Whiskey or Scotch
Whiskey or Single-malt scotch, what do you prefer most with a delicious cigar? Well, it's a tricky question ;-) The thing is that these spirits are one and the same, that is to say single malt scotch is whiskey produced from malted barley and is not blended with any other type of whiskey from different distilleries.
Now it's time to decide what type of whiskey (scotch) you would like with your stick. For you to know, whiskey as well as cigars has body or strength, flavor and taste, so be careful while matching those two:
It is preferable to pair a strong heavy drink with a robust full-bodied cigar. A mild scotch with delicate aroma should go with a mild stogie, and so on. If this rule is not followed, you may ruin the impression both of your whiskey and your cigar.
You should also know that most whiskey or scotch is considered to have some "peatiness" in taste so this is not to everyone's taste. Thus, be aware - if you don't like this flavor, you'll have to refuse pairing such kind of scotch with a cigar.
Here are some of our pairs that can contribute to your top pleasures list:
Aberlour 12-year-old - is one of the best medium to full bodied single malt scotches. This twice aged version is a blend of classic oak and sherry casks and is deep with fruity taste and notes of nutmeg, mint, toffee and many others. This scotch is a perfect match to such cigars as OpusX, DPG Cuban Classic, Illusione and so on.
Ardbeg 10-year-old - smells and tastes greatly. So many notes can be sensed while sniffing it that the aroma can make you dizzy. Its nuances are different: from toffee to chocolate, cinnamon and citrus, floral notes, melon and pear, vanilla. And besides all these flavors you can also feel the sea scent and smoked fish which might be surprising but very pleasant at the same time.
The beverage goes pretty well with the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No. 2 though it suppresses stogie nuttiness.
Bowmore 10- and 12-year-old - is irreplaceable when dreaming of finding yourself on a beach with a fine cigar, a Padron Series or a Camacho Corojo, for example. The whiskey is medium in body distinguished by saltiness softened by smokiness; somewhat sweet with notes of chocolate, lemon, honey, heather and a feel of oak.
Glenkinchie 10-year-old - is a medium bodied single malt. The beverage is dry, honeyed with light fruity notes. While smelling it, one can feel the fresh aroma of herbs and lemon spices. Yet the taste is even more delicate and soft: cinnamon and ginger. It complements such non-Cubans as La Aurora, Cuesta Rey and Fuente.
Highland Park 18-year-old - the whiskey is a perfect blend of honey, aged oak, peat and walnuts. The flavor is rich and smoky with hints of spice and caramel. Its finish is tender, pleasant and lasting. The single malt goes pretty well with such Habanos as Partagas, Vegas Robaina or Trinidad.
Glen Scotia 14 Years Old - this is a great scotch with smooth salty and oily aromas. It is dominated by flavors of brine and peat. The finish is full of mineral aromas similar with bath salts. The whiskey is recommended for drinking before dinner. Pairs well with La Flor Dominicana and Bolivar.
The Talisker 10 Year - has a wonderful round piercing aroma. The palate is magic with a bit of harshness and spicy components. The finish hits you with warm peppery notes and gives a constant pleasure. The beverage is recommended to pair with the Padilla 1932 and the Cubao as well as with the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial, the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992, or the EO 601 Serie Oscuro.
Life is beautiful, isn't it? ;-)
