CA Happy Hour: Lagunitas IPA & Montecristo Relentless Cigar Pairing

Halloween is swiftly approaching; the candy is sweet, and the air is crisp. So let’s savor these last few weeks of cigar weather by lighting a smoke with a little extra flair, and kick in a beer to match it. Whether you’ve finally got some peace and quiet while the kids are out trick or treating or you feel like adding some cigar time to your Rocky Horror Picture Show, this pairing is sure to be a sweet one.

THE CIGAR: MONTECRISTO RELENTLESS ROBUSTO

“DJ, play that back!” Montecristo Relentless is a remix of the original, tweaked and re-mastered by tobacco master Nestor Plasencia. With an all-Nicaraguan blend that lands solidly at medium body, this premium Monte drives a persisting smack of ultra-creamy and woody flavors to the palate; it’s a humidor-worthy pick that plays off the Lagunitas’ hoppy, malted flavors in a wholly satisfying fashion.

Blend
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Rosado Binder: Nicaraguan Ometepe Filler: Nicaragua (Condega, Jalapa, Esteli)

Body: Medium

PAIRED WITH…

Beer: Lagunitas IPA

California-based Lagunitas brewed this West Coast style IPA as a well-rounded daily drinker with a diverse recipe. With 43 unique hops and 65 malts, including a delectable caramel malt, this Lagunitas exudes a richness that mellows out the twang of the hops. Combine the citrusy hop aromas and flavors of the Lagunitas with the creamy, spicy, and woody flavors of the Montecristo and you’ve got yourself one A+ pairing.

ABV: 6.2%
Beer Rating: 3.89/5 by Beer Advocate

That’s it for this week’s edition of Happy Hour – try it, and let us know how it works for you with a comment below. Stay tuned for next week, and stay thirsty!