The finest combination

The Whisky & Cigar Challenge has grown in to a major and ambitious international event. And it is revealing some fascinating combinations

Glasgow and Havana. On the face of it, not much in common.

But think again: both regarded as political mavericks and driven by a rebel heart; both famed for a love of firey spirits. Twinned together through their local politicians. And both championing a lifestyle product which stands as a national symbol they are proud of: whisky in the case of Glasgow, cigars in the case of Havana.

And the mutual respect between the two has grown stronger through the Whisky & Cigar Challenge, which is now in its second year and which is growing rapidly.

Hosted by Whisky Magazine, Habanos SA, and Boisdale, London’s leading cigar restaurant, the event brought together 24 whiskies, 300 judges and some of the best cigars in the world to discover the perfect combination.

After an initial judging in Glasgow, at the city’s Hilton Hotel, the initial whisky list was shortened to just eight and these went forward to Cuba for the main part of the judging.

During Havana’s annual Cigar Festival two days of judging took place. The first brought the combinations of cigars and whiskies down to just two pairs. And then a mass event saw more than 250 judges select the best pairing of all.

The results were close throughout, but particularly in the first Cuban event. Here are the judges’ comments for each of the eight whiskies that went to Cuba.

Tasting notes for the short listed whiskies tasted were:

Aberlour a’bunadh and Partagas Piramides

Daniel Perez: “very, very strong.”
Bernard Gutman: “does gr.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By Dominic Roskrow

Section : Whisky and Cigars

Page number : 20

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 1 on 01/06/2004.

This article is 60 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	The finest combination The Whisky & Cigar Challenge has grown in to a major and ambitious international event. And it is revealing some fascinating combinations Glasgow and Havana. On the face of it, not much in common. But think again: both regarded as political mavericks and driven by a rebel heart; both famed for a love of firey spirits. Twinned together through their local politicians. And both championing a lifestyle product which stands as a national symbol they are proud of: whisky in the case of Glasgow, cigars in the case of Havana. And the mutual respect between the two has grown stronger through the Whisky & Cigar Challenge, which is now in its second year and which is growing rapidly. Hosted by Whisky Magazine, Habanos SA, and Boisdale, London’s leading cigar restaurant, the event brought together 24 whiskies, 300 judges and some of the best cigars in the world to discover the perfect combination. After an initial judging in Glasgow, at the city’s Hilton Hotel, the initial whisky list was shortened to just eight and these went forward to Cuba for the main part of the judging. During Havana’s annual Cigar Festival two days of judging took place. The first brought the combinations of cigars and whiskies down to just two pairs. And then a mass event saw more than 250 judges select the best pairing of all. The results were close throughout, but particularly in the first Cuban event. Here are the judges’ comments for each of the eight whiskies that went to Cuba. Tasting notes for the short listed whiskies tasted were: Aberlour a’bunadh and Partagas Piramides Daniel Perez: “very, very strong.” Bernard Gutman: “does gr..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By Dominic Roskrow Section : Whisky and Cigars Page number : 20 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 1 on 01/06/2004. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 60 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2009. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.