What is Cinco de Mayo about?
Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s military victory in the Battle of Puebla. Although not widely celebrated in Mexico outside of Puebla, it has become a significant holiday among Americans in the US.
While it isn’t a public holiday, that doesn’t stop the many parades, parties, and sounds of mariachi music from taking place. And let’s not forget about the consumption of margaritas, tequila, Tex-Mex, and Mexican food such as tacos, nachos, and enchiladas.
Mexico is also renowned for growing some of the world’s great tobacco and making cigars with great consistency and flavor. But have you ever wondered what smokes are best for washing down your favorite tequilas?
Discover some of the best cigar and tequila pairings to elevate your smoking experience during the Cinco de Mayo festivities.
Best cigar and tequila pairings for Cinco de Mayo
Weller by Cohiba Toro 2023 Limited Edition
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa
Binder: Broadleaf
Filler: Brazil / Nicaragua
Strength: Medium - Full
Sizes available: 6 x 50
Aged in used Weller 12-year-old Bourbon whiskey barrels, the third iteration of the collaboration with Cohiba Cigars delivers a decadent smoking experience. The cigar is rolled in a remarkable Nicaraguan wrapper from Jalapa, with the Broadleaf binder aged in the same barrels as the distinguished whiskey. Beneath is a blend of Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobaccos that create an intriguing flavor profile of dark chocolate, rich caramel, molasses, oak, and peppery spice.
Team up the Weller By Cohiba Toro 2023 with Teremana Reposado Tequila. This small-batch craft tequila is distilled in Jalisco, Mexico and is the brainchild of American actor Dwayne Johnson.
It’s slow-roasted in brick ovens and aged in oak barrels, making it the perfect sipping spirit (neat or “on the rocks”) alongside your smoke. Enjoy robust agave notes and flavors of caramel with light tones of citrus, oak, and spices that contrast wonderfully with the stronger cigar.
Rocky Patel DBS Robusto
Country of Origin: Mexico
Wrapper: San Andrés Mexican
Binder: Nicaragua / USA Pennsylvania
Filler: Honduras / Nicaragua
Strength: Medium - Full
Sizes available: 5.5 × 50
The Rocky Patel DBS Robusto is a fantastic-looking cigar dressed in a beautiful dark chocolate Mexican San Andrés wrapper with a light oily patina. The combination of gold, navy, and orange on the band pops against the wrapper leaf. The DBS stands for Double Broadleaf selection, with Pennsylvania Broadleaf used in its binder and Nicaraguan Broadleaf in its filler. This rich composition of double-stalked cut Broadleaf brilliance provides a decadent aroma and savory flavor profile.
Initial puffs offer fresh espresso roast, rich wood, and a generous amount of black pepper. By the midpoint, the intensity of the Honduran pulls through to give the stick greater balance and depth. Spice, caramel, oak, leather, and dark chocolate all sing from the cap, demonstrating a fair amount of complexity that offers a unique twist on the typical Connecticut Broadleaf profile.
As for your tipple, we suggest the jewel in the crown of the Don Julio range — the Don Julio 1942. This extraordinary spirit is produced in small batches and aged for up to two-and-a-half years in American white oak casks, resulting in a rich and warm tequila to match the character and special occasion feel of the DBS. Look out for notes of chocolate and rich caramel on the nose, leading to a palate of roasted agave and vanilla, followed by a lingering oak finish.
Underground 10 Corona Doble
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: San Andrés Mexican
Binder: Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium - Full
Sizes available: 7 x 50
This full-bodied Churchill-sized cigar has an alluring aroma of aged tobacco and leather. Celebrating “a decade of dedication,” this near-black stogie flaunts a high-priming San Andrés wrapper from Mexico.
Utterly rich and satisfying, there’s heavy Mexican hot chocolate, pepper, and spice throughout the two hours of smoking bliss. It naturally burns slowly, with supporting notes of dark fruit, earth, and espresso adding to the complex yet flavorful harmony.
The Underground 10 Corona Dobles come tucked inside a commemorative collectable box, with a special gold ribbon, band, and foot band to mark this ultra-popular brand’s tenth anniversary.
Couple up your Underground with the soft and slightly oaky Casamigos Reposado. Made from hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agaves grown in Mexico’s Jalisco Highlands, it gets its distinctive, deep, rich agave flavor from the extra slow fermentation process.
Marvel at its silky texture with notes of dried fruits, spicy oak, and charms of caramel and cocoa purring the palate. Salud!
