5 cigar and IPA pairings

Pairing beer and cigars involves finding complementary flavors and profiles that enhance each other to improve the overall sensory experience. I wrote a more detailed guide that covers generally how you should pair beer and cigars. It's definitely worth a read if you want to learn more about this. 

Certain beer styles, such as stouts, pilsners, or IPAs, may pair better with specific cigar profiles. Factors like the beer's maltiness, hoppiness, sweetness, or acidity, along with the cigar's body, strength, and flavor notes, are considered when selecting a suitable pairing.

IPAs are known for their pronounced hop bitterness, floral aromas, and citrusy notes, so when pairing them with cigars, it's often recommended to select cigars with a medium to full body and flavor, as they can stand up to the intensity of the IPA. 

As personal preferences play a role, exploring different IPAs and cigars allows individuals to discover pairings that suit their own tastes and preferences. Below are 5 specific recommendations for pairing relatively easy to find IPAs with relatively easy to find cigars. 

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA with a Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Churchill

The hoppy and citrusy notes of the IPA can balance well with the creamy and slightly sweet flavors of the Champagne Churchill, creating a harmonious combination.

• Price range for a 6-pack of 12 oz. bottles of Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA: $8 - $12
• Price range for a single Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Churchill cigar: $8 - $12

Stone IPA with a Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo Maduro

The bold and intense flavors of the Stone IPA can hold up against the rich and full-bodied character of the Padrón Maduro, providing a robust and satisfying pairing.

• Price range for a 6-pack of 12 oz. bottles of Stone IPA: $10 - $15
• Price range for a single Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo Maduro cigar: $15 - $20

Bell's Two Hearted Ale with a Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

The floral and fruity hops of the Two Hearted Ale can complement the woody and nutty flavors of the Hemingway Short Story, resulting in a balanced and enjoyable combination.

• Price range for a 6-pack of 12 oz. bottles of Bell's Two Hearted Ale: $10 - $15
• Price range for a single Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story cigar: $6 - $10

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA with a Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Robusto

The continuous hopping process in the IPA can stand up to the complexity of the Reserva Real Robusto, offering a delightful interplay of flavors.

• Price range for a 6-pack of 12 oz. bottles of Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA: $10 - $15
• Price range for a single Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Robusto cigar: $8 - $12

Lagunitas IPA with a Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado

The hoppy and refreshing taste of the Lagunitas IPA can contrast nicely with the rich and smooth flavors of the Oliva Serie V Melanio, creating a pleasant and memorable pairing.

• Price range for a 6-pack of 12 oz. bottles of Lagunitas IPA: $8 - $12
• Price range for a single Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado cigar: $10 - $15

 I also wrote two other articles that have recommendations for pairing stouts with cigars and for pairing pilsners with cigars. 

Cheers, and long ashes!