We all know
that coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world: in the United
States alone, nearly half of the population drinks coffee daily. As a result,
it is not surprising that aromatic and creamy coffee is one of the most popular
combinations for those who enjoy a good cigar.
Whether you
are a seasoned smoker or a novice, that pairing is always a rewarding
experience because the combination of a premium cigar and a high-quality coffee
can provide a wonderfully harmonious range of flavors and aromas that interact
and complement each other, enhancing them. Although the flavors of coffee and
tobacco will vary depending on where and how the crops are grown, both products
will have earthy tones, spicy touches, and slight acid qualities.
It's worth
noting that the soils with the best conditions for producing high-quality
coffee beans are also the best for growing tobacco. These soils are found
between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees north of the equator) and the Tropic
of Capricorn (23.5 degrees south of the equator), a region that includes
Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and South Asia.
Another
similarity between the two products is that both the coffee beans and the
leaves for premium cigars are harvested in stages and parts so that both the
beans and the leaves mature first on the plant. Once harvested, both products
are subjected to fermentation and drying processes, which are largely
responsible for the aromas and flavors obtained.
As with
cigars, there are many different types of coffee, each with its distinctive
aromas and flavors, and if you want to get the most out of the experience, it
will be critical to find one that pairs perfectly with the cigar you want to
try.
Although
the variations in preparation and mixture of both products make the possible
combinations of coffee and cigars almost infinite, it is possible to use a
criterion that is also valid when combining cigars with other drinks: it is
about balancing the aromatic intensity of each one so that the qualities of one
do not overlap those of the other when they come together.
In other
words, if you're going to smoke a soft and sweet cigar, choose a light roast
coffee so the flavors don't clash and the result is favorable. If you want to
experiment with strong cigars, the coffee must be strong and full-bodied to
highlight the acid nuances of both. A medium-roasted coffee or one with a hint
of cocoa should be paired with a slightly spicy cigar of medium intensity.
Today, we'd
like to recommend a delectable combination from among the many cigars available
in our store. The Arturo Fuente Hemingway is a relatively smooth cigar that is
ideal for starting the day with a cup of coffee. To fully enjoy this cigar's
flavor, pair it with a light espresso to enhance the caramelized experience
provided by its roasted cedar notes. Although the larger vitolas are more
popular, the Short Story is ideal for accompanying a short coffee if time is of
the essence.
