For a long time, I’ve wanted what every serious cigar smoker needs: my personal Bergère-style chair, where I can comfortably and quietly smoke, with a great view of the Strait of Magellan. I ordered it and it was delivered to me just in time for this pairing.
I took advantage of a sunny day; I opened up all the windows and set out to create an excellent pairing. For the cocktail, I opted for a Rum Manhattan. If you have many options if your rum bar, choose a rum with a dry character, ideally with heavy alcohols (fusel oils). For this cocktail, I selected Angostura 1919, an 8-year-old rum from Trinidad & Tobago.
The recipe is a classic one, but it has room for small adjustments. I did a 3 x 1, meaning 3 ounces of rum for each ounce of Vermouth Rosso. As we’ve done in the past, I chilled the serving glass. I mixed the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, with ice cubes, to dilute the mix slightly so the combination is not as intense.
For the cigar, I had to select something no longer than a Robusto, due to the smoking time. I opted for one that I’ve smoked a lot, especially when I don’t have a lot of time. I selected a Casa Magna Maduro Robusto, from Quesada Cigars, with a very dark wrapper, very oily texture, with freshly brewed Espresso notes and toasted/charred coconut. This cigar line normally has a medium-high intensity, and this particular cigar was no exception.
This type of pairing has a long-lasting aftertaste, the character of both the cigar and the rum linger on the palate, changing the pH of the saliva. For this reason, it is imperative to use a “rough” cocktail, with strong leather notes. I refer to the smell of a dark leather jacket that has been well kept for a very long time; these notes are usually at the core of good memories and are similar to the ones left on the palate with this pairing.
What changes would I make to this pairing if I didn’t have either of these products? I would not change the format or the cigar, nor would I decrease the cigar’s intensity. Rums like the Angostura 1919 are not as flexible in their mixability as lighter, more common rums, so it would have to be replaced with a rum with a similar congener composition.
I think that I accomplished my mission to enjoy a pairing on my new chair, with a fantastic view. Clearly this is the first of many more pairings. I imagine every reader also has a special place for pairings too and I hope that this pairing will help you remember the first cigar you enjoyed in that special place.
Cheers!
Philip Ili Barake
#GRCigarPairing
