Everyone knows that cigars and Port are classic companions, and I must admit that for a long time this has been my favorite combination… perhaps until now.

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On a recent trip to Cadiz, I arranged an outing to the nearby city of Jerez to sample the region’s best Sherry wine (something I highly recommend). I just can’t go someplace and not sample the local niceties. At any rate, I was blown away by Gonzalez Byass’s NOE, a 30 year old sherry wine made entirely of Pedro Ximenes grapes.

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The wine has many similarities to a good Port; it is sweet, smooth and silky. Yet this sherry’s thirty year maturation in oak has given it properties that are perfect for pairing with a cigar. On the nose there are powerful notes of plums, figs and spices. On the palate, the wine has similar notes of figs and spices wrapped up in an exquisite finish of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla.

Believe me when I say that I’ve paired this one up with all my favorite cigars and it has yet to disappoint. I for one have added it to my list fine cigar companions.