By: Kelly Luciw
Now that the holiday rush is behind us, we can catch our breaths and relish in the thought of having an entire year until it starts all over again. But let us not focus on the past, and instead look toward the future… a new year, and new beginnings. Let’s keep the celebration going and enjoy ourselves with pleasant company, exceptional cigars, and drinks that we all can raise a glass to. Here at CIGAR.com, we’re keeping you warm in these frigid temperatures and happy well into the new year with the wonderful pairings of top-notch premiums and oh so delightful libations.
First toast goes to Alec Bradley Tempus Maduro and El Dorado 12-year old rum. With a smooth character and intense, full-bodied flavors of espresso, Alec Bradley Tempus Maduro is the ideal premium to pair with the mouth-watering sweetness of El Dorado 12-year old rum. With rich flavors of fruit and spice, hints of honey, and an elegant, dry finish, El Dorado unites with this cigar effortlessly, complementing the bold flavors of this perfect end-of-day premium.
Next is the ’94-rated Oliva Serie ‘V’ and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. With top-quality, specially selected ligero leaf, Oliva Serie ‘V’ is loaded with flavor and layered with enticing notes of leather, pepper, and earthy undertones. Pair this full-bodied premium with the rich and complex taste of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and you have one exquisite taste that is filled with hints of toffee, candied fruit, and vanilla. The long finish of Oliva Serie ‘V’ is complemented by the smooth finish of Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Pair these two up together and prepare your palate for one savory smooth ride.
Man O’ War Ruination, a creation by AJ Fernandez, and the 12-year old single malt scotch, Balvenie DoubleWood, takes their place as our next pairing for the New Year. Delivering a bold, robust experience, Man O’ War Ruination offers rich flavors ranging from leather and earth to hints of oak. Pair up this premium with the distinct character and cinnamon spiciness, sherry, and nutty sweetness found in Balvenie DoubleWood Single Malt Scotch, and you’ve got yourself one noticeably hearty experience rounded out with a long, warm finish.
Continuing to raise our glasses, we give a toast to the unique qualities of Ave Maria Reconquista and Villa Pozzi Nero d’Avola. Nero d’Avola is the varietal of grape—a native Sicilian grape—used in the production of this opulent, full-bodied vino. Ave Maria Reconquista is the only premium featuring a Brazilian Habano Oscuro wrapper. Couple this full-bodied yet balanced cigar with core flavors of earth, tobacco, pepper, and a toasty finish with the stark intensity and purity of this seamless Sicilian red wine, and you’ll soon find more reasons to celebrate.
Wrapping up the New Year festivities is Graycliff Double Espresso Series and Sazerac Rye Whiskey. Graycliff Double Espresso Series is one full-bodied premium with a balanced core of chocolate, spices, and coffee with sweetness. To maximize your palate, pair it with the notes of spice, candies, citrus, and hints of licorice found in Sazerac Rye Whiskey. The combination of these two presents a big finish, offering an experience that truly is the perfect dessert to any celebration.
As we ring in the New Year and make our way through the cold, keep warm this season with pairings that are sure to satisfy. Take delight in the months ahead, and celebrate the wonderful tastes of top-notch premiums complimented by the warmth of a smooth beverage. And from all of us at CIGAR.com, we are raising our glasses and toasting our premiums to another year.