The Perfect Pairing: Cigars and Coffee
Cigars and coffee share a deep connection, both offering rich, complex flavours and a sense of ritual that appeals to enthusiasts. Many of the world’s top coffee-producing regions, such as Brazil, Cuba, and Nicaragua, are also renowned for premium tobacco. It’s no wonder that cigar lovers often enjoy pairing their favourite smokes with a fine cup of coffee. Recognising this synergy, some cigar brands have even ventured into the coffee business, creating blends designed to complement their cigars.
A Match Made in Heaven: Coffee and Cigars
The natural overlap between coffee and cigars lies in their flavour profiles. Both products come from agricultural roots, their characteristics shaped by soil, climate, and craftsmanship. For many cigar enthusiasts, coffee is the perfect daytime companion to enhance the smoking experience.
Notable Cigar Brands in the Coffee Industry
Several cigar manufacturers have tapped into this relationship, developing coffee blends that cater to aficionados seeking a complementary pairing.
Arturo Fuente: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Arturo Fuente, a name synonymous with premium cigars, entered the coffee market in 2007 with “Arturo Fuente Coffee,” an espresso blend crafted to pair seamlessly with their cigars. Packaged in decorative burlap bags, the coffee quickly became a hit among cigar lovers.
In 2016, Arturo Fuente expanded its coffee line with “Café Cubano,” tailored for Keurig machines, making their blends more accessible to a broader audience. Though the brand doesn’t roast its own beans, it partners with DosCafe LLC in New Jersey to ensure the coffee reflects the same dedication to quality that defines Fuente cigars.
Ezra Zion: A Club for Connoisseurs
Known for their small-batch cigars, Ezra Zion has extended their artisanal philosophy to coffee. Their Coffee of the Month Club offers members a 12oz bag of premium, small-batch coffee crafted from some of the rarest beans globally. These coffees, privately blended and roasted to perfection, represent the top tier of quality.
As a bonus, club members receive five Ezra Zion cigars alongside their coffee, creating a curated experience that celebrates both worlds.
VCF: Bridging Tradition and Expansion
The Vandermarliere Cigar Family (VCF), a Belgian company famous for hand-rolled and machine-made cigars like the Oliva brand, entered the coffee scene through its acquisition of the Dutch Eenhoorn Group. Alongside the cigar brand Olifant, this acquisition included a selection of coffee and tea products.
Eenhoorn’s coffees are sourced from regions such as Brazil, Colombia, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. By maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality, VCF has successfully expanded its offerings while preserving a commitment to excellence.
Kafie 1901: Coffee Roasting with Passion
Among the cigar brands delving into coffee, Kafie 1901 stands out for its hands-on approach. Based in Miami, the brand roasts small batches of coffee in-house, offering a selection that includes Italian and Honduran blends.
Founder Dr Gaby Kafie takes pride in his Honduran heritage, reflected in the brand’s commitment to showcasing the region’s coffee. Kafie’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship has earned them a loyal following among aficionados who appreciate both cigars and exceptional coffee.
Why Coffee and Cigars Work So Well
Complementary Flavour Profiles
Both coffee and cigars offer complex taste experiences, with notes ranging from earthy and nutty to sweet and fruity. This diversity makes it easy to find pairings that enhance the flavours of each.
A Ritual Experience
For many enthusiasts, the act of lighting a cigar and sipping coffee is as much about the ritual as the taste. Together, they create a moment of relaxation and indulgence.
The Future of Coffee and Cigar Pairings
As more cigar manufacturers explore the potential of coffee, aficionados are discovering exciting new ways to elevate their smoking experience. From artisanal blends to monthly subscription clubs, the possibilities for pairing cigars and coffee continue to expand.
Conclusion
The union of cigars and coffee is a natural one, rooted in shared craftsmanship and a dedication to quality. Whether it’s a small-batch roast designed for connoisseurs or a classic blend that complements a favourite cigar, these partnerships showcase the best of both worlds. For cigar lovers, the growing availability of curated coffee options means even more opportunities to savour this timeless pairing.
If you haven’t yet tried pairing your favourite cigar with a rich, aromatic coffee, now is the perfect time to explore. Let us know your favourite combinations in the comments!
header photo EMG cigars
