Cigar & Rum Pairing
Three’s Company
Most of the time, combining two products is the simplest approach to a pairing. Throughout this series, I tried pairings between three products and they are simply marvelous and so easy to enjoy.
For this month’s article, I once again reached for three products that go hand in hand: rum, coffee and a cigar (a “puro”). I say they go hand in hand because they are a classic combination and a very popular way to end a long meal, surrounded by friends and with a world that needs fixing.
The rum I selected for this pairing is one I got to taste for the very first time: Ron Zacapa Ambar, Sistema Solera 12. What does the number 12 on the label mean? A casual consumer may think it means “12 Years” but a close inspection of the label confirms the absence of the word “years.” When it comes to Solera blends, one cannot talk about “years,” but rather has to talk about “blends” of rums of different ages. The label goes on to say that the product was designed for mixology, suggesting that Zacapa 23 and XO be reserved more for sipping or for use in applications that do not alter their flavor very much.
Ron Zacapa Ambar, Sistema Solera 12
I must say that, as I start tasting it, I realize it is somewhat drier than its more expensive counterparts, but still remains among the “sweeter than normal” class of rums.
The third product in the pairing is an espresso. I imagine many people now have the “pod” coffeemakers at home, able to prepare them but, if not, a traditionally-brewed coffee will also work perfectly.Last but not least, we need a good tobacco. For this pairing I selected one from Nicaragua, a Torpedo from the classic line “La Joya de Nicaragua” a 52 x 6, made with 100% Nicaraguan wrapper, filler and binder, a proud specimen and a real jewel (“joya” is Spanish for jewel).
Torpedo from the classic line “La Joya de Nicaragua” a 52 x 6
The pairing involves combining all three products consistently. What I like to do is to sip the rum first, followed by the coffee -which helps reduce the sweetness from the rum- allowing for an explosion of flavors and aromas between the coffee and the earthy and leather notes from the cigar. This is only a suggestion: each person can impose their own sequence, if any. My approach works so well for me that I had to reach for a second serving of rum and coffee.
Just because the pairing is simple it does not mean it is plain; to me it was marvelous with very persistent and lingering aromas. This particular cigar elevates the pairing to a “must do it” level. I hope you can replicate the pairing with a “La Joya de Nicaragua” cigar but, if you can’t find a Torpedo, any other format from the same line will work.
Cheers!
Philip Ili Barake
#GRCigarPairing
