Cigar For Lighter Beer Styles

[rodwha]

I've tried my go to Avo Classic with one of my favorite "lighter" styles, the American IPA, and I felt it ruined my beer.

I was given a Southern Draw Kudzu while at Solid Rock's brewery one evening of debautchery, mostly drinkin their IPA, Dauntless, and I was not taken aback, nor offended.

But I'm wondering if there are other cigars that would not detract from say a honey wheat, blonde, pale, lager, etc.

Having had a milder cigar (I usually smoke medium strength cigars) I'm wondering if it would be mild enough to go well enough with lighter styles of beer.

[Rocket Scientologist]

I haven't tried them but DE released the Smoking Monk line of cigars recently. They're named by the beer style they pair with, like Hefeweizen for example.

[Zeede]

I haven't tried them but DE released the Smoking Monk line of cigars recently. They're named by the beer style they pair with, like Hefeweizen for example.

This.

[Branzig]

I'm in the minority on this one I am sure...but I like high hopped IPA's with my cigars. I find the sharp and crisp bitter clears my palette...try at your own risk though. I have heard a lot of people complain that the bitter profile ruins the cigars' flavor.

I also really like creamy stouts with rich maduros.

[rodwha]

@Rocket: I will have to look into them! Thanks for that!

[droy1958]

This is the 25 cigar sampler of the monk stuff. Five each of five blends...

The Smoking Monk Mega-Sampler - Cigars International

[rodwha]

@Branzig : Is this in contrast to the west coast styled IPAs? I don't find them bitter despite being high in IBUs.

[Branzig]

@Branzig : Is this in contrast to the west coast styled IPAs? I don't find them bitter despite being high in IBUs.

The defining characteristic to any IPA, at least to me, is bitterness. High alcohol content is there as well of course. I suppose you could be referring to a more European styled IPA (think double IPA or "Imperial" IPA). They are definitely more on the bitter side than "American" versions. But all IPA's are what I would consider to be bitter.

A couple of my favorites are: Elysian's Space Dust, Stone's Ruination, Sierra Nevada's Rye and Torpedo, Lagunita's IPA, and of course Dogfish Head 90 Minute

[rodwha]

@Trey: I didn't find it on CI.

[HIM]

@Branzig : Is this in contrast to the west coast styled IPAs? I don't find them bitter despite being high in IBUs.

West coast IPAs are very dry. Mashed real low and many times brewed with a grist of just base malt to help dry the beer out. They also tend to push the late kettle and dry hop additions higher. As you noticed with your brews, the hop bursting is what gives the high IBU and big hop character without a lot of bitterness. Personally its my favorite way to brew hoppy beers.

The defining characteristic to any IPA, at least to me, is bitterness. High alcohol content is there as well of course. I suppose you could be referring to a more European styled IPA (think double IPA or "Imperial" IPA). They are definitely more on the bitter side than "American" versions. But all IPA's are what I would consider to be bitter.

A couple of my favorites are: Elysian's Space Dust, Stone's Ruination, Sierra Nevada's Rye and Torpedo, Lagunita's IPA, and of course Dogfish Head 90 Minute

True to style English IPAs should have less bitterness than American IPAs and bigger malt character. But I think the bigger hop character of American IPAs gives the impression of a smoother less noticeable bitterness.