Want a surprise gift for a cigar and spirit lover but don't know where to start?

You're not alone!

Unguided, your gift recipient isn't far from joining the 79% of people who return some of their gifts (after an initial fake smile, of course)  — as per Survey Monkey.

79% is insane, right?

But don't worry — we're here to help.

If you know that your gift recipient is a great lover of cigars and spirits, pairing the two can be a thoughtful way to melt their hearts.

However, you'll want to pick the right combination that gives them a harmonious and more memorable experience.

This guide will help you separate the winning combinations from the losers. We will cover the basics of cigar and spirit pairing, classic spirits for pairing, best practices for creating gift sets, and some suggestions for different gift set ideas.

Understanding Cigar and Spirit Pairing

The art of pairing cigars and spirits requires some knowledge, experimentation, and some bit of personal taste.

Now, there are two main methods of pairing:

• Complementary
• Contradictory

Complementary pairing is simply choosing cigars and spirits with similar flavors. This selection helps enhance each other's taste profile.

That's different from contradictory pairing, which basically is the opposite: selecting contrasting flavors whose combination strikes a harmonious balance. To achieve this, one should pay attention to the richness of both the cigar and the alcohol.

Of course, when combining cigars and any drinks, personal taste plays a big part. What might be an ideal combination for one person may not create the same impression for another, so ensure that you find out what works best for your palate if you're looking for your own pairing.

In the case of a gift, knowing the recipient's preferences and taste profile would come in handy. But if you don't and prefer not to spoil the surprise, it's best that you lean towards complementary pairing for a higher success rate.

That's because complementary pairings are much simpler, unlike their contradictory counterparts, which have a delicate balance that, when slightly off, can change the whole experience.

However, if you already know the taste preference of the person you intend to gift, or maybe they're open to trying new contributions, you can feel free to get creative with contradictory pairings.

Classic Spirits for Cigar Pairing

Before we look at what to match with your cigar sets, just in case you’re looking for the best cigar deals, these cheap cigars with up to 20% discount should help you significantly cut on costs while still getting quality products.

Now, when talking about pairing spirits with cigars, it's worth noting that any spirit can go with cigars. However, you don't want to settle for "just any cigar or spirit".

You want to work with the top cigars and classic spirits that consistently create a memorable experience.

In that case, there are four popular options:

• Whiskey
• Wine
• Rum
• Bourbon

Whiskey comes in as the most popular go-to choice when it comes to cigar pairing.

There are two reasons for this.

For one, whiskey has intense and complex flavors that can seamlessly complement a bold cigar. Irish whiskey, for instance, has deep, rich accents that cigar lovers can't get enough of.

Secondly, whiskey goes with all varieties of cigars, so it really won't matter a lot whether you want to pair it with a mild or full-bodied cigar. This quality makes it a more versatile choice compared to other candidates.

These are the two top reasons why most people often choose to pair cigars with whiskey over any other type of spirit.

But that's not to say that you shouldn't consider other options. Wine, rum, and Bourbon are also excellent choices for pairing with cigars, depending on the recipient's taste, and we'll see how you can make the proper selection later on.

Best Practices for Cigar Pairing Gift Sets

Now that we've knocked out the basics, it's essential to understand how to create a well-balanced cigar pairing experience.

Here are some tips for creating gift sets that guarantee an enjoyable and harmonious experience:

1. Consider Balance

Ensure that the strength of both the cigar and spirit is well-matched. In other words, if your gift recipient prefers smoking a full-bodied, earthy cigar, ensure that you choose a richer spirit to match it.

If going for a milder cigar, choose a lighter liquor. The goal is to ensure that none of the elements overwhelms the other.

2. Select Cigars With Complexity

A complex cigar will bring out the flavors in your chosen spirit much better. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid plain-flavored cigars when pairing with spirits.

3. Take Individual Preferences And Taste Into Account

You don't want to get something your recipient won't be able to enjoy. Hence, pay some attention to their personal tastes.

If you know what their preferred flavors are or if they're willing to try new combinations, factor in that information to guide you when blending the two gifts.

4. Factor In The Occasion

Why are you gifting them in the first place? Is it because they are marking special occasions like a birthday or an anniversary? For these occasions, go with higher-end, more fancy spirits.

However, for casual gatherings, it should just be fine to work with more affordable options.

Gift Set Ideas

You now have a general idea of how to create a great cigar and spirit pairing. Let's take a look at some specific gift set ideas:

1. Whiskey and Cigar Combo

If you're looking for a safe bet, nothing provides better security in that regard than a cigar and whiskey combo — the two couples for a classic gift set that will hardly disappoint.

 

But before you opt for it,  beware of the major caveat: A combination of whiskey and cigar tends not to feel as unique, as it's quite a commonly sought-after combination. But I doubt whether that really matters as long as the recipient enjoys it.

2. Rum and Cigar Combo

Rum and cigars can also make a perfect combination. In fact, if your recipient's taste buds are inclined towards the sweeter side, then bringing in the sweetness of rum in the place of whiskey should give you the best gift for them. 

Plus, rum's sweet flavor profiles go well with a cigar of any variety, so you won't labor a lot looking for what cigar variety should match it.

3. Bourbon and Cigar Combo

One thing about Bourbon is that it has complex flavors that can bring out the best in any cigar.

And because there are so many different types of Bourbon on the market, you can easily find one that suits your budget without compromising on quality.

4. Wine and Cigar Combo

For wine lovers, how about pairing their favorite wine with a cigar they'll enjoy? It makes for a great gift. Just make sure that you take some time to research which wine pairs best with certain cigars before making your selection.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to pairing cigars with spirits or any other alcoholic beverage, it's all about finding the perfect balance. Take into account the recipient's personal tastes and the occasion to create a gift set that will truly impress and be enjoyed.

With these tips and recommendations in mind, you can confidently put together a gift set that showcases your thoughtfulness and knowledge of pairing cigars and spirits. Just remember to have fun, be creative, and always aim for a harmonious and enjoyable experience.