Cigar & Rum Pairing
Old Friend
The surprising year of 2020 finally came to an end, but despite all the obstacles we managed to get some benefits too, such as, spending more time with our loved ones. I remember what a Chef friend once told me, after I introduced him to the world of cigars: “I enjoy smoking a Habano so much, because it is the only time I feel free.” He used to say this because his life had been so full of work and taking care of his wife and children that he had forgotten to take breaks to rest. Smoking a cigar is exactly that: it is enjoying the time –alone with in good company- slowing things down, recalling good experiences while enjoying each puff and drinking a good rum.
With this in mind, I opted for an old friend, a rum that opened so many doors in this industry for me and, despite the fact that my preferences have changed quite a bit since then, I still enjoy it on the rocks. I am referring to Zacapa 23, a smooth-tasting rum with very sweet notes that make it exceedingly easy to drink. A rum that has many fans around the world.
Zacapa 23
The distillery behind Zacapa rum is part of the Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala group, it is located about 2,000 meters above sea level, in a very privileged location in Central America, with cool breezes that reduce the average temperatures, protecting the rum barrels from excessive evaporation losses. I am not suggesting that the rum is 23 years old, as many believe: that number on the label is not the true age, otherwise it would explicitly state “23 Year Old”.
When sipped on the rocks, the rum showcases its smoothness, with a very distinctive sweetness that is reminiscent of golden caramel, not burnt sugar. The finish is medium when consumed on the rocks, but the aftertaste can be more prolonged when consumed neat.
I selected a Petit Coronations (40 x 117mm) from Punch (Cuba), presented in an aluminum tube, a format that is ideal for a digestif, around 25 minutes of smoking time. This brand usually has a medium body but every now and then you can find a cigar in this format with a more intense profile. In this case I was lucky, my cigar was medium-bodied and it paired perfectly with the rum, resulting in a very balanced experience.
Punch Cigar
Oftentimes the simple things are the most amazing: the spontaneous pairings that are easy-yet-satisfying are amazing.
Let’s try to remember 2020 for the positive things it left behind, the extra time we –hopefully- got to spend with our loved ones, treasuring the relationships we have before we lose them. Enjoy a cigar with a friend as often as you can and, of course, grab an excellent rum for each special occasion.
Cheers!
Philip Ili Barake
#GRCigarPairing
