Pairing Alcohol & Cigars – Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Cigars and fine liquor are a natural pairing, enhancing each other’s complexity and depth. Whether it’s a rich whisky, a smooth rum, or a refined cognac, the right drink can elevate the cigar experience, and vice versa. This synergy is so profound that some cigar brands take it a step further, aging their tobacco in liquor barrels to infuse their cigars with unique flavours.

Several iconic collaborations between cigar and liquor brands have emerged from this shared passion for craftsmanship. Maker’s Mark, for example, offers cigars housed in their signature wax-sealed tubes, while Drew Estate has partnered with Pappy Van Winkle and even crafted Kahlua-flavoured cigars in the past. General Cigars has teamed up with Sazerac, resulting in creations like Fireball cigars and Weller by Cohiba, alongside partnerships with Buffalo Trace. Diesel’s Whisky Row cigars, produced in collaboration with Rabbit Hole Distilleries, are another fine example of this harmonious relationship.

Cuban cigars have also embraced this trend, with Cohiba famously collaborating with Martell Cognac. In Europe, Dominique London, a luxury retailer, has gone even further by acquiring a distillery in Wales, producing their own whisky, gin, rum, and other liquors to pair with their cigars.

Pairing cigars with liquor creates a world of possibilities for the discerning connoisseur, allowing both the cigar and the spirit to shine through their complementary flavours. This rich tradition continues to inspire new partnerships and innovations, providing endless enjoyment for enthusiasts.

Hibiki Whisky and Cigar Pairings: A Perfect Japanese Harmony

When it comes to pairing cigars with whisky, few names carry as much elegance as Hibiki. Crafted by Suntory, Hibiki represents the art of Japanese blending, offering smooth, layered flavours that pair beautifully with fine cigars.

Launched in 1989, Hibiki quickly gained global recognition for its balance and refinement. The name means “resonance,” a fitting description of the harmony between malt and grain whiskies drawn from Suntory’s famous distilleries. With notes of honey, dried fruit, and delicate floral tones, Hibiki offers a versatile profile that complements both medium-bodied and fuller cigars.

Its iconic 24-sided bottle symbolises the Japanese seasons, reminding us that whisky, like cigars, is best enjoyed slowly and with appreciation. Whether sipping Hibiki Japanese Harmony or savouring the award-winning Hibiki 21, this whisky enhances a cigar pairing with elegance and depth.

Neat

I have a soft spot for Japanese whiskies and Hibiki is no exception. The fruity nose with rose, orange, apple, mixed with rosemary, sandalwood and jasmine is delicious. Add some mature oak and you’ll have the nose of the Hibiki. The spirit has a silky and smooth texture and has a slight chocolate flavour combined with apricot, pear and sweetness that reminds me of honey and candied orange. That’s all balanced out with some spice from white pepper, ginger and woody oak for depth. The finish is subtle, medium in length with lingering notes of honey, white pepper and white chocolate. Tender and warm. Take a medium bodied Habano wrapped cigar for this and you’ll have a great pairing. I smoked a Flor de Las Antillas with this beautiful whisky and enjoyed that very much.

In a rocks glass, the nose is the same but way lighter. The white pepper seems to be more pronounced in this type of glassware. But the rest of the flavour profile is quite similar and therefore I suggest the same style as drinking this in a Glencairn glass.

Old Fashioned

Every Old Fashioned I ever made smells like orange because of the garnish and this one has that distinctive and pleasant aroma too. The bitters add a little harsh edge to the drink, but the fruity, honey, spicy and woody character of the whisky still shines through. The added sweetness is nice too and does change the drink. But I would still go for a Habano wrapped, medium bodied cigar. Something not too outspoken, as the whisky isn’t outspoken either. And I don’t mean that in a bad way, as I really like this whisky.

And now for the Old-Fashioned recipe:
1 sugar cube
3 dashes of bitters
60 ml of whisky
Orange peel
Put the sugar cube in a highball glass, add the dashes of bitters and a splash of water. Muddle the sugar cube. Add ice and the whisky. Stir for 10 seconds, then add an orange peel.

Matcha Tea Highball

A refreshing take on the Highball, this drink offers a harmonious blend of distinctive Japanese flavours. There is a mild aroma of whisky, muted by the soda water. The lemon and matcha don’t show up in the nose at all. The lemon is noticeable in the flavour of the cocktail though, giving the cocktail a slightly tart taste combined with the flavours of the Hibiki. The flavours are somewhat watered down due to the soda and there is a bit of sweetness from the honey. The matcha does not add a lot, maybe I should have used some more. I would pair this with a cigar with a woody flavour profile.

And now for the Matcha Tea Highball recipe:
40ml Japanese whisky
15ml Honey
15ml Lemon juice
¼ teaspoon matcha powder
Soda to top
Add the whisky, honey and lemon juice to a mixing glass and mix. I use honey syrup as it’s easier to mix. Add ice into a Collins glass, add the whisky mixture, add the matcha powder and top up with soda water. Stir to mix in the matcha powder

Japanese Maple Cocktail

The nose is lemony, but there is a light savoury woody note to it too.  The cocktail has a lemon flavour, balanced by the maple syrup and some warmth, depth and woody notes from the whisky. It’s a nice cocktail, but the lemon juice kills much of the whisky characteristics. I would pair this with something medium bodied. A Ramon Allones No.3 or a Joya Red or Black.

And now for the Japanese Maple Cocktail recipe:
60ml Japanese whisky
22½ml Maple Syrup
22½ml Lemon juice
Lemon zest for garnish
Rim a rocks glass with the zest. Add the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into the rocks glass over fresh ice.