Cigar & Rum Pairing
Black Tot Day
In 1970, after 200 years of rum rations in the British armed forces, on a day like this one (I’m writing these words on July 31), the British Parliament voted to abolish the rations. The reasons were many and over time the sailors’ rum drinking and their responsibilities had started to draw increasing scrutiny. Rum first replaced beer as the official ration, since it would use less space than beer aboard the ships and would also keep better over long journeys. Despite the attempts to lower the proof of the ration over time, the core problem related to sailors drinking while on duty was simply not one that could be ignored. So it was that the final day for the ration became known as Black Tot Day, since it was the ration’s funeral per-se, and this month’s article honors this ration by, why not, pairing it with a cigar.
Pusser’s Rum was born nine years after the official ration was discontinued by the British Navy, following the original recipe which called for a blend of 5 rums from the British Indies, combined without additional additives. Even though I searched for a bottle of Pusser’s here in Chile, I could not find it, so for the pairing I selected Mount Gay Eclipse Black at 100 Proof (50% ABV), which is the closest rum available at my bar.
Mount Gay Rum
For the cigar I selected one that was gifted to me during my last trip to the Dominican Republic, a “puro” created by a cigar roller at the Hotel Nicolas de Ovando. I don’t know the official format but a close visual examination suggests it is a Cazadores (43 x 152mm), I might be off a little, but the cigar should give me approximately 30 to 40 minutes of smoking time. The initial aromas are reminiscent of cedar boxes, coffee and tobacco. Once lit, the dominant notes are on the dry and spicy side, with a medium intensity which promises to increase as the smoking session evolves, something we’ll quickly go over.
I started with a small 45 mL pour (~1.5 oz) because of the higher proof, but as I approach the second third of the cigar, I need to refill my glass to continue toasting to the sailors. Despite the higher than normal proof, the combination with the cigar is very enjoyable and well-suited.
Mount Gay Rum with Cigar
When I consume rum neat, the analysis is different (than when consuming it in cocktails). Add to this the pairing with a cigar and the focus becomes more technical, with special attention placed on the intensity of both products. For the rum, it highlights the notes of tobacco, vanilla, caramel (just prior to burning), deep and well-worn leather, all of this in the context of the strong, yet enjoyable alcohol.
As a toast, the rum by itself would be sufficient, I think it is an appropriate replacement for Pusser’s Rum and a good way to toast to the sailors. Add the tobacco and the toast transforms into a celebration of the golden age of piracy, smuggling and romanticism that all rum lovers relate to.
Philip Ili Barake
#GRCigarPairing
