The perfect cognac pairing with cigars
Cognac and cigars are products of excellence often paired together.
In fact, pairing cognac with cigars can create a remarkable savoury experience.
Cigars that adapt to young cognacs
Pairing young cognac with cigars? It is hard to look beyond Dominicans. This is because with young cognac and cigars it is important to look for a less rich cigar with a weaker body that will not overpower the cognac.
Cigars that adapt to middle-aged cognacs
Middle-aged cognac and cigars are easy to enjoy together. When pairing middle-aged cognac with cigars, favour those with fine and spicy sweetness that are smooth in the mouth, or have a medium-bodied profile.
Cigars that adapt to older cognacs
Old cognac and cigars each play to the other’s strengths. When pairing old cognac with cigars, look for cigars with a more powerful profile such as the Havana, which can match the cognac’s roundness, finesse, and persistence in the mouth.
F.A.Q
What to mix with cognac?
Cognac is a very versatile drink. It may be drunk neat, over ice or diluted with a little water. It can be mixed with quality mixers, such as soda or traditional lemonade to make a long drink, or used to make a cocktail. For a range of Martell cocktails to try, see our cocktails section.
What to pair with cognac?
Like with any good wine, understanding the essentials of Martell cognac food pairing or cigar pairing can augment your tasting experience in delicious new ways. Whether with chocolate, main dishes, dessert or cigars, pairing with cognac can tickle your taste buds and stimulate your senses.
How to taste cognac?
Take a sip of the cognac, enough that you can slowly roll it over the tongue and the back of the mouth allowing it to coat all the key sensors on your tongue. Taste at the tip for sweetness, the back for bitterness and at the sides for saltiness and sourness. Keep the cognac in the mouth for about ten seconds to release as much of the flavour as possible.
How to choose a cognac?
Each Martell cognac has its specific flavour, style and character. That’s why cognac is one of the best gifts for someone who has everything. When it comes to choosing a cognac, the bottle you choose depends on you and how you want to enjoy it. The Martell Gift Ideas Matchmaker can help you choose a cognac as a gift or for yourself.
What cognac pairs well with cigars?
Pairing cigars and cognac requires knowledge and care. But when the right aromas merge in the mouth, the palate is treated to a remarkable tasting experience.
Younger cognacs, such as this Martell VS, are round and fruity. Look for a less rich cigar, with a weaker body that will not overpower. Dominican cigars adapt very well to young cognacs.
A middle-aged cognac, like Martell VSOP, also combines well with Dominican cigars. Favour those with fine and spicy sweetness that are smoother in the mouth, or have a medium-bodied profile.
Martell XO and other older cognacs acquire roundness and finesse during the long stay in barrels. This gives a persistence in the mouth that can resist the conquering force of stronger cigars such as the Havana.
Pairing cigars and cognac requires knowledge and care
Browse the Maison Martell collection, and use our comparison tool to find the best match.
Explore
Learning how to serve cognac is only the first step towards mastering cognac. From food pairing with cognac, to cooking with cognac and mixing cognac drinks, take your skills to the next level with our ‘How to cognac’ series.
Remember Me
Please do not tick this box if the device is shared with minors.
Martell & Co needs to process this information to make sure you have the legal age to access our website according to the applicable law. For further information, please consult our Privacy Policy
©2020 Martell. All rights reserved.
Please do not share with anyone under 18. Drink responsibly.