Trying to find a great pairing for your cigars can prove tricky for even the most advanced cigar aficionado. To help you on your way to finding the perfect partners we have put together our ultimate pairing guide, covering drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as an assortment of food.
Alcoholic Drink Pairings for Cigars
For many cigar lovers, an alcoholic beverage is their number one choice when it comes to finding a pairing for their smoke. Here are some of the most loved pairings.
Whisky and Cigars
Whisky and cigars are the golden combination. It is the drink type that most cigar smokers will associate with pairing. The key to finding the perfect whisky partner for your stogie is balance.
A pairing should be complementary and enhance the flavours of the other without masking or overwhelming them. Therefore, a stronger cigar can be nicely matched with the smoky tones of a glass of Scotch, while a milder stick works best with a softer dram, such as Irish whiskey.
Whisky can also be quite versatile in flavour when combined with other ingredients and drinks, so you can also try making a whisky cocktail to experiment with different pairings.
There are a number of reasons for picking a spirit to pair with your cigar. As spirits can be drunk straight or combined with a wide variety of mixers, there are an almost infinite number of combinations to be paired with cigars. This means that spirits can be paired with almost any cigar.
Cocktails and Cigars
A great way to make the perfect pairing for your cigar is to use a spirit in a cocktail, with the additional ingredients working well together to match any complex notes. For example, fruity undertones in the smoke can be enhanced with the addition of fruit juice or peel, whereas creamier cigars will work wonderfully with a splash of Irish cream liqueur mixed into your cocktail.
There is something to consider when looking to pair a cigar with a straight spirit though, as the neat liquor is likely to numb your taste senses a little, meaning that you will lose out on any delicate or complex flavours present in a cigar.
Gin, Vodka, Tequila
Picking a lighter spirit, such as gin or vodka, is a great way to refresh and cleanse the palate after every puff. This is especially the case when mixed with a light and bubbly tonic, as the crispness of the bubbles are ideal for giving the palate a refresh. A white spirit and mixer is a great way to avoid overpowering the taste and aromas of your cigar.
Pairing Idea: The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin works very well with cigars – we particularly loved pairing it with the Chateau Diadem Conviction Robusto. It is a herbaceous, fruity mezcal from Lost Explorer that is made exclusively with Espadin agave, creating notes of dewy garden herbs, crunchy apples and soft smoke throughout the palate.
Brandy and Cigar Pairings
If you’d rather something a little heftier to enjoy alongside an after-dinner smoke, then brandy can be an excellent choice. Plus, nothing looks quite as good as being sat in an armchair, swirling a splash of Cognac around your glass!
Pairing Idea: The Carlos I Imperial XO Spanish Brandy offers an exquisite blend of brandies, some of which have aged for more than 20 years in oak casks, previously containing premium Sherry wines, Olorosos and Amontillados. This is a Brandy of extraordinary quality and aromatic complexity. It pairs wonderfully with a number of cigars, including the El Septimo Augustus Cesar Connecticut Cigar and the Kristoff Pistoff Robusto Cigar.
Rum and Cigar Pairings
Both cigars and rum boast complex profiles, and when paired thoughtfully, they can elevate each other, enhancing overall enjoyment.
Lighter, more delicate rums work well with mild cigars. Consider a white or añejo rum to complement the subtle nuances of a mild cigar without overpowering it.
A medium-bodied cigar benefits from a rum with a bit more character. Choose a golden or aged rum, as they often have a balanced sweetness and depth that complements the complexity of a medium cigar.
Robust, full-bodied cigars can stand up to the intense flavors of dark and spiced rums. Look for aged, dark rums or even a premium spiced rum to match the strength and intensity of a full-bodied cigar.
Pairing Idea: The La Galera Connecticut Chaveta Robusto Cigar would pair fantastically with Brugal 1888 Double Aged Dominican Rum. This special edition rum from Dominican producer Brugal has been double-distilled and matured in American oak before a second maturation period in sherry casks to add a dose of dried fruit and leathery sweetness to the flavours.
Pairing Idea: The K by Karen Robusto Maduro would pair fantastically with Black Tears Cuban Spiced Rum. A complex, bittersweet Cuban spiced rum, Black Tears offers notes of golden syrup, coffee, cocoa and a hint of peppery spice. It is one of the best spiced rums on the market and compliments a Maduro wrapper cigar well.
For the most part, the crisp and dainty flavours of a lighter wine do not match well with the strong and smoky notes of a cigar; however, an exception can certainly be made for Champagne or other sparkling wines.
As with the other carbonated drinks, the bubbles present in a glass of champers will act as a magical palate cleanser, allowing you to experience every note in your cigars smoke and avoiding dulling your palate with the more dominant flavours.
Another reason for picking a sparkling wine over a spirit is down to the alcohol content. The higher alcohol levels in spirits, such as whisky, can cause your senses to become a little hazy, so picking a slightly less alcoholic drink, like Champagne, keeps the senses sharp and refined so that the full complexities of the taste and aroma can be detected.
Plus, Winston Churchill, one of the most iconic cigar smokers in the world, drank Champagne as if it were water, even enjoying a bottle full every morning! So if he enjoyed a glass of bubbly with his cigar, then that’s all the convincing we need to think it a great idea too!
Champagne and Cava are still quite subtle drinks though, so it is best to pair these with a milder cigar, so as to not fully overwhelm the bubbly.
Beer and Cigar Pairings
While beer may seem too ‘cheap’ a drink to match with the delectable flavours of a luxury cigar, the rise of craft beers has opened up a world of possibilities when it comes to flavour pairing. One of the main reasons beer works so well with cigars is the fact that it is carbonated, with the bubbles acting as a palate cleanser between puffs.
As with all pairings, a ‘like with like’ approach is the best way to go about enjoying a cigar alongside a pint. Therefore a light beer, such as a Pilsner, will go nicely with a mild and mellow stogie, like the Montecristo No.1. A fuller-bodied stick, such as the RoMa Craft CroMagnon Aquitaine Anthropology, would overpower a paler beer, so it would work best with a darker drink, like Stout. The seemingly never-ending list of craft beers provide an immense range of flavours that can now be paired with almost any cigar type, matching even the most complex of flavour combinations.
Discover more cigar and beer pairing ideas:
Low-Alcohol Beer and Cigar Pairings
If you prefer not to drink alcohol, then non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beers can also provide great pairing opportunities for cigars.
The Chateau Diadem Conviction Petit Belicoso Cigar will pair fantastically with the Lucky Saint Lager Can. Founder Luke Boase said the best part of enjoying a cold brew wasn’t the alcohol itself, it was sitting in a pub with friends. So he set out to create Lucky Saint – a great tasting, refreshing, low-alcohol lager. Fruity with a crisp citrus finish.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairings for Cigars
While most people would automatically think of pairing a cigar with a dram of whisky, there are many non-alcoholic drinks that work wonderfully alongside smoking a stogie. Here are a couple of our favourites and how you can make them work with your favourite cigars.
Carbonated Drinks and Cigar Pairings
Carbonated drinks are the best way to refresh the palate, so fizzy drinks can be a great choice for pairing.
Sparkling Water
Keeping it simple with some sparkling water can be good if you’re confused and unsure by pairing, but want a drink when you smoke, as it is flavourless, so won’t impact on the taste of your cigars.
Pairing Idea: We love to keep it simple and fresh with a glass of sparkling mineral water when pairing with a strong but very palatable cigar like the Oscar Valladares Super Fly Super Corona.
Ginger Beer and Cigars
For fuller-bodied smokes, you need a drink that can keep up with the strength, such as ginger beer. The sharpness of the ginger makes a worthy companion to the strongest of smokes, matching levels of spiciness and standing its own in the face of intense cigar flavours.
Dr Pepper and Cigar Pairings
While it may seem a little out of place in the world of luxurious smoking, many cigar lovers swear by Dr Pepper as their top choice.
Pairing Idea: Dr Pepper is the king for cigars like the Kristoff Pistoff Robusto Cigar. Sparkling mineral water would also work well if you want to clean things up a little bit.
Coca-Cola and Cigar Pairings
Coca-Cola is also a beloved pairing option for cigars. You can also try variations for extra flavour combinations, such as Cherry Coke or Vanilla Coke.
Pairing Idea: The K by Karen Robusto Maduro works well with Cherry Coca-Cola, as the extra sweetness goes so well with this cigar.
Coffee and Cigars Pairings
Coffee is undeniably one of the best drinks you can pair cigars with, whether alcoholic or not. Coffee and cigars have such a great relationship as they are both most commonly grown in the same areas; South America, Africa and Southern Asia, where the soil conditions and climate are ideal for producing the highest quality products. This also means that a lot of the flavours in each will be similar or complimentary, with earthy tones, a faint acidity and a hint of spice.
As with all pairing combinations, you are looking for further similarities between the cigar and coffee. So a mild cigar and a light roast coffee work well, and won’t overpower the other. A cigar with hints of nuttiness can be paired with a similarly nutty coffee, or perhaps, a mocha or other cocoa-based coffee. The spicy and leathery notes of a strong, Maduro wrapped cigar needs a bold, full-strength roast, enhancing any acidic undertones.
Pairing Idea: The strong smoke of an Aging Room Maduro would be the perfect partner for a full-bodied espresso, enhancing the fruity and dry notes.
Pairing Idea: A medium-bodied smoke, the Montecristo No. 3 is the perfect pairing for a rich and creamy coffee, like a latte. The cigar itself offers notes of mocha coffee, so this hint of sweetness works well with the milky coffee.
Explore more coffee & cigar pairings:
Food and Cigars
Treat your cigar pairing with food in the same manner you would a glass of wine. You wouldn’t pair a glass of red with a salad, so don’t go smoking a full-bodied stick as you pick through some lettuce leaves. As cigars leave behind quite a strong aftertaste, it is important to pick complimentary tastes so that your palate isn’t too impaired! Remember, you are looking to enhance the experience and flavours of both the cigar and the food.
Size of Cigar
What you smoke is dependent on both what foods you want to eat, and when you want to smoke them. If you would like to smoke between each course of a dinner, rather than before or after a full dinner, then picking a smaller cigar or cigarillo can be the best choice, as you won’t keep people at the table (or your food) waiting too long.
Like With Like
Like with wines, a lighter bite, such as chicken or fish needs a milder, mellow and smaller smoke, so the delicate tastes are not overwhelmed. The smokiness of a cigar can also do wonders for fish dishes; there is a reason some like their fish smoked! On the other hand, fuller-bodied cigars work best with meatier meals, letting the intense flavours balance out with the heavier tastes and textures that come with steak.
Quality
The like with like rule applies to far more than just flavour though. When pairing food and wine, think of the quality as well. If you have a top quality steak on your plate, you need a premium cigar to pair it with, as having an inferior partner will spoil the taste of the other. Another way to pair a dish with a cigar is to incorporate an easier to pair drink into it, for example, adding a glaze of bourbon to the meat, or a splash of red wine into the gravy.
Cigars and Desserts
Cigars are traditionally used as a replacement for the dessert course, as cigars do not usually pair well with sweet treats. However, if you are having a cigar after a meal and also want a dessert, then dark chocolate is one of the best options, as the slightly bitter undertone works well with cigars. Alternatively, something like a lemon sorbet is perfect for acting as an edible palate cleanser, with the cooling spoonfuls refreshing your mouth.
If you have any great pairing recommendations, drop us a comment below, or via our social media channels, we’d love to know!
Best Whiskey to Drink in 2022
14 March 2022 by Ellie
Whether you’re after a bargain dram or a sip from a specific country, our resident whisky expert, Ross, has put together a guide to the best whiskies you can drink in 2022.
You will struggle to find a better whisky for the money. Under £30, this is a more affordable option for whisky lovers, compared with more premium-priced bottles. Despite the lower price tag, this is still an impressively flavourful whisky that makes for easy drinking.
This whisky is made from a blend of 40 different single malt and grain whiskies that were individually aged, and then aged again once married together as a blend. The blend is finished in a fine Caribbean ex-rum cask, which adds notes of tropical fruit, caramel and hints of coconut to this delicious whisky.
A real conversation starter from one of the most complex drinks out there. Perfect for drinking with or without cigars as it offers so much in terms of flavour and finesse. Flavour-wise, there are huge bursts of toffee, caramel and orange zest. A perfect candidate for any type of dinner party.
If you’re looking to follow your dinner party with a relaxing cigar smoking experience, then we would recommend the Partagas Serie D No.4, which pairs excellently with this single malt.
The Tamnavulin Sherry Edition Single Malt is a great introduction to the wonderful world of whisky. Offering great value, sherry cask flavours and easy drinking, but with enough edge to have you thinking about what a good whisky can really offer you. Imagine an explosion of fruit & nut with lovely natural sweetness.
Age statement Japanese whiskies are now very expensive, but there are plenty of great non age statement offerings out there. The Nikka Tailored is the pick of the bunch.
Introduced to replace the beloved Nikka 12 Year Old, the Tailored Whisky is a blend made from malt whisky from Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries and its Coffey Still grain (that’s the name of still, there is no coffee involved). The whisky balances soft fruity notes with notes of dark chocolate and citrus zest.
The Glendronach Revival is a whisky whose original incarnation was so popular that every bottle was opened and enjoyed.
It’s back again with a new recipe thanks to master blender Rachel Barrie, combining both oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks into a rich sherry-beast that’s packed with all kinds of spice and fruit.
For the money, and a bottle that’s actually available, it’s my number one pick and can be enjoyed all year round with or without a cigar.
There are so many Bourbons out there, but the Bulleit 10 Year Old well and truly has my heart. Rich and spicy, with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and dried fruit. In another world, I could have picked Blanton’s or Pappy Van Winkle, but they are impossible to get hold of, and I like the fact I can actually get a bottle of Bulleit without having to go through financial ruin.
A mind-blowing single pot still whiskey with a great degree of ageing and complexity. Redbreast 15 is richer than Elon Musk, earthier, and has far more strength and depth than its 12 year old sibling. An essential part of Irish whiskey education; everyone needs to try this whiskey.
A mind-blowing single pot still whiskey with a great degree of ageing and complexity. Redbreast 15 is richer than Elon Musk, earthier, and has far more strength and depth than its 12 year old sibling. An essential part of Irish whiskey education; everyone needs to try this whiskey.
In the world of whisky, few bottles are as valuable as the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series from the Japanese Hanyu distillery. Ichiro’s Malt Six of Hearts was distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2012.
Only 564 bottles were made, and its value increases every year. I wouldn’t even suggest drinking this; just keep it somewhere safe and watch its value rocket to the moon. When you sell it a few years down the line, you can blow the budget on whatever you like.
This limited release 25 year old Speyside single malt was distilled at The Macallan in June 1993 and bottled for Douglas Laing’s Xtra Old Particular series in June 2018. Charged from single refill hogshead number 12609 at a natural strength 52.2% ABV, this is one of just 215 hand-filled bottles, and it flies well below the radar.
You can find a Macallan bottled 25 Year Old whisky for well over £2000, so not only is this a relative bargain but an exceptional showcase of what high-end whisky is all about. The nose has rich spices and sweet vanilla cream.
The palate is thick lemon meringue pie and clotted cream. The long finish shows caramel, even more vanilla and cereal that lingers for what seems like hours. Perfection.
Anyone who knows anything about a good Scotch whisky knows the name Laphroaig.
In 1815, brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston realised that it was far more profitable to distil whiskey than raising cattle, so the Laphroaig distillery was born.
From then on, it’s been years of refining and perfecting to bring the iconic whisky that we know today.
1. How Do You Pronounce ‘Laphroaig’?
When looking at Scotch whiskies, the first hurdle people tend to encounter is how you pronounce them, and Laphroaig is no exception.
Pronounced Lah – Froyg, Laphroaig is a Gaelic name meaning ‘the beautiful hollow by the broad bay’. The brand Laphroaig was named after the spot of land at the head of Loch Laphroaig.
2. Where is Laphroaig Based?
Laphroaig is a Scotch whisky means it’s distilled in Scotland. Specifically, Laphroaig is based on the southwest coast of the Isle of Islay (pronounced Eye-Lah).
Islay is the southernmost isle in the cluster of islands known as the Inner Hebrides and is famously known for its whisky.
3. The First Female Distillery Manager
Bessie Williamson was the first woman to own and run a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th century.
Also referred to as a ‘Force of Nature’, Bessie more than held her own in an otherwise male-dominated industry after inheriting ownership from Ian Hunter, the last of the Johnston family (Laphroaig’s founding fathers).
Initially working as a typist for Laphroaig in 1934, Bessie was its manager and owner by 1954. Her entire story is told and celebrated alongside a bottle of 25-year-old Laphroaig said to embody everything Bessie was; warm and rich with that unmistakable Islay character.
4. Prince Charles Loves Laphroaig
Prince Charles, also known as the Duke of Rothesay, loves Laphroaig so much that he awarded the distillery a Royal Warrant after his visit in 1994.
This royal visit also came with something of a hiccup as the prince crashed his plane on the edge of the landing strip when he visited. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the Prince continued with the distillery tour.
The relationship doesn’t end there; Prince Charles also celebrated his 60th birthday with a visit to the Laphroaig distillery in 2008 before returning again in 2015 to celebrate the brand’s 200th birthday.
5. Laphroaig and Peat
One of the most well-known aspects of Laphroaig whisky is that no matter which label you choose as your spirit, they’re all peated.
This means that during the barley drying process, the distillers will burn organic matter (peat) to dry out the grain before it’s fermented and distilled. This tends to give the whisky an intense earthy, smoky profile that isn’t overpowering.
Laphroaig has also been known to be peated using hand-harvested local Islay peat such as with the flagship 10-year expression.
6. You Can Own Part of The Laphroaig Distillery
If you want to show your dedication to this fine whisky brand, you’ll be glad to hear of the ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ program created in 1994.
The program allows you to buy a square-foot plot of the distillery, which earns you a dram of Laphroaig per annum if and when you visit your plot.
You can enjoy your Laphroaig straight, on the rocks or even with ginger ale to make a spicy, smokey beverage.
You can even pair it with a beautiful, full-bodied cigar for an outstanding drink experience. Find your perfect pairing by browsing our range of Cuban cigars available online now.
5 Instagram Accounts to Follow For Cocktail Making Inspiration
20 May 2021 by Ellie
If you’re looking to work on your skills behind the bar, you’ll want to cast the net wide and find inspiration. Balancing flavours to work in harmony is a skill that can take time to refine, but playing with an array of alcohol should be fun as well as flavourful.
We’ve collected some of our favourite inspirational cocktail Instagram’s, each offering menus of distinct aesthetic qualities and flavour profiles for both eyes and palate.
Before your start, it’s best to stock up; if you already have an idea which drinks you’ll need to get started, you can take a look at our broad selection of alcohol! You’ll find nothing short of Scotch whisky, gin, rum and much more!
Cocktails_and_mixology are an artistic resource that easily inspires awe, as well as a terrible thirst. Their compilation of cocktails looks both artistic and delicious. Their feed is a mixture of classical simplicity, historical musings and hints of a moody overtone.
You’ll find recipes that entwine the light freshness of pear, lifting more poignant profiles such as tequila, southern comfort and sweet and sour. Other cocktails will combine darker flavours such as bourbon, cherry, orange and aromatic bitters, with a twist of passion fruit and amaro Montenegro.
The Amateur Mixologist is a refreshing profile to have a peek at, his clean and quirky feed is simplistic and undoes all the overwhelming complications that can come with cocktails.
Sit back and substitute brunch for a cocktail filled with the refreshing flavours of tropical Old Tom gin, lemon juice and green tea, or enjoy an evening savouring the experience of bourbon, sherry, cognac and blood orange, topped with cucumber.
Spiritedla is a classical Instagram with a slightly moody overtone. The featuring cocktails are timeless and inspire an array of sophisticated ideas. Each offers a historical reflection as if they were created in another era.
On this feed, you’ll find mouth-watering flavours such as Agricole blanc, golden berries with lime and mint; if you have more of a sweet tooth, then you might be more interested in rhubarb, tequila and lavender bitters.
Mixology Brothers create a high-end cocktail bar atmosphere by combining both their photography and mixology skills in their stunning feed. Their use of colours and flavour profiles are new and exciting but still somewhat familiar.
The Mixology Brothers feed offers you cocktail recipes that combine flavours such as raspberries, black tea and lavender with the addition of cranberry and lemon juice.
Served by Soberon is a fun, energetic feed that has more of a light-hearted approach to mixology. The feed is filled with quirky and creative ideas that translate into the flavours of these colourful cocktails.
You’ll find velvet textures and rich, delicious flavours such as aged Belizean rum, red Vermouth and orange bitters paired with rum cream liqueur and nutmeg. For days basked in sunshine, you can easily source light and spicy numbers that entail Jenever, ginger ale and Angostura bitters.
We hope this article has provided you with inspirational ideas and Instagram’s to follow up on. Be sure to share your cocktail creations with us on our social media accounts. You can browse through our blog for more cocktail recipes and advice!
4 Twists on Old Fashioned Recipes
14 April 2021 by Ellie
As one of the oldest and greatest whisky cocktails in the world, the Old Fashioned has graced the cocktail menu of many a bar. While simplicity is at the heart of this beverage, this classic has been updated many times. Bartenders around the world have added their own special twist to this old favourite.
We share four ways you can put a fresh spin on this old drink!
Before we begin, let’s remind ourselves what is in a classic Old Fashioned: 40ml whiskey (usually Bourbon) 2 tsp sugar syrup 2 dashes of bitters ice cubes orange slice a maraschino cherry
New Old Fashioned
Ignoring the oxymoronic name, the New Old Fashioned is gaining popularity by replacing the classic fruit garnishes with fresher flavours. Instead of the orange and cherry, you’ll find blackberries and peaches, giving it a refreshing summer twist.
For this drink, you’ll need: 50ml Bourbon 1 tbsp sugar syrup 5 dashes of bitters splash of sparkling water 2 peach slices 2 blackberries ice cubes
To make: 1. Combine the simple syrup, bitters, and one of the peach slices in an Old Fashioned glass. Use a muddler to squish the peach slice and get out its juice. 2. Pour in the Bourbon, and then add the ice cubes to the glass. 3. Top with the other peach slice, blackberries and a splash of sparkling water. Stir together, serve and enjoy!
Reposado Old Fashioned
This variation of the classic replaces the traditional whisky with tequila. The usual orange garnish is swapped with fresh nectarine slices that pair wonderfully with the flavour of the alcohol.
For this drink, you’ll need: 60ml Reposado tequila 2 dashes of Angostura bitters 1tbsp agave nectar 2 nectarine slices 2 cherries
To make: 1. Put the agave nectar, nectarine and cherries in an Old Fashioned glass. 2. Muddle together until they are well mixed. 3. Add ice to the glass, then pour over tequila and bitters. 4. Stir together and garnish with a slice of nectarine and a cherry.
Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Add a spicy twist to your cocktail with this sweet cinnamon sip!
Ingredients: 50ml whisky 15ml cinnamon syrup 2 dashes of bitters cinnamon stick twist of orange
To make: 1. In an Old Fashioned glass, add the whisky, cinnamon syrup and bitters. 2. Add a large ice cube to the glass and stir. 3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice or twist.
Coffee Old Fashioned
The simplicity of the Old Fashioned recipe means that adding extra elements to the drink is incredibly easy! One of our favourites is this Coffee Old Fashioned recipe that brings together two of our best-loved beverages!
For this drink, you’ll need: 40ml Bourbon 15ml creme de cacao 30ml espresso 40ml water 7ml simple syrup 2 dashes of orange bitters coffee beans to garnish
To make: 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour in the Bourbon, creme de cacao, espresso, water, simple syrup and orange bitters. Shake hard together. 2. Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice and strain the cocktail over. 3. Garnish the glass with coffee beans, serve and enjoy!
If you want to try and experiment with your own take on an Old Fashioned, then you can find a wide range of alcohol online at Havana House, including Scotch whisky!
3 Cocktails to Make With Only 3 Ingredients
29 March 2021 by Ellie
Cocktails don’t need to be complicated, the simplest are more often than not the most sophisticated, they stay true to the authentic flavours of the liquor. Mixing in numerous ingredients over complicates the palate rather than doing the drink any justice.
Take the French Connection for an example, equal parts Cognac and Amaretto over ice provide a full-bodied drink. You’ll want to savour the distinguished flavours as they offer a rich depth with a touch of sweetness.
Whatever your poison, whether it’s American whiskey or botanical gin, you can create numerous cocktails. Create the perfect cocktail with a whisky, rum or gin; you can find a great selection of drinks here, at Havana House!
Negroni
Fancy a cocktail that can pack a punch? Then there is no need to look any further, as a Negroni offers it all. This Italian cocktail is considered an aperitif. It is built over ice and specifically stirred, not shaken with a garnish of orange peel.
The simple drink features flavours of cherry, wine and citrus with a bitter overtone for those with an acquired taste.
Ingredients
1oz Campari 1oz Gin 1oz Sweet Red Vermouth
Method
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour Campari, gin and the vermouth over the ice.
Stir until combined.
Twist the orange peel over the glass to release the orange oils and then drop the peel into the cocktail.
White Russian
A white Russian provides a creamy assortment of indulgent flavours. It’s rich, moorish and not for the faint-hearted.
Ingredients
2oz Vodka 1oz Coffee liqueur 1 splash of double cream
Method
Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice.
Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
Top with double cream and stir until combined.
Old Fashioned
A timeless cocktail that’s simplicity only makes it more delicious. This sophisticated classic can be sipped and savoured after only combining three ingredients.
An Old Fashioned is traditionally made with Bourbon or rye whiskey, a slight sweetening with sugar and then the flavours are grounded with the aromatics of bitters. This winning combination is served over ice and provides you with a well-loved, vintage cocktail.
Ingredients
1.5oz of sugar syrup 1.5oz of whisky A few dashes of bitters
Method
Combine the sugar syrup and the bitters in an Old Fashioned glass and stir them until combined.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Pour the whisky over the ice and stir into the mixture.
Before garnishing the glass with an orange peel, twist the peel over the glass to release the oils.
You can find an array of exquisite alcoholic ingredients at our online store, here at Havana House. For more cocktail ideas you can visit our blog and explore our recipes, as well as find information about what drinks pair perfectly with your favourite cigar!
6 Best Mixers for Whisky
10 March 2021 by Ellie
Although whisky can be enjoyed neat due to its complex flavours, it can also be mixed into exquisite cocktails or sipped and savoured with a mixer.
Because of the abundance of flavours that range from smoky to floral, we’re sure you will find a whisky that is tailored to your palate.
No matter your preference, whisky is an incredibly versatile drink that can be enjoyed in an array of alternative ways; whether the whisky is warm, cold or at room temperature.
If you find yourself inspired by one of our selected mixers, you can browse through our range of drinks here at Havana House. Our selection includes, but is not limited to Irish, Japanese and Scotch whisky.
Ginger Beer
A classic combination that provides sweet, earthy and spicy undertones. You can combine ginger with any of your favourite whiskeys. Try it with Bourbon and add a dash of lime for a Kentucky Mule or sub the Bourbon for Irish whiskey for an Irish mule.
Sweet Vermouth
Vermouth exudes a depth of flavour and intrinsic complexity, just as whisky does. Vermouth offers pronounced flavours of vanilla, orange and clove. You will recognise this winning combination in a Manhattan cocktail. Rye is usually the preferred option due it’s spiciness complimenting the sweetness of vermouth.
Soda Water
The classic Whisky Highball’s accompanying component is soda water. The crisp and uplifting drink is a refreshing companion for any occasion. The unintrusive flavouring of soda water allows the whisky’s profound flavours to shine through. For an added sharpness you can add in a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Lemonade
Similar to soda water, lemonade will give your whisky a refreshing kick for spring and summer days. The zest of the lemon will add a fruity twist to compliment the character of the whisky.
Coffee
Whether it’s a nightcap or a divine breakfast, whisky and coffee pair perfectly together. There’s no denying an Irish whiskey won’t warm the coldest of nights.
For those with a sweet tooth, you can add some sugar syrup or hot chocolate to the mix and top it off with whipped cream and cinnamon.
If you’re feeling much more eccentric, then you can try your hand at creating the cocktail with a smoky scotch and black lime syrup; you can sub the whipped cream for an egg white foam.
Tea
Next time you catch yourself about to make a cup of tea, skip the milk and sub it for whisky, before you know it you’ll have a Hot Toddy.
You don’t have to go with the grain and use black tea; there are an array of other options you can choose from instead. Some prefer cold jasmine or green tea. Others favour hot darjeeling, earl grey or gunpowder tea.
You can find more information and advice about whisky on our blog, where we provide guides, discuss various cocktail recipes and share interesting articles. Our online store also stocks an abundance of different whiskies we’re sure you would enjoy.
World Whiskies: Irish Whiskey
24 February 2021 by Ellie
Irish whiskey is also known as ‘uisce betha’, which in Gaelic means ‘water of life’. Once you’ve tried Irish whiskey, you’ll know why it is called that. As a drink certainly worth celebrating, we’re taking a closer look at the history of Irish whiskey and all you need to know to appreciate this fine sip.
What is Irish Whiskey?
As the name gives away – Irish whiskey is whiskey that has been made in Ireland. To be legally classed as Irish whiskey, as well as being made in Ireland, the whiskey has to be distilled to no higher than 94.8% ABV and wood-aged for a minimum of three years.
Typically, Irish whiskey is blended, although some distilleries produce single malts. Traditionally, Irish whiskey was distilled using a pot-distilling method, although now whiskey can be pot-distilled or made using a mixture of column and pot-distilling.
Irish whiskey is matured in a wooden barrel, but there is no set type that must be used for it. Commonly used vessels include Sherry casks, rum barrels, Bourbon barrels and Madeira casks.
The History of Irish Whiskey
The history of whiskey is still a hotly debated topic – particularly the claim of who made whiskey first – the Irish or the Scottish!
However, it is widely believed that it was actually in Ireland that whiskey was first invented. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, whiskey is first mentioned in Ireland in the 17th-century Annals of Clonmacnoise, in which the death of a chieftain in 1405 is attributed to ‘taking a surfeit of aqua vitae’. In Scotland, written evidence of whisky production does not appear until 1494!
Secondly, Ireland is home to the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. The Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland was opened in 1608, and continues to produce whiskey in Ireland to this day!
Growing Popularity of Irish Whiskey
By the 19th-century, Irish whiskey was the most popular alcohol in the world. At its peak, there were 93 distilleries producing whiskey in Ireland. In Dublin alone, ten million gallons of whiskey were produced each year, at this time.
The boom in popularity was in part down to an unfortunate happening in France. During the 19th-century a severe grape blight destroyed many of the vineyards in France, devastating the wine industry. With wine off the menu, the French turned to Irish whiskey, and the drink grew in popularity worldwide.
Decline of the Irish Whiskey Industry
Unfortunately, this boom in business did not last forever. By 1900, there were 23 distilleries operating in Ireland, and by 2000, there were only three. This decrease was largely due to the Irish revolution, as by breaking away from Britain, they lost a lot of their whiskey market. The English largely stopped drinking Irish whiskey, turning instead to Scotch.
In recent years, we have seen whiskey growing in popularity once again. The industry in Ireland has definitely seen an upturn; as of 2019, there are currently 32 distilleries in operation across Ireland.
Irish Whiskey Vs Scotch
Being fairly close geographically, Irish whiskey and Scotch are often compared to one another. There are several key differences between these two types of whiskey. For one – the spelling of the word! For whiskies made in Ireland, it’s ‘whiskey’ with an ‘e’, whereas Scotch is ‘whisky’, without the ‘e’.
As for the alcohol itself, Irish whiskey is triple-distilled, in comparison to only two distillations for Scotch. Unlike Scotch, Irish whiskey is usually unpeated. Because of these factors, Irish whiskey generally offers a smoother and lighter mouthfeel than its Scottish counterpart.
Another difference is that producers of Irish whiskies are allowed to use added enzymes to help prepare starches for fermentation, but this is not allowed in the production of Scotch.
Popular Irish Whiskey Brands
If you want to try some Irish whiskey for yourself, then you may want to look out for some of these famous Irish whiskey brands!
Bushmills
Established in 1608, Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Distilled at the Old Bushmills Distillery, the whiskey produced here is malty, with hints of apple, dried fruit and mango present in each sip.
Jameson
One of the most famous Irish whiskey brands – if you haven’t tried Jameson before, you’ll have likely seen it on the shelves in your local supermarket.
Jameson was established in 1780 and has since become one of the most popular whiskies around the world. Over 31 million bottles of Jameson whiskey is sold each year, and accounts for 70% of all Irish whiskey sold in America!
Teeling Whiskey
Teeling Whiskey is pretty new to the whiskey world – having only opened in 2015 – making it the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years! Despite this, they’ve certainly made an impression, having racked up a number of awards, including the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ award at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards.
Tullamore D.E.W.
Tullamore D.E.W. is the second-most popular whiskey from Ireland, selling around 11.5 million bottles a year. The Tullamore distillery first opened back in 1829. The brand gained the initials D.E.W. from Daniel E. Williams, the former manager and owner of the original Tullamore Distillery.
Whiskies from this brand are described as having hints of biscuit, apple, honeysuckle and mango present in each sip.
If you would like to try Irish whiskey, then here at Havana House we have a wonderful selection of bottles from top distilleries in Ireland, including the Teeling Whiskey Single Malt. Browse our range of whiskies and find one to add to your collection!
A Guide to Whisky Glasses
11 January 2021 by Ellie
When you drink a glass of whisky, the aroma produced by the golden liquid contributes greatly to the enjoyment of the experience.
But did you know, the glass you pour your whisky into has a huge impact on the way this aroma reaches you? Choosing the right whisky glass is important if you are looking to elevate your whisky enjoyment to the next level.
Here, we take a look at some of the most common types of whisky glasses and what they offer to the whisky drinker.
Whisky Tumbler (aka Old Fashioned glass, Lowball glass, Rocks glass)
A lowball glass is the classic and most common type of glass you’ll see associated with whisky.
These types of tumblers have a wide rim, so they’re not the best for getting a good nose from your Scotch whisky, but they are ideal for serving whisky over ice or making a cocktail.
This is the glass you’d use to make an Old Fashioned, as the wide and sturdy base of the cup makes it suitable for muddling the cocktail ingredients together, and for filling with ice.
It’s wide size also makes it ideal for adding in larger ice wedges, which is the perfect way to serve whisky on the rocks. A larger ice wedge or ball is preferable to smaller ice cubes, as it takes longer to melt, and so dilutes the whisky less.
The rocks glass is a classic, and every whisky enthusiast should own one!
Highball Glass
The highball is a tall, straight glass that is used to make the simple cocktail of whisky and soda.
The tall glass accommodates a lot of ice to chill the whisky and leaves room for the spirit to be topped up with a mixer, such as lemonade or ginger ale. Whisky and soda is especially popular in Japan, where the drink is known as the Japanese Highball, due to the use of this cup!
Copita Glass / Tulip Glass
If you’re serious about the aroma of your whisky, then this could be the glass for you. Tulip-shaped glasses, known as Copita glasses, are the choice of blenders, distillers and whisky connoisseurs who want to get the bottom of the nuances present in each dram.
The bowl shape of the glass, paired with the slightly narrowed rim, helps to concentrate the aromas of the whisky and direct them to your nose. It is quite incredible how a simple shape change can have such an impact on the amount of aroma you can detect!
The glass also features a long stem, which is used to keep the drinker’s hand from coming too close. There could be smells present on the hand that could pollute and overwhelm the nose of the whisky, so the longer stem prevents this from happening.
The longer stem also allows for the bowl of the whisky glass to be held, which can help to warm the drink up a little.
Glencairn Glass
The Glencairn glass has a similar tulip shape to the Copita glass; however, it also has a much shorter stem. This makes the glass more sturdy and stable while still offering advanced aroma appreciation qualities.
The thicker glass and robust base of the Glencairn glass makes it better suited for whisky parties and casual drinking, as there is less risk of it being smashed or knocked over by accident.
The shape and size of this glass makes it an ideal choice for those who like to swirl their whisky – a technique used to help open up the full flavours present in a whisky.
Like the Copita glass, the Glencairn glass’ bowl-shape and narrowed rim help to channel the aroma to the nose.
Snifter Glass
Snifter glasses, also known as brandy bowl, cognac glass or balloon glass, are another classic option for enjoying whisky.
This glass is the quintessential gentleman’s club glass – one you’d hold and swirl in one hand as you recline in an armchair, puffing on the rich Cuban cigar you’re holding in the other hand!
Built with a wide body and tight rim, the snifter glass is designed so that the drink does not spill out, even when you tip the glass almost horizontally! This design allows the drinker to tip the glass closer to their nose to get a good sniff!
However, the shape can sometimes let you down – the wide body and tight rim can cause harsher ethanol vapours to be released, which can overpower the lovely aromas of your whisky.
NEAT Whisky Glass
The NEAT glass – which stands for Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology – is one of the most recent additions to the whisky glass family. The small glass has been designed to direct alcohol vapours away from the nose, allowing for you to appreciate the subtle undertones of your whisky’s aroma.
The shape of the glass pushes lighter molecules of ethanol out of the opening, leaving behind the more exciting whisky molecules.
Not only is this glass great for the whisky enthusiast who wants to better appreciate the aroma, but it is also ideal for newcomers to the world of whisky, who find the harsher alcohol taste of whisky unpleasant.
Shot Glass
If you’re less interested in sipping and savouring the aroma and flavour of your whisky, then a simple shot glass certainly a glass to add to your collection.
Whisky is meant to be savoured rather than immediately swallowed, but if you’re after a quick shot, then we won’t tell you off!
A shot glass is also a must-have for those who want to make their own cocktails. The glass helps you to measure out exactly how much alcohol you should be using in your drink.
Irish Coffee Glass
The Irish Coffee glass is a fairly self-explanatory glass. This glass is a handled mug that is used to create Irish coffee. Irish coffee is a cocktail of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar, topped with cream.
The glass is usually thicker to accommodate the warmth of the coffee, and the handle helps to protect your hands from the heat.
Julep Cup
The julep cup is used to create mint julep cocktails. Mint julep is a cocktail consisting of Bourbon, sugar syrup and mint poured over crushed ice.
While a mint julep can be found served in a highball glass, the traditional way of serving it is in a stainless steel or pewter cup. This allows for frost to form on the outside of the cup, keeping the drink cooler and also looking pretty awesome!
If you’re a whisky lover, then you’re in luck, as here at Havana House we have an extensive range of whisky, including Scotch, Japanese, Irish and American whiskies.
How to Infuse Cigars with Alcohol
23 December 2020 by Ellie
Although some purists may beg to differ, you can improve your smoking experience by infusing your cigars with your favourite liquors. What better way to enjoy a cognac and cigar than combining the two for a more fruitful evening?
If it’s your first time infusing your cigars, why not splash out on your favourite liquor? We have a great selection of alcohol available, so if you want to buy cognac online in the UK you can here, at Havana House.
Infuse or Dip Your Cigar
Each aficionado has an opinion and we’re not here to tell you what’s right or wrong.
The history of dipping a cigar in liquor was intended to add moisture and flavour to the cigar. It was a popular tradition, but this was before humidors and humidity control were available.
Some dippers prefer to dip their cigars with honey and maple syrup. Others may opt for whatever they find themselves drinking at the time, such as port or cognac. Some aficionados will only experiment if a cigar is not working for them.
Purists will argue that you can completely ruin the cigar when dipping it, while burning the cigar will make the dipping process redundant as the alcohol will burn off, resulting in a loss of any intended flavour or scent.
If you want to enjoy the fuller flavours of your cigar and drink, you can slowly sip on your cognac as you puff on your cigar for a more complementary method. But as we said before each to their own.
Otherwise, it might be worth your time to experiment with infusing your cigar with your favourite liquors instead. Infusing will avoid any lighting issues you might encounter when dipping your cigar, while also ensuring you receive the fuller flavours and scents you were initially after.
Infused Cigars
Infused cigars will also cause some controversy among purists, but they can be fairly popular amid those beginning their cigarillo smoking journey. You can purchase already infused or flavoured cigars. You can infuse your cigars at home with this simple method. It’s a handy tactic to use instead of throwing out cigars that have been gifted to you by a well-meaning friend or family member.
Choosing The Right Cigar
There is no particular right or wrong cigar. There are only a few factors that will determine which will best suit you.
The first most important factor is your preferred cigar. Choose one that you know you already enjoy.
Ensure the cigar is fresh.
Consider the flavours you want to infuse the cigar with. More mild, smooth and buttery flavour profiles will pair nicely with lighter and fruitier flavours. Richer and deeper flavour profiles are much more suited to liquors.
If this is your first attempt at infusing or experimenting with flavours, consider trialling with a less expensive cigar. In general, you’re unlikely to improve a top-shelf smoke.
Choose Your Flavours For Infusion
Depending on your aspiring flavour profile, you will need to consider which flavours you would like to explore when infusing your cigar. Some aficionados sway more toward coffee and chocolate; others desire rum or cognac.
Consider your favourite cocktails, fruits and liquors. Consider your infusion as if you are cooking a meal and combine your flavours thoughtfully. You can get creative, here are a couple of extracts you can choose from:
Vanilla
Hazelnut
Amaretto
Orange
Infusion Methods
There are a few different ways to infuse your cigar. We’ll be taking a look at two particular methods you can use when infusing your cigars.
Tupperware Method
Here is a small list of components you’ll need to infuse your cigar:
Your selected cigars
A shot glass
A plastic Tupperware container
Your chosen ingredients
Fill the shot glass with your chosen extract or liquor and place it into the Tupperware box.
Place your cigars in the Tupperware box; start with four or five. The more cigars you infuse, the longer the process will take.
Ensure the container is sealed tight. This will prevent the cigars from drying out.
Store the Tupperware container at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Regularly check the level of liquid in the shot glass, it may need refiling after a week or two.
Leave the cigars to infuse for about six to eight weeks.
If you are using dry ingredients such as roasted coffee beans, you will need to include a humidification source to re-emit moisture.
Zip-Lock Bag Method
Here is a small list of components you’ll need to infuse your cigar:
Your selected cigars
A cotton pad or paper towel
A zip-lock bag
Your chosen ingredients
Soak a cotton pad or folded paper towel with your desired liquid.
Place the soaked pad or paper towel in the zip lock back.
Add any dry ingredients to the bag if you wish to add these in too.
Add your cigars and ensure that they are not touching any liquid.
Place the bag in an area out of direct sunlight, at room temperature.
Leave for two weeks, or longer if you wish to do so.
Once your infusion process is complete, you might not want to store your infused and non-infused cigars together. If both are stored together the flavours will be transferred to your other cigars.
Humidors And Infusing Cigars
You can use a humidor instead of a Tupperware container, but this will be detrimental to your humidor as it will absorb any flavours or extracts that you are using throughout your infusion process. This will not be an ideal environment for storing any non-infused cigars.
We hope you enjoy your experiments and enjoy your infused cigars. For the perfect cigar to infuse you can browse our impressive range here at Havana House. We also have a great selection of whisky, rum and brandy available as well.
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