World Chocolate Day - Cigar and Chocolate Pairing

While a well-crafted cigar offers a complete flavour experience on its own, with enticing notes of leather, spice, and nuttiness, cigar aficionados know the joy of pairing their smokes. Classic choices include a smooth bourbon or a rich scotch, while smoky barbecue can create a harmonious counterpoint. Yet, a delightful and lesser-known option awaits the marriage of cigars and chocolate.

Chocolate, a culinary masterpiece enjoyed for centuries, boasts a remarkable ability to complement fine cigars. If you're seeking a decadent way to elevate your next smoking experience, consider these delightful pairings that perfectly marry chocolate's richness with the nuanced flavours of a premium cigar.

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Maduro / Dark Chocolate Truffles with Hazelnuts

Dark chocolates coat the palate in an unbelievably decadent manner, especially when laced with crunchy hazelnuts throughout, adding intriguing textures that differ from the velvety taste of chocolate. They’re an amazing dessert when you’re having coffee after dinner, especially with a cigar. 

The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Maduro series uses an oily Maduro wrapper, adding a layer of complexity to its profile. This results in enjoyment with hints of cocoa, roasted nuts, and subtle sweetness—a perfect accompaniment to the flavours of the dark chocolate. 

Davidoff Escurio / Miso Caramel Chocolate Tart

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that first appeared in Japanese cuisine, adding a savoury umami depth to vegetables, meats and even desserts. Experience the silky contrast of chocolate caramel sweetness with a bold, salted and nutty base from the Miso. 

Such an experience is perfectly paired with an equally earthy and salty yet rich cigar like the Davidoff Escurio. Medium-bodied with a creamy yet spicy sweetness, bound with an underlying earthiness and laced with a salty note. A profile that melts into the Miso Caramel Chocolate Tart beautifully. 

Alec Bradley Magic Toast / Chocolate Ice Cream

On a scorching summer day, the irresistible pull of chocolate ice cream becomes undeniable. Whether enjoyed in a classic cone, a decadent malt, or even straight from the tub (no judgement!), the first bite offers a blissful contrast, a rush of icy coolness followed by the creamy indulgence of rich chocolate.

Light an Alec Bradley Magic Toast and savour the delightful interplay of temperature. The cool creaminess of chocolate ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm smoke. Unveiling a complex blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos, this blend offers hints of cocoa, spice, and wood, culminating in a satisfyingly rich finish.

Cigars, like chocolate, come in a spectrum of intensities – mild, medium, and full-bodied. To create a harmonious experience, match the cigar's strength to the cocoa content of the chocolate. Don't be afraid to experiment! With a vast array of possibilities, the perfect pairing awaits your adventurous spirit.