We all know cheese and wine pairings. We have no doubt been to events where the host pours over (literally) explanations about how our senses and Amygdala are overwhelmed with joy, when a deep red meets a mature blonde in act one.

The less well trodden path. The real Torvil and Dean, Ant and Dec, Jazzy Jeff and the fresh prince, or Shearer and Sheringham (delete as appropriate), is cigars and coffee.

Whilst being from different botanical families (Solanaceae, tobacco, and Rubiaceae, coffee). They have many similarities that make them great bedfellows.

Both have plant origins, extensive processing, and big cultural impact. The good thing about pairing a cigar with coffee over wine, is that you can enjoy it anytime of the day. Many cigars are made with tobacco for a specific part of the day. Lighter in the morning and heavier at night.

This morning I am enjoying a box pressed Nicaragua, from Davidoff.100% Nicaraguan leaf, with a smooth draw and medium body. Whilst I don’t have the nose of a truffle hound, I can detect what the critics say are notes of pepper, hickory wood, and raisins.

It is with that in mind that I have chosen to pair it with a bean blend from Starbucks. Who despite many seeing as a purely commercial business, know good coffee and how to brew it. Starbucks Limited Edition Odyssey Blend 2025 with notes of honeycomb & citrus orange, accentuates the notes of the cigar beautifully. So much so, that I am going to down tools and finish both.

Look out for my Sunday reviews each week. 

Aroma and out!

Scott