Guinness Stout is one of my favorite beers. I love the hearty, dark, rich and creamy taste, and while it's not something I down by the case at a tailgate party, it's a usual pick for Happy Hour or a lazy weekend lounging around the house.
When I pair that with cigars, I typically like to pair the beer with something full and flavorful. Ordering a Guinness is a commitment to relax, take my time, and enjoy the evening, and smoking a cigar has the same effect. It's not like I'm worried about the Guinness getting cold, so why should I pick a stick that puts me in a rush to finish.
Rocky Patel Maduro cigars are one option I use a lot. They have a medium body, but a rich and slightly sweet flavor accentuated by the Maduro wrapper that I always enjoy. I like this especially well when the occasion is a Happy Hour, since it's not heavy enough to take my concentration away from the conversation.
But when I travel overseas, especially somewhere that has a main language other than English, I have a personal tradition of eating dinner the first night at the first bar that I see with a "Guinness" sign in the window. That's the unofficial international signal that indicates English is spoken, pub food is served, and the TV will be turned to some sporting event that I can half-pay attention to and pass the time. In those cases, when I'm jet-lagged and by myself, I go with something like the Gurkha Master Select Maduro Toro. When I want something with a fuller flavor, like when I'm alone at the bar and looking to spend a quality jet-lagged night out on the town, that's the combination that works for me.
When I pair that with cigars, I typically like to pair the beer with something full and flavorful. Ordering a Guinness is a commitment to relax, take my time, and enjoy the evening, and smoking a cigar has the same effect. It's not like I'm worried about the Guinness getting cold, so why should I pick a stick that puts me in a rush to finish.
Rocky Patel Maduro cigars are one option I use a lot. They have a medium body, but a rich and slightly sweet flavor accentuated by the Maduro wrapper that I always enjoy. I like this especially well when the occasion is a Happy Hour, since it's not heavy enough to take my concentration away from the conversation.
But when I travel overseas, especially somewhere that has a main language other than English, I have a personal tradition of eating dinner the first night at the first bar that I see with a "Guinness" sign in the window. That's the unofficial international signal that indicates English is spoken, pub food is served, and the TV will be turned to some sporting event that I can half-pay attention to and pass the time. In those cases, when I'm jet-lagged and by myself, I go with something like the Gurkha Master Select Maduro Toro. When I want something with a fuller flavor, like when I'm alone at the bar and looking to spend a quality jet-lagged night out on the town, that's the combination that works for me.
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