CA HAPPY HOUR: Camus XO Elegance & Flor De Las Antillas Cigar Pairing
Fire up the TV and get that bird in the oven – it’s Thanksgiving, and we’ve got a pairing you’re going to be extra thankful for! After first, seconds, and thirds of turkey with all the fixin’s, it’s time to retire to the TV room and digest over an after-dinner cigar and a drink to wash it down. This week, the fan-favorite Flor de Las Antillas cozies up to a warm snifter of extra-old Camus for potentially the best pairing we’ve done yet.
THE CIGAR: FLOR DE LAS ANTILLAS TORO
In a tribute to their native Cuba, My Father made this Nicaraguan puro with a rich variety of Nicaraguan fillers, robust double binders, and an awe-inspiring Sun Grown wrapper. The result is a full-bodied brew of creamy spices, rich coffee, and leather that won Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year in 2012 and the palates of smokers everywhere. Pair this with the thick and complex sweetness of the Camus XO Elegance and you’ve got yourself a holiday for the ages.
BlendWrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Full Customer Rating: 91
PAIRED WITH…
Spirit: Camus XO Elegance
A tale as old as time, cigars and brandy have been the gentlemen’s choice for centuries. Camus’ rich history dates back to 1863; masters of their craft, they’ve given this rich XO brandy years of aging in damp cellars to ensure each barrel achieves perfect maturity. To make the Elegance, Camus selects the finest eau-de-vie (an unaged form of brandy) from all six of the Cognac regions, before meticulously blending them. The result is a rich sip that offers a spectrum of fruits, chocolate, floral and oaky notes that “provides a pleasant backdrop for the Flor de Las Antillas, creamy and robust with hints of spice throughout.” Camus recommends serving at room temperature with a dash of mineral water for the best pairing experience.
ABV: 40%
Rating: 95 by Wine Enthusiast
Want more mashups like this? Check out our other Happy Hour picks, or jump right to our cigar pairing guides here for dozens of recommendations…stay tuned for next time, and stay thirsty!