Bourbon & Cigars Gameday Pairing Guide

This is a tough trifecta to beat: bourbon, cigars, and football. The truth is that you don’t *need* a guide to have a great time smoking cigars, drinking bourbon, and watching sports. 

However, if you want to ensure you have the optimal experience come gameday, we’re here to help. Check out a few of our favorite bourbon and cigar pairings for your next gameday gathering.

To Please a Crowd — Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013 & Coopers’ Craft Barrell Reserve

Planning on having the whole crew over for a gameday watch party? Then go with a cigar and whiskey pairing that will keep everyone happy: Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013 and Coopers’ Craft Barrell Reserve. Macanudo has a well-earned reputation as a crowd-pleaser, and the Vintage Maduro 2013 is a classically smooth but bold and rich entry into the Macanudo lineup. Pair it with a dark and vanilla-forward whiskey like Coopers’, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time. 

Budget-Beaters — Perdomo Lot 23 & Evan Williams

We get it: money doesn’t grow on trees, and sometimes it’s nice to have budget-friendly options for gameday. Enter Perdomo Lot 23 and Evan Williams. You can usually pick up a Lot 23 for less than $8, which represents tremendous value for this Nicaraguan workhorse. And when you pair it with a quality bourbon brand like Evan Williams, you’ll be able to enjoy gameday without breaking the bank.

For Special Occasions — Weller by Cohiba (2023) and Weller 12-Year

For the biggest games of the year, it’s worth paying for extra quality. When it comes to quality, you don’t get much better than both Weller and Cohiba. Unsurprisingly, a cigar like Weller by Cohiba — which features tobacco aged in Weller bourbon barrels — pairs exceptionally well with Weller 12-Year. Nevertheless, this combination is a top-of-the-line partnership that will immediately elevate any gameday event. 

Off the Beaten Path — Super Fly & Kings County Straight Bourbon

If you’re looking for something a little unusual, then we recommend checking out Super Fly by Oscar Valladares. Oscar Valladares is known for his innovative blends, and the San-Andres-wrapped Super Fly doesn’t disappoint. As for the bourbon pairing, try it out with Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon. The minimalist packaging is sure to catch the eye, and the rich hints of caramel and holiday spice will keep you coming back for more!

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