Fall in Albuquerque is a season of crisp air, golden cottonwoods, and the faint scent of roasted green chile drifting through the streets. It’s the perfect time to slow down, light up a cigar, and sip something that captures the season’s depth.
At Monte’s Cigar Shop, we’re diving into the art of pairing cigars with craft cider, a combination that elevates both the smoke and the drink.
The tart, earthy, and sometimes spicy notes of cider complement the complexity of a fine cigar, creating a ritual that feels tailored to autumn’s reflective mood. Let’s explore how to match these two crafts for a memorable experience.
Why Cider and Cigars Work
Cider is having a moment, and it’s no surprise why. Made from pressed apples, it ranges from bone-dry to sweetly effervescent, with flavors that echo fall’s harvest. Unlike beer’s bitterness or wine’s formality, cider offers a refreshing versatility that pairs beautifully with tobacco. The acidity of a good cider cuts through a cigar’s richness, cleansing the palate while highlighting subtle notes like leather, cedar, or spice.
At Monte’s, we’ve been experimenting with local and regional ciders, from New Mexico’s own Sandia Hard Cider to artisanal bottles from the Pacific Northwest, to find combinations that sing. A cigar’s profile guides the pairing. A medium-bodied Dominican, like an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, with its creamy texture and hints of nuts, meshes with a dry, apple-forward cider. The cider’s tartness amplifies the cigar’s smoothness without overpowering it.
For a bolder smoke, like a Nicaraguan Padrón with its peppery, cocoa-driven finish, a spiced cider with cinnamon or clove notes holds its own, creating a warm, layered experience. The key is balance. You want the cigar and cider to enhance each other, not compete, letting fall’s cool evenings set the stage for a thoughtful session.
Crafting the Perfect Fall Moment
Pairing cigars and cider is about more than taste. It’s about creating a moment that feels right for the season. Picture yourself on a patio, leaves crunching underfoot, with a robusto in one hand and a chilled glass of cider in the other. Start with the cigar. Choose something that matches your mood.
A mild Connecticut-wrapped Davidoff, with its grassy, floral notes, pairs well with a crisp, off-dry cider like one from Santa Fe’s Tractor Brewing. The cider’s slight sweetness brings out the cigar’s delicate flavors, making it ideal for an afternoon smoke as the sun dips behind the Sandias.
For a bolder evening, try a full-bodied Montecristo Epic, rich with espresso and earth. Pair it with a barrel-aged cider, where oak and apple create a deep, almost whiskey-like profile. The cider’s complexity mirrors the cigar’s intensity, turning each puff and sip into a conversation between flavors.
At Monte’s, we recommend experimenting with local ciders, which often carry a Southwestern twist, like hints of green apple or subtle spice, to ground the experience in our corner of the world. Keep a notebook handy to jot down what works. Part of the joy is discovering your own perfect pairing.If you’re sharing the moment with friends, set up a tasting. Offer a few cigars, from mild to strong, alongside a range of ciders, from dry to spiced.
Let everyone mix and match, swapping notes as the flavors unfold. The social aspect, combined with the tactile ritual of cutting, lighting, and sipping, makes it a natural fit for fall gatherings, whether after a hike in the foothills or a quiet night by a fire pit.
Making It Your Own
At Monte’s, we believe fall is a season for personal rituals. Our shop is stocked with cigars to suit every taste, from boutique blends to classics, and our staff can guide you to a stick that pairs with your favorite cider. If you’re new to the game, start simple. Grab a mild cigar and a local dry cider, and take your time exploring how they interact.
For seasoned smokers, dive into limited releases or aged cigars, paired with a small-batch cider from a nearby orchard. Visit our events page for upcoming pairing nights, where we’ll pour ciders and light up cigars to celebrate the season.
As autumn settles in, there’s something grounding about combining the slow burn of a cigar with the crisp bite of cider. It’s a way to mark the shift from summer’s heat to fall’s introspection, whether you’re alone with your thoughts or sharing stories with friends. Stop by Monte’s, browse our humidor, and pick up a cider to try something new. The leaves are falling, the air is cool, and the perfect pairing is waiting.
