Catching on: it's not just about the smoking.

One of my first budget cigars, a Baccarat Repeater.

 This past summer I started sampling different cigars, and with my newfound love for this pastime, I have learned that whether you have a higher end pricey cigar, or a less expensive "budget" cigar, it is not just about smoking. While it is true that a good handrolled cigar has certain relaxing and meditative properties all by itself, this green-connoiseur, cigar-lady learned quickly that pairing is an integral part to the cigar smoking experience. Food and drink are essential partners to a good cigar.

It was still summer, and alluding to my first post, I was still shy about going alone into cigar bars. So on a warm, sunny Wisconsin day, I grabbed two cigars "to go," from Total Wine, a great stop in the Milwaukee area for cigars and drinks. My eyes were great big question marks, so I picked up what I remember was a pricier Camacho black cigar, and a more affordable Baccarat Repeater, aka Havanna Twist, according to the Total Wine guy. I also picked up some Maker's Mark bourbon and an Apothic Red bottle of wine.

I got home and got started a little after 2pm. My husband and sons were at work, and being a teacher I had off in the summer. So I lit my charcoal grill, poured myself some bourbon, and lit up the Camacho. (Don't quote me on the Camacho, because at the time I didn't know I was gonna blog about this stuff, so this is my best recollection. If you viewers recognize the cigar as something else let me know in the comments and I will follow up with a correction!) 

To my best memory this was a Camacho cigar. It paired well with bourbon.

While the charcoal fire slowly transformeed the briquettes in the grill from black to grey, I sipped on the bourbon and puffed on the black cigar. Both had very powerful flavors! And while I was no expert yet, all I could say and feel to myself was, "I'm home." So far so good. My conclusion in regard to strong full-bodied cigars with bourbon, before a meal?  A great big yes!

The grill was ready in about 40 minutes, right at the perfect time to be done with the bourbon and black cigar. So I threw on good steaks and played my usual role as barbecue queen. (My husband doesn't smoke cigars and he doesn't take charge of the grill either, so I am the cook both indoors and outdoors!) I served up a medium-rare steak for myself immediately, and quickly stored my sons' medium rares and husband's medium for them to warm up and eat later when they all got home from work.

Steaks go great with cigars!

I poured myself the Apothic Red wine and enjoyed my late afternoon feast in the peace and quiet of my front porch. On the heels of a good cigar and bourbon, filling my stomach with some delicious meat and wine took me to another phase of summer bliss. And then when I was done eating it was time for the Baccarat Repeater and a second glass of wine. (Yes it was a third drink, but by this time, well over an hour passed, and I was not going anywhere anyway). I have not seen the Repeater on social media or other cigar connoiseur programming, probably because it is not "high-end" enough. But I will say this, it really went well with my palette after the steak dinner, and with the red wine. By the time, I was done with this smoke and the second glass of red, it was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and just in time for a nap.

I was on vacation, afterall. And napping works on a cigar blog. It's not just about the smoking.