Guy's Night Cigar and Beer

[garublador]

I agree with this. I would add a Flor de las Antillas or an Arturo Fuente Don Carlos to the cigar choices, and choose a craft beer that's not too hoppy. I like ales and shy away from stouts and porters anyway, so our tastes in beer are different.

Unfortunately the Flor de las Antillas is actually one I forgot that I not only have, but have smoked several of. It's actually my friend's go-to cigar. Just as an aside, the last time we did this he asked the guy at the store for a suggestion similar to the FdlA and the guy gave him the Epernay. The Don Carlos is a good suggestion. I might try to steer us both towards the AF section because of the impending trip.

I tend to try to stay away from beers that are too hoppy when smoking cigars, too. I've been on a stout and porter kick lately, but there are some winter ales that I really like. I think I've only ever smoked one cigar when I wasn't drinking some sort of alcohol and that was the Virtue and I had it with coffee. I think that pairing was as least as good as any beer, whisky or wine pairing I've ever had, but I also usually smoke at night and don't want the caffeine (and do want the alcohol).

I can also guarantee that I won't take this too seriously. I smoke to relax and obsessing over the details is the opposite of relaxing for me. A "less than optimal" pairing has never upset me. I just thought it would be fun to get some suggestions.

I appreciate all of the suggestions! I'll be sure to update with what we both ended up with.

[Indyhp]

The Don Carlos is my go-to cigar and I buy them by the box, but the New World is also quite good if you haven't tried it yet and are looking for something new to try. It's medium-full to full with lots of flavor and not expensive.

[Upstatemax]

If your looking for a milder smoke, I would skip the brazilia. I always get a huge nicotine hit from that cigar...

I recently fell in love with the, La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor. I nice stout should pair nicely with it.

[MattyMatt]

I rarely pair beer with my cigars. I find any carbonated drinks tend to mess up my taste buds and the cigars end up tasting like an ashtray. I therefore usually have bourbon, rum or iced tea with a cigar.

[Laynard]

Sounds like you have some quality suggestions here. Personally, I like the idea of a Hefe. They tend to have good flavor but don't overpower anything, and are a little sweeter/less bitter. I'd pair it with the Epernay. Whatever you choose, enjoy and be sure to let us know how it goes!

[Cool Breeze]

I therefore usually have bourbon, rum or iced tea with a cigar.

I agree that iced tea is great with a cigar or a bowl of baccy.

[garublador]

We ended up with a six pack of Bell's Expedition Stout to drink. I had a CAO MX2, which I really liked. My friend had a Perdomo 20th Anniversary Sun grown.

My pairing was decent. They didn't really complement each other but they also didn't interfere at all. I consider it a win. It's better than most pairings I come up with.

Both cigars were bought there and smoked at the B&M (David's Fine Tobacco in Clive). Their rH must be good because both of us had excellent burns and the flavors came through well. The lady workimg there was great. She bussed the tables and helped if people needed but wasn't intrusive. It was busy in there and very smoky. They need a better ventilation system. When it was full it was as smoky as I've ever seen a place. Once a couple tables left it was much more tolerable. It wouldn't stop me from going back, but it's worth mentioning.

[Chadderkdawg]

We ended up with a six pack of Bell's Expedition Stout to drink. I had a CAO MX2, which I really liked. My friend had a Perdomo 20th Anniversary Sun grown.

My pairing was decent. They didn't really complement each other but they also didn't interfere at all. I consider it a win. It's better than most pairings I come up with.

Both cigars were bought there and smoked at the B&M (David's Fine Tobacco in Clive). Their rH must be good because both of us had excellent burns and the flavors came through well. The lady workimg there was great. She bussed the tables and helped if people needed but wasn't intrusive. It was busy in there and very smoky. They need a better ventilation system. When it was full it was as smoky as I've ever seen a place. Once a couple tables left it was much more tolerable. It wouldn't stop me from going back, but it's worth mentioning.

Davids is a cool place, I was in there last weekend and the guy suggested I try the Fume D'Amore Illusion as it was similar to a Tatuaje, but less expensive. It was a quality smoke, my wife and I had a good time in there.

[Aithos]

Hey, there are more Iowa people! I'm in the Quad Cities so if you guys are ever on this side of the State let me know! I may be coming through Des Moines on my way to Omaha in the near future because that's the processing office for the FBI and I have a meet and greet coming up as part of the process...

[Dijit]

Two trains of thought for me on this.
Flat 12 bierworks Nun More Black paired with a quesada oktoberfest (I know almost no one carries either of these)
or
Hardy XO cognac and Alec Bradley Nica Puro or the Rocky Patel Cameroon