Having a premium cigar is great; having a perfect marriage between a cigar and a drink is sublime. Yet for all that, it’s not always easy to know how to pair a cigar and a drink. Often, by the time you find out they don’t go too well together, it’s a may not be possible to change the combination.

Every now and again I like to pair a cigar with a Whisky or a French Cognac. Depending on the particular properties of the brand, aging method, and source, they can really accentuate the aromas and flavor of a superb smoke. I suppose that is not to say that if it’s up your alley, you can have fine Cognac with any cigar, but in my experience a good quality strong drink, can mute an already weak-bodied cigar. A more subtle, equally pungent drink might be a better choice in that case.

Recently I came across the Glenlivet French Oak Reserve, a single malt scotch whisky, and gave it a try, since The Glenlivet hails it as the first single malt in history. Whether the tale is fact or fairytale no one can really say, but it is some really good single malt. It is actually aged for fifteen years in French oak from the province of Limousin, the same oak used by the French for centuries to age their famed Cognac. Appropriately, this Glenlivet single malt has noticeable vanilla and bitter chocolate notes as well a spicy bouquet of pepper and cinnamon.

After a sample, I thought that I would try; and I’m glad I did. It proved to be a great companion for a (Cuban) Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona; a great choice for a spicy cigar with an earthy core.