If you’re anything like us, you probably LOVE cheese. Cheese is one of those foods that pairs well with so many different things, including cigars!
One cigar that pairs especially well with cheese is our Parodi Speciale. With a roasted, spicy taste and a medium body, Parodi Speciales make delicious companions to many types of aged cheese (and even certain wines!) In honor of National Cheese Lovers Day, we’ve decided to put together a list of our favorite aged cheeses and why they pair so well with Parodi Speciale. Enjoy!
Gouda
When it comes to finding the perfect cheese to pair with a Parodi Speciale, it doesn’t get much better than gouda. Gouda is a mild, nutty cheese with an almost “caramel-like” flavor, which perfectly complements the roasted edge of a Parodi Speciale. To top off the experience, enjoy your cigar and gouda with a glass of a full-bodied wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cave-Aged Gruyere
Another delicious combo can be found in a Parodi Speciale and cave-aged gruyere. Being that cave-aged gruyere is a complex and flavorful cheese with hints of nuttiness, it’s sophisticated enough to match the unique combo of Parodi Speciale tasting notes and fire-cured tobacco. To take it a step further, enjoy this pairing with a refreshing glass of oaky Chardonnay to play up the cave-aged gruyere density!
Bleu
To really kick things up a notch, try pairing your Parodi Speciale with some bleu cheese. The strong flavor of bleu cheese allows it to hold its own when met with the bold flavor of a Parodi Speciale, coming together to make a truly unforgettable experience. To balance things out, sip on a glass of Port wine- the sweet and thick body of the wine will complement the cheese and cigar beautifully.
Cheddar
Cheddar is one of the most delicious and accessible cheeses out there, and it also pairs incredibly well with a Parodi Speciale. The sharp flavor of a good aged cheddar meets the roasted notes of the cigar in the middle, giving both their time to shine. A wine that pairs excellently with this combination is Malbec, which helps tone down the sharpness of the cheddar.
Happy National Cheese Lovers Day! We know we’ll be celebrating with our favorite aged cheese and Parodi Speciale combos. If you haven’t already gotten your hands on a pack of Parodi Speciale, place your order today!