Hank? :)

[Hank Koestner]

Please do! I do have some cubans, which are my overall favorites, but I have to spread them out so I dont smoke them too quickly. I would love to try your suggestions.

[cigar-aficionado]

I find that one of my all time favourite Cubans, the Juna Lopez number 2, pairs very well with sweeter rums like Doorlys XO or the Zacapas. The sweetness of the rum goes well with the vegetal, almost grassy undertones of the Juan Lopez. This brand has to be closest in profile to really fresh rolled cigars straight from the table:D

[Edward Hamilton]

Is Doorly's XO getting sweeter. The last time I tried that rum I found it to be light and dry but certainly not sweet like Zacapa Centenario.

[Scottes]

I would not consider Doorly's XO to be anywhere near as sweet as Zacapa. Doorly's smells sweeter than it tastes, IMHO, but neither are close to Zacapa.

[cigar-aficionado]

From the rums I have tasted I would say Doorly's XO is sweeter than the average...nowhere near Zacapa or Pampero, but still sweet nonetheless. I think if you compare it to some of the sharper rums with more of a "nose" like the Jamaicans then it is surely sweeter?:confused:

[cigar-aficionado]

It's weird you mention dry as the only truly dry rum I have tried is the Ron Liberacion 15 year old from Cuba:confused:

[Hank Koestner]

I will add the Juan Lopez 2 to my list!
As for non cubans, The Padilla 1932 series is smoking very well right now. Very complex and smooth, with a medium to full body. All sizes are very good. They seem to pair well with Zacapa, Eldorado 15, and the Plantation 8 year Jamaican rum.

I think that sweetness is somewhat relative with rum. There is always a measure of sweetness, ranging from a lesser amount, like St James Hor's d'Age, to cloying sweetness like Cruzan's Black Strap rum. I find that some rhum agricole tends to the dryer side. As for Doorly's XO, I would place that as being a little dryer. I tasted it last night again, and there was a definite
dryness to it, especially on the finish, with a nice touch of warmth. It does have a sweet note also, but much less than Zacapa. I find that Doorly's actually has a very nice balance.

And, finally, I find Doorlys pairs well with more medium bodied cigars, like Fuente Don Carlos and Hemingway.:D

[cigar-aficionado]

Good choice with the Hemmingways Hank:D

Have you found a good rum to pair with the Fuente Anejo yet? I have a box of Sharks and need to think of a good rum to pair the spiciness:confused:

[Hank Koestner]

I have had the hardest time finding Fuente Anejo. I have always wanted to try them, but both on line stores I use have been sold out a long time. There is one cigar store that carries a small amount of them, but the condition of the cigars was questionable. It is a large store that serves as a big humidor, and there is no seperation from the lounge where people are smoking. At 20 to 30 dollars each ( the shark goes for 35) I wanted to make sure I was getting good cigars. So, I can not suggest a rum as of yet. A friend returned from a trip and brought me a Bolivar Immensa. I found it absolutely delicious.
Very full bodied. I sipped a little Flor 18 with the last third of the cigar, and it was a decent match, but there could be better. It could have used a bolder rum. I just have to aquire more of these cigars.!! :(

[cigar-aficionado]

PM me Hank and I'll see what I can do:D

[BoxerDog]

A cigar I would like to recomend would be the following line. Maduros.


St.Luis Rey maduros, they come in boxes of 50 and are great with dark rums. I have a large selection of Cuban cigars and I honestly would say that these are still my favorite cigars.

[Hank Koestner]

Last night I smoked a Jose Seijas Signature Perfecto - Delicious!!!!
Complex, medium to full body, wood, dark chocolate, a hint of spice and leather. For the second half of the cigar I poured a measure of Neisson Rhum Agricole Reserve Speciale. This rum intensified the already rich flavor of the cigar, and the cigar added just a hint of nuttiness to the rum. Great pair!!:D

[cigar-aficionado]

Over the weekend I paired a Ron Botran Solera rum with a Cohiba LE Pyramid 2006. The rum was really good, first time I had tried it, and similar to Zacapa but not as sweet, however the Cohiba overpowered it with spiciness and really does need some more time resting before being a great cigar.:)

[Edward Hamilton]

Botran's Solera is probably their most under-rated rum. I find more body and less sweetness than in some of their other rums, and it's less expensive.

[cigar-aficionado]

I rather liked this one, it was a gift from a cigar smoking friend:D

[Hank Koestner]

I have a bottle of the Solera also. It is a great rum, very smooth.
It is a hard rum to pair with a cigar, I have tried twice myself, with the same results as yourself. I am thinking a mild bodied cigar with good flavor and wood notes
might go well. A Dominican Montecristo White possibly or something on those lines. Any suggestions?

[cigar-aficionado]

How about a Havana Upmanns or maybe a Choix Supreme? Needs something without too much spice in it so the Upmann should go quite well but not one of the newer LE lines:)

[cigar-aficionado]

Suggestions now sought for a rum to pair with the new Cohiba Maduro 5 cigars, beautifully rolled and taste great but quite spicy so need something that has some strength to hold it's own. Not being a fan of Jamaican rums I am looking for something sweeter but not sure where to start chaps...hoping for some ideas?:)

[Hank Koestner]

Hello Mate!
I have read about the Cohiba Maduro. Sounds like you like them. The Cigar Cult Journal was not overly impressed, but I would take your word over thiers anyway!! Based on what you have said, I might try this myself: I think Eldorado 15 is one of the best cigar rums. I might try it first to give myself a baseline. Maybe one of these: Havana Club Barrelproof, which has a little more strength but well balanced, Ron Centenario Fundacion XX, maybe Gosling's Old Rum, which are sweeter. I might even bump one up against A more whiskey type rum, like Clement VSOR. I hope to try one on my trip if they are available. By the way, are thier any non Cuban European cigars that you recommend? I notice that they blend some strickly for the "European Palate" (Cult Journal) such as Libertad and others. I posted this question on Club Havana, but did not receive an answer. ( I have not checked since thurs.):rolleyes: :D :confused:

[Torpnubber]

To get the technical out of the way, I wouldn't be smoking a new release Cohiba for several years. They're just not ready to smoke.

But from the philosophical view, the Cohiba Maduro is not anything like a Nicaraguan, Honduran, or Dominican maduro. Probably not anywhere near as sweet or dark. The cigar will be strong, for sure.
It would probably pair well with a nicely aged amber rum. It could probably mate very well with an over proof rum as well

[cigar-aficionado]

I think we all know to age cigars is the best way but you just have to try them when they are released or you could well be taking time and effort ageing some real dog rockets if you don't like the taste:)

Thanks for the heads up Hank and reckon I will try this evening with the HC barrel proof and see how that goes. As for the EU market smokes I know that we have Fuente Don Carlos and Hemminway over here but thought they would be same blend as yours? We do see Canary Island smokes that do have Cuban tobacco in but they don't really come up to good Habanos. We also have some of yours that have to be re-branded in the EU due to trademark restrictions such as La Gloria Cubana etc
When you get back from your holiday Hank shoot me a PM with the snail mail and I'll send you some samples mate;)

[Matusalem]

Suggestions now sought for a rum to pair with the new Cohiba Maduro 5 cigars, beautifully rolled and taste great but quite spicy so need something that has some strength to hold it's own. Not being a fan of Jamaican rums I am looking for something sweeter but not sure where to start chaps...hoping for some ideas?:)Since it sounds like you are 'over that way', you might look at one of the Cadenhead's rums, if you can find them still. I've only tasted a couple myself, but what I have tasted stood up well against robust Habanos.

McEwan's camp also released several Murray McDavid bottled rums recently as well... all of which I've come across have been "ACE'd" though (as they like to refer to it).

As a counter thought, aficionado, do you typically match strengths when pairing? I've definitely had spirits (not just rum) that were brutally beaten into submission when paired against heavily bodied Habanos, but I've also had quite a few conflicts in trying to pair robust spirits with robust cigars. Personally, (based on my own prior experiences), I tend to try to place the pairing item somewhere in the middle if the focus item is very robust.

[cigar-aficionado]

I tend to try and find ones that complement one another as it is all too easy to overpower either the cigar or the rum...it's great fun trying them all out though:D

[Hank Koestner]

Yes, I believe the Hemmies and Don Carlos are the same blend that we have here in the states.. I was just wondering if there was anything that they send strickly to Europe. It is my understanding that some of the cigars sold here are not sent to Europe. Do you have Tatuaje or Padilla Miami 1932? These are both fine cigars, in all sizes.

Welcome, Matusalem and Torpnubber!

I have found both instances, where a robust rum and cigar pair well, or one puts the other to sleep. I have found also that a milder rum goes well with a robust cigar, and vice versa. I do agree that robust Habanos may be the more difficult to pair, due to the intensity and complexity of flavor. But, after all, the enjoyment is in the search!! ;) :D

I am also very curious to try some Cadenhead rums, Bristol Spirits, and Mcdavid.
I have a friend returning from London this week with a bottle of one of those for me. I am looking forward to it. :p

[Torpnubber]

Thanks for the welcome Hank.

The Don Carlos and Hemingway lines are indeed different. The Hemingway was the first premium line introduced by Fuente and they are all perfecto shaped cigars. They are medium bodied with a Cameroon wrapper.

The Don Carlos are simpler vitolas (only 1 topedo shape), also with a Cameroon wrapper, but a much stronger blend overall.

It's funny that you mentioned Padilla. I just had a Padilla Achilles last night. It's nowhere near the quality of the Miami &11, but still a nice cigar.
I paired it with Gosling Gold, which I use as a mixing rum. Unfortunately, the cigar overwhelmed the Gosling, which was quite delicate.

[Hank Koestner]

I was refering to the blend of Fuente sold in England. I should have been more clear on what I was addressing!! I tried to respond to 2 or 3 things in one note. I was replying to the note posted by Cigar Aficionado. I edited my mistake. We have been talking back and forth about non cuban cigars.
I also enjoy the Miami 8 & 11 quite a bit. I just tried a Lancero which was very good, paired it with La Favorite Rhum Vieux, which I believe is aged 3 years. They paired well together, The rhum in the more medium range, and the fuller bodied cigar.

[Ed P]

I enjoyed an R&J No 1 with an Appleton VX (small amount of ice and ginger ale) at the weekend, and found that to be a superb pairing. When I'd finished the first drink I continued the cigar with the rum on the rocks.

The R&J was not too strong or complex as some Cubans can be and therefore allowed the flavour of the rum to be appreciated.

[Hank Koestner]

Hello Ed, and welcome!!
One of my favorite cocktails is the Rum and Ginger. I do add a splash of bitters to sip through. You hit the nail on the head. This cocktail does go well with a cigar in the medium bodied family, with a rich flavor. I also love Appleton V/X with ginger. A CAO Cameroon fits well also.

[Ed P]

Hello Ed, and welcome!!
One of my favorite cocktails is the Rum and Ginger. I do add a splash of bitters to sip through. You hit the nail on the head. This cocktail does go well with a cigar in the medium bodied family, with a rich flavor. I also love Appleton V/X with ginger. A CAO Cameroon fits well also.

Thanks for the welcome, I've not tried a CAO Cameroon yet, but as we clearly have similar tastes I shall add it to the list!

[Ed P]

Last night I smoked a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, I had to let you guys know about it! It was such a smooth smoke, easy draw and even burn. I smoked it with some Angustura 1919 which went perfectly. My new number 1 smoke!

[Hank Koestner]

I believe this to be the Cuban version? Ahhh, Ed my friend, I do envy your access to the Cubano leaf.........:(

[Matusalem]

Last night I smoked a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, I had to let you guys know about it! It was such a smooth smoke, easy draw and even burn. I smoked it with some Angustura 1919 which went perfectly. My new number 1 smoke!A great smoke that goes well with large variety of compliments. I have a small handfull left from a cabinet box from the Upman factory, dated 2001.

Are you familiar with the ERDM Choix Supreme? Another great robusto/hermoso4 that has a profile that isn't all in your face but a great flavorful smoke that works well with a variety of rums, whiskies, brandies etc.

If you're not familiar - check it out. The CS tends to be well priced for habano leaf (if there is such a thing as "good pricing" when it comes to rolled Havana tobacco.);)

[Ed P]

I have only smoked that one once, and loved it. Recently I have decided that I prefer robustos significantly over other sizes.

[cigar-aficionado]

You could also try the Romeo Exhibition number 4 or maybe the wonderful Ramon Allones Specially Selected...both go really well with a well aged rum over ice:D

[Ed P]

I shall!

The great thing about this thread is that it provides the perfect excuse to buy new cigars and drink more rum!

[Matusalem]

Heck, then you may as well get a couple of Royal Coronas and Regios, not to mention Serie D4s as well and do a round-robin.:p

[Ed P]

Why stop there? Monte A anyone? ;)

[cigar-aficionado]

Never been a fan of those though, very flat and one dimensional:( Besides you would need so much rum to keep you going you would be too drunk to appreciate it:D

[Ed P]

I've never smoked one, just know that for that money I've always bought 3 cigars that I know I like instead!

[cigar-aficionado]

You could get some fine rums for the price of one of them as well:D

[Hank Koestner]

Tried a Montecristo Long Corona last night, it was good but nothing really special. The first rum I chose was a little too much for the cigar, but the lighter but very tasty Origine rum was a decent match.:p

Any opinions on the Monte Petite Edmundo? Some can magically appear in my humidor if I say the magic words..........:rolleyes:

I have 2 Partagas D 4's Edition 2006. Any suggestions, my friends, for a rum match?:confused:

[Matusalem]

I have 2 Partagas D 4's Edition 2006. Any suggestions, my friends, for a rum match?:confused:I really enjoyed a D4 with a couple of pours of Depaz. It's also been a great match for me with HC7.

[Hank Koestner]

I have the De Paz(is this Blue Cane, or another?) and HC 7, so I will try those with my Partagas.

I enjoyed a 601 Habano Robusto today, and poured Appleton Extra with it, and they where a great marriage!

[Torpnubber]

Any opinions on the Monte Petite Edmundo? Some can magically appear in my humidor if I say the magic words..........:rolleyes:

I have 2 Partagas D 4's Edition 2006. Any suggestions, my friends, for a rum match?:confused:

I absolutely love the Petite Edmundo, much better that the Edmundo in my eyes.
I happen to be partial to the Montecristo marque as well.

The Partagas Serie D no 4 is a brute of a cigar. Heavy roasted wood and coffee flavors with a serious backbone. If you have a 2006 box code, you have a great cigar on your hands.

An overproof rum would probably pair well with your Partagas. But I would pair it with a sweeter rum like Zaya and Ron Zacapa to get the benefits of both drink and smoke.

Either way, you're bound to have a memorable hour or so.

[Hank Koestner]

I will try one of each suggestion on the Partagas from both of you. Thanks!
As for the Petite Edmundo, I am going to go over my humidor and say the magic words.......

[Matusalem]

The Partagas Serie D no 4 is a brute of a cigar. Heavy roasted wood and coffee flavors with a serious backbone. If you have a 2006 box code, you have a great cigar on your hands.

An overproof rum would probably pair well with your Partagas. But I would pair it with a sweeter rum like Zaya and Ron Zacapa to get the benefits of both drink and smoke.Agree with most of this. I should also state, Hank, the D4s I've been smoking are pre-2000. I have smoked a couple of post Millennium D4s but the extent of my comment is based on older ones. I don't really recall if I paired anything with either of the newer two I've sampled (I believe they were 2002 & 2003 productions if I recall correctly).

The common thought on D4s are that they are best young. I've had a totally different experience, but it is based on a couple of boxes produced in 1999 - which were strong as heck and remain extreemly potent to date. What I find missing from Torpnubber's description is "spice". Partagas including D4's have a slight peppery spice and I believe that's the main component that I thought made Depaz a great match with my D4s.

Not being current while knowing strains and blends have shifted somewhat over the years, I'm hopeful but not 100% certain a 2006 D4 would have the same character as the older examples I based my comments on. So maybe Torp's suggestions will pan out better. ;) Please do let us know.

[cigar-aficionado]

If you like the old style flavours try the Bolivar Inmensa with a few years on it or even one of the newer releases Gold Medals, both are smooth but have that spicy earthiness reminscent of the older Bolivars...personal favourites are BBF's that I have from 1992:)

[Hank Koestner]

My dear friends,:)
I have made a slight error.:( I do have 2 Serie D #4's, But I also have 2 Serie D#3's, that are the Edition Limitada 2006. My prior entry mixed them together.:eek:
I will choose from the suggestions for the 4's, But how different is the taste profile to the 3"s? And, would the rum selection be different? My 4's were from an 06 box. Thanks for all the insight and suggestions!!!

[Matusalem]

My dear friends,:)
I have made a slight error.:( I do have 2 Serie D #4's, But I also have 2 Serie D#3's, that are the Edition Limitada 2006. My prior entry mixed them together.:eek:
I will choose from the suggestions for the 4's, But how different is the taste profile to the 3"s? And, would the rum selection be different? My 4's were from an 06 box. Thanks for all the insight and suggestions!!!Hank,

Sadly I don't have the re-released Serie D3. I'm almost finished a box from the original edicion limitada release. That said, several have indicated that the 2006 release tastes exactly the same as the earlier release. Just on principle I have a hard time believing "exactly the same" - as the tobacco has evolved naturally as well as through man-ipulation since the first release.

Again a matter of opinion, but the ELs (edicion limitadas) in general have had a somewhat common (amongst themselves) flavor profile. Often they are described as tasting related but not necessarily distinguishable as direct sibblings of the marca / lines they represented.

For example, blindly if you took four cigars (a Cohiba LE Pyramid original release, PSD3 LE original release, Cohiba Robusto & PSD 4) - in the blind, I'm betting a substantial number of people would find the Cohiba LE Pyramid to taste more akin to a Partagas Serie D3 than they would the Cohiba Robusto to taste akin to the Pyramid or the D3 to relate to the D4.

I don't have a solid rum recommendation for the D3 - especially not the newer one (sorry - but HONEST at least;) ). The original release, I actually preferred with Calvados for some reason.

or even one of the newer releases Gold Medals,Which BGMs are we speaking of? The latest standard production release or the commissioned lot a few years back?

[cigar-aficionado]

The German issues from a couple of years ago were really great, think the newer ones need a little bit of rest time before coming good so far:)

As for the LE's tasting similar I can agree with that on most with the exception of a few really great ones, Partagas Pyramids and the Hoyo Pyramids to mention a couple, both exceptional smokes that just keep on getting better:D

[Matusalem]

The German issues from a couple of years ago were really great, I have yet to light one of these, but will try one in the not so distant future. I haven't come into the newly released ones.

As for the LE's tasting similar I can agree with that on most with the exception of a few really great ones, Partagas Pyramids and the Hoyo Pyramids to mention a couple, both exceptional smokes that just keep on getting better:DWhile I think the Hoyo Piramides - didn't taste completely LE-ish, (although I just finally smoked my first one ever in August - last month)... I still found the Partagas to have a lot of the common LE profile.

Don't get me wrong, I thought several of the LEs were good. RyJ and Monte Robustos were fairly good too with some time on them. But they all had that slightly sweeter note, that cooler burn and slightly chewy smoke, typical of most LEs I've had the fortune to experience.

What I mean to say is on a scale of good, the Partagas Piramide LE was very good - but that's not the comparison I was making. Put it in a line-up with a same vintage Lusi, same vintage Connoiseur # (of your choice), & a same vintage Corona - then blindfold the smoker, I'm betting the smoker would find the LE least related in over-all profile.

[Hank Koestner]

Thank you all for your discussion here. I try to read everything I can about Cubans, and taste as many as possible. Your inputs help with my education, and my list of those I would like to smoke. How do you choose your rum profile, when you decide to have a rum with these cigars?:rolleyes:I do envy your access to the Cubanos!

[cigar-aficionado]

I think many of the LE editions are clever marketing by the Cubans with a few exceptions though, out of all the releases so far the Party Pyramid still stands strong imho as the one that was way ahead of the others...you're right in that many of the newer ones all have a "sameness" about them which is a real shame as some of the vitolas are really great:(
As for comparing with "vintage" it depends on how old you class as vintage:confused: To me anything with up to 10 years on it would be aged and vintage would need to be older and if I compared them to stuff like POW's from 1982, which are smoking extremely well, there would be no comparison, you are right in that. But how about like for like, a 2001 Havana against the Party Pyramid would be much closer;)

[Matusalem]

I think many of the LE editions are clever marketing by the Cubans with a few exceptions though, out of all the releases so far the Party Pyramid still stands strong imho as the one that was way ahead of the others...you're right in that many of the newer ones all have a "sameness" about them which is a real shame as some of the vitolas are really great:(
As for comparing with "vintage" it depends on how old you class as vintage:confused: To me anything with up to 10 years on it would be aged and vintage would need to be older and if I compared them to stuff like POW's from 1982, which are smoking extremely well, there would be no comparison, you are right in that. But how about like for like, a 2001 Havana against the Party Pyramid would be much closer;)I thought I said "same vintage" - meaning Partagas cigars from the same year / production frame. Not "vintage" as in a remarkable or notable production period of past.

To me the LEs have moved towards but still to this day do not distinguish themselves by the brands they claim to be. Some were damn good - some I just didn't like but few if any tasted completely or exclusively of the marquee they represented. To me it was a thought provoking challenge to those that maintain the wrapper only contributes to 5% or less of what we taste in final product.

[Matusalem]

Thank you all for your discussion here. I try to read everything I can about Cubans, and taste as many as possible. Your inputs help with my education, and my list of those I would like to smoke. How do you choose your rum profile, when you decide to have a rum with these cigars?:rolleyes:I do envy your access to the Cubanos!Hank this is hit and miss at best for sure! That's why when you find a combo and like it, it's a special treat to record in memory.

I'm not going to lie to you. There'll be a day when you line up your favorite pair and it just doesn't work out like you remember. The variables to try to accomodate for are simply (and understated) overwhelming!

Everything from your personal mood... the routine you followed in each instance, what you may have eaten before, your current vs. previous health status, the current vs. former setting etc. etc. etc.

Want some more honesty? When you learn how the Cuban cigar factory and production works you add in another unfathomable stack of variables. Like did you know the blends are unknown to the typical factory worker? The Montecristo # 2, for example is rolled at something like 10 or more factories. Certain factories can have better tobacco on hand etc. Top that off - cigars are rolled, bundled in what are known as "wheels" and before they are boxed they are randomly tested then color sorted for identical wrapper shade (so that you don't get a box that looks like a zebra or fruitstripe gum).

Therefore, it's unlikely but 1 box of 25 cigars could theoritically & potentially be the work of 25 different factory rollers. Some rollers are better than others (they are graded accordingly). Also to break the color match down, all the cigars are not necessarily from the same day's supply of tobacco and blends. What that means is given a box you might find cigars that were rolled together from a session with a blend you find superior to those rolled from a different / session and blend supply.

Any of you ever get a box of inconsitent cigars? One is strong, the next weak? One has a perfect draw the next give you a hernia? One burns fine the next you need a flamethrower to keep lit? No it wasn't just you - LOL.

I'm going to make this the last factor but there are plenty more to consider... Last but not least, the weather. When you had your favoriite experience how had the weather been leading up to it? High pressure system vs. low pressure etc. - ambience change typically affects cigar burn and taste. I suspect seasonal change is a serious culprit. Everything might be exactly the same as before but your cigars are moister or drier and thus don't taste the same. I dare say the weather can slightly adjust a drink's profile as well or at least it does play a part in my perceived likeability (if you know what I mean).

What I can confidently offer you is a hearty - GOOD LUCK, mate!

[cigar-aficionado]

I thought I said "same vintage" - meaning Partagas cigars from the same year / production frame. Not "vintage" as in a remarkable or notable production period of past.

To me the LEs have moved towards but still to this day do not distinguish themselves by the brands they claim to be. Some were damn good - some I just didn't like but few if any tasted completely or exclusively of the marquee they represented. To me it was a thought provoking challenge to those that maintain the wrapper only contributes to 5% or less of what we taste in final product.

My bad mate, never noticed the "same vintage" but then again if we were talking other Habanos from the early part of this century I would still reckon on a closer Patagas profile from the Pyramid than the Lusi, different strokes mate and different tastes:D
Many smokers put a great deal of store on the supposed "old style" flavours of certain brands but I really think that these are sadly, in most cases, a dreamy memory. As the older cigars reach vintage status they mellow out and become more complex but lose the powerhouse aspect of some brands.

I do agree though on the LE profiles and still find each new one to be very similar to previous ones with very few exceptions.:(

[Matusalem]

Many smokers put a great deal of store on the supposed "old style" flavours of certain brands but I really think that these are sadly, in most cases, a dreamy memory. As the older cigars reach vintage status they mellow out and become more complex but lose the powerhouse aspect of some brands. You wouldn't be talking about Min Ron NEE or as I heard someone refer to him as More Rum NOW - would you?;)

I agree everything has a curve at some point and there is give and take. Me, I don't necessarily need power. Once in a while that is exactly what I want but for the most part I'll take finesse over brute strength.

I do agree though on the LE profiles and still find each new one to be very similar to previous ones with very few exceptions.:(This was all I meant to establish. The Party Piramide became a fantastic smoke. Do you like the newer P2s?

And speaking of PoWs - any of those that show too much loss in strength for you, LMK I'd take em off your hands gladly. I have a particular affinity for those -especially 1998 & 99s.

[cigar-aficionado]

Funny you should say that about POW's...I have some wonderful ones from 1997 that are really blooming well now and are smoking very smooth...but not quite as smooth as the 1982's:D

PM me about them but I think we may be on different sides of the pond...or are we?;)

I like the P2 but don't think it shows much of a Partagas flavour, more of a Diplomaticos # 2 to my taste buds:confused:

[Hank Koestner]

Yes, there are many variables, as you say. I have experienced some of the same things. I have read about the production variations with Cubans, and you were able to put all that together! :) Thank you for taking the time to type all the info.:D I just wish my limited access to the cuban leaf was better, and hopefully it will be in the near future!:( Im am just an 1 1/2 hr plane ride away!

[Matusalem]

Yes, there are many variables, as you say. I have experienced some of the same things. I have read about the production variations with Cubans, and you were able to put all that together! :) Thank you for taking the time to type all the info.:D I just wish my limited access to the cuban leaf was better, and hopefully it will be in the near future!:( Im am just an 1 1/2 hr plane ride away!Yeah. Being in FL has got to be tough. From what my friends tell me the state or at least around the Miami area is infested with false Cuban leaf.... the old uncle of my wife's great aunt twice removed on her father's side works in the factory stories are hilarious but never ending.

The one thing I'd say is right now BE CAREFUL. There is currently a campaign under way aggrevating things significantly, both via delivery & in person.

[Torpnubber]

I never cared for the LE editions. They never tasted like the originating marque and were quite a bit more expensive.

Oh, and Matusalem is correct, OFAC is on the warpath here in the states. :(

[Hank Koestner]

I have seen more than a few fakes, but have done my homework and have never been taken.
Tonight, I enjoyed a Tatuaje Miami Havana VI Angeles with Eldorado 21. This was a perfect match...........at least tonight anyway!:D

[Hank Koestner]

Tried a new Padilla 1948 Lancero, a good cigar that improves as you smoke it,
and I poured more Ron Botran 1863 with it, and it was wonderful. The rum intensified the flavor of the cigar without losing itself. One of those rare perfect matches.:rolleyes:

[Westmalle8]

There is a place in Mesa, AZ that handrolls on the premise. I spoke with the owner and described what I thought I like in a cigar. Several days later a package with 4 stick came in the mail. Let me tell you these sticks would go with anything well.

Westmalle8

[Hank Koestner]

Tonight I had the pleasure of smoking an Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Illusion, a very long cigar, and very good.:) I chose the Havana Club 7, and it was a great match.:D The rum and cigar complemented each other, and the taste of each came through nicely. One did not overwhelm the other. The cigar was flavorfull, with a medium body, as is the rum. This time of year in Florida is nice, the temp dropping towards the low 70's as the days grow shorter (which I dislike). Enjoying my rum and cigar as daylight passed to twilight into night,with a perfect pairing, and a very soft breeze, I was thankful that tonight, life is great!! Is this not why we pursue our love of this spirit, for moments like this?:rolleyes:

All right, so I over did it a little.:p

[Hank Koestner]

The new Oliva Serie V Torpedo with El dorado 12. The rich coffee flavor of the cigar worked well with the creamy flavor of the 12. They did not overpower one another, but each intensified the others flavor nicely. Great match.

[Mark B.]

Saturday night it was an Hoyo 135th Anniversary and Zaya for me. Each is nice enough on its own, but they don't seem to play that well together. Not terrible, but not spectacular either. I'm thinking maybe Zaya is too sweet a rum for that cigar.

Ongoing experimentation will of course be necessary.

[KINGSTON]

My first love is Cigars that is what intrigued me about Rum (besides my Puerto Rican Wife). The fact is many people love Cognacs and Scotches with their cigars. Truth be told most cigar makers enjoy their Puros with Fine Aged Rum. I work in the Premium Cigar Industry as a Sales Rep. I don't think that I should mention the Brand that I work for, after all I'm hear to learn about Rum not to sell stogies. But I can tell you that I try to enjoy Rum from where the majority of the Tobacco used in the cigar is grown. In today’s industry where blending tobacco from multiple countries can confuse some. It seems that the Rum industry is very similar. I can't think of two things that go better together than Rum & Cigars. After all Rum & Cigars have been enjoyed together longer than any other Spirit. So Long Ashes and Tall Glasses!!!!

[Hank Koestner]

Welcome Kingston, and I can't agree more! I am looking forward to your input on our forum!!! You can say who you work for, but you know some will want to play "lets make a deal".

[Hank Koestner]

Yes, it is hard to find a rum to pair with a double ligero, but the Jamaicans are pretty good, Estate 12 and 21. The rum needs to be big and edgy.
I do agree with Torp, Don Pepin Garcia is blending some wonderful cigars.
I have a good amount of Tatuaje, Cuban Classic, Padilla 32's and others blended by him. The San Cristobal is also delicious. He was here last month for an event.
CA, if you would like to taste some of these, I would be happy to send you some samples. I have plenty. PM me and let me know. :D

[cigar-aficionado]

Nice offer Hank and much appreciated, maybe we can trrade for some of the smokes from my side if you get my drift?:D

[Torpnubber]

Ahhh, it's great to have cigar lovers on the board.

Kingston, I dived into this board for the same curious interests. I'd have to say that I know much more about cigars than rum.

This board has given me a blossoming interest in all things "rum", and the great wealth of knowledge from the more senior members, has been enlightening.

Curiosity has gotten the better of me, and I'm sure you can let us in on the manufacturer that you represent, as long as it's not Pinar (snicker!!).

CA and Hank, I think your bartering could be quite interesting :o

[martincate]

If anyone here ever finds themselves in the San Francisco Bay Area, please come see us at Forbidden Island. We open at 3pm on Sundays so people can enjoy a smoke on our patio with a premium rum (at least when the weather is better!). We had a monthly Rum & Cigar event the last Sunday of each month during the spring & summer- I would go to a trusted local tobacconist and bring over a box, then pair it with something appropriate. I don't keep a humidor on site, but bring your own favorite and I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy it with.

Mahalo!

[Hank Koestner]

I think I have found a good rum for the full bodied strong cigar. Ron Fundacion XX from Costa Rica paired well tonight with A Joya de Nicaragua Gran Reserve toro, which is a very full bodied flavorful cigar. This rum has a nice sweetness to it, with good rich rum flavors. This cigar has aged in my humidor for about 2 years, and is still a powerhouse, and the rum enhanced the flavor of the cigar, while the cigar intensified the rich molasses, brown sugar and wood in the rum.
Also, after checking my pairings notes, I had noted that this rum pairs well with a La Aurora 100 Anos churchhill also. Not as powerful as the Hoya, but still a very rich, full bodied cigar.

[Hank Koestner]

This afternoon after late lunch, (which of course started with a Ti Punch made with La Favorite Amber,) I smoked a Fuente Extra Viejo 55. I buy a few of these when they are released, which is about once a year at this time, and ration them over the year because they are expensive. After smoking about half of this delicious cigar, I decided to try a rum and went with Angostura 1824.
The cigar is very rich, full bodied, full of coffee, leather and dark chocolate, and a nice hint of spice. The rum stood up to it, and although the rum was tempered ever so slightly, the cigar flavors were intensified. The more subtle flavors in the rum came through, and the combination of the two on the finish was excellent. It lingers on and on. Good combo. (or pairing, if you wish).

[RobertBurr]

Hank, have you tried RL Seale's 10 year rum with cigars? It's a fine rum with some complexity and a robust flavor that should stand up to a cigar in the milder range well. It comes in a cool bottle like no other.

[Lew Barrett]

I like what's going on with your avitar, Robert.

My observations. First, it was mentioned that the Special Selected is a great cigar and I agree though I suspect it would be hard to pair; I've never tried, actually. It's extremely.....robust. Of the Cuban robustos, it is one of my favorite. Powerful and complex, it's a winner. I can't think of any time over the last dozen years that I've had a bad SD4. This is a hallmark Cuban size, and the Partagas is one of the best also. Cohiba's robusto hs always been reliable too, but obviously rarer for me and now that all mine are gone it's hard to know when I'll enjoy the next one. I haven't had a Choix Supreme in years and can barely remember what they taste like, but of all the Habanos, the robusto sizes are among the most reliable and gratifying over the years. I smoked an Epicure 2, gifted by a friend while I was in California 2 weeks ago, and it was sublime. Nutty, full of flavor and smokable to the last. Great cigar. We drank 23 anos with it and I have to say the cigar outdid the rum, but the combo was still spectacular.

For me, size does matter in cigars, but paraphrasing the song, it ain't the meat, it's the motion. I've always returned to robustos and corona grandes
as my first choice, everything else being equal.

[Hank Koestner]

I have see the R.L. Seales for sale online, and have heard good things about it. It may be my next purchase. The bottle is very cool.

I am a big robusto, corona gorda, and torpedo fan, myself.

[Lew Barrett]

I have see the R.L. Seales for sale online, and have heard good things about it. It may be my next purchase. The bottle is very cool.

I am a big robusto, corona gorda, and torpedo fan, myself.

I enjoy figurados too. The Cuabas are interesting, or were the last time I enjoyed one. I'd have a box of those around if I could. And it can't be said too often; the Monte 2 is by far my favorite of the Montecristo line. It's a very unique taste, and they always smoke well. Talk about cocoa. Note: I'm not a guy that generally segregates tastes "that" way; nutty and rich I easily get, or harsh or "tastes like tobacco" work, but generally (although grapefruit and leather are exceptions for me in drink:D), I don't taste things individually or use the same sort of vocabulary as many here to describe my experience. But I know what I like.

[Count Silvio]

I smoked an Epicure 2, gifted by a friend while I was in California 2 weeks ago, and it was sublime. Nutty, full of flavor and smokable to the last. Great cigar. We drank 23 anos with it and I have to say the cigar outdid the rum, but the combo was still spectacular. I am lucky to have both available. I shall try this combo.