From Sweet to Smoky: The Best Rums and Whiskeys to Enjoy with the Rocky Patel CSWC Robusto

The Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) Robusto is a premium cigar that has garnered attention from aficionados around the world. This particular line was created in collaboration between Rocky Patel and the official Cigar Smoking World Championship event, which is known for its emphasis on slow smoking—a competitive sport where participants aim to smoke a cigar as slowly as possible without it going out.

Here are some key details about the Rocky Patel CSWC Robusto:

• Size: Robusto, typically 5 inches in length with a 50-ring gauge.

• Blend:

  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

  • Binder: Broadleaf

  • Filler: A mix of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobacco

• Flavor Profile: The CSWC Robusto is known for a complex blend of flavors, including notes of cedar, spice, leather, and coffee, often with a creamy undertone. It's medium to full-bodied, making it suitable for smokers who appreciate a robust smoking experience.

• Purpose: This cigar was crafted with slow smoking in mind, meaning it is designed to burn slowly and evenly. It's aimed at providing a long-lasting, enjoyable experience with balanced flavors that develop over time.

The CSWC cigars are part of a unique tradition, combining craftsmanship with the art of slow smoking. Enthusiasts who enjoy savoring their cigars would find this particular line appealing for its performance in both flavor and burn time.

Pairing cigars with spirits, like rum and Irish whiskey, enhances the overall sensory experience, allowing the flavors of both the cigar and the drink to complement and elevate each other. The Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) Robusto has a rich and complex flavor profile, which can be beautifully matched with both types of spirits.

1. Rum Pairings

A. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

• Origin: Venezuela

• Type: Dark Rum

• Flavor Profile: Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is known for its rich, sweet profile with notes of toffee, caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, and a touch of spice. It has a creamy, almost dessert-like quality.

• Pairing Notes: The creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy nature of this rum complements the cedar, spice, and coffee notes of the Rocky Patel CSWC Robusto. The cigar's medium to full-bodied nature pairs well with the richness of the rum, and the sweet caramel and toffee notes help to soften the robust leathery and earthy tones of the cigar, creating a well-balanced experience. The result is a smooth, indulgent combination where both the cigar and rum enhance each other's flavors.

B. Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum

• Origin: Nicaragua

• Type: Aged Rum

• Flavor Profile: Flor de Caña 12 Year offers a drier, more refined rum experience, with notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, vanilla, and a slight hint of oak. It's less sweet than some other rums but carries a depth of flavor due to its aging process.

• Pairing Notes: This rum pairs well with the Rocky Patel CSWC Robusto because its darker, drier chocolate and oak notes resonate with the cigar's coffee, cedar, and earthy flavors. The slight nuttiness of the rum also mirrors the subtle nutty undertones often found in the cigar, creating a harmonious match. The dryness of the Flor de Caña helps to balance the richer, creamier aspects of the cigar, making the overall experience more complex and layered without overwhelming the palate.

2. Irish Whiskey Pairings

A. Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength

• Origin: Ireland

• Type: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

• Flavor Profile: Redbreast 12 Year is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile, which includes notes of orchard fruit (apples and pears), sherry, honey, nuts, and a creamy mouthfeel. There’s also a subtle spiciness from the pot still distillation process.

• Pairing Notes: The rich and creamy texture of Redbreast 12 Year complements the creamy and leathery notes of the Rocky Patel CSWC Robusto. The fruity and sherry sweetness contrasts nicely with the cigar’s more robust cedar and coffee flavors, adding a layer of complexity and sweetness to the experience. The nuttiness in the whiskey also ties in well with the earthy tones of the cigar. This pairing creates a luxurious and well-rounded experience, with both the cigar and whiskey enhancing each other's complexity.

B. Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey

• Origin: Ireland

• Type: Blended Irish Whiskey

• Flavor Profile: Teeling Small Batch is matured in ex-rum barrels, which gives it a unique flavor profile for an Irish whiskey. It carries notes of vanilla, spice, tropical fruit, and caramel, with a smooth, slightly sweet finish.

• Pairing Notes: The rum barrel aging of Teeling Small Batch brings out tropical fruit and caramel notes that complement the sweet, creamy aspects of the Rocky Patel CSWC Robusto. The spice and vanilla in the whiskey pair well with the cigar’s cedar and coffee flavors, creating a smooth and balanced pairing. The subtle tropical fruit notes in the whiskey also add an unexpected layer of complexity that enhances the cigar's overall richness, making for an intriguing and delightful experience.