Smoke 'em if You've Got 'em

I typically don't link to other blogs (probably a failing of mine), but after finding a nice guide to cigars on the Maxim site, I thought I'd put it up HERE. Cigars are a great pastime. They're easier to collect than wine, allow an equal opportunity for being a connoisseur, and, of course, it's fun to get some post-ban Cubans and brag to your friends about having embargoed cigars.

I love a good cigar, but I don't smoke them often. They're really tough on your palate, making it difficult to appreciate delicate wines if you smoke them too frequently. If you're going to have one after dinner, I'd recommend Armagnac, Cognac, Calvados, or Bourbon with them. Sometimes people drink Port with them, but I think they kill the subtle flavors in the Port allowing only the sugary-sweetness through. They do nicely with really big Aussie Shiraz, California Petite Syrah, Amarone, and other powerful reds, especially those that already have a smoky characteristic.

You'll notice in my picture that I'm drinking Champagne with a cigar. This was an evening of luxurious waste rather than connoisseurial appreciation. It's not a pairing I'd suggest.

Fun fact: The best way to light a cigar is by using a wooden match to light the cedar wrap that covers many cigars sold in individual tubes, and then light the cigar with it.