Maple, Cedar, and a Summer Evening

We’ve experienced a very wet summer this year, with more days of rain than sunshine. Or at least that’s how it has felt of late, even if we’re told the region is still rated “extremely dry.” For my part, I know there are new washouts in the yard that weren’t there before, and the grass still needs mowing every week.

When the sun does shine for an entire day, it’s an occasion to get outside. On a recent weekday evening, I took advantage of the sunshine to listen to some music, sip a fine whiskey, and enjoy a delicious smoke. Despite temperatures in the upper 80s, with a “feels like” reading pushing 95°, the porch was surprisingly comfortable thanks to a gentle natural breeze and a couple of fans.

I selected the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto for the evening. The 5 x 50 stick is a relatively short smoke, offering about 45 to 50 minutes of enjoyment. A dark African Cameroon wrapper encases a binder and filler of Dominican tobaccos, with vintage filler leaves aged for as long as ten years. The cigar delivers a medium-bodied profile featuring cedar, sweet coffee, and roasted nuts, with just a touch of pepper on the finish. A natural creamy sweetness remains at the forefront, while the darker, spicier notes provide balance and depth. After six months of rest in the humidor, the cigar performed flawlessly.

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch is an American whiskey created from a blend of 60% straight rye whiskey (aged three to five years) and 40% straight bourbon whiskey (aged four to twelve years). This “bourye” combines bourbon’s sweetness with rye’s spice — the best of both worlds, if you will. On the nose, Lost Monarch offers familiar aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus zest. It’s on the palate, however, that the whiskey truly distinguishes itself. Vanilla and maple syrup arrive first, followed by honey and orange peel. The finish brings oak and pepper while allowing the maple sweetness to linger. At 90 proof, it’s smooth and exceptionally easy to sip — perhaps a little too easy.

I chose Lost Monarch to pair with the Don Carlos because its easy-drinking profile seemed well suited to both the cigar’s smoking time and the warm evening. As it turned out, the combination was exceptionally well suited to the occasion. Rather than competing for attention, the cigar and whiskey each emphasized the other’s sweeter side, making for a relaxed, uncomplicated pairing that was perfectly suited to a hot summer evening. The cedar, cream, and gentle coffee notes of the Don Carlos allowed the whiskey’s maple sweetness to shine. The maple syrup note was greatly enhanced compared to when I have sipped the whiskey alone. As the cigar progressed toward richer coffee and espresso notes, the maple character continued to deepen as well, though it never became overly sweet or cloying.

The coffee, maple, and cinnamon notes of the pairing soon had me thinking about breakfast — specifically, a plate of French toast dripping with butter and maple syrup. The flavors in a cigar or whiskey don’t have to be exact matches for the foods they bring to mind. Sometimes the images and memories they evoke are just as enjoyable. It’s all part of the fun.

Cheers!