Since spring is right around the corner, I wanted to find a great Gin & Tonic pairing with some friends. To begin, I selected three cigars that I felt would compliment Aviation’s gin with a generous amount of lime squeezed into the glass as well. Tucker and Kate then smoked each of them with their Gin & Tonics to see if they could find consensus on a pairing that complimented both the cigar and the beverage. You can watch the video here on Instagram.

Guardian of the Farm Claude Le Chien

I selected this cigar because of its easy going nature. I figured that there was just enough spice in this blend to contrast the cocktail, with enough of a floral component to also play off of the botanicals. 

Results: This cigar is great on its own, not a good match for the Gin & Tonic specifically. 

Final Thoughts: I wonder if lemon had been present as well as lime if it might have improved the results. Also, I would like to try this again one day with a newer Le Chien release instead of the first run. 

Lampert 1675 Edición Azul

I chose this cigar for the incredible dried fruit notes that I get from it. There’s also a generous amount of bitter hints like coffee and dark chocolate that I hoped would compliment the cocktail in a different way. This would have been my best guess for a winner.

Results: The Azul and beverage matched each other in body and flavor without either dominating the other. It was a serviceable pairing, although not a match made in heaven.

Final Thoughts: Once again, I wonder if a newer Edición Azul would have catapulted this pairing into flavor town.

Crowned Heads Four Kicks Capa Especial

The Capa Especial remains one of my all-time favorite blends. I think this cigar is incredibly versatile and can pair with so many pours. In addition to a bit of umami that’s introduced to the palate early on, I also get a breadiness, a touch of leather, and brown sugar from Capa Especial. I chose this cigar because of how unique it is to the other blends sampled but also because its the reigning champ of cigar pairings. Even so, I expected this one to lose out yesterday to the Lampert. 

Results: Once again, the Four Kicks Capa Especial absolutely dominated this pairing. 

Final Thoughts: Shame on me for underestimating the Capa Especial! This cigar holds up well to everything from wine to bourbon to rum to espresso to now a gin and tonic. I should’ve known better.