If you don’t frequent cigar lounges, you might be surprised by what you see visitors drinking. You’ll have your cigar smokers sipping on cognac. Others prefer whiskey, and some might even have a glass of cabernet. I myself enjoy an espresso or latte with my cigars in the morning, and Coca-Cola in the evenings. The inevitable question is, why? Well, in layman’s terms, I enjoy the buzz I get from smoking a cigar for 45 minutes to an hour, and that buzz alone. I find that drinking whisky numbs my palate and overpowers the complex flavors of a cigar.
Coffee and soda have the opposite effect; they complement my JAVA by Drew Estate and Nub (single roast) sticks. Every now and then I’ll dabble in whiskey when smoking with friends, but those instances are few and far between. I’m set in my ways.
Enter Isle of Skye Whisky Cigar Reserve.
I wasn’t exactly skeptical about pairing a cigar with the new Scotch whisky blend. After all, Isle of Skye’s lineup of Scotch whisky is as good as it gets. But as mentioned, my go-to drinks are always coffee or soda when I smoke.
For this tasting, I opted to smoke a cigar from my own collection: Altura’s Third Harvest Lancero, which instantly became my favorite cigar ever in June after tasting it at the inaugural Cigar & Rum Festival in the Dominican Republic. Third Harvest Lancero is an exceptional cigar with a soft nuance and perfect draw on every single puff.
For its Cigar Reserve, Isle of Skye collaborated with cigar experts to craft a Scotch whisky that complements fine cigars. And they delivered. At 46% ABV, Cigar Reserve delivers depth and complexity with a full-bodied texture that complements the intensity of cigars. Your nose is met with Oak spice and dark fruit richness before a warm, smoky vanilla sip gives your palate a swirl. The Cigar Reserve’s sweet, spicy duality, coupled with Altura’s perfect draw, made for a soothing night.
Suffice it to say, Isle of Skye Cigar Reserve has officially joined my lineup of drinks when smoking cigars, and I’m salivating at the thought while typing this sentence.
“Cigar Reserve marks an exciting first for Isle of Skye and a bold step in blended Scotch whisky,” says Pamela Stewart, Isle of Skye Branded Manager. “Crafted to pair with cigars, this release is finished in Pedro Ximénez casks, adding a rich sweetness that enhances the bold, smoky character of our blend. It’s a luxurious and approachable Scotch that will appeal to both whisky enthusiasts and lovers of sherried expressions.”
A compelling price point
A superb bottle of Scotch whisky shouldn’t have to empty your pocket. That’s what makes Isle of Skye’s Cigar Reserve so alluring. Its suggested retail price is $47.99, making it a compelling price point for those who are new to the Scotch whisky game.
Find the bottle through Total Wine & More and other specialist whisky retailers in the U.S.
