Champagne and Cigars

A somewhat debatable topic amongst both Champagne and cigar connoisseurs – Should you really be pairing these two iconic lifestyle legends together?

Without closing any arguments down, let’s take the side of our freedom to choose – If we enjoy a pairing, then we shouldn’t have to be persuaded against our preference. Nonetheless, let us take a look at both the pros and cons of pairing Champagne and cigars.

There are many similarities between the two, to include:

• Can be enjoyed alone or alongside complementary products including food.
• Have varying prices.
• Have varying suppliers.
• Can be young and aged.
• Have varying flavour styles.
• Have strict guidelines on storage.
• Seen as luxury /  lifestyle products.
• Have strict guidelines on health effects.

Champagne has many guidelines on how best to be enjoyed, including serving temperature to the glassware the wine is poured into. Over recent years, Champagne has been highlighted frequently for its food pairing qualities, with many Michelin star restaurants suggesting iconic labels to enjoy alongside iconic dishes.

Cigars, though normally seen alongside whiskies and coffee, are also open to pairing with wines. Both Cigars and Champagne are enjoyed to the fullest when in the correct environment and with the best preparation.

Usually, it is how the flavour styles pair which determines each’s suitability when pairing. Cigars can be light bodied to full bodied, similar to Champagne.

• Light body Cigars – Youthful Champagnes, blanc de blancs.
• Medium body Cigars – Rosé Champagnes, blanc de noirs, medium aged vintages.
• Full body Cigars – Rosé de Saignée, older vintage Champagnes.

Remembering duration is also important, smoking a cigar can take up to an hour or more, so having a quality Champagne that you are equally prepared to enjoy slowly would make perfect sense. A Champagne will refresh the palate as you smoke.

It will pay you to read up on flavour notes prior to pairing a Champagne with a cigar, as each will have characteristics that might clash or complement.