Matching Whiskey Proof to Wrapper Intensity

September is Bourbon Heritage Month, and that’s as good a reason as any to talk about one of our all-time favorite pairings: bourbon and cigars. 

Indeed, whiskey and cigars are such natural partners that many whiskey and cigar brands have collaborated over the years. 

Today, we’ll take a close look at bourbon specifically and explore how best to pair bourbons with different proofs with cigars. 

What is Proof in Bourbon?

Proof simply refers to the alcohol content of a bourbon. Bourbons that are 80 proof (the minimum bottle proof) are 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). Bourbons that are 100 proof are 50% ABV.

While higher alcohol content doesn’t necessarily equate to a better bourbon, often whiskey fans do value higher proof bourbons for their depth of flavor and unique quality. 

Bourbons can be categorized by proof in this way.

• Minimum/Standard proof - 80
• Prohibition Strength - around 90
• Bottled in Bond - 100
• Cask Strength/Barrel proof - 105+

What is Cigar Intensity?

Unlike bourbon, which is measured — in part — by alcohol content, cigars are not typically categorized by nicotine level. When someone in the cigar space speaks about “intensity,” however, they usually mean a cigar’s nicotine effect.

Cigars are typically broken down into three strength categories:

• Mild/Mellow
• Medium
• Full-bodied

Are Darker Cigars More Intense?

This is a common misconception. No, darker cigars do not always have a higher nicotine content. However, darker cigars, like maduros and oscuros, tend to be fuller-bodied, and they normally have richer flavors. But just because a cigar is darker, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s stronger.

How to Pair Bourbon and Cigars by Proof & Wrapper

In general, we recommend pairing higher proof bourbons with cigars of greater intensity. 

• Standard Proof & Connecticut Shade. Connecticut Shade cigars are renowned for being smooth and creamy, and those flavors pair beautifully with a standard proof bourbon’s more mellow offering. 

  • Recommended cigar: Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade

• Prohibition Strength & Habano. Looking for a little more oomph from your combo? Then pour yourself a nice glass of Prohibition Strength bourbon and light up a Habano cigar. Habanos often have punchy, spicy flavors, which interplay nicely with a more potent whiskey. 

  • Recommended cigar: Nub Habano

• Bottled in Bond & Maduro. Maduro translates to “aged” in English, so it’s only natural that it makes a wonderful complement to a classic Bottled in Bond Bourbon. 

  • Recommended cigar: La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor

• Barrel Proof & Oscuro. The only cigar variety we’d suggest pairing with a super high proof bourbon is, of course, the dark and rich Oscuro. 

  • Recommended cigar: Punch Diablo.

What’s your favorite cigar and bourbon pairing? Sign up for Cigar World and let us know with a comment!