Perfect Pairings III – Spirits Editor Review

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!”
William Shakespeare – Henry V, Act III, Scene 1.

Again, we lucky few get to explore the sensory overload of cigar and spirit. This time it’s rum and two graceful Nat Sherman cigars. 
Per my process, I first taste the samples on their own, then again with each of our smokes. The surprise this time was how the smoke/sip sequence made so much of a difference. Read on for the adventure! (All photos courtesy Ron Diplomatico)

Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva – 40% ABV

Color: A deep maroon red shade that shouts out: “Let’s get ready to Rum – ble!!!” (Heh Heh!!)

Nose: At first, the scent is quite phenolic despite its low ABV. Then it gives way to spices, honey and molasses. Classic rum scents. So let the first whiff from your glass blow off. Then you’re ready to start the journey.

Palate: Sweet, WOW! Power in a goblet! Yet this is as smooth as any whisky with a full mouthfeel. The flavor is consistent through the mid-palate and finishes with a smooth texture, almost port like. This is how aged rum tastes in its purest form. If you never had that experience, here’s your starting point. But it can be more than a drink. I thought Pour this over vanilla ice cream or as a topping on your standard Piña Colada.

Summary: If you seek strength with no distractions or deviations from the flavor, this is your signature bottle.

With Our Evening’s Cigars

Nat Sherman Epoca – What a cigar! The cold draw was easy with coffee tastes throughout. Lighting up was simple, and the intake held the same gentility. I kept saying great cigar. But then the Exclusiva overpowered the Epoca’s grace. When you sample each, smoke first, then drink. You’ll get both quick sensations before the rum raises its flag forever. I would prefer a stronger cigar to stand up to the sugar cane. There are some spirits that demand a stick of power. This is one of them.

Nat Sherman Timeless – Another star. Kudos to Fearless Leader Matthias for this choice. The cold draw was spicy pepper with a bit more vigor than the Epoca. Lighting up brought forth tobacco and Latin espresso flavors galore, but it’s not too forceful. Quite refined. The lit draw required a pull early on, but then settled into its rhythm. Moving on to the Especial, the rum’s intense sweetness requires that the smoke go first on the palate, otherwise you might lose the benefit of the cigar’s flavor.

Summary, if you like and crave distinct taste sensations, this works well. Otherwise, seek one of the five cigars that will certify you as a badass! Then pair it with the Exclusiva! That’s a UFC cage match Smackdown! https://www.smallbatchcigar.com/5-strong-cigars-that-will-certify-you-as-a-badass

Ron Diplomatico Vintage 2005 – 43% ABV

Color: The same lovely dark red color of the Exclusiva but with a shade of mahogany. Beautiful!

Nose: Oh my, the sense of Oloroso sherry mixed with American white oak. Beware; it might lure you into not drinking! This is as complex a nose as rum can be. I’m ready for the deep-dive.

Palate: Now there’s a surprise. This is lighter and more nuanced that I suspected. Such a great stability as coffee, delicate pepper, chocolate and vanilla flavors combine for a wonderful pre-dinner drink. It’s a great mood and table setter for whatever food follows. This is your second stop on the rum journey. You already know the genre’s signature sweetness. Now you’re ready for a novel experience.

Summary: Sophisticated Enthusiasts will enjoy this balanced offering. It’s not your father’s rum! Make it your own!

With Our Evening’s Cigars

Nat Sherman Epoca – A delightful encounter. The cigar tamped down the sugar quality and brought out the woodiness of the rum with just a hint of pepper. There were distinct flavors here. But it wasn’t a struggle for survival. Rather, depending on the sequence of smoke and dram, one taste politely ceded its place to the other, then returned at the finish to remind you where you started.  

Nat Sherman Timeless – Well now, remember that slight pepper tinge of the 2005 I mentioned? This cigar brings out every fragment and adds its own to the mix. Ahhh… there’s the sweet alcohol. Try the rum first, then the cigar. You’ll discover an increasing lushness in both. It turns the Timeless into a nice contemplative smoke with a myriad of sensations to occupy your mind. Terrific.

Ron Diplomatico Ambassador – 47% ABV

Color: Deep, rich cherry red. You know you’re going to sample luxury!

Nose: Ooohh, nice and smooth with swirling butterscotch, molasses and honey. It’s enthralling.

Palate: Sophisticated, as you’d expect. Maturation in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks will evoke deep notes of tobacco laden warm spices. Then the delicate sweetness of cinnamon ice cream rises, only to give way to some heat. After all, it is 94 proof. But don’t worry. The fire fades, leaving burnt caramel in its wake. 

Summary: This is a balanced jewel with high ratings from many critics. The Enthusiast / Adventurer will enjoy a superb after dinner dessert in their glass or with a light cigar.

With Our Evening’s Cigars

Nat Sherman Epoca – Like the 2005, the Epoca brings out the wood cask of the rum. But this time it’s the super sweet staves of the PX.  It’s an erudite combination with the same genteel yielding of the cigar and spirit. Try them in any order. While it’s not a true combination, you’ll enter parallel universes emerging on the other side all smiles each time.

Nat Sherman Timeless – Hmmm. Not what I expected. I thought the experience would mirror the Epoca, albeit with a stronger flavor. Not true. There’s a bit of a battle going on here. But in the end, you’ll benefit from the distinct nature of each flavor profile. Just remember to double down on whichever you want to remember most. If it’s the smoke, two puffs, then the drink. If the rum, two sips sandwich the cigar. Either way, you’re bound to remember the evening.