If it Grows Together, it Goes Together

I am sitting here smoking a La Palina Nicaraguan Oscuro on my back porch, a beautiful way to ease into a rare Saturday off. No travel, no events, no real plans at all—except for the steak I have ready to hit the grill in a few hours.

Too early for an alcoholic beverage, I opt for my usual perfectly poured double espresso, with a lemon twist and a small almond biscotti. (Full disclosure: there may have been a chocolate donut involved as well.) When designing a culinary experience, creating cocktails, or making a cigar and spirits pairing menu, one key concept rings true: if it grows together, it goes together. Simply put, items from the same or similar growing regions will almost always pair well with other items from that region. Nothing has proven my point more recently than the Nicaraguan bean espresso I’m currently enjoying with this stunning Nicaraguan cigar. The rich, light white pepper and earth notes of the La Palina Nicaraguan Oscuro pair beautifully with the earthy chocolate notes of the dark, rich double espresso. The lemon twist adds a bright sweetness that enhances the lighter, creamy notes in the cigar, while the lightly sweet almond biscotti brings out the natural nuttiness in the Nicaraguan tobacco.

Try this trick with anything; I bet you’ll be successful, and it takes some of the guesswork out of your next curated gathering. If you come across a pairing with your favorite La Palina, please shoot me an email—I’d love to hear about it.

Cheers, everyone.

- Matt Freerks

Want to learn more about what makes Nicaraguan cigars so incredible? Click here to discover more!