Back in later September, Gilbertsville Cigar Factory hosted an event with Island Jim. In addition to the usual cigar event, there was also Live Music by Dan O’Brien and a Whiskey Tasting from Manatawny Still Works.
I always enjoy these events because its a great opportunity for my wife (who doesn’t smoke cigars) and I to get away from the kids for a little while and enjoy some adult time together – which is hard to come by these days with three little girls in the house.
Ever since starting my own business a year and a half ago, virtually all of my spare time is spent working. This has caused me to see cigars much differently than I used to. More often than not, when I have a cigar, it isn’t to kick back and relax – its to have a little something while I work.
The event at Gilbertsville Cigar Factory opened my eyes to two things in particular.
- I don’t spent nearly as much time as I should just relaxing and enjoying things outside of work.
- Whiskey by itself is pretty interesting but when paired with a good cigar, it can be downright amazing
During the event I had the opportunity to try a variety of spirits from Manatawny Still Works. The one that I kept coming back to was their Small Batch #19. It had so much depth and complexity that I couldn’t help but to leave with a bottle.
Since then I’ve been pairing it with different cigars and I find that it goes wonderfully with those with a bit of spice – such as the AJ Fernandez New World and La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero.
These pairings have gone a long way in rekindling my passion for both cigars and spirits. While I can’t promise to have the kind of time that I used to and become a regular presence here on Stogie Review – I’d like to start posting a bit more regularly, outlining my adventures in pairing cigars and spirits.
To kick things off, I’d love some feedback. Please drop a comment below and tell me your absolute favorite pairing – I’d love to give it a try!
Great to see you post at SR again, Walt! Despite trying quite persistently, I was never able to develop a taste for pairing my cigars and spirits. I enjoy both, but not together. However, as I write this, I’m enjoying a glass of Redwood Empire whiskey.
I’m like that with cigars and wine. Either are great by themselves, but I generally don’t like the two together.
Matt,
I can definitely see that. I’ve run into a couple of situtions where the cigar and spirit did nothing for one another, although they were very good by themselves.
Brian,
Wine is something I’ve never developed a taste for.
I can drink the occasional glass of Blush but I get some weird looks….
Walt! Delighted to see you back on Stogie Review! You were my Cigar Hero back in the day with your tee-shirt reviews against a white screen. I love, love pairing cigars and whiskey. My favorite pairing is a Tatuaje Havana VI with an American Single Malt from Spirit Hound in Lyons, Colorado. Pete Johnson is an awesome blender and Craig Englehorn is an equally brilliant head distiller who uses Colorado malt and spring water to make his single-barrel whiskey in a hand-built copper pot still. Great alone, sublime together.
Hi George,
I’m glad at least a couple of people remember me around here – its been a while.
Here in Pensyvania, our Licquor Laws are a bit of a hassle. Spirits all have to pass through the state unless it is distilled inside the state (Anything from outside PA is considered an import).
Unfortunately, nothing from Spirit Hound is coming up when I check the state licquor website. While it sounds interesting, it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to get my hands on the Single Malt.
Thanks for the comment!
Walt, nice to see you posting again. I love all kinds of cigars and bourbon pairings, and I typically have one on my back porch almost every night. But now that the colder weather has hit my area of NW Ohio, I really enjoy a maduro cigar with Knob Creek and a splash of the smoked maple Knob Creek. Absolutely amazing pairing. So delicious I highly recommend giving it a try
Aaron,
I tried an Illusion MJ12 Maduro with some Wee Man’s Blend Scotch. Both were great by themselves but together they really didn’t do anything for one another.
I’ll have to pick up some of the Knob Creek – I know its very easy to come by in my area.
Thanks for the comment.
Great to see you posting again Walt. Love a good whiskey like a Four Roses Small Batch with a LFD or Roma Craft.
Joseph,
I just happen to have some Four Roses Small Batch.
Do you have a favorite LFD or Roma Craft to pair with it (my local shop caries both)?
Thanks for the comment.
Walt, way too many to list! Currently enjoying an LFD Air Bender and Don Bosco. I hope you guys start posting This Week in Smoke posts soon!