As a cigar enthusiast, it's very likely that you share your passion with some of your friends. Like wine, cigars bring people together and allow them to escape together. Organizing a cigar tasting is therefore an excellent way of spending time with your loved ones, whether over an aperitif or dinner. But how do you go about organizing your tasting?
Setting the scene for your tasting
Although secondary, the setting of your tasting is an element not to be neglected. It will determine the "spirit" of your tasting. So, before thinking about the type of cigars you're going to taste with your friends, it's important to define the time and place of your tasting. While an open-air tasting is obviously the best option, it's not always feasible. Depending on the season and the possibilities offered by your home, you can organize your tasting outdoors or indoors. In the latter case, make sure that the room you choose for your event is large enough to comfortably accommodate all your guests, and that it has an efficient ventilation system.
Then define the time of your tasting. Would you like to organize your event on a sunny afternoon, or would you prefer to gather your guests for an intimate evening? Depending on your choice, the arrangements for your tasting won't be the same. Finally, ask yourself how many guests you'd like to invite. To encourage discussion and reinforce the sense of exclusivity of your event, it's advisable not to exceed a dozen guests.
Cigar selection
Cigar selection is, of course, the heart of your business. tasting. It needs to be carefully thought out, taking into account factors such as the time you have available, your friends' tastes and your desire to introduce them to new cigars.
Depending on the time you have available, you can opt for a selection of two, three or four different cigars. If you opt for several cigars, don't choose overly imposing modules that take more than an hour and a half to taste. Instead, start your tasting with smaller modules such as Petits Robustos and reserve the larger cigars for the end. Also pay attention to the strength of your cigars. It's important to follow a precise tasting order, from the mildest cigar to the strongest.
A tasting is the ideal opportunity to discover new flavors and surprise your guests with original combinations. You can, for example, choose to introduce them to a particular terroir, or opt for a special blend. selection of exclusive cigars. Your selection should also take into account your budget. More than the price of your cigars, it's the consistency of your selection that will determine the quality of your tasting.
Finding the right pairing
Depending on the timing of your event, you can accompany your cigar selection with an aperitif or dinner. The choice of drinks should also be carefully considered.
The drinks
Many beverages are capable of enhancing the aromas of a cigar, but it's important to know how to choose them correctly. While the choice of a pairing is first and foremost a matter of taste, there are certain " golden rules "These time-saving tools guarantee a successful pairing:
- Combine the strength of your cigar with that of your drink.
- Match your cigar and your drink in terms of quality.
- Choose your pairing according to the complementarity of aromas and flavours.
For example, you can accompany your Cohiba Siglo 6 with a Louis XIII cognac or your Davidoff Signature 2000 with a whisky Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Gin is also the spirit of choice for cigar tasting. Its refreshing properties, lemony touch and hints of spice and fruit combine perfectly with a wide range of aromas to cleanse the palate.
Whatever drinks you choose, the most important thing is to please yourself. So turn to spirits you enjoy, and let your imagination run wild.
The food
The art of pairing consists in seeking a perfect union between two distinct worlds. As with beverages, certain foods and snacks can enhance the aromas of your cigar. Never enjoy a cigar on an empty stomach.
Depending on the aromas and strength of the cigars you've selected for your tasting, you'll be able to opt for more or less hearty dishes. The important thing is to choose foods that won't overpower the flavours of your cigars. You can therefore apply the same rules as when choosing your drinks, and match the aromas of your cigars to those of the dishes on offer.
Essential accessories for cigar tastings
Cigar tasting requires the right equipment. You'll need enough ashtrays to accommodate all your guests' modules. It's also important to have cigar cutters compatible with the size and shape of your cigars.
You can also make your tasting more interesting by asking your guests to fill in tasting sheets for each cigar. This exercise allows you to carry out a more elaborate sensory analysis of your vitolas, and to keep a record of your impressions over time.
A tasting notes must include information such as the name, size, brand, manufacturing code and price of the cigar. It should also enable you to carry out a sensory analysis (quality of construction, wrapper color, ash color) and appreciate the balance of your cigar (its print runThe smoke can be analyzed in terms of intensity, combustion and smoke volume.) Include space for analysis of the aromatic panel (intensity, quality and complexity of aromas, dominant aromas, aftertastes, length in the mouth) and overall balance (strength, body). Finally, your tasting sheets should allow you to add observations such as the length of time and conditions of storage of your cigars, their pairing, and the place and date of your tasting.
