Los Statos cigars are handmade premium cigars from the Dominican Republic, known for their complex and nuanced flavors. When paired thoughtfully with fine spirits such as whiskey, rum, or brandy, the flavors of the cigars and the spirits complement and enhance one another beautifully. Here are some tips for pairing Los Statos cigars with a variety of fine spirits.
Cigar Pairing with Whiskey
The complex, earthy, and woody notes in Los Statos make them an excellent match for the flavors of whiskeys. Few such flavors include bourbon, rye, or Scotch. The caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice flavors often found in these whiskeys stand up well to the full-bodied Los Statos profile. In particular, the Los Statos Reserva Real line pairs nicely with 12 to 15 year old Scotch whiskies. Few examples include Glenfiddich 15 or Macallan 12 Sherry Oak. The dark dried fruit flavors of these Scotches dance playfully with the hints of coffee and chocolate. You can find it in the Reserva Real.
For bolder pairings, reach for an Islay Scotch like Laphroaig 10 or Lagavulin 16. The intensely smoky, peaty qualities of these whiskies contrast beautifully with the smooth, velvety mouthfeel of Los Statos Gran Reserva lines. The Gran Reserva flavors blooms on the palate with each puff, perfectly set against the backdrop of the Scotch. Bourbons like Knob Creek or Booker’s also stand up well, their sweet mash flavors complementing the earthiness of the Gran Reserva.
Cigar Pairing with Rum and Brandy
For a sweeter pairing, try matching a Los Statos Connecticut shade wrappers with aged sipping rums or brandies. Both spirits mirror and enhance the creamier, nutty qualities of Connecticut shade wrapper leaf. A 12 to 15 year Appleton Estate Extra rum makes an excellent match, adding baking spice and dried fruit flavors that interweave with the cedar notes of the wrapper leaf.
On the brandy side of things, pair sweeter cognacs or armagnacs aged 10 years or more with Connecticut wrapped Los Statos. The lush vanilla, dried fruit and baking spice notes in brandy will pick up similar flavors in the Connecticut tobacco. For a tropical taste combination, opt for Ron Zacapa 23 year old rum, with its luscious molasses, brown sugar, vanilla and toasted almond flavors that dance on the palate with the creamy Los Statos smoke.
Matching Strengths
When pairing any spirits with cigars, it’s important to consider the proof or alcohol percentage of the spirit and the body strength or blend of the cigar. Medium or lighter bodied Los Statos typically suit 40-50% proof spirits best to allow their nuances to shine through. Amaretto, Seagram’s 7 Dark Honey liqueur, and Pyrat XO Rum all make good mild pairings.
Full bodied Los Statos like the Robusto Maduros have the density and richness. It can handle barrel or cask strength spirits beyond 60% proof. Few examples include Strega Liquore or high proof aged rum or tequila. The heavier, musky tobacco flavors and sturdy presence of the maduro wrapper leaf doesn’t easily overshadow.
You should learn how to thoughtfully match the flavor and intensity from both your Los Statos cigars and aged spirits. Then you can craft truly synergetic pairings that allow the unique notes of each to meld. You will be able to put them together into one sublime sensory experience from start to finish. With some experimentation of cigar options, there’s no limit to possible flavor journeys you can embark on. ¡Salud y buenos humos!
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