Macion Grey
the Libertine
I have often thought there might be more to the coffee and cigar pairing, so I started to experiment with different styles of coffee to try and find their cigar match. I was surprised to find that certain coffee and certain cigar styles do balance much more than others, some that beg to be walked down the alter hand in hand.
I will start with my personal preference when it comes to Espresso Variations (I must apologise for my mainly Cuban pairings, please do not hesitate to add your own NC variations) :
Espresso: Not too many cigars can balance with the muscle-bound shot of pure espresso. You need a cigar with strong core flavours if you don't want your cigar to be overpowered by the bitter profile of the short black. So far, I cannot make a recommendation, so I leave it to you guys to respond with a perfect match. The closest I have found to a good match (but not a good balance) is the Cohiba Maduro.
Macchiato: What a difference a small stain of milk can make! The tiny amount of milk and froth on the Macchiato lessens the impact of the bitterness, and opens the door to a lot of pairings with stronger cigars. Some cigars that shine with a Macchiato are: Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Opus X Fuente Fuente, as well as many of the stronger Maduros. A good match for a cigar with some balls.
Cortado: This is the underdog espresso variation, and the most compatible with more cigars. It is basically a more milky macchiato, with a 1:1 ratio of milk and esspresso. It is a popular style in Spain and Latin America. It has a more rounded, relaxed presence (for an espresso), and can get along with a lot of your humidor's strong-arms. Personally, I found it matches wonderfully with a H.Upmann Magnum 46, as well as a RyJ Churchill with a bit of age.
Mocha Cortado: My personal variation of a Cortado, which is basically a Short Mocha. This is brillant with cigars with a dusted cocoa core like the Ashton VSG, or the Olivia Angel 100 etc. My favourite match so far.
Cubano: An espresso with sugar added before the brewing, instead of afterwards. An interesting espresso blend that matches rather well with grassy cigars like the Siglo series. One to try.
Affogato: Basically, an espresso shot with ice cream. I would recommend with cigars, place a small scoop of ice cream in the shot glass instead of milk (not the traditional way, but works better for your stogies). Makes the coffee rather sweet and dessert-like. Try with an Epicure No2 if you want an interesting experience, or maybe a Padron '64 Maduro.
Corretto: Means 'corrected' with a shot of liquor, usually brandy. Not a big fan of this one, as it gets too sweet without retaining its coffee core. Have not really found a match with this one. Maybe a makers mark cigar? hehe.
Thats it so far, me being an espresso drinker mainly. I aim to explore the world of milky coffee soon, but in the meantime, I invite you to respond with your favourite coffee and cigar combo.
I will start with my personal preference when it comes to Espresso Variations (I must apologise for my mainly Cuban pairings, please do not hesitate to add your own NC variations) :
Espresso: Not too many cigars can balance with the muscle-bound shot of pure espresso. You need a cigar with strong core flavours if you don't want your cigar to be overpowered by the bitter profile of the short black. So far, I cannot make a recommendation, so I leave it to you guys to respond with a perfect match. The closest I have found to a good match (but not a good balance) is the Cohiba Maduro.
Macchiato: What a difference a small stain of milk can make! The tiny amount of milk and froth on the Macchiato lessens the impact of the bitterness, and opens the door to a lot of pairings with stronger cigars. Some cigars that shine with a Macchiato are: Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Opus X Fuente Fuente, as well as many of the stronger Maduros. A good match for a cigar with some balls.
Cortado: This is the underdog espresso variation, and the most compatible with more cigars. It is basically a more milky macchiato, with a 1:1 ratio of milk and esspresso. It is a popular style in Spain and Latin America. It has a more rounded, relaxed presence (for an espresso), and can get along with a lot of your humidor's strong-arms. Personally, I found it matches wonderfully with a H.Upmann Magnum 46, as well as a RyJ Churchill with a bit of age.
Mocha Cortado: My personal variation of a Cortado, which is basically a Short Mocha. This is brillant with cigars with a dusted cocoa core like the Ashton VSG, or the Olivia Angel 100 etc. My favourite match so far.
Cubano: An espresso with sugar added before the brewing, instead of afterwards. An interesting espresso blend that matches rather well with grassy cigars like the Siglo series. One to try.
Affogato: Basically, an espresso shot with ice cream. I would recommend with cigars, place a small scoop of ice cream in the shot glass instead of milk (not the traditional way, but works better for your stogies). Makes the coffee rather sweet and dessert-like. Try with an Epicure No2 if you want an interesting experience, or maybe a Padron '64 Maduro.
Corretto: Means 'corrected' with a shot of liquor, usually brandy. Not a big fan of this one, as it gets too sweet without retaining its coffee core. Have not really found a match with this one. Maybe a makers mark cigar? hehe.
Thats it so far, me being an espresso drinker mainly. I aim to explore the world of milky coffee soon, but in the meantime, I invite you to respond with your favourite coffee and cigar combo.
