Pairing cigars with tea creates a refined and balanced experience, enhancing the flavors of both in a harmonious and subtle way
Hello dear reader,
Last week, we dove into the world of flavors and explored how to deepen your tasting experience. During our conversation about pairings, I briefly touched on tea. Today, we’re giving tea the spotlight and exploring the wonderful pairing it creates with a cigar.
When it comes to cigar pairings, spirits like whiskey, rum, and cognac often take center stage. But today, let’s explore a pairing that’s equally refined and, in some cases, even more nuanced—tea. Pairing cigars with tea opens up a whole new world of flavors, allowing the delicate notes of both to complement and enhance one another in surprising ways. Suitable for a relaxing afternoon smoke or for a more intricate tasting experience, tea might just be the perfect companion to your next cigar.
Why Tea, you ask?
Tea is a versatile and complex beverage with a wide range of flavors, from the delicate floral notes of green teas to the deep, rich tones of black teas. Its natural palate-cleansing properties make it a great companion for cigars, helping to reset your taste buds between puffs. The balance between astringency and sweetness in tea can bring out subtle flavors in a cigar that you might not have noticed before. I was very impressed the first time I tried it because of this fact.
The key to pairing tea with cigars lies in finding complementary flavors and intensities. Just as you would choose a lighter drink for a mild cigar and a richer one for a full-bodied smoke, the same logic applies to pairing cigars with different types of tea.
Here are some recommended tea and cigar pairings that balance each other beautifully, based on my experience and research:
1. Black Tea and Full-Bodied Cigars
Black teas, like Assam or Keemun, are bold and robust, making them a great match for full-bodied cigars with rich flavors. The deep maltiness of a black tea complements the earthy, spicy, and leathery notes of cigars like the Bolívar Royal Corona. This pairing works particularly well when you want the flavors of both the tea and the cigar to shine without one overpowering the other.
2. Oolong Tea and Medium-Bodied Cigars
Oolong tea sits between green and black tea, offering a delicate balance of floral, fruity, and toasty notes. This makes it an ideal pairing for medium-bodied cigars like the Romeo y Julieta Churchill. The slight smokiness of an oolong can highlight the subtle cream, cedar, and nutty notes in the cigar, creating a harmonious, well-rounded experience. It’s an elegant pairing for those who appreciate balance and complexity.
3. Green Tea and Mild Cigars
Green tea, particularly Sencha or Dragonwell, brings refreshing, grassy, and slightly sweet notes to the table. These teas pair wonderfully with mild cigars, such as the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1, where the cigar’s lighter profile won’t overpower the delicateness of the tea. The vegetal flavors of green tea help cleanse the palate, allowing you to savor the subtle sweetness and creaminess of a mild cigar.
4. Chai Tea and Spicy Cigars
Chai tea, with its rich blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, pairs exceptionally well with spicy, bold cigars. A cigar like the Partagás Serie D No. 4, with its peppery and earthy profile, finds a perfect counterpart in chai’s warming spices. The complexity of the tea spices highlights the cigar’s robust flavors, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in both their tea and cigars.
5. Earl Grey and Aromatic Cigars
Earl Grey, with its distinctive bergamot aroma, pairs very well with cigars, particularly light to medium profile cigars. The light sweetness and aromatic qualities of Earl Grey can complement cigars like the Trinidad Vigia, which offers subtle cedar and sweet undertones. This pairing brings out the lighter, aromatic qualities of both the tea and the cigar, creating an elegant yet decadent experience.
The Role of Temperature and Serving Style
When pairing cigars with tea, temperature matters. For example, a hot black tea can amplify the bold, robust flavors in a strong cigar, while iced green tea may offer a refreshing contrast to a mild smoke. Experiment with hot and cold variations to find the combination that works best for you. You could be sipping from a hot cup of Earl Grey or enjoying an iced oolong on a summer day, the serving style can make a noticeable difference in your pairing experience.
A Few Pairing Tips
Balance Flavor Intensity: Just as with pairing cigars with spirits, you want to match the intensity of the tea to the cigar. A mild cigar pairs better with a lighter tea, while a full-bodied cigar can stand up to the boldness of a stronger tea.
Palate Cleansing: One of the best things about tea is its natural palate-cleansing properties. Sip the tea between puffs to refresh your taste buds and get the most out of each draw.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different teas and cigars together. The world of tea is as vast as the world of cigars, and there’s always something new to discover. Take notes on which combinations work best for your palate.
Here’s a professional tip you need to learn, a hack if you will. Be careful not to over-infuse the tea, as it can release excess tannins that alter the aftertaste. While a touch of bitterness can be pleasant, too many tannins can dry out your mouth and create a harsh experience. Moderation is key.
Pairing cigars with tea may seem unconventional, but it offers a refined, flavorful experience that’s worth exploring. The subtle complexity of tea allows the flavors of your cigar to evolve with each puff, making for a pairing that is both soothing and stimulating. Enjoying a black tea with a full-bodied smoke or a light green tea with a mild cigar are only the beginning to a world of possibilities.
So, next time you light up a cigar, reach for a cup of tea—you might just find your new favorite pairing.
Wishing you rich flavors and good company—until we meet again.
***A special mention goes to Hassan Al Tamimi, a true master of pairing teas and cigars, who generously shared his time and expertise to ensure the accuracy of this article.
Thank you, my friend - See you soon!