Pairing Legendary La Aurora Cigars with E. León Jimenes Rum

When the legendary cigar factory La Aurora approached their 110th anniversary, it was clear that they had to create something special to commemorate this historic moment. Thus, E. León Jimenes rum was born. As a nuanced and popular pairing, rum and cigars have been linked together for decades. It was in this vein, using the knowledge only gained through years of tasting cigars and rums to suit a variety of palates, that Guillermo León worked with the La Aurora team to craft a rum that would celebrate the legacy of La Aurora’s iconic cigars.

While rum and cigars have been linked for nearly as long as rum was invented, finding that perfect pairing is a bit more complicated than simply lighting a cigar and pouring rum into a glass. As the notes from the cigar develop, it must complement, and sometimes contrast, with the flavors of rum in just the right ways to create balance. It’s the difference between tasting ash and tasting honey; the wrong pairing can tarnish the taste of the most luxurious cigar.

This is why a traditional rum wouldn’t work for this moment. The flavors of the rum can’t be too sweet or too spicy. Finding the perfect pairing meant that the rum had to unfold into notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, and tropical fruit to match the tobacconist’s work in crafting memorable cigars. Artistry and science had to be utilized to find the balance in even aging the rum. Using a double-barrel technique, La Aurora aged the rum for eight years in American oak barrels and then for an additional two years in French oak barrels. The resulting finish is more akin to cognac, with layers of complexity that unfurl as the tobacco and rum combine on the palate.

But, it’s not just traditional spirits methods that went into crafting the perfect rum for a La Aurora cigar. As a Dominican-based company, the cultural influences are evident as well. Rum originated in the Caribbean, and its impact on the culture is unmistakable in how rum is enjoyed in both personal and social activities. “I had specific notes and sweetness for the rum in mind as a model of what I wanted,” Guillermo says, “so we went for it. It came as a pleasant evolution that our rum started to be a preferred beverage among rum lovers.”

The 115 Anniversary Cigar paired with the 110 Anniversary Rum is an indisputable choice. The black pepper notes from the cigar open up into more nuanced citrus and baking spice flavors as you sip on the rum. The finish is delightfully creamy and oak-centric as the rum highlights that flavor in the cigar. In a word: iconic.

What makes this cigar so perfect for pairing with E. León Jimenes Rum is that the Torcedors (highly skilled cigar rollers) take the same philosophy with the cigar as the rum — time is the best ingredient.

This specific variety takes the ex-rum barrels and uses them to age the tobacco for a minimum of one year. This perfectly unionizes the flavors of both the rum and the cigar. To top it off, the cigars come exquisitely packaged individual tubes and then placed in a gorgeous wood presentation box. You don’t even have to wrap it; it’s that beautiful. Want to gift a more complex cigar? Then go for the 1903 La Aurora Doble Figurado Emerald; the spicy and earthy notes will contrast the sweetness of the rum and create an indelible experience.

Some pairings are just classic. A Connecticut wrapper and a glass of rum is that timeless pairing that stands up year after year. This is where the cocoa notes of the rum truly shine. This is also a fantastic pairing for someone who is either new to cigars, rum, or both. This cigar is smooth and creamy, which is only further enhanced by the rum. This expression is an outstanding example of the ever-popular Connecticut wrapper, showcasing how the warmer climate of Ecuador lends itself to bolder yet silkier flavors.

With one of the longer age statements to be found in cigars, this unique blend offers some of the more interesting flavors to be found in tobacco: spicy notes of pepper give way to more delicate notes of citrus and sweet cinnamon, moving to a powerful coffee flavor that lingers well beyond finishing. This limited edition is sure to please even the most discerning connoisseurs. When paired with the E. León Jimenes Rum, the warm baking spices add to the cigar's complexity to create a treat reminiscent of Christmas pudding.

Now that you know the cigar pairings that accentuate the flavors of E. León Jimenes Rum, you can choose your perfect match. While ReserveBar doesn’t sell cigars (yet!), you can visit your local tobacco shop to find the La Aurora cigar that fits your tastes.