Spring on the Deck: Sombremesa Solita Red and Boulevardier Pairing

I’m calling the cold weather done — the portable heaters on the screened porch were packed away this past weekend. Unless we're using the porch, the windows remain closed for now, but only in deference to the “pollening.” Once the yellow scourge passes, the porch will be fully open again.

This past weekend, we took things outside and enjoyed cocktails on the deck rather than inside. I prepared a Negroni for Colleen, while I opted for a Boulevardier — a softer, sweeter riff on the classic that I thought would pair more cleanly with the Sobremesa Solita Red I had in mind.

The Boulevardier is often built with equal parts bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, but I’ve been playing with ratios to dial back the bitterness depending on the cigar I'm selecting. I generally lean toward 2:1:1, and for this pairing I reached for a wheated bourbon — Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength — to add a little extra sweetness and weight.

The 6¼ x 46 Sombremesa Solita Red from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is wrapped in a red-hued Ecuadorian Habano leaf, with a Mexican San Andrés Negro binder and a filler blend from Condega, Estelí, Pueblo Nuevo, and a touch of Pennsylvania Broadleaf. The draw was slightly firm, but well within reason.

At its core, the cigar delivers notes of dark chocolate, black coffee, and a sweet, loamy earthiness, with an occasional flicker of black pepper. Medium-bodied, it strikes a balance between richness and restraint — flavorful without becoming heavy.

The adjusted Boulevardier proved to be a natural companion. The Maker’s 46 Cask Strength brought a round, warming sweetness that echoed the cigar’s profile. I ended up making a second round, nudging in a bit more sweet vermouth for a subtle shift in the profile.

Together, the pairing hit that ideal note, complementary and supportive. A small bowl of salty potato chips rounded out the aperitif, adding just enough contrast to keep things lively.

With the heaters packed away and the deck back in use, this felt like a natural shift into the new season. The Solita Red and the adjusted Boulevardier paired easily. All in all, a simple, well-matched combination and a good way to ease back into spring evenings outdoors.

Cheers!