Food and Cigars...

Nice cigars. I think after a big steak dinner, one could go for a stronger cigar, because theoretically after a heavy meal like that, the body's tolerance for a strong cigar would be higher. That's what I generally do, although I'm not really in to strong cigars. I have a tendency to be more courageous after a big, rib stickin' meal, though.

Bloofington said:

Nice cigars. I think after a big steak dinner, one could go for a stronger cigar, because theoretically after a heavy meal like that, the body's tolerance for a strong cigar would be higher. That's what I generally do, although I'm not really in to strong cigars. I have a tendency to be more courageous after a big, rib stickin' meal, though.

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That's what I would have said as well. Perhaps with a lighter meal of fish or chicken, one could go with more of a light- to medium-bodied cigar. Although, if your smoking on a full stomach, just about anything is fair game. If you are smoking after dessert, perhaps something that accentuates the dessert flavors eg. cocoa, vanilla, or coffee flavors.

This is a great question brother, and to be honest, I have never thought much about it. I know that the various podcasts that I have listened to have talked about this, and basically they agree with Chris.

A light meal goes with a light cigar. A heavier meal will lead to a stronger cigar - the reason being that you won't lose the flavors of the cigar in what you have eaten earlier.

The same goes with beverages, lighter drinks go with lighter cigars, stronger flavored cigars go better with stronger beverages. There you go, something new to explore in the world of cigar pairings!

Diet Coke, Peanut Butter on Wheat and a Short Story.
The best lunch anywhere.

well this is a hard question to answer, when I have a big meal , , well when I used to have a big meal I wanted an OPUS X with a scotch & a snifter of Laugavulin, with fish or beef if I was "FULL" it was an Opus , now I dont eat near as much & have cut back on the Opus & go more for the some what lighter cigars like the Don Diego , but there is no "Rule" just like drinking red wine with fish, hey if thats what you want then Go For It , I PB&J with a short story is just fine, lunch or supper, not a bad breakfast IMHO !, I do like a different cigar after each course with a fine meal , a Cohiba after the T Bone is just as good as a Don Carlos after the eggs as long as there is coffee or scotch, or BOTH , when I have a cold soup I like a light smoke with a candella wrapper , how ever a candella Camacho is not all that mild but fits well with a salad & white wine , add red wine to the veggies , then I might want some thing a little spicy like a cameroon wrapped anything,an Olivia comes to mind, but it all falls back to your own tastebuds , whats good for me might not be good for you , the only thing I can tell you is to Experament !, Keep trying till you get it right, I had my first cigar back in 1955 & I am still working oin the question at hand , I keep looking , tasting & the dirty rotten B@$t@rds keep making new cigars ! the hard jobs & questions never get an easy answer . I hope I didnt confuse you , I sure did confuse myself hahahaha Enjoy, Vince

.....Vince... I suddenly find myself hungry all over again and thinking about another cigar. Thanks!

As for me....the usual pairings. Although I do modify that if my day has been tremendously bad or wonderfully good. Sometimes an old friend just calls out from the humidor.... Aw Heck! Whichever one just settles into my hand....

To be honest...I'm still exploring those that I don't know. If I planned the cigar with the meal, I would make some serious mistakes. However, if I admit to free-form cigar smoking, then the hunt is fun! There have been a few instances when I do an "on purpose" pairing (trio-ing?) of dinner, cigar, and after dinner drink.

To be honest...I'm still exploring those that I don't know. If I planned the cigar with the meal, I would make some serious mistakes. However, if I admit to free-form cigar smoking, then the hunt is fun! There have been a few instances when I do an "on purpose" pairing (trio-ing?) of dinner, cigar, and after dinner drink.


I have been exploring & tasting all my life, over 40 years as a chef & cigar smoker, whisky sipper & coffee drinker, I have found some great parings over the years but I do enjoy the Hunt !!!