gastro & gusto
LIBATIONS
A Blend of
Perfection To many, bourbon and cigars are a ‘match made in heaven’ by SARA SANTORA
S
ome things just go together. Peanut butter and jelly, for example, has become so ubiquitous it’s hard to think of one without the other. Other pairings have become so infamous they’ve inspired their own cultures and communities. People have authored entire books, articles and blog posts exploring such complementing complexities. Think wine and cheese. Or, better yet, bourbon and cigars. “Bourbon and cigars are a match made in heaven,” said Brian Higgins, owner, brewer and master distiller at Thomasville’s 1861 Distillery. “The rich, complex flavors of bourbon — which can include notes of caramel, vanilla, oak and spice — often complement the robust flavors of cigars. Also, the sweetness of bourbon can balance the bold and sometimes bitter notes in cigars, creating a harmonious combination.” Aboud Jaber, co-owner of Cigars of Tally, agreed, adding: “They’re both luxury products. A lot of diligence, thought and methodology goes into the blend of a cigar or bourbon — how they’re aged, cured and cared for after production.” Higgins and Jaber love what they do. Higgins, an enthusiast turned distiller, said he appreciates the craftsmanship and historical significance of bourbon. Jaber, who developed his affection for cigars after joining the industry, said he loves the community surrounding cigars.
Expert-Approved Pairing
NEAT BOURBON + PERDOMO DOUBLE AGED 12-YEAR VINTAGE CONNECTICUT CIGAR: ➸ According to Jaber, because it’s aged in bourbon barrels, this PERDOMO cigar’s flavor profile contains the same notes commonly found in a bourbon’s aroma.
64 May-June 2024 TALLAHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM
photography by THE WORKMANS