Boating and Cigars

• Posted on 7 July 2018
• By El Cigar Shop
• Posted in Cigar, cigar pairings, cigars, El Cigar Shop
• 0

You do not have to own a boat to be a boater. Boating and cigars go hand in hand. Discover some amazing pairings and find great online cigar deals.

A luxury boat, a fabulous cigar, good libations, pleasant conversation with an old friend, fish on the prowl, and a warm breeze - that's about as close to heaven as I can hope to get as I leave the marina and follow the tide down the bay. Whether you are entertaining clients, family, or friends you’ll want to be prepared with the adequate necessities; food, drink, and an ample supply of cigars.

Having a good time is obviously the main priority, yet boating and fishing is a serious sport. Sometimes opportunities arise that may require fast acting on your part. By all means, kick back, relax, and enjoy your favorite cigar, but make sure you have a plan on how to handle your cigar safely on board.

I have some tips to enjoy your favorite pastimes safely. Follow these to ensure that you and your passengers have the best experience possible. 

Storing Stogies At Sea

Prove yourself the perfect host by thinking through every nuance. A first-rate humidor on board your vessel is key in protecting your stogies from humidity and bouncing around.  

It should be temperature controlled and well padded. Ideally, the humidor will have a tray inside it from which you and your crew can easily serve guests their cigars.

Almost all humidors have a hygrometer to gauge the humidity levels. FYI: Cigars are best kept at 70 percent relative humidity.

Ashing At Sea

A state of the art torch lighter will guarantee a perfectly lit cigar. Even the lightest breeze on deck can make firing up a cigar a maddening experience.

In the case you may need to free up your hands there are a wide variety of cigar clips and holders on the market available. If your boat has a cup holder, a portable ashtray insert will hold your cigar temporarily and makes for easy extinguishing.

And don’t forget to ensure that your ashtrays are deep and covered with a grill. You don’t want sparks and ash flying around with everyone in their summer finest.

The Goods

Now that you have the necessary cigar accessories on board, it’s time to provide the fun. You’ll want plenty of premium cigars, spirits, and delectable food to offer your guests.

In general, you shouldn’t smoke cigars on an empty stomach. You can keep it simple by purchasing an array of gourmet sandwiches and salads. Also, an assortment of cheeses and charcuteries garnished with fruit is an elegant touch.

I recommend selecting a variety of cigars, from mild to full body, along with the appropriate liqueurs to appeal to all palates. If you have not mastered the art of pairing cigars and spirits you should consult a knowledgeable tobacconist or follow these suggestions.

Cigar & Spirits Pairings 

#1. For the adventurous, a Cohiba Blue Classico is medium-bodied with notes of earth, cream, leather, and a touch of sweet cinnamon. Join the Cohiba Blue with Papá Andrés Rum and you have a pairing that is highly enjoyable with sweet nuances that play well with the earthiness of the cigar.

#2. To impress your clients, spare no expense. The full, robust Padron 1926 Series No. 9 Maduro with Pappy Van Winkles’ 20 year Reserve is a melding of flavors that is exceptional. Offering a complimentary dance of notes, it is sure to leave your palate satisfied.

#3. Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo offers smooth flavors of dark cherries, chocolate, and raisins with the signature My Father black pepper. Pair it with a brandy such as Camus XO Elegance for a combination that will knock your father-in-law off his feet.

You do not have to own a boat to be a boater. You can charter or rent by the hour, the day, or the month. You can crew for boat owners. You can partner with boat owners who want you to share only in expenses. Whatever. Get out there!

Read Smoke on the Water for more great cigar pairings.

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