Cigars and New Dawn Whiskey: Searching for A Perfect Pairing
Cigars and whiskey have long been associated with each other, and for good reason. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just looking to try something new, pairing a cigar with a glass of whiskey is a great way to emphasize the smooth, rich flavors in your whiskey and bring out new flavors in your cigars.
Here at New Dawn we’re on the hunt for that perfect whiskey and cigar pairing for each of our current offerings and some of our favorite cocktails. We have taken to scouring our local stores and all corners of the internet looking for the cigar match that elevates New Dawn 6 and 10-year offerings to transcendence - or at least to where you’d naturally reach for the same cigar because you know it’s going to be good. Consider it the low cal version of comfort food or our version of the adult security blanket.
We invite everyone to join us on the hunt. Let us know what cigars you’re pairing with New Dawn! Especially if you think you’ve found a winner but even if you haven’t because how else will we know to move on to another match up?
Did You Know?
The historical origins of cigar smoking can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, where the Mayans and Aztecs played a pivotal role in establishing the practice. For these societies, cigars held significance that transcended mere recreational use; they were deeply embedded in religious rituals and ceremonies, signifying a connection to the divine. The aromatic smoke that wafted from burning tobacco leaves was believed to carry prayers and offerings to the gods, acting as a conduit between the earthly and spiritual realms.
New to the whiskey and cigar pairing world? Here are a few tips for choosing a match up:
Consider the strength of the cigar. A milder cigar will pair well with a light whiskey, while a full-bodied cigar will need a more robust whiskey if you don’t want your whiskey to be overshadowed by the cigar. When pairing with New Dawn’s cask strength whiskey aim for a medium or robust smoke especially if you’re sipping neat to help temper New Dawn’s heat while rounding out notes of vanilla and molasses. Sipping over ice? We like a medium or mild to play up New Dawn’s sweeter notes of apricot and cherry.
Think about the flavors of the cigar and whiskey. Look for cigars and whiskeys with complementary flavors. For example, a cigar with notes of chocolate and coffee would pair well with New Dawn 6-year’s notes of vanilla and baking spices. The 10-year pairs well with nuttier cigars carrying notes of almonds or hazelnuts which elevate the 10-year’s fruity aromas.
Play with cocktails. Cocktails can be a great way to play up complementary flavors or play down non-complementary flavors in your whiskey, making it easier to pair with a cigar. Manhattans and old fashioneds are common cocktail pairings but cocktails with fruity undertones can add new dimensions to your cigar while tempering your cocktail’s sweetness, while sours can elevate a cigar's sweetness. Celebrating? A French 95 or a Midnight in Kaş can take a sparkling wine into cigar pairing territory by giving a bit more heft to the bubbles to stand up to rich smoke and leather flavors - though you may still want to consider a milder cigar for this pairing.
Experiment! The best way to find the perfect cigar and whiskey pairing is to experiment. Try different combinations until you find one that you really enjoy.
So next time you're looking for a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend an evening, grab a cigar and a glass of New Dawn and savor the experience.
