Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Bold, Zesty Cigars
Peppery and cinnamon flavors aren’t just for holiday treats, they’re also common notes of some of the season’s most captivating cigars. Elevate this year’s celebrations with a smoke that complements the cozy, warming vibes of the holidays.
Picture yourself by the fire or toasting to the festivities with friends, a robust cigar in hand. Few things add such a distinctive flair to your celebrations. Whether you enjoy the sharp bite of pepper or the warm allure of cinnamon, these bold cigars are as invigorating as the holiday season itself. Let’s dive into what gives a cigar its lively kick and explore the best drink pairings to elevate your experience.
What Makes a Cigar Spicy?
A cigar’s spicy character comes from a combination of factors, including the origin of the tobacco and its fermentation process. Tobacco grown in certain regions, such as Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic are known for producing leaves with naturally spicy notes. The soil composition, climate, and growing conditions in these areas influence the flavor profile, creating that distinct “peppery” sensation many enthusiasts seek.
The fermentation process also plays a key role. When tobacco is aged and fermented, the chemical composition changes, allowing complex flavors to develop. This is where hints of black pepper, cinnamon, or even chili-like heat can emerge, giving the cigar its signature notes of spice and zest.
If you’re wondering, can a cigar be spicy? Absolutely. Spicy cigars don’t just provide notes of pepper and cinnamon. There are some cigars out there that can emulate the feeling of eating a hot pepper, adding a fiery edge to every puff.
“Don’t overthink it – so many cigars taste very different from each other, grab a few different ones and see what you might like”
Bobby R.
Popular Cigars With Notes Of Spice At Turning Leaf
My Father
La Antiguedad
Origin: Nicaragua (Filler), Ecuador (Wrapper)
Flavor Notes: Leather, chocolate, pepper, and spices
Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo Box Pressed
Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor Notes: Leather, pepper, spice, earthy
The Judge Gran Robusto
Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor Notes: Chocolate, nutty, peppery
Drew Estate
Undercrown 10 (All Dekk’d Out) – Toro
Origin: Wrapper – Mexico, Filler – Nicaragua
Flavor Notes: Chocolate, pepper, earthy, fruity
Gran Habano
Corojo #5 Gran Robusto
Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor Notes: A mix of spices, earthy with a hint of cherry
The Best Drinks to Pair With Spicy Cigars
Pairing the right drink with any cigar can enhance its flavor and balance its intensity. Here are a few tried-and-true suggestions to consider this holiday season:
Whiskey: A smoky, peaty Scotch or a sweet bourbon pairs beautifully with spicy cigars, complementing their warmth while smoothing out the heat. For more on pairing Whiskey with cigars read our piece dedicated to just that!
Rum: Opt for a dark, spiced rum to mirror the cinnamon and nutmeg notes often found in spicy cigars.
Coffee: A robust espresso or creamy latte works wonders to balance bold, peppery flavors while highlighting subtler spice undertones.
Ready to Turn Up the Heat?
Bold and spicy cigars offer an exciting journey for the senses, making them a must-try for any enthusiast seeking bold flavors. Ready to experience the heat? Find the Turning Leaf closest to you and try out a couple sticks, or even a box! Be sure to give your local store a call prior to your visit to ensure the cigar(s) you’re looking for are in stock.
