Alex Svenson
07-08-2008, 06:24 PM
Wine and cigars are often closely associated. Cigar enthusiasts also fancy themselves wine lovers and often go so far as to pair the two. What specifically are the similarities between wine and cigars?
Seeds and Regions: Wine is often described and given its character by its grapes in much the same way that a cigar is identified by its tobacco. Like grapes, tobacco varies greatly by both its seed and growing region. The seeds most often associated with tobacco are Havana (also referred to as Criollo, Corojo and Habano), Cameroon, Sumatra and Connecticut. These seeds are harvested all over the world including: Africa, Indonesia, Ecuador, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama and a host of other countries. Depending on the region and specific seed, the resulting tobacco is extremely diverse and offers different qualities in terms of flavor, body and combustion.
Fermentation: Processing grapes for wine is equally as important as processing tobacco for cigars. Like wine, tobacco is fermented to break down tannons, extract sugar, and remove many other byproducts from the raw materials. As it pertains to cigars, the fermentation process can last anywhere from one to three years and like wine, is the step where a blender can impart his own expertise to give it a signature flavor. For example, two cigar makers may buy tobacco from the same farmer or field, but each will ferment it differently resulting in a unique flavor profile when the leaf makes its way to the resulting cigar. The most talented blenders in the cigar industry often utilize family recipes and traditions that have been handed down over generations. For any master blender, the fermentation process is one of his most guarded secrets.
Aging: Even a novice wine drinker knows that a fine vino only improves with age. However, most people are unaware that cigars age in much the same way. Under the right climate conditions, cigars will age by marrying the tobaccos more harmoniously while simultaneously continuing to break down some of the rougher more tanic properties of the leaf. A properly aged cigar will yield a more balanced and rounded flavor that offers the connoisseur a more subtle variety. However, like wine, the aging process is very specific, and a cigar will typically peak. It takes a well trained eye and palate know when a cigar or bottle of wine is at its best.
Tasting: As it is with any delicacy, cigars stimulate the palate in the same fashion as will a glass of wine. By manipulating the bitter, acid, sweet and salt regions of palate, cigars deliver flavor and complexity that is judged in many of the same ways a sommelier will judge a fine wine. These categories include things such as: strength, balance, flavor, and finish.
Pairing: Deciding on a glass of white wine with your fish or on a glass of red with your steak is an important choice that has a great influence on your overall satisfaction with your meal. Selecting the right cigar to accompany your food or drink of choice is equally as important. Certain tobaccos tend to complement a dish better than others and are often selected for their subtle or robust qualities. After a meal, fat cells remain in your mouth and these pockets are ideal for smoke to cling to. Which cigar pairs best with which food is strictly a matter of preference.
Cigars are as dynamic as wine and over time have become more and more popular. Everyday in fact, the cigar culture is attracting new enthusiasts who are interested in exploring what this exciting hobby has to offer. While perhaps most of the public is more familiar with wine, cigars are every bit as intriguing but are often more misunderstood. If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of life’s finest things, cigars should be high on your list.
NUB FACT: Nub is an excellent example of what a premium cigar should be. With three blends to choose from, there are many choices for food and drink pairings. It is also a great cigar for tasting by itself. Its dense filler and large ring let Nub burn cooly from start to finish and really let the smoker taste everything Nub has to offer.
Seeds and Regions: Wine is often described and given its character by its grapes in much the same way that a cigar is identified by its tobacco. Like grapes, tobacco varies greatly by both its seed and growing region. The seeds most often associated with tobacco are Havana (also referred to as Criollo, Corojo and Habano), Cameroon, Sumatra and Connecticut. These seeds are harvested all over the world including: Africa, Indonesia, Ecuador, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama and a host of other countries. Depending on the region and specific seed, the resulting tobacco is extremely diverse and offers different qualities in terms of flavor, body and combustion.
Fermentation: Processing grapes for wine is equally as important as processing tobacco for cigars. Like wine, tobacco is fermented to break down tannons, extract sugar, and remove many other byproducts from the raw materials. As it pertains to cigars, the fermentation process can last anywhere from one to three years and like wine, is the step where a blender can impart his own expertise to give it a signature flavor. For example, two cigar makers may buy tobacco from the same farmer or field, but each will ferment it differently resulting in a unique flavor profile when the leaf makes its way to the resulting cigar. The most talented blenders in the cigar industry often utilize family recipes and traditions that have been handed down over generations. For any master blender, the fermentation process is one of his most guarded secrets.
Aging: Even a novice wine drinker knows that a fine vino only improves with age. However, most people are unaware that cigars age in much the same way. Under the right climate conditions, cigars will age by marrying the tobaccos more harmoniously while simultaneously continuing to break down some of the rougher more tanic properties of the leaf. A properly aged cigar will yield a more balanced and rounded flavor that offers the connoisseur a more subtle variety. However, like wine, the aging process is very specific, and a cigar will typically peak. It takes a well trained eye and palate know when a cigar or bottle of wine is at its best.
Tasting: As it is with any delicacy, cigars stimulate the palate in the same fashion as will a glass of wine. By manipulating the bitter, acid, sweet and salt regions of palate, cigars deliver flavor and complexity that is judged in many of the same ways a sommelier will judge a fine wine. These categories include things such as: strength, balance, flavor, and finish.
Pairing: Deciding on a glass of white wine with your fish or on a glass of red with your steak is an important choice that has a great influence on your overall satisfaction with your meal. Selecting the right cigar to accompany your food or drink of choice is equally as important. Certain tobaccos tend to complement a dish better than others and are often selected for their subtle or robust qualities. After a meal, fat cells remain in your mouth and these pockets are ideal for smoke to cling to. Which cigar pairs best with which food is strictly a matter of preference.
Cigars are as dynamic as wine and over time have become more and more popular. Everyday in fact, the cigar culture is attracting new enthusiasts who are interested in exploring what this exciting hobby has to offer. While perhaps most of the public is more familiar with wine, cigars are every bit as intriguing but are often more misunderstood. If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of life’s finest things, cigars should be high on your list.
NUB FACT: Nub is an excellent example of what a premium cigar should be. With three blends to choose from, there are many choices for food and drink pairings. It is also a great cigar for tasting by itself. Its dense filler and large ring let Nub burn cooly from start to finish and really let the smoker taste everything Nub has to offer.