TOP 10 PAIRINGS OF 2010

2010 was a great year for cigars, and spirits as well. We had an exhaustive year of samplings (someone has to do it) with over 50 new pairings identified.
Our process works on the premise of like pairing food and wine, the flavor profiles of cigars and spirits are much the same, and can be matched with great results.
We’ve poled our Friday Finisher participants who have selected the following as their favorite pairings of 2010.
Join us every Friday at 5:00 for a great pairing!!

#1
H. UPMANN VINTAGE CAMEROON ROBUSTO
Angostura 1919 – Dark Rum - Trinidad y Tobago

By far the most talked about combo of all, the spicey sweetness of the Upmann’s Cameroon wrapper is deliciously enhanced by the caramel, vanilla, molasses profile of the Angostura. Perfectly matched for strength and taste, with a long warm finish – Wonderful!

#2
CAMACHO JEFFREY STONE ‘30’ LIMITADO ROBUSTO
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban – Highland Malt

My personal favorite, the spicy sweetness of my Camacho’s Corojo wrapper, blends perfectly with the spice and butterscotch of the whiskey. Complex, medium-full body, smooth and relaxing… but sadly sold out. Perfect!

#3
DAVIDOFF PURO DE ORO NOTABLES
Suntory Hibiki – Japan

A wonderful opposition of strengths, the light floral, sherry flavors of the Hibiki bring out a surprise Dark Fruit taste to the Notables Yamasa wrapper’s full bodied dominant flavors of coffee and earth. Wow!

#4
PADRON ‘64’ IMPERIALES Natural
Taylor Fladgate 10 Yr. Old Tawney Port

The shared flavors of nut and earth make this a match made in heaven. The Port’s extra dimension of raisiny fruit brings a teasingly-light sweetness to the table. Rich and sensual. Excellent!

#5
JOSE SEIJAS SIGNATURE SERIES TORO
Basil Hadens 8 Yr. Old – Kentucky

Master blender Jose Seijas personal blend’s style of earth, nut, coffee, and subtle spice are enhanced by the gentle spicey peppery character of the Hadens. Fleeting sweetness from the Ecuadorian Wrapper is brought forward by the Bourbon’s honey character.

#6
AVO HERITAGE SHORT ROBUSTO
Lagavullin Distillers Edition – Isle Malt

The rich peaty smokiness of the cask strength whiskey is a great combo for the Avo’s bold pepper, leather, and earth. A subtle sweet aftertaste from the Ecuadorian Sumatran wrapper is brought out teasingly by the rich sweet undertone of the scotch. Bold, rich, yet smooth.

#7
CARILLO ENCANTO
Genkinchie 12 Yr. Old – Lowlands Malt

The Carrliio’s profile of nut, toast, and cereal grains combine perfectly with the Glenkinchie’s ginger root, nutmeg, and spice. The creaminess of the Ecuadorian Sumatran wrapper is boosted by the natural crème broulee’, honey character, of the whiskey. Finishes big and long. Great!

#8
ASHTON ESG 20
Strathisla 12 Yr. Old – Highland Malt

The earthy, creamy qualities of the ESG’s Chateau de la Fuente wrapper matched perfectly with the Strathisla’s fruity, oaky, sherry character. Soft, smooth, well balanced, and soothing.

#9
LA FLOR AIRBENDER VILLANO
Woodford Reserve Masters Edition – Kentucky

Bold meets Bold in this excellent pairing. Double Ligero, leather, and earth combine with the oak, butter, and caramel of the ‘cask strength’ Bourbon, bringing the Ecuadorian wrapper to the fore.

#10
PUNCH CHATEAU ‘L’ DOUBLE MADURO
The Dalmore 12 Yr. old – Highland Malt

The Chateau’s earth, leather, and nut blend perfectly with The Dalmore’s complex citrus, sherry, and vanilla to enhance the sweet molasses of the L’s Sumatran Maduro. Rich and Delicious.